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"My Bread Tastes Sweet and I Feel Like a Man Because I Work". This was a quote from Italian immigrant Mario Ezzo in 1938. Mr. Ezzo was jobless and penniless at the time and was a recipient of state alms. In appreciation for this act of charity, he proceeded to hand sweep the downtown section of Franklin Avenue. His quote, "I look at these gifts and I think I will be an honest man with this country, which has been so good to me - So I start to sweep the street - My bread it tastes sweet and I feel like a man because I work." These words soon attracted national attention.
A gentleman, J. P. Burchfield from Curwensville, upon reading those words wrote to the local Salvation Army "That if we had more of Mario Ezzo's type in this country it would be a blessing, I'm sure. The phrase Mr. Ezzo used in expressing his thankfulness for his meagre relief assistance should be emblazoned on every public building so as to impress those who are able, but who still are of the belief this country owes them a living without a return of effort on their part. What an incentive this should be to some of our American brethren."
It is unknown how long Mr. Ezzo performed this community service. It is known that he had an untimely death during a fire at the county poor home sometime during March and April 1939. He was buried in potter's field - unknown at this time.
In April 1939, the Aliquippa Gazette initiated a drive to move Mr. Ezzo's body to a more suitable location and to erect a headstone. The drive to raise $150 took three weeks and it came from business people, ordinary citizens, from many points in the country. Donations ranged from $1.00 to $5.00. The appropriate grave location was discussed between Mt. Olivet and St. Joseph Cemetery's with the final decision being made that he be buried at St.Joseph's Cemetery in Center Township.
Mr. Ezzo's body was exhumed on May 8, 1939 and moved to the St. Joseph Cemetery location. The steel vault containing the body also contained a time capsule in which was placed newspaper clippings and editorials from United States and Canadian newspapers. The body was buried at its new location on May 9, 1939 - the grave was dug by six young men from the St. Joseph Holy Name Society. They experienced much difficulty in digging to the proper depth because they were digging solid shale. They actually buried the steel casket very late that evening. Blessing services were conducted by FatherJerome Flipcic on May 11, 1939.
A final tribute was paid to Aliquippa's
"Little Philosopher" on July 4, 1939 by Father Joseph
S. Altany, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, and Father Edward Zauner,
pastor of St. Titus Parish also participated. On the same date,
the Saint Joseph Picnic and Camp Grounds, across the road from
the cemetery was dedicated. I could not locate any information
concerning the headstone - it was never installed.