Who Do You Remember Today?
This is the story of two brothers that were ripped apart by war. My Grandfather, John Santangelo was a hair dresser by trade. His younger brother Fred, who everyone called Zike (pronounced Zy-key), was drafted into the United States Army during Wold War II and served in the South Pacific.
Fred “Zike” Santangelo
John Santangelo In Paeal Harbor circa 1942
On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked, leaving 18 ships either sunk or run aground. In an attempt to reunite with his brother, my grandfather became a Civilian Shipfitter, learning his new trade in Philadelphia Shipyard in South Philadelphia. In 1942, he married my grandmother and three days later left for Pearl Harbor. When he arrived, a friend that he recognized from back home, approached, him and I am sure my grandfather was happy to see a friendly face. When his friend approached, he told John how sorry he was to hear that Zike was killed in action.
Despite the bad news, Pop stayed in Peal Harbor. He raised most of those ships and put them back into commission. After 3 years, he returned to his life as a hair dresser in Philadelphia. He opened two shops and continued his career as a hair dresser until he retired at the age of 65.
When I was a kid, he took me to see Uncle Zike’s grave and told me his story. When I told my mother where we went, she said no one else had known where he was buried. It’s something I’ll never forget. My grandfather and I visited the grave a few times together during his lifetime. In 2013, I believe that Pop somehow knew that his time was coming. He asked me to take him to see his brother. Wanting to never lose the story direct from him, I brought a voice recorder and recorded our conversation. As Pop began answering my questions, I think that fateful day went through his mind all over again. He suddenly became very bitter and angry as he told me that they could have sent in other means to secure the enemy territory but instead they sent in the troops and “they slaughtered them”.
In September 2013, after a very long life, Pop passed away at the age of 95. After 70 years of being apart, he was reunited with his brother once again.
I have since shared Uncle Zike’s grave with my family and we have made it a tradition to visit every Memorial Day. Not only to keep his memory alive, but out of respect and honor of his bravery. Today I remember all the service men and women, but I also remember the Civilians who work right alongside the military that never get mentioned.
Until next time,
Thanks for reading and Enjoy Yourself!
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©2023 Grazie Santangelo. All Rights Reserved
Pop and I Memorial Day 2013.
This would be his last.
