Roland DeGregorio: A Man Who Made a Difference

This is the story of Roland DeGregorio, who was born in the Italian Hill neighborhood of St. Louis on June 25, 1922, and died on July 2, 2009. Married to Vicky and a father of 7, he made a difference in their lives and the lives of many. This video is being published on his 100th birthday. It is his amazing story, with most of it in his own words. Special thanks to Keith Ballentine for the video of dad that he contributed to this tribute. Roland was deeply devoted to his family, community, country, and Italian heritage. A proud member of the United States Marine Corps, he served his country with distinction in the South Pacific in World War II, and earned a Purple Heart for his valor on Iwo Jima. He later served as Commander of Rollo-Calcaterra American Legion Post #15 and an officer of the Marine Corp League and other veteran organizations and also lectured extensively on his war experiences. An Ambassador to the Hill, Roland touched the lives of many as a 28-year mailman on his beloved Hill, long-time singing waiter at several Italian restaurants, and in retirement, where he gave cultural and historical tours of the Hill to thousands.