1924

Clemente is pictured here driving one of the first delivery trucks of his father in laws bottling company.In the early years the company was called "The Orange Crush Bottling Company".In 1935 Mike Occhiato added Pepsi Cola and the name was changed to "Pepsi Cola Bottling of Pueblo Colorado"

CLEMENTE AND FRANCES

Clemente met Frances Occhiato while visiting his aunt Si Marie in Pueblo.Here they are while courting in 1922.

MIKE AND SERAFINA (Giordano)OCCHIATO

Francesca was the oldest of 6 daughters of Mike and Serafina (Giordano) Occhiato.She also had 3 brothers.Both Mike and Serafina were born in Italy,Mike near Naples and Serafina in Salerno.Mike Occhiato came to America in 1888 at age 10.Mike, who lived to 101 became one of Colorado's most promenent citizens.The story of Mike's life is truly amazing for it is a true American success story.To read his story just follow the link below.

THE MIKE OCCHIATO FAMILY-circa 1930,s

Mr. and Mrs CLEMENTE CARDUCCI-1923

Clemente and Frances's wedding party

Here is Clemente with his father- in- law Mike Occhiato just before Clem decided not to work in Mike's family bus. and set off on his own.

Clemente And Frances had three boys, Charles(Pasquale), who was born in 1925, Albert who was born in 1927, and their third son Clemente Jr. born in 1930. Tragically Albert died from whooping caugh at the age of three.Being an Independent man, Clemente left Pueblo to seek his own fortune in Chicago Hts. In Chicago Heights they lived in the Italian section of town known as "the hill".Clemente & Frances rented a 2nd story apartment on 23rd. street, which was in the middle of the bustling Italian neighborhood. This put him close to his brothers who also lived on "the hill". He worked at Inland steel until 1949 when he purchased Safeway Cab from his brother Hugo's in- laws, the Comiskey's.After purchasing the business, he and his son Charles moved their families to a new house on Emerald street on the north end of town . Although she lived in Chg.Hts., Frances remained a directer in her father's Pepsi Cola business, and in 1957 her son Charles moved to Pueblo to become vice-Pres. of sales for Pepsi. Charles eventually became owner of Pepsi in Amarillo Tex. Clemente Sr.retired from the cab business in the 1960's and Clem Jr. took over. Clemente and Frances enjoyed their retirement years.Clem spent most of his time with his Ham Radio opreation, and he and Frances both enjoyed traveling, especially to see their son and grandchildren.They also went to Italy , Hawaii,Las vegas and many other places.In 1973 they celebrated their 50th. anniversary .The highlight was Frances dancing with her father on her 50th. anniversary. Above all the most enjoyable time for both of them was spent with their granchildren.They were the epitomy of what grandparents should be. Clemente died in 1978 of a heart attack. Ironically, he suffered his attack on the way to his Father-in-law Mike Occhiato's 100th birthday celebration(centi anni).Frances died in 1981, in Amariilo, after moving there to live with her two sons.

Clem and Frances had three boys Charles,Albert and Clement.Albert who is pictured here tragically died at age three.

After moving to Chicago Heights Clemente worked at Inland Steel until he puchased Safeway Cab Company in 1949.

SAFEWAY CAB COMPANY

Clem purchased Safeway Cab Company in 1949.Here is a picture from the early 50's

Frances spent many years in the office of Safeway Cab dispatching the cabs to their destinations.

TAKE A PEEK INSIDE 436 EMERALD AVENUE

In 1950, Clem and his son Chuck moved their familes from "the hill" to the newer side of Chcago Heights.A lot of memories were made in this house

FRANCEE'S KITCHEN

The kitchen table at 436 Emerald was the focal point for family dicussions.Whether you were listening to Clem asking for an explanation of the cosmos or just talking to Frances while she was stirring her sauce the kithen always provided some of our best memories.Oh what I would give to sit there one more time.Thats impossible but what I can do is close my eyes and go there in my mind.After all these years the smell of grandma's sauce,the sound of grandpa's voice are still vivid in my mind.

CLEM'S FAVORITE CHAIR

Nobody sat in this chair but grandpa.
You can tell it is Grandpa Clem's chair by all the cigarete burns on the rug.You can almost hear him here telling you " Sit down and watch "Wild Kingdom with me"

THE RADIO ROOM-HOME OF W9BGQ

"Tim,Dave,Donna, do you want to talk to Russia?" Here is Clem in his radio room.Over the years he talked to people all over the world on his ham Radio.

WORLDS BEST GRANDPARENTS

Clem And Frances were happiest when they were with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren like here with Brad in 1970.

Clem and Frances liked to travel. Here they are in Rome in 1969

Here is Clemente and Frances on their 50th anniversary standing with their two sons Charles (left) and Clement,Jr.

Frances got to dance with her father at her and Clem's 50th anniversary.

Here is the last picture that Clemente and Frances took with their extended family which includes their sons ,daughter-in laws,grandchildren and spouses,and great grandchidren.This picture was taken one year before Clemente's death in 1978.