Back in Time: A Palladino Grandparents’ Day in 1997
Last weekend while visiting family, I noticed an article framed at my mother’s home. It was a piece featured in a local paper, News Weekly, on September 18th, 1997, and it brilliantly illustrated familial memories surrounding my grandparents. Given that nearly twenty-years have elapsed since the published article was released, I wanted to share the piece and reminisce about the memories.
The article was written by local journalist, Suzanne Marino, who would later be awarded the Atlantic County, New Jersey Women’s Hall of Fame for journalistic excellence. She is the recipient of numerous New Jersey Press Association awards, cultivating a range of hyperlocal news stories, including interviewing my family to celebrate Grandparent’s Day in 1997. Looking at the photo, my mind was flooded with memories, especially as Mrs. Marino described family pizza nights and Philadelphia Eagles watch parties. Growing up, I remember playing games with my cousins in our grandparent’s backyard, whether freeze tag, football, or hide-and-seek, and our imaginations would transform the trees, patio, and driveway into limitless adventures.
Reading the quotes from my Aunt Loretta and my grandfather in the story were emotionally devastating, given that they have passed away over the years, including my cousin Charles. But there are also family members that were yet to be born, like my cousins’ Diana and Christopher, that demonstrate the article’s small snapshot in life. As the cultural icon, Ferris Bueller, once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
The opening statement of the article indicates that Grandparent’s Day began in 1985. After researching its history, I learned that the United States Congress passed a proclamation that the first Sunday after Labor Day was the aforementioned holiday. In a written statement by then-President Ronald Reagon, “Grandparents give their grandchildren gifts no one else can give. From them grandchildren learn of times long before their own and of the values that can sustain one through the changes and challenges of a long, full life.” I fully agree with his message, and I, along with my cousins and siblings, have been blessed to have spent decades with our grandparents.
When our grandfather passed away in October 2024, we recollected on the lifetime of memories, acknowledging that everyone shared a special bond with him. His legacy, along with my own father, will continue in new and surprising ways in the future, and the article written in a local paper from 1997 is just one way to provide a snapshot of our lives together. Below is piece written by Suzanne Marino from News Weekly, accompanied with the photo featured prominently alongside it. As you read, I implore you to think about your own traditions with your grandparents over the years and how they have shaped your life.
Last Sunday was Grandparents' Day. It is a new (on the 12th year) Hallmark kind of day, long overdue, to honor those folks who spend so much creating the joys of a loving family.
One Cinnaminson family, the Palladinos, make a strong case for their grandparents and just a few things that make them so special.
Catherine and Charles Palladino met when he dropped off the books from the family grocery story in the Logan section of Philadelphia. Catherine was the bookkeeper. The rest, as they say, is history. This December, Catherine and Charles will celebrate their 40th anniversary. They moved to Cinnaminson in 1979. Charles was the physical education teacher at the Delran Middle School for 32 years, retiring in 1994. Charles will tell you, "I don't know how I had time to work." His days were full of family.
Charles and Catherine had seven children: Charles, Dennis, Donna, Richard, Lisa, Michael, and Joseph (now deceased). From these seven have come 17 grandchildren - and Number 18 is expected in a few months. Lisa and Donna say their parents' home has a revolving door and that family is always welcome.
Friday is Pizza Night, and anyone who can come over is welcome to have dinner and spend the evening. Catherine used to cook for the crowd, but ordering in is easier.
On Friday night, Pop-Pop, or Charles Palladino Senior, gets all the schedules straight for the weekend soccer, hockey, and baseball games. He could go to as many as four games on a Saturday and still get a home game on Sunday. Tina and Charles, the two oldest grandchildren, play for Cinnaminson High School. Pop-Pop goes to all the games, and even occasionally makes it to a scrimmage.
The little ones are not left out, however.
Pop-Pop will take them for a walk or play with them in the yard; Mom-Mom, or Catherine Palladino Senior, will read stories, make their favorite treats, rock them to sleep, and watch that favorite video with them for the umpteenth time. There are times when Charles and Catherine will babysit nine grandchildren at a time - all under the age of seven.
Lisa said her mother never flustered because she is organized and always has been. When the kids were young, everyone had a chore. With seven kids born one year apart, there was no other choice but to be organized. But all the children emphasize that they were never cheated out of attention or affection: Charles and Catherine always found time for their kids, and now they are finding time for their grandkids.
"They are always helping someone out," said daughter-in-law Loretta, "Whatever needs to be done, Charles is there. It's like an Amish family; wherever the barn raising is that weekend, he'll be there."
Holidays are special times. Everyone will come to Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom's for a huge breakfast. If you're counting, given Palladino kids, spouses, and children, there is a minimum of 31 people at the given event. They open up the main table, set out a few more tables and chairs, and everyone gets the chance to eat and be together.
The Palladinos can be rowdy Eagles fans. The boys all come over to watch the games together.
"Sometimes one of the dads will take the younger boys outdoors to play football and take the noise with them," said Loretta, "This can be a very loud crowd."
But Charles and Catherine Palladino wouldn't change a thing.
This is the life that they have chosen for themselves - to surround themselves with the ones they love and who love them.
Said Loretta: "They do so much for all of us, everyone just loves going to Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's.
