Philip Joseph Restivo ’25 is currently the oldest living alumnus of Calvert Hall College High School. He was born on October 2, 1905 at home at 312 West Biddle Street, Baltimore, MD. Doctor Weinberg delivered him into this world. Shortly thereafter, he was baptized at old Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, which was demolished when Camden Yards was developed as a playing field for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. His mother was Genevieve (Liberto) Restivo and his father was Joseph Restivo. His father was born in Cefalu, Sicily and his mother’s place of birth was the same as her son in Baltimore. Her heritage was also from her husband’s city of origin, Cefalu. His father entered this country at 12 years of age and worked in Richmond Market. Philip’s uncles Tom and Tony also toiled in the market. They operated a fruit and produce stand. It was marginally productive. Based on a gentlemen’s agreement, they lived comfortably by bartering with other merchants in exchanging their wares. They were far from wealthy but by no means poor. Philip’s mother was a housewife giving birth to 3 other siblings: Paul, Sarah Lee and Theresa. The first two lived full lives into adulthood and Theresa died at 5 years of age.

Philip’s parents moved the family to the Pimlico section of Baltimore when he was 5 years old. They lived on Woodland Avenue, just off of Park Heights Avenue. He attended Pimlico Elementary School. Nearby, there were friendly neighbors who took a liking to young Philip. They allowed him to play with their pony, with the understanding that Philip would care for the animal by feeding, cleaning and keeping it safe from harm. Philip enjoyed playing with the small horse and cavorting around in a light, two-wheeled, one-horse carriage, having a seat for one person, similar to the sulkies used in harness racing today. He was in his glory strutting and parading around the neighborhood.

Philip recalled playing games such as “red line” and other similar ones. He had fond memories of sled rides down the hilly slopes a little distance from his home. The children frolicked in the snowy fluff all over Laurel Avenue and Greenspring Valley Road. They lit bonfires at night to keep warm and reveled in eerie story telling. These were fond memories for him.

After elementary school, Philip attended Calvert Hall and excelled on the track team. Because of his charisma and leadership, he was made captain in his senior year. He demonstrated speed of foot in the sprints. His friends nicknamed him Resty, because it was a shortened version of his surname and he was always fidgety. He liked being called that, as it made him feel wanted and welcomed by his classmates. While a student at the Hall, he helped his father on Saturdays at the produce stand. He graduated in 1925.

Upon graduation from high school, he found that steady jobs were not readily available. He attended the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. He stayed there for one year during which he tried in vain to master Scientific German, which was a required language course at the time. Because of the depression and poor economic conditions at the time, he discontinued his studies. He had a natural propensity toward mechanical drawing and enrolled at the Maryland Institute for The Arts.

He left school and went in search of a job in the business world. This period of time was extremely difficult to find employment, as the country was devastated by the horrific decline in the economy and the eventual Wall Street Crash. He hoped to land employment as a draftsman with the thriving Baltimore & Ohio Railroad but was unsuccessful. Luckily, the Montgomery Wards Company opened a warehouse and catalogue business in Southwest Baltimore. He applied and was offered a job as a stockman in the warehouse. They placed him on the 8th floor of the building. He filled orders for ladies clothes and stored the inventory in a methodical fashion. The next year he was asked to take a better position on the 7th floor overseeing ladies lingerie. He labored with that for a year. His hard work was recognized and he was then proffered a position as a buyer. It technically was called re-buyer at that time since the items were bought from the large stock of merchandise bought by the buyers in New York. He would select and buy merchandise to be sold in the Montgomery Wards catalogues. He lasted there for 42 years and made enough money to adequately support his wife and budding family.

All love stories have a beginning and a story to tell. His was no exception. Philbert Matucci, a buddy of Philip’s introduced him to a young lady named Danetta Genovese. She was affectionately called Nettie. At the time, she was performing in a song and dance routine at Saint Leo’s Hall in Little Italy. She lived not too far away at 1612 Bank Street with her 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Their courtship started out casually and gradually took its course with peaks and valleys that eventually led to matrimony. In 1926-1927, she was helping out as a teacher at Saint Leo’s Orphanage. She later became a proficient salesperson and seamstress selling fine hats for Lampell’s on Lexington Street and later fitting and redesigning dresses for Wetzler’s of Monument street. He succumbed to her charm at an early age, proposed and got married in 1929. The wedding ceremony took place at Saint Michael’s Church in East Baltimore. John Deinlein, Alfred Schwartz and Anna Kisner were in the wedding party. His wife passed away on October 21, 1994, a few days short of her 87th birthday. She courageously fought off the hazards of a series of many major illnesses. She was buried in Parkwood Cemetery, not too far from their residence.

Due to the scarcity of money at that time, they had a simple wedding with very little pomp and revelry, and it was not until 50 years later, when the family had financial stability, that a party was held for them in grand style. Their children saw to it that this would be a gala event. At Saint Michael’s in Overlea, they renewed their marriage vows. A robust extravaganza followed at Overlea Hall on Belair Road. Music was planned and directed by Philip’s grandson, George Philip Miller, Choral Director at Loyola College. This musically oriented family collaborated to make this a memorable event. Philip’s son Jude played the violin and Jude’s sister Jo Anne performed at the piano. They executed a beautiful and poignant rendition of Liebestraum, (Dream of Love) composed by Franz Liszt. The golden wedding couple basked in the attention and limelight. The performance far overshadowed anything they could have expected back in 1929. The marriage propagated three children: Philip Joseph Restivo, Jo Anne Mary (Restivo) Miller and Jude Philip Restivo. The first born died early. Dr. Valentine delivered each of them. Jo Anne took on the name of Veronica at Confirmation. In addition, there are 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Jude Philip, a 1952 graduate of Calvert Hall, is a practicing dentist. He came to Calvert Hall by chance. After elementary school, he had a vocation for the priesthood and entered Saint Charles Seminary in Catonsville, MD. After a few years, he realized that this was not his calling and he was unsure where to go next. Calvert Hall was receptive to receiving young men who lost their aspiration for the religious life and welcomed him favorably. He did well in his 1 ½ years there and after graduation took pre-med courses at the University of Maryland. He was leaning towards a career in psychology, but saw the light and made a tactical decision to become a dentist.

Philip and his wife Nettie were like vagabonds in Baltimore during their early years of marriage, as they failed to settle in one place for an extended period of time. When they got married they occupied an apartment on Broadway in East Baltimore. Shortly after that, they moved to an apartment on Luzerne Avenue near Monument Street. Next, they found a domicile on Conkling Street. Subsequently, they established a residence at 4509 Kavon Avenue near Belair Road and Moravia Avenue. They then bought a home on Parklawn Avenue and remained there for 25 years near Shrine of the Little Flower Church. Finally, in 1961 and on into the present time their permanent abode has been at Windy Ridge off of Taylor Avenue.

Philip has always been a caring person with a good heart ready to assist someone in need of a temporary place to live. This was a carryover of the wandering days he experienced in his lifetime. He never hesitated to welcome friends and relatives to live in his home as long as it was warranted. Even though crowded in a 3 bedroom row home at times, he made accommodations for 3 families to live there at one time. At various times, he provided for: all four in-laws, a priest brother-in-law, plagued with cancer for 17 years, a prospective doctor son-in-law while in medical school, a son’s family while in dental school, a sick granddaughter and others. His kindness and compassion were extended to those who lacked transportation, as he unselfishly transported them to their places of need. His religious faith is very strong with a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, as daily he prays the rosary as taught to him by the Christian Brothers at Calvert Hall.

There are many examples where his faith has pulled him through serious maladies within his family. He fervently prayed for a cure for his son Jude who was ailing with double lobar pneumonia at 6 months of age. He turned to the one his son was named after, Saint Jude to come to his aid, as he faithfully made a novena at the Saint Jude Shrine at Paca and Saratoga Streets. His zeal paid off as his son was miraculously cured. In another instance, forty years ago, his daughter Jo Anne came down with hystoplasmosis, a fungus disease. This mishap was a consequence of being upended and falling to the ground while being on horseback. Her head was split open. She was rushed to Saint Joseph’s Hospital. She lost her memory and could not eat normally. Her dad promised to say the rosary daily for the rest of his life if she were to recover. Again, the healing hand from above came to the rescue. Years later, his prayers were needed another time. He asked the Blessed Mother with recitation of the daily rosary to have his granddaughter Lynne recover from a tracheotomy. As before, his prayers were answered. Two years ago, this same beautiful and charming young lady almost died. She contracted myeloid dysplastic syndrome (MDS). His pleading to Heaven and the Virgin Mary for help another time was answered as his son’s daughter pulled through satisfactorily from this disordered growth of the bone marrow. A bone transplant from her sister resulted in a favorable outcome. She is forever grateful for her grandfather’s prayers and his kind subsequent nurturing with housing, food and love following her return home.

Philip was a good role model for his children. They never saw any unseemly behavior on his part. They emulated many of his moral traits and curiosities. He played the piano and took lessons for 1½ years. His gravitation to music was continued on by his children and some of his grandchildren. He persevered and worked diligently on the same job for 45 years. He never uttered a curse word or any outburst of blasphemous expletives. To avoid using foul language, his repartee was quick and witty. Those euphemistic expressions he muttered were simple and mundane, but effective so that the message he wanted to convey came across in a humorous manner. He never raised his voice, no matter how perplexing the situation may have been to him. In recent years, his daughter set up a repair shop to restore religious statues in his basement. Once, when she went away on vacation, she left many of the fragmented cast of plasters at his home for her to refinish when she returned. When she arrived back home, she was surprised to see that her father had taken it on his own to make the repairs, much better than what she could ever have done. He still continues today to work on them in his spare time.

Philip took to a liking of automobiles at an early age. He did not have to feel self-important with the top of-the-line model, for he was satisfied with a serviceable clunker.  His mister-fix-it tendency was carried over into the care of broken down cars as well. There is a story that demonstrates his stick-to-itiveness and is worthwhile telling. Back in 1931, he had his first used car, an old 1926 Oldsmobile. He departed with his wife, brother-in-law and cousin for a trip to New York to visit relatives. Part way on the journey, near Havre De Grace, MD, noise and smoke from the right rear wheel proved to be a blown wheel bearing. There was no one nearby capable of repairing it. Undaunted, he was determined to find a solution. He left his traveling companions behind, as he walked for miles with the broken bearing in hand in search of a mechanic. Meanwhile, night came with Philip nowhere in sight. The passengers became weary and finagled their way to find sleep in a hearse parked on a used car lot. Philip finally discovered someone who was capable of pouring a new lead bearing. He was walking his way back in the wee hours of the morning, when serendipitously, a sympathetic milk-man making his rounds, gave him a lift. With the repaired part installed, without missing a beat, he resumed his jaunt to New York. There, a taxi collided with the vehicle and damaged one of the wooden spoke-driven wheels. All their money and time was spent trying to find a wheel to fit the old 26 Olds. Having never reached the cousins to visit, they started back home. The automobile set a pace of 20 miles per hour. The rest of the trip was uneventful; however, upon reaching Baltimore, they were not sure whether it was dawn or dusk.

He fancied himself as a tutor for novice automobile drivers. He beckoned his son Jude at 12 years of age to take a spin at the wheel of his car. Jude, apprehensive but courageous, accepted the invitation and drove the car for one block. This was his initial indoctrination to driving. His sister Jo Anne at a later time was tested by her father. He learned quickly that she was not ready. She did not receive her driver’s license until she was 27 years old. To some extent, they dreaded their father’s tutelage and mentoring, for he was a fearless driver zigzagging his way in and out of lanes on treacherous curves. He got the nick-name Lucky Tetor from his son-in-law because of his daredevil tactics. The original enigmatic Lucky Tetor was a professional performing death defying stunts behind the wheel of a car as amusement for his onlookers. Philip never in his life got a “ticket” for any driving infraction.

Philip does not have too many hobbies. However, back in 1968, while at his place of employment, one was formulated with the organizing of an investment club of ten people. The little success they had with this venture whetted his appetite for chance that carries on to the present day. He continues to dabble in the stock market and has had his share of good luck. He expects to weather the storm by holding during these trying times in the stock market. Among other things, he has a fine appetite for food. He relishes going out to dine several times a week with his family. Panaras is his favorite place for lunch, Hazelwood for dinner and the Overlea Diner for Sunday brunch. He pines from time-to-time for a bucket of mussels with marinara sauce. His favorite dessert is Turkey Hill chocolate ice cream. His choice of appetizers is the outer skin of lemons and/or oranges. He declines trying new foods but when he finally gives in and tastes it, his response is invariably --- “pretty good!” He also enjoys listening to talk radio. Family members are amazed by the conversations he holds with himself in reaction to the callers and hosts of the shows.

As a senior citizen of advanced age he astonishes much younger folk with what he is able to do. His actions belie his age. When he was 90 years old he made a month-long trip to mainland Italy and Sicily with his family. They had difficulty keeping up with his stamina and pace. He was full of energy and wanted to take in all he could see in the allotted time-period. His strength is deceptive. His granddaughter, Lynne, attests that he outdoes her in shoveling snow and demonstrates to her the best way to do that. He finds strawberry blonde ladies to his liking. He is not an addicted risk taker or gambler, but he likes to play the numbers occasionally. His favorite digit is 656. Years ago, he took his family on a Florida vacation and bought his first television set with the fortunes of hitting that lucky number.

From his humble beginnings, he has weathered high and low times along the way. His granddaughter Lynne always remembers what her grandmother, Nettie, said about her husband Philip: “Your grandfather is a good man”. Lynne agrees as she has experienced this first-hand with his company, while convalescing from her infirmity. He has done most things in moderation. He routinely exercises with calisthenics to stay in shape.  His strength defies his stage in life. He attributes his longevity to the graces and blessings of the Good Lord. The male Restivo genes retain a force of a great span of life well beyond the norm. Philip’s father lived to be 99 years old and his brother died at age 98. He recommends that Iodine be used as an antiseptic to prevent infection and inhibit the action of microorganisms. Also, he favors Listerine as an oral elixir to feign off germs.  His panaceas have been a cure-all for him through the years.

When asked how he would like to be remembered, he cryptically stated “Rich man/poor man and all in moderation”. He truly displayed this with his richness of faith and compassion for his fellow man along with his humility in not making the almighty dollar his primary goal in life. He closed out our interview with his favorite line that his progeny told me about “I’ll see ya later”.