Given Britto

This year marks his true birthday from which his 'Given' name was taken.  Have any of you ever heard of any else with that same first name?  It is quite unique. 

Given was the 6th born of the Britto children and, as such, was the 'ultimatum' child. His first name came as a result of being born on Thanksgiving Day and the second name was taken from his Dad. Four years & 2 months passed between the births of Given and Joseph 'Jay' Britto-which accounts for the largest age gap amongst Mom's 9 children. Given was the most independent thinker in the Family, with the possible exception of Frankie.  Most of the Family, when problems occurred, would consult with one another as a means to resolve these problems.  Given, when faced with serious problems, usually stewed with them, in silence, until he came up with what he believed to be a solution. Yet, when it came to problems of someone else, within the Family, he would be one of the first to respond with assistance. One time, I got myself into a jam. I put in a call to Fermino, who was unable to get away from work. Fermino called Given, explained the problem, and Given's response to Fermino was "go to work, I will take care of everything".   Within a matter of a couple of hours-he did just that. It was no small feat, considering he had to put his house on the line.  When there was need to assist others in the Family, and, it was within his ability to do so, he never failed.

When my Son Jeff made his Confirmation, Given was chosen to be his God Father.

Given joined the Navy and served in the Pacific action of World War II. Upon his release from the Navy he joined the U.S. Air Force, now in peace time, and eventually became the Editor of the Base newspaper at an Air Force Base in Delaware. After his service in the Air Force he joined the Air National Guard of N.Y. based at Westchester County Airport. He then convinced me to join the ANG and thus saved me from participating in the Viet Nam conflict.  As a result of his experience, gained as a base newspaper editor, he started a magazine company and published the 'County Cue'-a magazine devoted to Black Life in Westchester County. 

Given married Doris Brown of New Rochelle, NY and from this marriage, our own Debbie Boyd was born. The marriage ended in a divorce. Given then married Gwen --, of Mt. Vernon, NY and from this marriage, David Britto was born. This marriage also ended in divorce. 

David and Gwen still live in Mt. Vernon and Debbie and Doris live in Conyers, Ga. which is about 20 miles east of Atlanta. 

Given also was involved in sports, as were all the Brothers.  He, like Tony, took up Boxing and fought in the Golden Gloves.  He won his first 2 fights and lost in a 3rd fight.  He also played semi-pro football with the 'Father Alphonso Holy Name' team at the Corpus Christi Stadium in Port Chester, NY.  Why he chose these two 'tough' sports, quem sabir?  I do know he was known for his 'heart' and willingness to compete in sports.  If his sporting ability had been the equal of his 'heart' he most definitely would have fared better than he did.

Towards the end, Given and I had a problem and He and I did not resolve it for several years. The problem finally was resolved, in Phoenix, at Tony's Funeral in 1993. Such sad events, have a way of bringing Family together-especially when taken together with the fact that Family deaths occurred in 1994 (Given) and 1995 (Serafina).

Given, I am so glad we were able to resolve our problem, probably due, in no small part, to the lingering spirit of Tony. I know that you are in a place where you now know the truth. For the person who created   'our problem' will have to answer to some one who has more power than either You or I could imagine.

May You, continue to rest peacefully, Brother.

Your Brother,

John