Travel with Gaetano's Trunk

My grandfather Gaetano Torrisi came to America in 1908 from Trecastagni Sicily with exactly twelve US dollars in his pocket, all his worldly possessions in a steamer trunk that he brought with him, and hope that America would offer opportunity and a new life..

He worked hard, led a wonderful life in New England, and died in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1959 without ever having the opportunity of returning to his beloved Sicily.

Now, one of his grandchildren is returning home to Sicily and taking with him his grandfather’s steamer trunk.

His grandson Alfred Zappala will complete the circle by moving back to Sicily after 104 years, and put his possessions in that very same trunk.

Now, you will have an opportunity to take part in this homeward journey by sending something inside that trunk too.

You will be allowed to place a 9" x 12" envelope with photos of your loved one, perhaps a story of their journey to America and their life here. We will select several of them and open the contents in Sicily and read the story of life at a special ceremony…that you will be invited to if you so desire….and following the ceremony, the contents of your envelope will be reduced to ashes and they will be spread on the ground and in the sea surrounding Sicily….completing the circle of life once again.

We will schedule a shipment of Gaetano’s Trunk in January, 2013 and we invite you now to take part. For a placement fee of $49.99, your envelope will then be placed in Gaetano’s Trunk and will be shipped to Sicily for the memorial service. You will receive a certificate that you will be able to print out, plus photos of the ceremony. Truly a once in a life time experience.
Gaetano's Trunk Placement - $49.99 Per Envelope

Please mail envelope with a copy of your PayPal Confirmation to:
Gaetano's Trunk
c/o Alfred Zappala
PO Box 1632
Lawrence, MA 01842

Please refer to the USPS List of what is acceptable to mail.