Pennsylvania Author Michael Melillo Preserves His Family’s World War II Story

• Asia Tabb
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

aired; August 28, 2026

Pennsylvania author Michael Melillo’s book, What the River Kept, is rooted in his family’s World War II history and the decades-long process of uncovering memories his father, known as Pop, had carried with him for more than 50 years. On The Spark, we’ll explore how Melillo listened to Pop’s stories and turned those memories into a book—and what he learned along the way about the importance of preserving firsthand accounts of history.

As the generation that experienced World War II firsthand continues to disappear, Melillo’s story also raises a larger question: What happens to family history when no one takes the time to ask? We’ll talk about the responsibility of preserving those memories and why families may not want to assume they’ll always have another opportunity to hear the stories their parents and grandparents carry.

Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.