March 23, 2007

My name is Sophie Sarro, and I’ll try to give you a short bio of my life. I was born on March 23, 1914 which makes me 93 years of age in 2007. I worked a number of jobs during my early years and also helped my mother care for our family of seven boys and four girls and my mom and dad.

When W.W.II began, I decided to do my part and applied for a job at Grumman Aircraft after a few weeks of training. At the time I already had five brothers serving our country (two Marines, one Navy and two Army). I also had three sisters working at Republic Aviation and Grumman Aircraft. While working at Grumman Plant #2, I was an assembler on battery and Radio boxes. We worked 10 hours per day, 7 days per week, plus doing my work at home and writing letters to family members, trying to keep them aware of the happenings on the home front. It was important for us to wear bandanas on our heads since some of the girls had accidents having their hair caught in drill motors. We used to write notes to the boys and leave them in the planes, hoping to get some replies. Our lunch time was a half hour, at which time some entertainment was provided. Many pictures where taken but unfortunately I don’t have any of them. When V-J Day came we were laid off, and no other jobs were available at the time so I applied to Republic Aviation in 1946, after collecting unemployment insurance for a time. I was hired at Republic and worked on sheet metal with a drill motor all day. My bosses name was Bob Clark. I can’t forget these times. While working there, I met my husband, Sal Sarro, who had just returned from serving with the 8th Air Force, ETO. He later worked for Grumman Aircraft for 35 years. We married in 1947 and bought our home. We paid $9,800.00 for our home at that time. We had our first child (our son) in 1950 and our second child (our daughter in 1952). When they were in school, I always had my schedule to be home for them when they returned from school. I was working in Huntington High School, where I worked for 15 years as a primary cook. I now stay at home, but not idle. I still sew almost every day making clothing for abused children, abused mothers, and many, many baby articles. I also make things for the cancer funds. I take care of my home, cooking, cleaning, gardening, etc., and still find time to bake bread and many cookies. I love to go to Atlantic City and to play games like Take 5, Lotto and scratch.

I was also honored and the Farmingdale Museum (NY) after I was chosen and accepted a plane ride on a B-17 around Long island for about one hour. Many pictures of this event were taken and I was noted in most Long island newspapers and on local TV. I was the only person of my age to take part in that most memorable event.

I belong to a great Senior Citizen group, Melville Seniors, which meets one day per week. I love to play cards one night per week and sometimes other days during the week. I attend many other events and I am never idle.

I must thank my wonderful husband, my children, my three grandchildren and family who accommodate me in many ways.