Frank Britto

Although Fermino introduced me to the game of baseball-via trips to Yankee Stadium, along with Jackie, during the World War II years- It was Frank who taught me the game of baseball. Frank was the left fielder on the Port Chester Brown Bombers, during the post war years, in the late 1940's. He took me with him to every game they played.  He allowed me to participate with the Bombers in all their pre-game practices.  Frank was a pretty good baseball player, but the game he excelled in was football.  Frank was the Left Half Back on the 1942 PCHS football team that had a 7 won 0 lost record in the W.I.A.A. and were conference Champions. En-route to the championship they beat White Plains, New Rochelle and A.B.Davis (now Mt. Vernon).

That year, Frank was on the 3rd team 'All County Team' of Westchester County.  That 1942 PCHS football team was chosen, in 2002, as the 'Best Team' in PCHS Football history.  After high school and World War II, Frank went to college at Arkansas State A & M, located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. There, he again excelled at football. In his Senior year he was a co-captain, as his team won their conference, beating Grambling and also won the 'Prairie View' Bowl. Coach Robinson's Grambling team selected Frank, as the LHB, on their 'All Opponents All Star' team.  After graduating from Arkansas State A & M, with Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in 'Physical Education, Frank married Nelsenia and moved to Los Angeles, Ca.

Nelsenia is still in Los Angeles, but, she was a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and a fellow student, majoring in Interior Decoration, at Ark. State A & M.  In Los Angeles, Frank worked in Physical Education programs in L.A. One member, of one of his programs, went on to play Professional Basketball in the NBA- his name is Sidney Wickes.

During his World War II years, Frank was in a 'Tank Destroyer' division that trained at Fort Hood, Texas, and was under the command of General George C. Patton.  If you know your WW II history, General Patton insisted upon using his 'Black Troops' against the wishes of his superiors. Patton eventually got his way and used the Troops, thereby, shortening the war against Germany. Personally, I know Frank thought very highly of General Patton and I heard him voice his respect for Patton, many times.  Frank, you were the first of my siblings to pass away. I miss you, and the others, and I never will forget all the things you Guys did for me in my formative years.  I also remember how protective you were of Family members-especially Serafina.

I remember that, in your eyes, to harm Serafina was to express a desire to leave this earth. 

May you continue to rest in peace.

Your Brother, John (or Junior as you called me)