Sign tells tale of love across the Atlantic
AN Italian-American family living in New York have recently requested a new Albert Road street name plate from Halton Borough Council.
The council officer who received the request was intrigued and reached out to hear the story behind it.
In 1955, American serviceman Joseph DeClemente of New Rochelle, New York, was stationed with the US Air Force at the Burtonwood air base.
While at a local party he met a Widnes girl called Marie Owens from Albert Road. They began courting shortly after.
In the words of his son Steve DeClemente: “Even though my dad was a typical ‘ Yank’ in so many ways he embraced the English culture and fell in love with my mom.
“Her family loved him too, but in a way maybe nobody really thought the relationship was going to amount to anything.”
Their relationship continued until 1958 when it was announced that most operations a the Burtonwood airbase, by US Forces, were to end.
Joseph knew he couldn’t leave Marie behind, so on April, 12 1958, Marie Owens officially became Marie DeClemente at St Bede’s Catholic Church.
Within a few months the couple, expecting their first child, left Widnes to start a new married life in New York.
They gave birth to Steven in 1959. He was the first of three.
The life in New York was a culture shock for Marie, 19 – completely different to the working class back-to-back terraces, smoke stack chimneys and the loving family she’d been brought up with.
Her homesickness soon became too much to bear, so Marie returned with her baby to Albert Road, Widnes, vowing never to go back.
Joseph, only weeks into his new job, had to borrow money and return to Widnes. With the help of family and friends, he eventually convinced Marie to return to New York, under the terms they would visit Widnes every year. ●
Steve said: “Our family pretty much holidayed in Widnes every year. I always looked with such excitement to return to my second home in Widnes.
“Our family grew in 1960, with my sister Janice, and then in 1967 my brother Todd. We grew up in West Hempstead NY, where our mom and dad enjoyed a very full, exciting life but Widnes always played a part.
“Planning for their retirement the couple bought a home in Florida. Unfortunately Marie was diagnosed with lung disease and passed away on August 25, 2017, with her family by her side.
“Now Joseph owns a small farm in Florida which has its own private road.’’
Steve explained that it came as no surprise to his siblings to discover what he wanted to rename the road.
“Well it only took me one guess… ALBERT ROAD. It represents his love, our families love and many memories of Widnes, which will never be forgotten, and our hope is to one day hang a real Albert Road sign on his private road.”
The council has gifted the sign to the family after hearing the family’s tale.