Welcome to Virtual Italian Harlem! I'm a 2nd generation Italian American. My heritage is 100% Italian, from the regions of Campania and Puglia. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of immigration history and genealogy! My paternal great grandfather came "straight off the boat," from Naples,Italy to East Harlem in 1901. My familial roots called East Harlem, "Home" for over 67 years! I have a Juris Doctor degree in Law from Widener University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. As for my interests, my specialties are within the areas of Genealogical Research, New York City Urban Sociology, Photography/Digital Enhancement,Photo Restoration/Preservation,and of course,Italian Immigration History! I actively scour the web for any information or resource that I can find on my old neighborhood. Although my family left East Harlem 45 years ago, I will NEVER forget where I came from, and how it shaped me as a person. East Harlem rests within my inner conscience. Always ready to vividly recall a fond memory, or images of it's past. The old neighborhood comes alive through my mind's eye. The family photos that I cherish,seem to magically transition into a living scene! Though long gone, my ancestors spirit and memory are alive and well in the old neighborhood. The tenement windows reflect their image, and those of all the former residents of Italian Harlem... Long live the memory and true essence of Italian East Harlem!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Hi Angela/Miriam. My name is Richard Greco and I am an East Harlemite refugee transpalnted to the Bronx due to Mayor Robert F. Wagner codemnation of my birth place (and I was born in apartment 6, 345 East 120 Street, 1945) I cany contribute much except for a class photo of me 1952 or 53 in PS 80. My knowledge of the cellars, my playing lookout for the cops for the crap games, the Johnny Pumps in the summer, stick ball on East 120 Street, the daily walks to Randalls Island over the Triborough Bridge, and the cousins were transplanted from Italy (my father was the then required sponsor).
I think it is great that you have this site up and running.
My only claim to fame was like most of us of the time who either became a cop, a priest or a hood, I became a Cop. My seeds (Children) became, one The Assistant Secretary of The Navy under Honorable President George W. Bush, One a Police Detective and One a Fire Captain.
My three sons have thus far given me 10 grand children.
God Bless you for your efforts and how I remeber the Masses at Holy Rosary Church and the processions of which I have a few photos, plus some family photos of the time.
Who knows, had they not condemed my birth place, where I may have ended up.
My East Harlem nick name was “Digger Jr” and my Brother Frank, older than I was “Digger”
Oh how I miss that pastry shop with the best Italian Ices in New ork, corner of East 120 St and First Avenue and Fats Pidgeon Store (Pet shop) on Second Avenue.
Rich Greco
Thank you for your comment, Rich. Please visit my site every so often!
Best,
Angela