Bruno Talevi in his WWII Navy uniform, which fit him all his life.
ONEONTA – Bruno A. Talevi, still looking fit in his World War II Navy uniform, departed this life and went to grasp the hand of the Lord on April 3, 2021.
“Paw-Paw”, as his beloved grandchildren dubbed him, was born in New York City on Aug. 16, 1925, the son of Peter and Rose Talevi. He grew up on the streets of New York and Long Island, playing stickball, Johnny-on-the-Pony, and pinball, and eventually graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School at 16.
After graduation, he worked for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a predecessor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), formed to obtain information to sabotage the military efforts of enemy nations during World War II.
As St. Tammany churches prepare for one of the holiest and most celebrated days of the year, pastors and ministers fix their focus on works of charity and the joy of the season, all while making necessary modifications for upcoming events and services.
Many Christmas choral concerts and other annual church events were canceled or turned into virtual events because of COVID-19 concerns, but the spirit of giving remained as churches across the area worked with charities and nonprofit organizations to help those in need through angel trees and other giving projects.
âThe COVID-19 crisis has emphasized to people in general that as humans we are vulnerable and dependent on the mercy of God. It is incumbent on us as Christians to make the love of God visible by the love that we bear for one another,â said the Rev. Mark Lomax, of Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church. âAt Christmas, we have the opportunity to bring people to Christ through works of charity, and that is