By Amy Marinaro
Br. Joseph Traina was born in the Bronx, NY, on July 18, 1920. He answered God’s call to the vocation of the religious brother with the Salesians of Don Bosco and entered the novitiate on September 7, 1947. On September 8, 1954, he made his final profession.
From 1948 to 1981 Br. Traina was assigned the task of washing the laundry at Don Bosco College in Newton, NJ. In addition to this responsibility, he spread the joy and knowledge of the faith by teaching religious education. He also began a unit of the Legion of Mary with the young Salesians studying at the College. Lastly, he visited inmates in the county jail and the elderly in nursing homes. He often used prayer cards, holy cards, and medals in his ministries to others. His approach to the vocation of the Salesian brother and the spreading of the faith was successful due to his simplicity and humility.
In 1981, he was assigned to Mary Help of Christians Parish in New York City. During his time at the parish, he again visited inmates and the elderly. He also looked after the practical preparations for Mass and maintained orderliness throughout the church.
Although he knew for two years that he was ill, it was not until 1991 that it was discovered that he had cancer affecting his pancreas and liver. In an attempt at recuperation, he was sent to the Blue Gate Residence in Stony Point, NY. Even during his illness, he visited children in hospitals. On October 18, 1991, he passed away.
Based on the biography of Br. Joseph Traina by Fr. Bruce Craig, SDB, included in Short Sketches of the Lives of Salesians Who Worked in the Province of St. Philip the Apostle during the 100 Years from 1898 to 1998 by Fr. Philip J. Pascucci, SDB (New Rochelle, 1998), pp. 195-196.
Photo: The 1969 yearbook of Don Bosco College, Footsteps, was dedicated to Br. Joe.
