JAMES PASQUALE ILARDO

born May 12, 1891
Graterri, Sicily, Italy

died January 20, 1973
Elizabeth, New Jersey

married Saveria "Sadie" LaGanga    
July 4, 1920

Pasquale came to the United States on the Italian ship Liguria
He passed through Ellis Island on April 30, 1905

Pasquale & Cousin, May
 shortly after his arrival in the United States

Pasquale Ilardo changed his name,
 upon his arrival in the United States,
to
James P. Ilardo

He joined the United States Army in 1918 and received his training in Greenleaf, Georgia

He was sent to France in August of 1918 and was wounded in action in October, 1918

While in France, James was involved in the battle involving the "Lost Battalion"

He was often called upon to tell the story of having his group cut off from the Batallion and how they took the Uniforms from dead German Soldiers, put them on and escaped after several days with no food or amunition

James was a member of 
 American Legion
Argonne Post 6
and
Veterans of Forgien Wars
Betsytown Post

James P. Ilardo
U.S. Army  Boot Camp  July,1918

James P. Ilardo
Enlistment Picture 1918

Josephine & Joseph Conoscenti

When his father died, Pasquale's mother married Joseph Conoscenti 

Josephine    born 1863            died 1934
Joseph         born 1858            died 1937

Exterior of James P. Ilardo's first store located in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Interior of first store

James met Michele LaGanga who had three single daughters. He showed pictures of the girls to James and when James saw the picture of Saveria LaGanga, he said, "I'll marry her."
Saveria was contacted in Sicily and came to the United States, arriving January 20, 1920

James Pasquale Ilardo and Saveria LaGanga were married July 4, 1920

Click here to see wedding picture of James and Saveria >>><<<