1919
Benny's actual birth date is somewhat of a mystery. It's believed to be May 22, 1919, but no record has been found in the New York State Birth Index. His military records indicate May 22, 1918, while his draft registation card states March 1, 1918. In the 1920 census, taken in January of that year, he is listed as 7 month old -- supporting the May, 1919 date.
1920
Benny's first census appearance comes in 1920 at 7 months old. He is living at 171 Palmer Street in Watertown with father Buonaventura, mother Francesca, and older siblings Charles, Nancy and Joe. Note he is listed with the name "Bonaventura".
1920 Census, Palmer Street, Watertown, NY
1930
The 1930 Census shows a 10 year old Benjamin living on Palmer Street in Watertown with his mother Frances Scudera, stepfather Andy Scudera, siblings Nancy and Joseph Siragusa and half brothers Sam and Carmen Scudera. Note the misspelling of the last name by the census taker (Scudino).
1930 Census, Palmer Street, Watertown, NY
1940
Benny married Lena Pastizzo on October 5, 1940. This is the announcement of their engagement published in the Watertown Daily Times earlier that year:
1940, Watertown Daily Times
1944-1945
Benny entered the U.S. Army on the 4th of April, 1944 to serve in World War II. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, supervising the work of 300 prisoners of war and 70 enlisted men in a Northern France staging area.
Watertown Daily Times, March 17, 1945
Below is one of my favorite photographs from this family history project. Not much is known about where it was taken or the exact date, but it appears to be sometime toward the end of Benny's military service.
Sam Scudera, Nancy (Siragusa) Doherty, Joe Siragusa, Geneva (Denny) Siragusa, Lena (Pastizzo) Siragusa, Benny Siragusa, circa 1945/1946
1946
As the war ended, Benny's service in the Army concluded in February, 1946.
February 1946 Army Separation
Just months after Benny returned from service in World War II, tragedy struck when Lena died of a brain abscess at just 25 years old. She left behind two young children -- Frances, 4, and Benjamin Anthony, 2.
Watertown Daily Times, June 17, 1946
1949
1950
In 1950, Benny, Catherine, Frances and Benjamin A. are living with the Pastizzo family on Arsenal Street.
1950 Census, Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY
Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown
