The man in the photo, taken in the early 1930s, is Primo Carnera, who became the world heavyweight boxing champion in 1933 by knocking out Jack Sharkey in round six of the title fight.

The woman on his far right is my grandmother, Michaelina Orapallo DePalma. On his immediate right are her friends, Mary Valentino, and on his left, Mae Rainone.

The photo was taken on the porch of my grandmother's home at 128 Lake Ave. Carnera was staying next door, with the Rainone family, while training in the area around Emerson Park.

Primo was born in Sequals, Italy in 1906. He was over 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 265 pounds, and was one of the biggest heavyweight champions in history.

His first professional fight was in 1928 in Paris, France, where he defeated Leon Sebilo. He had 103 professional fights on his way to the championship.

When not boxing, he went to Hollywood, where he had parts in several movies, including “Mighty Joe Young” in 1949.

In 1998, the Primo Carnera Foundation was established by his children, Umberto and Giovannna.

The foundation's purpose was to preserve and honor their father's commitment to help disadvantaged children who desperately need support and encouragement to stay in school and fulfill their dreams.

The foundation is located in Dunedin, Fla., and is affiliated with St. Thomas University, in Miami.

As always, if you have a great story, or would like to share information, please call me at 567-9989, and we'll go back together.

Tom DeFurio is former town supervisor for Sennett.