The Handyman
Helen's maternal grandfather was born, raised and lived in a mid-western Pennsylvania town. This mill town, between two mountain ranges is where he worked while raising his two daughters. During his career he worked as a handyman, caretaker and a plumber. At home he was an avid gardener, raising vegetables to feed his family.
The Artist
John's maternal grandfather was born in Ireland and served in the British Army in World War I before immigrating to the United States. He was a musician and a painter. He played the saxophone, violin and piano and as a young man he travel the US playing in a circus band. As a father of three daughters, he made a living painting signs and advertising for stores and restaurants in his small town of eastern Pennsylvania.
The Farmer
Helen's paternal grandfather was part of a large farming family in southern New Jersey. He was the youngest of 8 children. His parents along with many of his older siblings immigrated to the U.S. from Italy. The family of farmers grew vegetables which they sold to stores via their family produce company.
The Cooper
John's great grandfather was born in the coal region of South Central Kentucky. He and his wife had 6 children that they raised in areas south of Louisville KY. He was a Cooper (Barrel Maker) for Louisville Cooperage in the city of Louisville. His barrels were used in the aging of bourbon and whiskey in the Kentucky and Tennessee distilleries.
The Industrial Insulator
John's father was an industrial insulator, also know as an Asbestos Worker. He along with his brother, brother-in-law and many of his neighborhood buddies all joined the local Union when they were young. The work they did was hard; it was out in the elements and in dangerous conditions. But they were proud of the craftsmanship they practiced and shared with countless young apprentices. All of these men managed to earn a living and care for their families while establishing the asbestos worker craft into a respectable career. Unfortunately, most of these men never saw much of a retirement due to the health issues caused by exposure to asbestos. John's dad was the family handyman, renovating his homes to keep up with his growing family and passing these skills down to his children and grandchildren.
The Contractor
Helen's father spent his career in construction services providing project logistics and operations. His company built and maintained water distribution and fuel pipeline systems across the country. Very little happened at his company without his support. When it came to utility coordination, permits, material delivery, movement of heavy equipment he was the go to guy.