The names of photo F932's subjects are written on the reverse. Louis C. Tombesi's (September 23, 1919-March 16, 1996) name and address in Winton, Pennsylvania heads the list, followed by the three other subjects. Paul Shuler/Schuler (April 6, 1933-December 26, 2014) and Robert Henig were both from Pennsylvania. And Roly (maybe?) Cleaven was from Virginia. I believe the photograph probably belonged to Paul Schuler. He passed away at the end of 2014 and items often turn up at sales soon after someone's death. Sadly.*

      Many jokes among genealogists contain a punchline about how women's roles throughout history were often disregarded (unless of Pennsylvania German heritage, natch). In the case of the Tombesi family, we actually find out more about the family through his wife, Delores Houston Tombesi.

The December 31, 1941 edition of the Gazette and Daily out of York, Pennsylvania advertises an engagement announcement for Delores C. Houston (November 18, 1922-May 30, 2012) to Louis Tombesi. "....Miss Delores C. Houston. Washington, D.C., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Houston, 334 Reinccke place, to Pvt Louis C Tombesi son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tombesi, Mon-A ' aca, [sic] Pa., has been announced. Pvt. Tombesi is stationed at Fort Meade, Md. No date has been set for the wedding."**

     Additionally, Mrs. Tombesi's obituary, Dolores C. Tombesi Obituary,  states Louis Tombesi was career military. Due to his career, the family traveled throughout the world before resettling in Pennsylvania.

     I have no idea which of the men in the photograph is Tombesi. Originally, I thought the photo was labeled left to right, but Paul Schuler might be the third man from the left. This upsets my left to right premise, given Schuler's name is second on the list. Yet, if I have identified Paul Schuler correctly, he is the third man from the left. 

      Identification of Schuler is based upon comparative evidence between an obituary found in The Morning Call and this photograph. The military service and Pennsylvania origins support my theory, but is the fantastic smile found in both photographs that makes me think this is the same person. Evidently in later years, Schuler played a terrific Santa Claus. I suggest his beaming grin supports that claim. 

      As far as the other two men go, I have had no luck in terms of research.  I don't want to disregard any evidence, and will present this link, Robert Lee Hennig, which I thought might pan out. It would be a stretch to say that I have the right fellow. Perhaps a reader, can fill us in on information about the other two men. Until then... Best, Pat. 

*Soapbox rant No. I've Lost Track: Even if your kids don't seem to care right now (remember they are busy and trying to get their lives on track) that does not mean they or some unexpected person such as a niece or nephew in the family won't ever be interested in family history. 

**Gazette and Daily. York, Pennsylvania. Page 4. 

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