Boy in the Box: Joseph Augustus Zarelli

 

Joseph Augustas Zarelli was born January 13, 1953.

 

His body was found on February 25, 1957. Joseph Augustus Zarelli was only 4 years old when found beside a road. For over 65 years, he was unidentified, and his case remains unsolved

 

Original grave marker with a name.

Joseph Augustus Zarelli was only 4 years old when found beside a road. For over 65 years, he was unidentified, and his case remains unsolved.

A memorial for Joseph stands as a reminder that “America’s Unknown Child” was eventually identified due to diligence and care. He was never forgotten.  Near 700 Susquehanna Road in Philadelphia, the memorial marker stands in memory of Joseph, thanks to Delaware Eagle Scout Nicholas Kerschbaum and the Vidocq Society.

Bill Fleisher, a retired FBI and U.S. Customs agent  with the Vidocq Society,  promised that Vidocq would add Joseph’s name. “Our lad is no longer that Boy in the Box,” Fleisher said. “Joseph Augustus Zarelli will no longer be that Boy in the Box.”