Juvenal P. Marchisio

Juvenal P. Marchisio (December 2, 1902 - October 7, 1973), was an important, if non-governmental, figure in Italy's recovery from World War II. He was affiliated with three organizations. In 1944 he took over from Myron C. Taylor the president of American Relief for Italy. He founded Boys' Town of Italy, bringing to that nation a model of childcare from the United States. Finally, recognizing the importance of immigration to both the United States and Italy, he founded the American Committee for Italian Migration (ACIM).

Biography

Born in Brooklyn on December 2, 1902. He attended St. John's University where his father taught, before studying law at Fordham. He became President of American Relief for Italy under Franklin D. Roosevelt. Married Rosina Lawrence in 1939 and she ended her career as an actress. After many personal and professional achievements he died in 1973.

He was the president and fundraiser for American Relief for Italy. He raised almost $40 million in supplies and funding for Italians displaced or victimized by World War II. During the early 1940s Marchisio initiated publicity and fundraising for Italy by unifying various charity groups including the Italian Welfare League, Christian Democratic Party, Boy Scouts and Son's of Italy.^[1] One of his largest contributions, in cooperation with the Christian Democratic Party, was the establishment of Boys' Town in Italy. Boys' Towns acted as Catholic orphanages for children of war veterans or those abandoned in destroyed cities. Specific efforts were made in order to accommodate the population of children, ensuring stable population growth.

He died on October 7, 1973.

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