Interview with Mary Monaco & Michael Monaco

Mary Monaco and Michael Monaco are the children of Georgina (née Donatelli) and Donato Monaco. Their father owned a bakery and delivered bread to clients around Montreal. Mary started helping out at the bakery when she was a teenager by looking after the books. The family lived above the bakery. During World War II, Donato was interned. He was arrested at work along with his brother, Antonio, and both were taken to Petawawa. Mary and her future husband, Leo, with a bit of help from her mother, took over the bakery during Donato’s absence. Mary had the opportunity to visit her father at Petawawa while he was there. Eventually, the Monaco brothers were able to appear before the camp tribunal. Donato was found innocent of being involved in fascist organizations and was sent home on December 26, 1940. However, Antonio admitted to being a member of the Sons of Italy and was detained for two years. Mary and Michael suspected that Minister Augusto Bersani had given the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) a list of people to arrest. Mary and Michael talk about how their father never discussed his time at Petawawa and how they feel angry that there is nothing left at Petawawa to commemorate what happened there.