Anthony Moraio
Early Life
Anthony Nichola Moraio was born on May 22, 1893, in Foggia, Italy, the son of Ralph Moraio and Philomena Finnelli. He immigrated to the United States as a child around the turn of the twentieth century, part of a broader wave of Italian immigration driven by economic hardship and the search for opportunity in America.
By 1907, his family was living in Rye, New York, where his father died at a relatively young age, leaving the family to establish themselves in the community. Anthony grew up in Rye and by 1917 was living at 35 Meadow Street, working as a self-employed florist and gardener. At the time of his draft registration, he was single and reported that his mother was dependent upon him for support, reflecting both family responsibility and his early role as a provider.
World War I Service
Moraio entered military service on August 5, 1918, having been inducted at Port Chester, New York. He was assigned to the Chemical Warfare Service at the Lakehurst Proving Ground in Lakehurst, New Jersey, a facility used during World War I for testing and development related to military aviation and chemical defense operations.
The Chemical Warfare Service was responsible for the development, handling, and defensive measures related to chemical agents used during the war, as well as associated research and support functions. Moraio’s service was entirely stateside, and he did not serve overseas or participate in combat operations.
He served in the rank of Private and sustained no wounds or injuries during his military service.
He was honorably discharged on December 14, 1918, following the end of the war.
Life After Service
Following his military service, Moraio returned to Rye, where he built a highly successful career in the floral industry. He founded Moraio Brothers Florists in Rye in 1910, one of the earliest floral businesses in the area, and later expanded with a branch in Stamford in 1920 and a nursery and greenhouse operation in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1925.
He became a well-known figure in the region through his business and civic involvement. He was a member of Florists’ Transworld Delivery and a life member of the Lions Club of Old Greenwich, reflecting both professional success and community engagement.
He married Teresa Reda in 1928, and together they raised a family while establishing their long-term residence in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Anthony Moraio died on April 14, 1968, at Greenwich Hospital at the age of 74.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Teresa Reda Moraio; his daughters, Mrs. Richard Longhi of Greenwich, Mrs. Dennis Beacham of Rye, and Miss Anita Moraio of the home address; his sister, Mrs. Anna Reda of Harrison; and his brother, James Moraio of Rye and Hollywood, Florida.