Eugenio Ferretti and Maria Ceccarelli were married in 1920 in Marlia in the Italian Province of Lucca, and in February 1921, they left Italy for America. Eventually they settled in Madera where they had four sons. Sergio (1921), Nello Dominic (1923), Edward (1927), and Roland (1931). Today, Roland is the only one of the family left to tell their story.
He remembers a closely knit family that was united by love. “We didn’t need anything to keep the family together,” Roland remembers. He recalls his mother as a very quiet, delicate person who cared only for her four boys.
As for Eugenio, his father, Roland remembers him as “a man of vision” and of honor. His word was his bond, and he conducted his business on a handshake.
“He didn’t know a word of English when he came over here — I can remember him talking about the Cunninghams and all of these people. He wasn’t ashamed because he had a little bit of an accent. He would converse with judges and supervisors — he wasn’t afraid. The people of Madera were willing to help. That’s why he loved this country.” ...