Brothers Reunited Here After Half a Century Submitted by Larie Tedesco Source New Orleans States - September 29, 1952 page 1 column 6 ************************************************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ Brothers Reunited Here After Half a Century Three brothers who left Italy around the turn of the centuy and settled in and around New Orleans warmly welcomed a fourth brother today as he arrived for a six-month visit. For 59-year-old Joseph Liccardi it was the first trip to the United States. It was also: The first time he has seen brother Walter of Braithwaite in 54 years. The first time he has seen brother Anthony of Violet in 46 years. The second time he has seen brother Dominick, also of Braithwaite, in 55 years. The other time was 15 years ago when Dominick visited Joseph in Italy. Fifth Brother Dead Joseph was "just a twerp" when Walter left the old country. Walter is 78, Dominick is 76, and Anthony 71. A fifth brother, Louis, died here last March. It was he who conceived the idea of collecting a fund and bringing Joseph over here for a visit. Although Louis died before the plan could materialize, his son, deputy sheriff Anthony Licciardi of St. Bernard parish, kept the idea alive. His boat had docked in New York Saturday. On his train ride to New Orleans he was accompanied by a nephew, Salvador Licciardi (son of Louis), and assistant district attorney Peter Compagno, who unraveled the legal snarls involved in getting Joseph a six month visitor's permit. "More fun than a circus," said Compagno of Joseph's reaction to the sites and sounds of the United States. Knows No English The train station was a happy confusion of Old World necking and tearful Italian greetings as the brothers met for the first time in years. Joseph knows not a word of English. All of the brothers were born on the little island of Ustica, a few miles from Palermo, Italy. Dominick was the first to leave home, arriving here 55 years ago. The next year Walter came over. He was followed four years later by Louis. Then four years later Anthony arrived. Joseph stayed home because the boys' parents wanted one of their sons to remain with them. His brothers, farmed in St. Bernard parish until they retired a few years ago.