Tommy Amalfitano

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Description

The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007.  As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Abstract

Tommy Amalfitano was born at San Pedro Hospital on December 10th, 1942. His family originated in Ishchia, with a background in fishing, which led them to immigrate to San Pedro. His father was involved in the restaurant and bar business, and his mother was a housewife. Tommy attended Mary Star, a Catholic school in San Pedro. He later became involved in the fish business, starting from a small fish market and eventually growing to a 10,000-square-foot building. Throughout his life, Tommy has been involved in various community events, such as the Fishermen's Fiesta. He has contributed to the construction of the local deck using wood from the Catalina terminal.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Tommy Amalfitano provides a comprehensive overview of his life and work, focusing on his deep roots in San Pedro, his family's business, and his experiences in the local fish market. Amalfitano discusses the role of his father's restaurant and bar in his early life, highlighting the impact of this family business on his personal and professional development. He talks about his educational background at Mary Star School and then going to work in a fish market. Amalfitano offers insights into the daily operations, the camaraderie among workers, and the unique challenges and rewards of the trade. He describes the characters he encountered, the process of unloading and selling fish, and memorable events such as the Fishermen's Fiesta and encounters with marine life. Furthermore, the interview explores the broader context of waterfront development, including the move to a new location in the wharf in 1960, the impact of Ports O' Call, and the evolution of the fish market. Amalfitano reflects on the significance of family traditions, community support, San Pedro, and the harbor.


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