http://www.kieto.com In Part 1, Roland Degregorio is featured here as a Legend of the Italian area of St. Louis known as The Hill on my TV Show, Casa E Cucina. He was a mailman, a waiter at an Italian restaurant and was involved in the community and was a Veteran of WW2. He gave tours in on The Hill in St. Louis for years. Now his son Joe Digregorio has the tours and does a great job.
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 RolloCalcaterra 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 28year mailman on his beloved Hill, longtime singing waiter at several Italian restaurants, and in retirement, where he gave cultural and historical tours of the Hill to thousands. He served as a beloved soccer coach, usher, Crusader, Holy Name Society member and parishioner at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Roland brought a smile and a story to everyone he met, including the wonderful employees and volunteers at Bethesda Meadow, who treated him with great care.