Census for Frank and Josephine Varvaro Mortillaro Household

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From various sources:

Frank Mortillaro and Josephine Varvaro obtained their Marriage License May 21, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA, Source: New York City Municipal Archives; New York, New York; Borough: Brooklyn.

Living with Frank and Josephine in the 1930 and 1940 censuses was Josephine's mother, Maria Varvaro. Son John remembers that his grandmother Maria had three other children: Thomas, James, and Jeanette. They were born in Italy. Josphine was the only one born in America.

Frank Paul Mortillaro was born June 14, 1903, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, He registered for the draft on February 15, 1942, in New York. He was living at 1325 82nd Street, Dyker Heights. He was employed by Sullivans Shipyard at 23rd Street and 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. His next of kin was Josephine Mortillaro. Source: U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.

The 1933 Brooklyn City Directory shows Frank and Josephine Mortillaro living at 830 80th Street. Frank is a clerk.

Frank Mortillaro was born June 14, 1903. He died April 1978 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Source: SSA. His parents were John and Frances Mortillaro.

Josephine Mortillaro was born June 14, 1907. She died April 10, 1997 in Palm Harbor, Florida. Source: SSA

Josephine's mother, Maria Varvaro, died December 8, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York. She was 82. She is buried at Saint John Cemetery, Middle Village, Queens County, New York. Josephine and Frank are also buried there.

Southwest Brooklyn, the Narrows, the Bridge to Staten Island, and Gravesend Bay.

Son John remembers that his family lived in several places in southwest Brooklyn, not far from Gravesend Bay and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which was built from 1959 to 1964/9:

• 1930-1934: 1850 West 8th Street, Gravesend
• 1934-1936: 102 Bay 8th Street, Bath Beach
• 1836-1940: 92 Bay 8th Street, Bath Beach
• 1940-19??: 1325 82nd Street, Dyker Heights

Johnny Varro listed with Willie "The Lion" Smith, host Jack Crystal, and many others on a penny postcard for a Friday in May 1950 at Central Plaza. By 1950, he had adopted the stage name of Johnny Varro.

Son John Martillaro was born January 11, 1930. Source: New York, New York, Birth Index, 1910-1965.

John began studying piano at the age of ten. During his teenage years, he was introduced to jazz by way of the Commodore Music Shop in New York City. There he met the manager Jack Crystal (father of Billy Crystal), who was running jam sessions on the Lower East Side. At these sessions, Johnny met some of the greatest players of the era, such as Willie "The Lion" Smith, Big Sid Catlett, Joe Thomas, Hot Lips Page, Joe Sullivan, Pete Brown and others. The experience of sitting in for Joe Sullivan and Willie "The Lion" Smith was invaluable and soon allowed Johnny to become a hired player. See: Johnny Varro

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