I have just started genealogy research on my father's family (John Moskal b.2/14/22 and d. 8/27/87 ). My father grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and I still live here as well.
My father was very bitter about his childhood and did not associate with family members other than his two sisters, Vera (who we called "Fronie") and Julie. We therefore were not given much family history. I was told that his father (Peter Moskal born in Austria approx. 1866 or 67) abandoned the family when he was a boy. I don't know where he went or if he remarried and had other children. My grandmother (Maria Kozel born in Austria approx. 1869 or 1870) was apparently severely mentally ill and was institutionalized most of my father's life.
My grandparents were Polish and I was always told that they were born in Poland, however, my father's birth certificate listed them as being born in Austria.
Any help or information that you can pass my way will be greatly appreciated. I'm having a hard time searching for my grandfather since I have no clue where he went after leaving Baltimore (or maybe NOT leaving Baltimore).