Angelo Mezza was born in Casalattico, Italy in 1920 and immigrated to the United States at six-months old with his family as social and political tensions grew in Italy. Arriving at Ellis Island in New York, Angelo's family then traveled to Detroit where the family had a friend with whom they would stay until other living arrangements could be made and work found. In later years Angelo's mother owned and operated a boarding house in Detroit to provide for the family.

During World War ll Angelo served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Florida, where he was part of a crew maintaining airplanes. After serving in the war, and now having a small family, Angelo returned to Detroit and Ford Motor Company where he worked from 1940 to 1980 - with his years served in the war in between. He retired from Ford Motor Company on February 29, 1980 and enjoyed a long retirement.

Angelo's mother also enjoyed a long retirement and kept a small apartment just a few minutes from Angelo's home where he and his wife would check in on her each day as he managed her personal and legal affairs.

During his retirement Angelo enjoyed walking his dog, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and playing cards each week with friends. He cared for a large garden in his yard each year from which he shared the bounty with appreciative neighbors.

Angelo was an avid listener of jazz, classical, and "big band" music and maintained a large record collection throughout his adult life which he enjoyed playing during large Italian dinners lovingly prepared by his wife and served to friends and family.

Angelo Mezza (1920)