An Immigrant's Grandson - Making His Way in America

By Albert J. Gravallese

In An Immigrant's Grandson, Al Gravallese tell the poignant story of a young Italian-American growing up in Boston's North end at the end of the depression. His parents were first-generation immigrants. The courage and tenacity of his grandparents, who left rural poverty in small villages in Italy to seek a new life in America, made a lasting impression on Al. From his father he learned the importance of hard work, first as a brick layer, then a college graduate, a Sloan Fellow at MIT, and an aerospace engineer. He became a naval officer, serving in the Naval Reserve for 31 years. He was appointed deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, later formed his own consulting company, and eventually became corporate vice president of DMJM/FRH a major national architect engineering firm and subsidiary of AECOM Technology Corporation. Throughout his career, Al remained a deeply devout Catholic. In this book, he reveals how he was able to expand the company's business to the new field of program management, securing the largest contracts in the history of the company, including the renovation of the Pentagon and of the Washington Dulles and National airports. He credits his success in part to his upbringing and to those who served as mentors throughout his career. After retiring, Al devoted time to philanthropic activities in support of his church and local veteran's groups. At a time when the role of immigrants is being questioned, Al Gravallese's life is an example to be emulated by future generations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0692903348
• ISBN13: 9780692903346
• Release Date: June 2017
• Publisher: Dockside Sailing Press
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.5"