L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano MARIELLA RADAELLI I n 1933, Primo Carnera won the world heavyweight boxing title with a surprise knockout of Jack Sharkey. The Italian giant became the heavyweight sensation of the early 1930s. His fame continued both in wresting and in the movies for decades. The legendary boxer's daugh- ter, Giovanna Maria Carnera, is honoring her father's life and legacy on the 50th anniversary of his death. The champion died at the age of 61 in 1967 in Sequals, his hometown in the Friuli region. Villa Carnera, the Carnera House Museum in Sequals, is the home that Primo loved deeply. "In his humble way, it stood as the sym- bol of what my father worked so hard for. It was a beautiful home, always filled with friends and laughter," says Giovanna. "My father respected the US and was extremely proud when he became a US citizen. However Italy was always in his heart.  He loved both countries and both countries loved him and still remember him to this day." Your father was a man of extraordinary strength, which was equal to his goodness. He said: "I got so many punches in my life, but I would deal with it again because all the punches I got have helped my children to go to school." Can you describe your dad's kindness of heart? GC: My father did so many acts of kindness but he preferred that they remained anonymous. One example I can give you is that when he heard that an orphanage in Italy was going bankrupt, he sent them enough money to cover their costs.  He was especially tied to Italian immigrants when they arrived in New York, giving them money, helping them find jobs and hous- ing, never asking for anything in return. Do you still feel his presence when you enter the Liberty villa? GC: I feel my father's pres- ence not only when I go into that house, but just by driving in front of it.  When I enter the villa, I sense my father's spirit in every room, especially the study.  That was my father's room, which I consistently invaded.  When he was behind his huge desk (I was about 4 or 5), I brought out my own little chair and desk and sat right next to him until he was through.  It's still hard for me go into that room and not remember with nostalgia of days that are no longer. You grew up in Beverly Hills, then in Tampa, Florida, you were director of a psychi- atric institute. In 2010 you decided to go back to Italy. GC: I always wanted to return to Italy and when my brother, Umberto, died in 2009, I felt the timing was right.  I gathered my two grown children around me and told them of my plans.  They encouraged me to follow my heart. Your parents read L'Italo- Americano.  GC: Before my parents sub- scribed to the Italo-Americano, the newspaper was only sold at one newspaper stand in Hollywood. So once a week my mother, my brother and I would trek to Hollywood just to buy your newspaper, which was always saved for my father whenever he returned from one of his trips. What is the best advice Primo gave you as a father? GC:  Always be kind to oth- ers and especially to never give up when the going gets tough. Remember always that you're Italian! Tell me about Primo the family man. GC: Family was everything to my father. Since he traveled so much, when he was home it was like Christmas.  He tried to be severe, especially with me, but he just couldn't do it.  One time my mother told my father to spank me for something I had done.  He took me in my room and told me to pretend I was cry- ing.  Being the little diva I was, you'd think he was beating me! He told me that this was a secret just between him and me.  He never did spank me!  He was extremely affectionate and I have never felt as safe with any- one as much as with him. What is the best way to honor his memory? GC: Before he died, my brother and I set up the Primo Carnera Foundation with the mission to help children being raised in dysfunctional homes find hope for their future.  When Umberto died so did the founda- tion.  I'd like to bring it back to life in honor of my father. What did you consider his most memorable fight? GC: The one he lost to Max Baer.  I say that because he truly lived what he taught us -- never give up.  It takes a lot of courage to be knocked down 11 times and get up each time, all the while fighting on a broken ankle.  His courage and stamina astounded me. Were the promoters fair to him? GC:  Absolutely not.  In many ways my father was naive and judged people by his own morals.  He certainly was taken advantage of, which was one of the few times I saw my father's anger. He spent quite a good peri- od in Hollywood. GC: Making films was some- thing my father really enjoyed. He wasn't beaten up anymore and was home every night.  Bob Hope, John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin and many others were all friends of my father and many times they'd be at our home for dinner. Primo Car nera, gentle champion from Sequals Primo Carnera became the heavyweight sensation of the early 1930s. His fame continued both in wresting and in the movies for decades. © Villa Carnera, Sequals Primo Carnera won the world heavyweight boxing title in 1933. © Villa Carnera, Sequals NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS

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