Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Many fond memories at 1417 Rutherford Avenue in Beechview. My brother, Georgie, and I spent Summer months there when we were 9, 10 & 11 years old. The Troiani family that included our Uncle Albert always welcomed us with open arms. It was a paradise there with all the fruit trees - apple, pear and cherry and, of course, the grape arbor next to the vegetable garden. Uncle Albert along with all our aunts and uncles were always generous with us. It was an honor to put in Uncle Albert's lottery numbers for him when he was unable during the final few years of his life.

Uncle Albert - We all will miss you. You were a true baseball player, and active in leagues around the city of Pittsburgh. I recall you playing with Del Greco and even against Johnny Unitas, for Hollywood Tavern, long ago, from your stories. You taught me baseball and to listen to your coach. I played catch with you in the side back yard at Grandma's and Grandpa's house on Rutherford Ave., Beechview. We tossed the ball back-and-forth, between the white gazebo and the big tree. You once advised: never put the glove in front of your face. At age of 10 or 12, I held that glove up, front of my face, and you threw that hardball, and, just then, I recalled your wordsremembering the advice, too late. I moved the glove in frontand blam! The baseball struck me dead center of my forehead. And, I never held the glove in front of my faceever again. Thank you for one of your lessons. We will always have you in our mind and heart. Georgie, on behalf of many ball players.