Sam Mazzaglia, also known as Salvatore Samuel or Salvatore Anthony, was born March 24, 1918 in Brooklyn, New York City, the son of Pietro/Peter and Ninfa/Fanny (DeSimone) Mazzaglia. He had one younger brother, Frank Anthony, born barely a year later. Both parents were Italian immigrants. Father Pietro was a shoemaker, working at various shoe shops and factories.
In 1920 the family lived at 298 Troutman Street in Brooklyn. Five years later they had moved to 179 Starr Street, and the family had been joined by 22 year old Jennie DeSimone probably a sister of mother Fanny. Both sisters worked as tailors, and the boys Salvatore and Frank attended school.
By 1937 the family had been living at 132 Irving Avenue in Brooklyn. Salvatore signed up for the National Guard, Co G 106th Inf., for a period of three years, on February 8, 1937. He gave his birthdate as March 24, 1917, making himself seem a year older than 18.
In 1938 Salvatore's life took an unfortunate turn. February 2nd he was sentenced to five years at Sing Sing Prison for attempted armed robbery in the 3rd degree. He had no history of any previous crime. His prison record categorized him as an unskilled worker, with 3 years of high school. His last three jobs before incarceration were: 6 months at Rite Fuel and Range Oil Company, 1 month at R and F Company, and 2 years with Mike Paresi the ice man. He was released from prison on November 25, 1942, given his personal effects and $7.50.
Salvatore returned to the family home at 132 Irving Avenue. The family had included him on their 1940 census record, despite his absence. He also managed to register for the draft using his home address while still incarcerated. He was described as 5' 11 1/2" tall, weighed 172 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, and a "scar-forehead and right wrist."
While Salvatore was gone, his mother, Ninfa "Fanny" Mazzaglia died of cancer on June 3, 1942.
By the time 1950 rolled around, Salvatore was back in custody, this time at Great Meadow State Prison in Fort Ann, New York.
Salvatore Mazzaglia died May 29, 1988 at NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue. He was buried August 4, 1988 on Hart Island.
Sources: Ancestry.com; US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014; US, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; NY, NY, US, Birth Index, 1910-1965; 1920, 1940 and 1950 US Federal Censuses; NY, US, State Census, 1925; NY, US, NY National Guard Service Cards, 1917-1954; US, WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; NY, US, Sing Sing Prison Admission Registers, 1865-1939; NY, NY, US, Index to Death Certificates, 1862-1948.