Sicilian Life was created to share how we’ve lived a Sicilian lifestyle and culture over the course of our lives—whether in the U.S. or Sicily. From language and traditions to the way we cook, celebrate, and stay connected to family, these values have always shaped our home. This space began with our story but has become something bigger, shaped by all the connections we’ve made along the way.

We met in 1977 when Croce and his partners opened the very first Original Italian Pizza (OIP) in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. Back then, Monument Square was bustling with shoppers, and Lewistown was full of small-town charm—long before the days of big-box stores.

The pizzeria was busy and always hiring. My sister worked there as a waitress, so I studied the menu and applied, hoping to get hired too. During my interview, Croce looked me in the eye, smiled, and said, “You wanna worka? You worka.” I was hired on the spot. We’ve been together ever since.

Over the years, we’ve never taken our family or friends for granted. It’s easy to get caught up in daily routines, but we try to stay mindful of what really matters.

We have three adult children, two daughters and a son, and four beautiful grandchildren. We feel incredibly blessed. Learn more about our life in Carini on the Sicilian Life homepage.