| Dad was honorably discharged from the army in 1945. The happy couple was now finally able to get on with their lives. They both worked full-time jobs, Dad at the Belt Railroad and Mom at several different places including Mrs. Grass's Noodle Soup. They chose to live iin the old neighborhood, close to family and friends. |
| On October 1, 1948, their first child, a girl, Betty Lou, was born. The name Betty Lou was Dad's idea. He told Mom that since the baby looked so much like her family, the least she could do was to let him pick the name. |
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| Betty "the brat" |
| After the birth of Betty Lou, the little family moved into the "family" building at 6804 S Hermitage. Grandma & Grandpa Russo lived there and there was always a plenty of aunts, uncles and cousins around to help out and to spoil the baby. |
| Dad began a long successful career with the Chicago Fire Department in 1952. The family moved to the "3rd Floor" on Honore St. and on May 19, 1953, they were again blessed. This time, a healthy baby boy, Charles Joseph, or "Chuckie" as he is still called. |
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| Chuckie |
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| Family party on the "3rd floor" |
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| Grandpa & Grandma Russo |
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| Grandma & Mom |
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| Dad |
| FAMILY LIFE |