As our Nonno was the last surviving male of his clan, Uncle Bill succeeded him when he died. We would joke and call him the "Capo dei Nadai."

Uncle Bill was fantastic. He had an inexhaustible supply of energy that he used to help others. Although I have my own special story with him, I remember him more for his outgoing personality, and for always being there to do things with us whenever we went to North Adams.

January or February 1989: Alan and I had just returned from being stationed for 2 years in Morocco. We had a 7 month old daughter and a lot of Household Goods to unpack. Alan developed a septic elbow and had to be hospitalized. The Naval Hospital was an hour distant, and no babies allowed. The snow was deep and continuous. Uncle Bill and Aunt Laura came to our rescue. They drove from North Carolina to Bucks County, PA, via Laura's brother's home in VA. The first day on the road they drove through driving rain, the 2nd day through a blizzard.  All I had to do was say "I need you," and they arrived ready to help!

We had approximately 10 wonderful days together, creating forever memories. He and Aunt Laura completely unpacked at least 100 moving boxes, and put everything away. When the snow stopped Uncle Bill drove me quite a distance to buy a large storage cabinet and then assembled it. They watched Regina so I could visit Alan in the hospital.

I was very blessed to have the extended time with him after I became an adult. 

Debbie (Davenport) Fedele, niece