Joseph ‘Jay’ Britto
A Tribute to Joseph ’Jay’ Britto on January 3, 2009.
Today would have been Jay’s 77th birthday.
Margarida’s Children:
Mateus Dos Santos (stayed behind in Cape Verde, presumably Sao Nicloau
Antonio Britto (died in a drowning accident)
Serafina Britto
Fermino Britto
Tony (Antonio - named after the brother who died) Britto
Frank Britto
Charles Britto
Given Britto
Joseph “Jay” Britto
Joaquim (Jackie) Santos
John Santos
Image shows: Tony, Jackie, John, Joseph “Jay” and Fermino
By His Brother, John Santos
Joseph ‘Jay’ Britto
Charlie is in the front, on one knee kneeling, with glasses on (his granddaughter, Jacquel is behind him; I am behind her with my arm across my chest; LaVenia, his other granddaughter is on the ground, beside Gloria, his daughter). His wife, Grandma Awilda is behind him, standing, in a red shirt with glasses on, behind Jacquel, as well. His other daughter, Stephanie is behind me (you can barely see her).
Uncle John is in the back towards the right, with glasses on. Karen, Uncle Fermino’s daughter is on ground-level with a camera in her hand.
Mannie Jr. (Aunt Serafina’s son) is in the back, far right, next to John. In front of him is Given with his arm around someone and with glasses on.
Uncle Tony is in the back, standing with all white hair - in the center back. Uncle Fermino is in the back, left with his hand in his pocket, wearing a suit and tie (standing behind Peggy, Aunt Serafina’s daughter — Aunt Serafina is kneeling on the ground, in front on the left)
Jay graduated from Port Chester High School in 1951. Of the seven Brittos, he was the 5th to graduate from PCHS. Jay, in my opinion, was the best all around athlete in our Family. He excelled in Baseball, Football, Basketball and Track. He was good enough in Baseball that Rye Country Day-a private School-offered him a scholarship to RCD. In his junior & senior years in high school he averaged over 100 yards gained per game and received Honorable Mention All County Status, as a halfback. In Basketball he played on the ’Blue Jackets’ basketball team in the PC local recreation league that were Champions 3 years running. He also lettered in Track in his junior & Senior years.
With sporting and scholastic opportunities awaiting him, Jay and ‘Blue Jackets’ teammates Arthur ’Satch’ Parham and James ’Peewee’ Davis made a decision that ended up affecting Jay’s life for many years to come. The trio decided to enlist in the Army, under the The ’Buddy’ System, and were sent to Korea - after basic training. PeeWee was separated from Jay & Satch and transferred to another Unit-so much for the ‘Buddy‘ System. Jay & Satch remained together in their unit. At some point, while they were engaging the North Koreans in battle, Jay was in a foxhole about 100 yards away from Satch. He witnessed, a direct hit, by mortar fire on his Buddy, Satch. The wounds left Satch partially paralyzed on one side of his body. Jay, after witnessing the direct hit on his Buddy ’Satch’ was never the same person for many years to come.
When Jay was finally discharged I remember helping him unpack his duffel bags. Among it’s contents were 2 quarts of Canadian Club whiskey. For many years to come, Jay fought the biggest battle of his life-’Alcoholism’.
What ever happened on that battle field that day remained a secret between Jay & Satch. I was stonewalled whenever I asked either one for details. I do know that Jay’s problem was a source of Family concern for many years to come. We all prayed a lot and kept a watchful eye on him at all times. At some point, Jay got involved with Alcoholics Anonymous and resolved his problem. He personally met the founder of ’AA‘, Bill and gained quite a bit of respect for Bill and the work he did in rehabilitating, known alcoholics. Jay then became an ’AA’ counselor and helped many others rid themselves of their drinking problems. Jay married Donnie _____ and from this marriage Joe Britto, Jr. was born and immediately became Jay’s new ’source of pride’. Joe Jr. and Wife Linda are Ministers and have their own Church in New Bedford, MA. Together with their Family they live in Fairhaven, Ma. There were at least 2 other marriages for Jay, but no children were born of these marriages.
At the time of his death, Jay had built a fairly successful commercial cleaning business. The then brand new ’Westchester Premier Theatre’ was a contract customer, along with several other clients. For years my older Brothers taught me games of sport and, in so doing, acclimated me to the world of competition that one encounters in every day life.
From Jay, I learned to compete, wholeheartedly, in the Sporting arenas and in life in general. When Jay had his bout with alcoholism, I may have been the only one in the Family (besides Mom), who knew, for sure, that he would eventually win. I had watched him compete in sports and he never gave up hope of winning until the final buzzer sounded. That is the way he played the games and that is the way he lived his life. In this bout with alcoholism, in my mind, I knew he would win and he did so, long before the final buzzer sounded.
Jay, I am aware of your greatest source of pride-Joey II. Joey’s Son Joe III is also making a name for himself and recently signed a minor League professional basketball contract. Your name lives on through the accomplishments of your descendants and I can see the quietly confident smile of contentment on your face. Joe III, is a graduate of a Division III School and it is said that Div. III basketball players are not, usually, talented enough to reach the NBA. Since Joe III, is your Grand Son, it is highly likely that he inherited your fighting heart and, if that is the case, I, for one, would not bet against him making it to the NBA.
Rest easy my Brother and Thank You, for being such a big part of my life.
Your Brother,
John