Our Family History
I am often asked about my family history and how is it that I'm related to so many masons. For those that are interested, here's how it goes.
I come from a large Sicilian family. My great grandfather Joseph Marotta came here in 1918 to do stone work on the Crocker Mansion in Pebble Beach. A few years later his sons arrived. They called themselves the Marotta Brothers and worked together laying stone around the Peninsula and at the Hearst Castle. Joseph's daughter (my grandmother) married Emanuel DeMaria and thier 4 sons (my father and uncles) later started the DeMaria Brothers masonry. She was re-married (after Emanuel died) to James Chappell. Thier son 'Billy Boy' (my Uncle) later started Chappell Masonry. My Grandmother's sister (my great aunt) married Leo Coopersmith. Leo and his sons were all masons along with the Cato family.
Basically if you were a boy child born into my family your career path was pretty much a 'givin', lol! They were all masons and musicians. My uncles would tell me, "we lay brick all day and play music all night". And that's pretty much what I've done.
Well I hope my Back Story didn't bore you to much and I hope you enjoy the Sunday Scroll. Be well. -JD
