My Father was born in the Apulian fishing port of Molfetta. Even though he left at 4 years old, he still remembered the "white houses, lots of sailboats and the smell of the water". He was like a fish in water, of course. My Dad taught me to swim at a lake when I was young, at first showing me how to crawl on my hands in shallow water while kicking my feet. Within the course of a summer, I learned to propel myself, little by little, lifting my hands off the bottom and then learning to paddle with my arms. I also became like a fish in water... fishing, boating, skin diving and spear fishing, and then scuba diving. My son, Lucas is a water person, too. I suppose there's some of the Adriatic Sea in our veins. ![]() Aristotle and Plato considered swimming an essential skill and a good form of exercise. Consider that the boot-shaped peninsula of Italy is surrounded by seas, with many different colors and textures. And why wouldn't ancient Romans swim? There are 1200 rivers, 1500 lakes and nearly 5000 miles of coastline in Italy. Endless miles more in the entire Roman Empire. Italian beaches range from rocky to gravel to sandy, with colors from white, pink, red, orange, grey, black and green. Even on rocky coasts, you will will still find small, tucked away "pocket beaches" in-between cuts in the seaside cliffs, with pebbles, broken shells or pottery, or sand. The Romans had no better way to stay cool in the long hot and humid summers than to take a swim in the nearest cool, clear, fresh water. ![]() Pliny the Younger mentions in his Dolphin Letter that people enjoyed "fishing, sailing, and swimming" at the seaside. There is also evidence of children playing on sandy beaches, the way our children play today. In the Illiad, Apollo is described as "knocking a rampart down like a child kicking a sandcastle", .and the philosopher, Heraclitus (535–475 BC) said, “History is a child building a sandcastle by the sea, and that child is the whole majesty of human power in the world.” It's been said that the skill of swimming has always been second nature to both the Romans and Greeks, a skill learned as young children. The Roman governor, Pliney wrote, "People of all ages amuse themselves with fishing, sailing or swimming, especially boys, who love this play." It seems to me that people who live close to the sea, lakes or rivers would naturally use these waters for fishing, refreshment and swimming. Those living inland or in mountainous areas, swam in rivers, streams or lakes, as travel to the coastline was too time consuming and labor intensive. We also have to consider the many natural hot springs and spas spattered throughout the volcanic Italian landscape. From ancient times to today, people "take the waters" for health and enjoyment, even if they are a bit stinky. Wealthier or elite Romans did take holidays, frequenting seaside resorts such as Pompeii and Baiae. Roman baths often included deeper plunge pools specifically designed for swimming. In Rome, people swan in the Tiber River. Plato once insulted someone by claiming, "He cannot neither read nor swim." Proof positive that swimming was ingrained in the Roman spirit. --Jerry Finzi You might also be interested in... The Flooded Volcano of Naples - Nisida
|
Bella Ciao Una mattina mi son svegliato o bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao, una mattina mi son svegliato e ho trovato l’invasor. O partigiano, portami via, o bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao, o partigiano, portami via che mi sento di morir. E se io muoio da partigiano o bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao, e se io muoio da partigiano tu mi devi seppellir. E seppellire lassù in montagna, o bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao, e seppellire lassù in montagna sotto l’ombra di un bel fior. Tutte le genti che passeranno, o bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao, tutte le genti che passeranno mi diranno: «Che bel fior!» E questo è il fiore del partigiano o bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao, e questo è il fiore del partigiano morto per la libertà. E questo è il fiore del partigiano morto per la libertà. | Goodbye, Beautiful One morning I woke up goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye one morning I woke up and I found the invader. Oh partisan take me away goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye oh partisan take me away that I'm feeling like dying And if I die as a partisan goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye and if I die as a partisan you must bury me You will bury me over there, on the mountain goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye you will bury me over there on the mountain under the shadow of a wonderful flower And all the people passing by goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye and all the people passing by will say "what a wonderful flower!" And this is the flower of the partisan goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye, Beautiful, goodbye dead for our freedom and this is the flower of the partisan dead for our freedom |

Delmonico's Restaurant in New York City was the first establishment to use the name "restaurant". They were the first restaurant to have printed menus. They were the first restaurant to offer a cookbook. They were the first restaurant to serve women sitting without men at their own table (how shocking!)
Delmonico's was also the first dining establishment in America to price individual dishes à la carte, as was the custom in Paris. Before this, American inns served one price and only one dish--no menu. Everyone was charged the same fixed price whether they ate more or less than other patrons. They were also the first to open (for a while) the Delmonico Hotel, without the standard "room and board" pricing, but charged for room and meals separately.
They were the first restaurant considered to be "fine dining", attracting celebrities and presidents alike. By 1862, Chef de Cuisine, Charles Ranhofer some of the most famous American dishes such as Eggs Benedict, Baked Alaska, Lobster Newburg and Chicken A la Keene (yes, not "King").Ranhofer published his cookbook, The Epicurean," in 1894.
Delmonico's was also the first dining establishment in America to price individual dishes à la carte, as was the custom in Paris. Before this, American inns served one price and only one dish--no menu. Everyone was charged the same fixed price whether they ate more or less than other patrons. They were also the first to open (for a while) the Delmonico Hotel, without the standard "room and board" pricing, but charged for room and meals separately.
They were the first restaurant considered to be "fine dining", attracting celebrities and presidents alike. By 1862, Chef de Cuisine, Charles Ranhofer some of the most famous American dishes such as Eggs Benedict, Baked Alaska, Lobster Newburg and Chicken A la Keene (yes, not "King").Ranhofer published his cookbook, The Epicurean," in 1894.

Giovanni and Pietro Delmonico immigrated from from Ticino, Switzerland, their family roots being in the Trentino region of the Italian Alps. The brothers opened their first restaurant in 1827 in a rented pastry shop at 23 William Street, selling classically prepared pastries, fine coffee, chocolates, bonbons, wines and liquors as well as Havana cigars. In 1831 they were joined by their nephew, Lorenzo Delmonico, who was responsible for the wine list and developing its unique menu. In the coming years, Lorenzo learned every aspect of the restaurant business and was the driving force behind its impeccable standards of both product and service.
The Delmonico Farm and Villa
In 1834, the brothers earmarked $16,000 (worth $500,000 today) from their profits to purchase a 220 acre farm in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The brothers built an imposing Italian villa at the farm but primarily used the land to cultivate vegetables unknown to Americans for their restaurant, such as endive, sorrel, eggplant, asparagus, Lupini beans, tomato and artichoke. But of course, Delmonico's has become world-renowned for their aged steaks.
Their first three restaurants were all destroyed by fire after which they purchased a triangular lot in Lower Manhattan and opening their landmark restaurant at Williams Street in 1893. Marketing geniuses, they claimed the two Corinthian columns at the portico were "salvaged" from Pompeii (many dispute this claim).
Their first three restaurants were all destroyed by fire after which they purchased a triangular lot in Lower Manhattan and opening their landmark restaurant at Williams Street in 1893. Marketing geniuses, they claimed the two Corinthian columns at the portico were "salvaged" from Pompeii (many dispute this claim).
One early and one later menu from the 19th century

They weren't attempting to serve Italian cuisine by the looks of their original menus, but to offer an upscale "European" menu, which in all parts of Europe during the 17th - 19th centuries were mainly based on Parisian fare. As their popularity with New York's elite grew, the Delmonico family opened other restaurants under the name, operating up to four at a time. In total they had opened 10, illustrating the determination of this family.
The popularity of their restaurant (with its high priced menu) drew both local and national politicians, financiers such as Vanderbuilt, luminaries like Mark Twain and Italian inventor Tesla. Domenico's was (and still is) a place to discuss the financing for inventors, presidential campaigns, hob-nob with opera stars and authors... definitely now a place for the hoi polloi or common workers of Manhattan
The popularity of their restaurant (with its high priced menu) drew both local and national politicians, financiers such as Vanderbuilt, luminaries like Mark Twain and Italian inventor Tesla. Domenico's was (and still is) a place to discuss the financing for inventors, presidential campaigns, hob-nob with opera stars and authors... definitely now a place for the hoi polloi or common workers of Manhattan
Oscar Tucci bought it in 1926 and turned it into a speakeasy during Prohibition, purchasing the third liquor license in New York after the liquor started flowing again. The Tucci family ran the business as Oscar's Delmonico until the 1980s. Various imitators opened other "Delmonico's" but were unrelated to the original family or its philosophy. Today at the landmark Williams Street restaurant, a large corporation runs a close approximation to the old world dining experience that the Brothers Delmonico first realized.
--Jerry Finzi
--Jerry Finzi
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
is NOT Delmonico's
There is a chain of restaurants called "Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse" in New York State and Florida that has nothing to do with Delmonico's in New York City. In contrast, this corporate creation is a mashup of Beefsteak Charlies and Olive Garden for the middle class of culinary appetites. The food is a bit high priced for its chain restaurant selections and quality, the steaks are garden variety, about the same as Outback or a bit less, and the menu is cluttered with Italian-American dishes with big, sloppy portions.
As for the lack of classy decor, just take a look at the stereotypes of what an Italian-American is supposed to be plastered on their walls... caricatures of past "Italian" pop icons such as Sinatra or Andrew Dice-Clay along with with big-busted babes. There is a plush booth canned the "Sinatra" and an "Italian Wanna-bee" room, with caricatures actors who play Italians, but aren't. The piped in music is Sinatra, Perry Como, Tony Bennett or Dean Martin and other Rat Pack types. If this is your idea of what an Italian restaurant is supposed to be, have at it. They saw you coming anyway.
If you care about the true Italian culinary heritage, stay clear of these joints.
--GVI
As for the lack of classy decor, just take a look at the stereotypes of what an Italian-American is supposed to be plastered on their walls... caricatures of past "Italian" pop icons such as Sinatra or Andrew Dice-Clay along with with big-busted babes. There is a plush booth canned the "Sinatra" and an "Italian Wanna-bee" room, with caricatures actors who play Italians, but aren't. The piped in music is Sinatra, Perry Como, Tony Bennett or Dean Martin and other Rat Pack types. If this is your idea of what an Italian restaurant is supposed to be, have at it. They saw you coming anyway.
If you care about the true Italian culinary heritage, stay clear of these joints.
--GVI
You might also be interested in these articles...
History of Fettuccine all' Alfredo
Did Jews Introduce Coffee and Coffeehouses to Italy?
From the Fifties: Chef Boyardee Pizza Kit
Behind Bars: A Gourmet Dining Experience in Volterra
Bronx's Arthur Avenue: The Biggest Little Italy
The Art, Science and History of Coffee in Italy
Espresso Master, Renato Bialetti Dies at 93
When one thinks of gondolas, they immediately think of Venice, Italy, certainly not Manhattan. But gondolas have been paddling their way across Central Park Lake only a few years after it was dug out.
Frederick Law Olmsted (the architect of Central Park) visited Venice with his sons to broaden their education in landscape architecture and fell in love with gondolas because they weren't simply "common" boats... they were "becoming".
He might have discussed plans for gondolas in Central Park, but the craft didn't appear on The Lake until 1862. An authentic Venetian gondola Christened Maiden City of the Sea was given to the park its commissioner, John A.C. Gray. It took a few years for the Park to hire an experienced gondolier who knew how to master the unusual swiveling paddle style needed to steer the asymmetrically curved, 45 foot long hull common to gondolas. Hiring a gondola became a romantic way to woo the object of a man's affection, and the attraction became so popular that in the 1890s, another second Venetian gondola was added.
Starting in 1936, a “Venetian Water Carnivale” was held on a yearly basis in the park. There was music and dancing at the Mall, and on The Lake “Venetian peasants” floated across The Lake on swan boats and gondolas, singling and playing mandolins. The event also included an “Approach of the Doge,” a “Dance of the Nymphs,” a fireworks display, and a 60 piece orchestra.
He might have discussed plans for gondolas in Central Park, but the craft didn't appear on The Lake until 1862. An authentic Venetian gondola Christened Maiden City of the Sea was given to the park its commissioner, John A.C. Gray. It took a few years for the Park to hire an experienced gondolier who knew how to master the unusual swiveling paddle style needed to steer the asymmetrically curved, 45 foot long hull common to gondolas. Hiring a gondola became a romantic way to woo the object of a man's affection, and the attraction became so popular that in the 1890s, another second Venetian gondola was added.
Starting in 1936, a “Venetian Water Carnivale” was held on a yearly basis in the park. There was music and dancing at the Mall, and on The Lake “Venetian peasants” floated across The Lake on swan boats and gondolas, singling and playing mandolins. The event also included an “Approach of the Doge,” a “Dance of the Nymphs,” a fireworks display, and a 60 piece orchestra.
But don't feel sad about Olmsted's gondola obsession. He fulfilled his dream when he included gondolas in his 1898 Worlds Fair design.
The great news is, the gondolas are still plying the waters of Central Park today. Mostly rented by bachelorette parties, prom dates and marriage proposals, if you're looking for an authentic way to live la Vita Bella, even though you're not in Italy, book a cruise on a gondola the next time you are in the Big Apple. They charge $30 per half hour, weather permitting.
The Solo Mio song is complimentary.
--Jerry Finzi
The Solo Mio song is complimentary.
--Jerry Finzi

I’ve researched and written on orphans and adoption customs in Italy before, but in the last few months I’ve come up with another reason to be interested in Italian orphanages… I’ve discovered that my great-great grandfather was an orphan. Apparently, the “First Anselmo” as we are calling him (there were more after him) was offspring of a nobleman from Molfetta and a servant girl. We have the surname of the father but only the first name of the mother. After being educated in the orphanage at Giovinazzo, Puglia he lived with two other families, neither of which had the surname Finzi. So we have a new family mystery to solve… why Finzi? And why Catholic? (Most Finzis in Italy are Jewish).
I suppose that someday I might get my hands on the adoption records from 1836. I’ve read that there can be a lot of information gained due to the narrative style of report written about each foundling during that period. But in the last part of the 19th century, the adoption procedures slimmed down to the barest of information. However, if the foundling was placed in a Ruota del Trovatello (Foundling Wheel), there might never be any information about who the parents of the child were. You see, the Ruota was a type of drum shaped cabinet on a pivot, used in orphanages to receive unwanted babies--anonymously.
I suppose that someday I might get my hands on the adoption records from 1836. I’ve read that there can be a lot of information gained due to the narrative style of report written about each foundling during that period. But in the last part of the 19th century, the adoption procedures slimmed down to the barest of information. However, if the foundling was placed in a Ruota del Trovatello (Foundling Wheel), there might never be any information about who the parents of the child were. You see, the Ruota was a type of drum shaped cabinet on a pivot, used in orphanages to receive unwanted babies--anonymously.

During those hard times, there were a significant percentage of abandoned babies from both unmarried women and married couples. Poor peasants with several other children could not afford to feed yet another child. They would anonymously abandon the child at the Ruota, typically built into the wall of the local convent or Ospizio (orphanage).
The problem of unwanted newborns has been documented in Italy since Roman times when babies abandoned next to a column in a forum were either taken home by strangers to serve as slaves or left to die. Pope Innocent III was so shocked by the large number of dead babies floating in the Tiber River that he institutionalized the “foundling wheel” in the 12th century as a solution for dealing with the large number of foundlings—infants abandoned by their parents and left to die or be discovered and cared for by others. The size of the Ruota was purposely kept infant-sized to prevent older children from being abandoned. Older children were thought of as workers and laborers, and rather than be abandoned, worked on the farm or became apprentices to a local tradesman.
The problem of unwanted newborns has been documented in Italy since Roman times when babies abandoned next to a column in a forum were either taken home by strangers to serve as slaves or left to die. Pope Innocent III was so shocked by the large number of dead babies floating in the Tiber River that he institutionalized the “foundling wheel” in the 12th century as a solution for dealing with the large number of foundlings—infants abandoned by their parents and left to die or be discovered and cared for by others. The size of the Ruota was purposely kept infant-sized to prevent older children from being abandoned. Older children were thought of as workers and laborers, and rather than be abandoned, worked on the farm or became apprentices to a local tradesman.

The practice of using foundling wheels to dispose of unwanted children gained in popularity and became a common practice in medieval Europe. By the early part of the 19th century, names were often recorded when people gave up their children to the orphanage or church openly, a practice often done when there might come a time when they wanted the child back—as they became more solvent or when an older child could work on a family farm. But surnames could never be known when they put the child in the Ruote. For this reason, many often pinned a charm or special memento to the child that could be identified if they ever wanted to reverse their decision. The babies were given surnames such as Esposito (exposed), Proietti (thrown away), and Innocenti (innocent). People with such names can usually trace their family tree back to a foundling. It was only after 1926 that an Italian law banned the use of such discriminatory names, when names were given to describe the time of year (Primavera) or the month (Maggio) the child was abandoned.
(Read more about orphan names HERE)
Safe Ways to Abandon Babies in Modern Society
In many countries, there are still modern versions of the Ruota… usually a climate controlled drawer in which a baby could be placed. Multilingual posters in modern Rome read—“Don’t abandon your baby! Leave it with us.” The practice of placing unwanted infants in a modern foundling wheel, heated baby hatch, stork cradle, stainless steel baby box, maternity ward, or designated safe haven is a practice that is still used today in many European countries and the United States and the practice is gaining in popularity throughout the world to combat child infanticide.
Some legal problems with modern baby hatches are connected to a child’s right to know their own identity, as guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Baby hatches also deprive the father of his right to find out what has happened to his child, though DNA testing of foundlings would seem to offer a partial solution. I suppose as strange as the Ruota sounds, it has saved the lived of countless children in Italy and around the world…
As for me, I now know we come from a lineage of Finzi’s that come to a sudden, mysterious beginning in 1836. Since my great-great grandfather seems to have been placed into the orphanage with some paperwork filled out, perhaps someday I’ll be able to continue to trace our family tree further and further back in time.
--Jerry Finzi
(Read more about orphan names HERE)
Safe Ways to Abandon Babies in Modern Society
In many countries, there are still modern versions of the Ruota… usually a climate controlled drawer in which a baby could be placed. Multilingual posters in modern Rome read—“Don’t abandon your baby! Leave it with us.” The practice of placing unwanted infants in a modern foundling wheel, heated baby hatch, stork cradle, stainless steel baby box, maternity ward, or designated safe haven is a practice that is still used today in many European countries and the United States and the practice is gaining in popularity throughout the world to combat child infanticide.
Some legal problems with modern baby hatches are connected to a child’s right to know their own identity, as guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Baby hatches also deprive the father of his right to find out what has happened to his child, though DNA testing of foundlings would seem to offer a partial solution. I suppose as strange as the Ruota sounds, it has saved the lived of countless children in Italy and around the world…
As for me, I now know we come from a lineage of Finzi’s that come to a sudden, mysterious beginning in 1836. Since my great-great grandfather seems to have been placed into the orphanage with some paperwork filled out, perhaps someday I’ll be able to continue to trace our family tree further and further back in time.
--Jerry Finzi

Domestication of geese dates back to Neolithic times, about 6,000 years ago. During the Roman Empire there is much evidence of breeding geese in both writings and art. Of course, the ancient Romans saw the goose as a ready source of food high in protein and fats.
L'oca (the goose) was written about in the 1st century collection of recipes by Marco Gavio Apicius, the most famous of Roman culinary maestros. The goose was fattened with dried figs and wine mixed with honey, then were either oven roasted, spit-roasted or boiled and served with a sauce made with pepper, coriander, mint, rue and olive oil. Its liver was a delicacy to be dipped in milk and honey.
It's also obvious to historians that Charlemagne, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire also favored the development the valuable goose. In the Middle Ages he personally owned 30 geese on his farm for domestic use and trade. In Italy as well as other countries, goose is the preferred celebratory food on the day of San Martino.
L'oca (the goose) was written about in the 1st century collection of recipes by Marco Gavio Apicius, the most famous of Roman culinary maestros. The goose was fattened with dried figs and wine mixed with honey, then were either oven roasted, spit-roasted or boiled and served with a sauce made with pepper, coriander, mint, rue and olive oil. Its liver was a delicacy to be dipped in milk and honey.
It's also obvious to historians that Charlemagne, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire also favored the development the valuable goose. In the Middle Ages he personally owned 30 geese on his farm for domestic use and trade. In Italy as well as other countries, goose is the preferred celebratory food on the day of San Martino.
Aside from food, the goose served many other purposes. In the 15th century, Paolo Santonino wrote in his Itinerarium Sanctonini, "Wherever there is an abundance of geese, even the poorest peasants have a feather bed". With their exceptional eyesight, wide field of vision, extremely loud and boisterous honking, a gaggle of geese makes excellent guards to warn of poachers, intruders, thieves and predators, and unlike dogs, they can't be silenced by offering them a treat.

In 390 BC, when Rome was attacked by Gallic troops, their honking alarmed when an enemy attempted an attack. Even today, geese are used in Italy, not only to eat pests in vineyards and olive and nut groves (a very organic approach to avoid pesticides), but they will warn the owner of poachers entering their lands. They have also been used to protect wine and whisky cellars.
Old school Italians even forecast the weather using the goose... at the dinner table, that is. If the bones are white, the winter will be short and mild; if they are dark is a sign of rain, snow and cold.
Old school Italians even forecast the weather using the goose... at the dinner table, that is. If the bones are white, the winter will be short and mild; if they are dark is a sign of rain, snow and cold.
Gaming the Goose

The goose has also given its share of fun to early households in the form of the game called Gioco dell'Oco. Even saying the name is fun... Jy-Oko, dell Oko.
In the Game of the Goose the object is fairly straightforward, rolling the dice and being the first to make it to the center. There are obstacles to avoid, just like in the child's game Candy Land, except rather than getting stuck on a Licorice Stick, the obstacles are the Inn, the Bridge and Death.
The game originated sometime in the 16th century, and is considered the forefather of most board racing games. Manufactured versions appeared in the late 19th century, and modern versions are still played throughout Italy and Europe. There are even life-sized games with real geese played during the Festival of San Marino in some towns like Mirano and Mortara.
In the Game of the Goose the object is fairly straightforward, rolling the dice and being the first to make it to the center. There are obstacles to avoid, just like in the child's game Candy Land, except rather than getting stuck on a Licorice Stick, the obstacles are the Inn, the Bridge and Death.
The game originated sometime in the 16th century, and is considered the forefather of most board racing games. Manufactured versions appeared in the late 19th century, and modern versions are still played throughout Italy and Europe. There are even life-sized games with real geese played during the Festival of San Marino in some towns like Mirano and Mortara.

In Italy, goose-based lunches are typical northern regions such as Friuli, Veneto, Lombardy and Romagna. In several places the Dinner of San Martino is an entire menu based on goose. In the province of Pavia the town of Mortara has the nickname City of the Goose where one specialty is goose salami, called Salumi dell'Oca. Having a strong Jewish heritage, this high fat sausage replaces typical pork sausage on the table and is prepared in the Kosher tradition.
In addition to their fatty meat, geese produce large edible eggs, weighing up to 6 ounces each. They are used just as chicken eggs are, but have a much larger yolk with a more gamey flavor. As part of the Cucina Povera in past history, a goose egg would have been preferred over a chicken egg since each egg contains much more fat and calories (essential to get through a lean growing season or winter). Perhaps this is where the idea of the Goose Who Laid a Golden Egg came from. Here's a comparison between chicken and goose eggs:
Chicken - 1.5 oz; 72 calories; 4.75 grams total fat/1.56 grams saturated;6 grams protein
Goose - 6 oz; 266 calories; 19.11 grams total fat/5.1 grams saturated; 20 grams protein
Goose - 6 oz; 266 calories; 19.11 grams total fat/5.1 grams saturated; 20 grams protein
In a modern healthy diet, one rarely considers eating goose eggs, especially if trying to lower their dietary cholesterol... One large chicken egg contains 186 mg of cholesterol, but a single goose egg contains 1,227 mg of cholesterol!
So you see, the contadini (farmers) of Old Italy considered raising geese as a sound investment. They are a good source of high fat, high calorie, high protein food; a "watchdog" against intruders; down for his beds, and for the most part, geese get their own food, grazing for garden pests and are happy to eat kitchen scraps. Keeping geese around was very furbo.

In northern Italy, where there is a large Jewish culture, there is an artisan process of creating Prosciutto dell'Oca (goose ham). This is a lean product, similar to prosciutto, made using the leg of the goose, seasoned with salt, pepper and spices and aged for about 2 months or more. Its color is dark red, with a sweet taste and an intense aroma. It is used as an appetizer for important occasions and often served on bruschetta with a glass of local wine. The city of Mortara, offers Prosciutto dell'Oca during both spring and fall festivals.
Siena and its Winning Contrada dell'Oca

In Italy, cities are divided into contrade (districts or wards), with the most famous being the 17 contrade of Siena whose representatives race on horseback in the Palio di Siena, run twice each year. Each contrada has an animal as its mascot, produly and loveingly displayed on flags all over the city. The one that we point out here is the Contrada dell'Oca.
If you love geese, than this is the flag you should be rooting for when you visit Siena to witness this exciting horse race. But there's another reason... The Noble Contrada dell’Oca holds the record of winning 65 Palios races, from its inception in 1644 to the present day.
Viva l'oca!
--Jerry Finzi
Viva l'oca!
--Jerry Finzi
List of September 11 Victims of Italian Heritage
Never Forget...
--GVI
- Abate, Andrew Anthony - 37 - Melville, NY - Dec WTC
- Abate, Vincent - 40 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Aceto, Richard Anthony - 42 - Wantagh , NY - Dec WTC
- Acquaviva, Paul Andrew - 29 - Glen Rock, NJ - Dec WTC
- Addamo, Christy A. - 28 - New Hyde Park, NY - Dec WTC
- Addo, Sophia Buruwa - 36 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Afflitto, Daniel Thomas - 32 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Agnello, Joseph - 35 - Belle Harbor, NY - Dec E/R
- Alameno, Andrew - 37 - Westfield, NJ - Dec WTC
- Alario, Margaret Ann Jezycki "Peggy" - 41 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Albero, Gary - 39 - Emerson, NJ - Dec WTC
- Allegretto, Edward L. - 51 - Colonia, NJ - Dec WTC
- Amaranto, Angelo - 60 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Amato, James M. - 43 - Ronkonkoma, NY - Dec E/R
- Amatuccio, Joseph - 41 - Ozone Park, NY - Dec WTC
- Amoroso, Christopher C. - 29 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Anchundia, Joseph Peter - 26 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Andreacchio, John - 52 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Angelini Jr., Joseph - 38 - Lindenhurst, NY - Dec E/R
- Angelini Sr., Joseph - 63 - Lindenhurst, NY - Dec E/R
- Angilletta, Laura - 23 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Angrisani, Doreen J. - 44 - Ridgewood, NY - Dec WTC
- Aquilino, Frank Thomas "F.T." - 26 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Arias, Adam P. - 37 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Asaro, Carl Francis - 39 - Middletown, NY - Dec E/R
- Aversano Jr., Frank Louis - 58 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Badagliacca, John James - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Bantis, Kathy - 44 - Chicago, IL - Dec WTC
- Baptiste, Gerard Jean - 35 - Riverdale, NY - Dec E/R
- Barbara, Gerard A. - 53 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Barbaro, Paul V. - 35 - Holmdel, NJ - Dec WTC
- Barbella, James W. - 53 - Oceanside, NY - Dec WTC
- Barbosa, Ivan Kiryllos Fairbanks - 30 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- Barbosa, Victor Daniel - 23 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Barbuto, Christine - 32 - Brookline, MA - Am 11
- Basina, Inna - 43 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Battaglia, Paul James - 22 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Bautista, Ivhan Luis Carpio - 24 - Ozone Park, NY - Dec WTC
- Bautista, Marlyn C. - 46 - Iselin, NJ - Dec WTC
- Beatini, Paul F. - 40 - Park Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Bella, Andrea Della - 59 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- Bellows, Debbie S. - 30 - East Windsor, NJ - Dec WTC
- Benedetti, Paul Michael - 32 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- Benedetto, Denise Lenore - 40 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Berardi, Dominick J. - 25 - Whitestone, NY - Dec WTC
- Boccardi, Michael Andrew - 30 - Bronxville, NY - Dec WTC
- Bocchi, John Paul - 38 - New Vernon, NJ - Dec WTC
- Bocchino, Michael Leopoldo - 45 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec E/R
- Bochino, Susan Mary - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Boffa, Mary Katherine - 45 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Bolourchi, Touran Hamzavi - 69 - Beverly Hills, CA - Un 175
- Bonomo, Frank - 42 - Port Jefferson, NY - Dec E/R
- Bonomo, Yvonne L. - 30 - Jackson Heights, NY - Dec WTC
- Borda Leyva, Juan Jose - 58 - New York, NY - Msg WTC
- Bosco, Richard E. - 34 - Suffern, NY - Dec WTC
- Braca, Alfred J. - 54 - Leonardo, NJ - Dec WTC
- Bravo, Lydia Estelle - 50 - Dunellen, NJ - Dec WTC
- Brito, Victoria Alvarez - 38 - Elmhurst, NY - Dec WTC
- Bucca, Ronald Paul - 47 - Tuckahoe, NY - Dec E/R
- Bulaga Jr., John E. - 35 - Haskell, NJ - Dec WTC
- Buslo, Irina - 32 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- Bustillo, Milton - 37 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Caballero, Daniel Martin - 21 - Houston, TX - Dec Ptn
- Cachia, Brian Joseph - 26 - Fresh Meadows, NY - Dec WTC
- Cafiero Jr., Steven - 31 - Whitestone, NY - Dec WTC
- Caggiano, Richard M. - 25 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Caguicla, Cecile M. - 55 - Boonton, NJ - Dec WTC
- Calabro, Salvatore - 38 - Staten Island , NY - Dec E/R
- Calandrillo, Joseph - 49 - Hawley, PA - Dec WTC
- Calcagno, Philip V. - 57 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Calia, Dominick Enrico - 40 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Calvi, Luigi "Gino" - 34 - East Rutherford, NJ - Dec WTC
- Cammarata, Michael F. - 22 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Candela, John A. - 42 - Glen Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Cangelosi, Vincent - 30 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Cangialosi, Stephen J. - 40 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Cannava, Lisa B. - 30 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Cannizzaro, Brian - 30 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Caporicci, Louis A. - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Cappello, Jonathan Neff - 23 - Garden City, NY - Dec WTC
- Caproni, Richard M. - 34 - Lynbrook, NY - Dec WTC
- Cardona, Jose - 35 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Carlino, Edward - 46 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Carlo, Michael Scott - 34 - Whitestone, NY - Dec E/R
- Carlone, David G. - 46 - Randolph, NJ - Dec WTC
- Carpeneto, Joyce Ann - 40 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Casazza, John F. - 38 - Colts Neck, NJ - Dec WTC
- Cascio, Paul Reegan - 23 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
- Casoria, Thomas Anthony - 29 - Whitestone, NY - Dec E/R
- Castano, Alejandro - 35 - Edgewater, NJ - Dec WTC
- Castillo, Arcelia "Chela" - 49 - Elizabeth, NJ - Dec WTC
- Castrianno, Leonard - 30 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Castro, Jose Ramon - 37 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Catarelli, Richard G. - 47 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Centeno, Ana M. - 38 - Bayonne, NJ - Dec WTC
- Cesta, Joni - 37 - Bellmore, NY - Dec WTC
- Chalasani, Swarna - 33 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- Chiarchiaro, Dorothy J. - 61 - Glenwood, NY - Dec WTC
- Chiofalo Jr., Nicholas P. - 39 - Selden, NY - Dec E/R
- Chirchirillo, Peter A. - 47 - Langhorne, PA - Dec WTC
- Ciafardini, Christopher - 30 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Ciccone, Alex F. - 38 - New Rochelle, NY - Dec WTC
- Cilente, Frances Ann - 26 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Cillo, Elaine - 40 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Cirri, Robert D. - 39 - Nutley, NJ - Dec E/R
- Coladonato III, Anthony Joseph - 47 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Colaio, Mark Joseph - 34 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Colaio, Stephen J. - 32 - Montauk, NY - Dec WTC
- Colasanti, Christopher M. - 33 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
- Conde, Albert - 62 - Englishtown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Coppo Jr., Joseph J. - 47 - New Canaan, CT - Dec WTC
- Coppola, Gerard J. - 46 - New Providence, NJ - Dec WTC
- Cordice, Robert - 28 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Correa, Ruben D. - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Correa-Gutierrez, Daniel A. - 25 - Fairview, NJ - Dec WTC
- Costa, Dolores Marie - 53 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Costanza, Alexandra Digna - 25 - Woodside, NY - Dec WTC
- Costello, Charles Gregory - 46 - Old Bridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Costello, Michael S. - 27 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
- Crifasi, Lucia - 51 - Glendale, NY - Dec WTC
- Crisci, John - 48 - Holbrook, NY - Dec E/R
- Cuccinello, Thelma - 71 - Wilmot Flat, NH - Am 11
- Cudina, Richard Joseph - 46 - Glen Gardner, NJ - Dec WTC
- Curatolo, Robert - 31 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Curia, Laurence - 41 - Garden City, NY - Dec WTC
- Curioli, Paul Dario - 53 - Norwalk, CT - Dec WTC
- Da Mota, Manuel J. - 44 - Valley Stream, NY - Dec WTC
- DaCosta, Carlos S. - 41 - Elizabeth, NJ - Dec WTC
- D'Allara, John - 47 - Pearl River , NY - Dec E/R
- D'Amadeo, Vincent - 36 - East Patchouge, NY - Dec WTC
- D'Ambrosi, Jack L. - 45 - Woodcliff Lake, NJ - Dec WTC
- Damiani-Jones, Jeannine Marie - 28 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- D'Antonio, Mary Yolanda - 55 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- D'Atri, Edward Alexander - 38 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- D'Auria, Michael D. - 25 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- de Laura, Cristina - - Unknown - Msg WTC
- de Laura, Oscar - - Unknown - Msg WTC
- De Martini, Francis Albert - 49 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- De Santis, Jemal Legesse - 28 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- DeAngelis Jr., Robert J. - 47 - West Hempstead, NY - Dec WTC
- DeAngelis, Thomas P. - 51 - Westbury, NY - Dec E/R
- DeBarrera, Ana Gloria Pocasangre - 49 - Soyapango, El Salvador - Dec WTC
- DeCola, Paul - 39 - Ridgewood, NY - Dec WTC
- Deconto, Gerald Francis - 44 - Sandwich, MA - Dec Ptn
- DeFazio, Jason Christopher - 29 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- DeFeo, David A. - 37 - Flushing, NY - Dec WTC
- DeLeo, Vito Joseph - 41 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Delie, Danielle - 47 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Della Pietra, Joseph A. - 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Delli Gatti, Palmina - 33 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- DeLuca, Joseph - 52 - Ledgewood, NJ - Un 93
- Demas, Anthony - 61 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- DeMeo, Martin N. - 47 - Farmingville, NY - Dec E/R
- DePalma, Jean C. - 42 - Newfoundland, NJ - Dec WTC
- DeRienzo, Michael - 37 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
- Derubbio, David Paul - 38 - Bensonhurst, NY - Dec E/R
- DeSimone III, Edward - 36 - Atlantic Highlands, NJ - Dec WTC
- DeSimone, Christian D. - 23 - Ringwood, NJ - Dec WTC
- Desperito, Andrew J. - 44 - East Patchogue, NY - Dec E/R
- D'Esposito, Michael Jude - 32 - Morganville, NJ - Dec WTC
- DeVere, Melanie Louise - 30 - Portsmouth, England - Dec WTC
- DeVito, Jerry - 66 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Di Nardo Schorpp, Marisa - 38 - White Plains, NY - Dec WTC
- Diagostino, Michael L. - 41 - Garden City, NY - Dec WTC
- Dichiaro, Patricia F. - 63 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- DiFato, John - 39 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- DiFazio, Vincent Francis - 43 - Hampton, NJ - Dec WTC
- DiFranco, Carl - 27 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- DiFranco, Donald J. - 43 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- DiMartino, Debra Ann - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- DiMeglio, David - 22 - Wakefield, MA - Am 11
- Dimino, Stephen Patrick - 48 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Dionisio Jr., Anthony - 38 - Glen Rock, NJ - Dec WTC
- DiPasquale, George - 33 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- DiPilato, Joseph - 57 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- DiStefano, Douglas Frank - 24 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
- DiTullio, Donald Americo - 49 - Peabody, MA - Am 11
- Domanico, James Joseph - 56 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Eacobacci, Joseph Anthony - 26 - Flushing, NY - Dec WTC
- Fallone Jr., Anthony J. - 39 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Fanelli, Dolores B. - 38 - Farmingville, NY - Dec WTC
- Farino, Thomas J. - 37 - South Ozone Park, NY - Dec E/R
- Fava, Shannon M. - 30 - Bensonhurst, NY - Dec WTC
- Favuzza, Bernard D. - 52 - Suffern, NY - Dec WTC
- Fazio, Robert - 41 - Freeport, NY - Dec E/R
- Fazio, Ronald Carl - 57 - Closter, NJ - Dec WTC
- Ferraina, Elisa Giselle - 27 - London, England - Dec WTC
- Ferreira, Anne Marie Sallerin - 29 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- Ferrugio, David Francis - 46 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Fersini, Louis V. - 38 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Ferugio, Michael - 37 - Brooklyn Heights, NY - Dec WTC
- Fiorelli, Stephen J. - 43 - Aberdeen, NJ - Dec WTC
- Fiori, Paul - 31 - Yorktown Heights, NY - Dec WTC
- Fiorito, John - 40 - Stamford, CT - Dec WTC
- Fiumefreddo, Salvatore A. - 45 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Flocco, Matthew Michael - 21 - Newark, DE - Dec Ptn
- Florio, John Joseph - 33 - Oceanside, NY - Dec E/R
- Fontana, David - 37 - New York, NY - Dec E/R
- Foti, Robert Joseph - 42 - Albertson, NY - Dec E/R
- Fumando, Clement - 59 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Furmato, Paul James - 37 - Colts Neck, NJ - Dec WTC
- Gabrielle, Richard S. - 50 - West Haven, CT - Dec WTC
- Galante, Deanna - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Galante, Grace - 29 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Galletti, Lourdes - 33 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Gallo, Cono E. - 30 - Maspeth, NY - Dec WTC
- Gallucci, Vincenzo - 36 - Monroe, NJ - Dec WTC
- Gambale, Giovanna "Genni" - 27 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Gambino Jr., Thomas - 48 - Babylon, NY - Dec E/R
- Gamboa, Giann F. - 26 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Gamboa, Ronald - 33 - Los Angeles, CA - Un 175
- Ganci, Peter - 54 - North Massapequa, NY - Dec E/R
- Garbarini, Charles William - 43 - Pleasantville, NY - Dec E/R
- Garfi, Francesco - 29 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Gargano, Rocco - 28 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
- Gazzani, Terence D. - 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Genco, Peter Victor - 36 - Rockville Centre, NY - Dec WTC
- Genovese, Steven Gregory - 37 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Giaccone, Joseph M. - 43 - Monroe, NJ - Dec WTC
- Giammona, Vincent Francis - 40 - Valley Stream, NY - Dec E/R
- Giordano, Donna Marie - 44 - Parlin, NJ - Dec WTC
- Giordano, Jeffrey John - 46 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Giordano, John J. - 46 - Newburgh, NY - Dec E/R
- Giorgetti, Steven A. - 43 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
- Giovinazzo Jr., Martin - 34 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Giraldo, Jinny Lady - 27 - Unknown - Msg WTC
- Gitto, Salvatore - 44 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Giugliano, Cynthia - 46 - Nesconset, NY - Dec WTC
- Gnazzo, John T. - 32 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Gogliormella, Michael - 43 - New Providence, NJ - Dec WTC
- Granitto, Elvira - 43 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Grazioso, John Michael - 41 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Grazioso, Tim - 42 - Gulf Stream, FL - Dec WTC
- Grillo, Joseph F. - 46 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Guzzardo, Barbara - 49 - Glendale, NY - Dec WTC
- Ianelli Jr., Joseph Anthony - 28 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
- Ielpi, Jonathan Lee - 29 - Great Neck, NY - Dec E/R
- Infante Jr., Anthony P. - 47 - Mountainside, NJ - Dec E/R
- Inghilterra, Louis Steven - 46 - New Castle, NY - Dec WTC
- Ingrassia, Christopher N. - 28 - Watchung, NJ - Dec WTC
- Innella, Paul William - 33 - East Brunswick, NJ - Dec WTC
- LaBorie, Kathryn L. - 44 - Providence, RI - Un 175
- LaCorte, Andrew - 61 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- Lafalce, Joseph A. - 54 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- LaForte, Michael Patrick - 39 - Holmdel, NJ - Dec WTC
- Lafranco, Alan - 43 - Unknown - Msg WTC
- Lamana, Michael Scott - 31 - Baton Rouge, LA - Dec Ptn
- LaMantia, Steven - 38 - Darien, CT - Dec WTC
- Langone, Peter J. - 41 - Roslyn Heights, NY - Dec E/R
- Langone, Thomas Michael - 39 - Williston Park, NY - Dec E/R
- Lanza, Michele B. - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Lauria, Stephen James - 39 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Lavelle, Denis F. - 42 - Yonkers, NY - Dec WTC
- Laverde, Jeannine M. - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Lepore, Michael - 39 - Bronxville, NY - Dec WTC
- Libretti, Daniel F. - 43 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Licciardi, Ralph M. - 30 - West Hempstead, NY - Dec WTC
- Lillo, Carlos R. - 37 - Babylon, NY - Dec E/R
- Lilore, Craig Damian - 30 - Lyndhurst, NJ - Dec WTC
- Linares, Tomas Gallegos - - Queretaro, Mexico - Msg WTC
- Lipari, Diane Theresa - 42 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Lira, Kenneth P. - 28 - Paterson , NJ - Msg WTC
- Liriano, Francisco Alberto - 33 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- Lisi, Lorraine - 44 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Litto, Vincent M. - 52 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Livera, Joseph - 67 - Unknown - Dec WTC
- Lizcano, Harold - 31 - East Elmhurst, NY - Dec WTC
- Lostrangio, Joseph - 48 - Langhorne, PA - Dec WTC
- Lovero, Joseph - 60 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- Lucania, Charles Peter - 34 - East Atlantic Beach, NY - Dec WTC
- Lugano, Sean Thomas - 28 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Lugo, Daniel - 45 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Luparello, Anthony - 62 - Corona, NY - Dec WTC
- Luzzicone, Linda - 33 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Maffeo, Jennieann - 40 - Bensonhurst, NY - Dec WTC
- Maffeo, Joseph - 30 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Maggitti, Joseph - 47 - Abington, MD - Dec WTC
- Maio, Joseph - 32 - Roslyn Harbor, NY - Dec WTC
- Maldonado, Debora I. - 47 - South Ozone Park, NY - Dec WTC
- Maldonado-Agosto, Myrna T. - 49 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Mancini, Francisco - 26 - Astoria, NY - Dec WTC
- Mangano, Joseph - 53 - Jackson, NJ - Dec WTC
- Mannetta, Debra M. - 31 - Islip, NY - Dec WTC
- Marchese, Laura A. Giglio - 35 - Oceanside, NY - Dec WTC
- Margiotta, Charles Joseph - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Mariani, Louis Neil - 59 - Derry, NH - Un 175
- Marino, Kenneth Joseph - 40 - Monroe, NY - Dec E/R
- Marino, Lester Vincent - 57 - Massapequa, NY - Dec WTC
- Marino, Vita - 49 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Marlo, Kevin D. - 28 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Marrero, Jose J. - 32 - Old Bridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Martello, James - 41 - Rumson, NJ - Dec WTC
- Marti, Michael A. - 26 - Glendale, NY - Dec WTC
- Martini, Paul Richard - 37 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec E/R
- Mascali, Joseph A. - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Masi, Stephen F. - 55 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Massa, Nicholas "Nick" - 65 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Massari, Patricia Ann - 25 - Glendale, NY - Dec WTC
- Massaroli, Michael - 38 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Mastrandrea, Philip W. - 42 - Chatham, NJ - Dec WTC
- Mastrocinque, Rudolph - 43 - Kings Park, NY - Dec WTC
- Mattricciano, Marcello - 31 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Matuza, Walter - 39 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Mauro, Charles A. - 65 - Eltingville, NY - Dec WTC
- Mauro, Charles J. - 38 - Eltingville, NY - Dec WTC
- Mauro, Dorothy - 55 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Mauro, Nancy T. - 51 - Forest Hills, NY - Dec WTC
- Mazza-Delosh, Kathy Nancy - 46 - Farmingdale, NY - Dec E/R
- Mazzella Jr., Edward - 62 - Monroe, NY - Dec WTC
- Mazzotta, Jennifer - 23 - Maspeth, NY - Dec WTC
- Medaglia, Rocco - 49 - Melville, NY - Dec WTC
- Medina, Abigail - 46 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Medina, Ana Iris - 39 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Mello, Christopher D. - 25 - Boston, MA - Am 11
- Mena, Diarelia Jovannah - 30 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Mentis, Shevonne - 25 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Mercado, Steve - 38 - Bronx, NY - Dec E/R
- Mercurio, Ralph Joseph - 47 - Rockville Centre, NY - Dec WTC
- Merino, George C. - 39 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
- Merino, Yamel - 24 - Yonkers, NY - Dec E/R
- Micciulli, William Edward - 30 - Matawan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Milano, Peter Teague - 43 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Minara, Robert - 54 - Carmel, NY - Dec E/R
- Minardi, William G. - 46 - Bedford, NY - Dec WTC
- Minervino, Louis Joseph - 54 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Mingione, Thomas - - West Islip, NY - Msg E/R
- Mirpuri, Rajesh A. - 30 - Engelwood Cliffs, NJ - Dec WTC
- Mistrulli, Joseph - 47 - Wantagh, NY - Dec WTC
- Miuccio, Richard - 55 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Moccia Sr., Frank V. - 57 - Hauppauge, NY - Dec WTC
- Modafferi, Louis Joseph - 45 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Molina, Fernando Jiminez - - Oaxaca, Mexico - Msg WTC
- Molina, Manuel Dejesus - 31 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Molinaro, Carl - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Molisani Jr., Justin J. - 42 - Middletown Township, NJ - Dec WTC
- Montanaro, Kristen - 34 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Montano, Craig D. - 38 - Glen Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Montesi, Michael G. - 39 - Highland Mills, NY - Dec E/R
- Morabito, Laura Lee - 34 - Framingham, MA - Am 11
- Morello, Steven P. - 52 - Bayonne, NJ - Dec WTC
- Morello, Vincent S. - 34 - Middle Village, NY - Dec E/R
- Moreno, Arturo Alva - - Mexico City, Mexico - Msg WTC
- Moreno, Yvette Nicole - 25 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Morrone, Ferdinand V. - 63 - Lakewood, NJ - Dec E/R
- Motroni Sr., Marco - 57 - Fort Lee, NJ - Dec WTC
- Mozzillo, Christopher - 27 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Murillo, Cesar Augusto - 32 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Murolo, Marc A. - 28 - Maywood, NJ - Dec WTC
- Napolitano, John - 33 - Ronkonkoma, NY - Dec E/R
- Nardella, Catherine - 40 - Bloomfield, NJ - Dec WTC
- Nardone, Mario - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Navarro, Karen S. - 30 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
- Nazario, Francis - 28 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- Nichilo, Jody Tepedino - 39 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Nicosia, Kathleen Ann - 54 - Winthrop, MA - Am 11
- Notaro, Daniela R. - 25 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Oliva, Linda Mary - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Orsini, Ronald - 59 - Hillsdale, NJ - Dec WTC
- Osorio-Oliva, Elsy Carolina - 27 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- Palazzo, Jeffrey Matthew - 33 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Palazzo, Thomas Anthony - 44 - Armonk, NY - Dec WTC
- Palazzolo, Richard - 39 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Palombo, Frank A. - 46 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec E/R
- Palumbo, Alan - 42 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Pandolfo, Dominique Lisa - 27 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
- Pansini, Paul J. - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Paolillo, John M. - 51 - Glen Head, NY - Dec E/R
- Papa, Edward Joseph - 47 - Oyster Bay, NY - Dec WTC
- Papasso, Salvatore - 34 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Pappalardo, Marie - 53 - Paramount, CA - Un 175
- Parro, Robert - 35 - Levittown, NY - Dec E/R
- Passananti, Horace Robert - 55 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Passaro, Suzanne H. - 38 - East Brunswick, NJ - Dec WTC
- Pastrana, Victor Antonio Martinez - - Tlachichuca, Puebla, Mexico - Msg WTC
- Patrocino, Manuel - 34 - Unknown - Dec WTC
- Pecorelli, Thomas Nicholas - 31 - Topanga, CA - Am 11
- Pedicini, Thomas E. - 30 - Hicksville, NY - Dec WTC
- Pelino, Todd D. - 34 - Fair Haven, NJ - Dec WTC
- Peluso, Anthony - 46 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Peralta, Carl Allen - 37 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Percoco, Marie Vola - 37 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Perconti, Jon Anthony - 32 - Brick, NJ - Dec WTC
- Perroncino, Joseph John - 33 - Smithtown, NY - Dec WTC
- Perrotta, Edward Joseph - 43 - Mount Sinai, NY - Dec WTC
- Pesce, Danny - 34 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Petrocelli, Mark - 29 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Petti, Philip Scott - 43 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Pezzulo, Dominick A. - 36 - Bronx, NY - Dec E/R
- Pezzuti, Kaleen E. - 28 - Fair Haven, NJ - Dec WTC
- Piantieri, Eugenia - 55 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Picarro, Ludwig J. - 44 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Picerno, Matthew - 44 - Holmdel, NJ - Dec WTC
- Pietronico, Bernard T. - 39 - Matawan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Pietrunti, Nicholas P. - 38 - Belford, NJ - Dec WTC
- Pinto, Susan Elizabeth Ancona - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Plumitallo, Joseph - 45 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Pollicino, Steve - 48 - Plainview, NY - Dec WTC
- Pollio, Susan M. - 45 - Long Beach Township, NJ - Dec WTC
- Portillo, Anthony - 48 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Potorti, James Edward - 52 - Plainsboro, NJ - Dec WTC
- Preziose, Gregory M. - 34 - Holmdel, NJ - Dec WTC
- Princiotta, Vincent - 39 - Orangeburg, NY - Dec E/R
- Pugliese, Robert D. - 47 - East Fishkill, NY - Dec WTC
- Puopolo, Sonia Morales - 58 - Dover, MA - Am 11
- Racaniello, Christopher Peter A. - 30 - Little Neck, NY - Dec WTC
- Ragaglia, Leonard - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Raggio, Eugene J. - 55 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Ragonese-Snik, Laura Marie - 41 - Bangor, PA - Dec WTC
- Ragusa, Michael - - Unknown - Msg E/R
- Raimondi, Peter F. - 46 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Rauzi, Gerard - 42 - Flushing, NY - Dec WTC
- Reda, Gregory - 33 - New Hyde Park, NY - Dec WTC
- Reina, Joseph - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Renda, Karen C. - 52 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Reo, John Armand - 28 - Larchmont, NY - Dec WTC
- Rescorla, Richard C. - 62 - Morristown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Resta, John Thomas - 40 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
- Resta, Sylvia San Pio - 27 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
- Riccardelli, Francis Saverio - 40 - Westwood, NJ - Dec WTC
- Riccio, Rudolph N. - 50 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Riccoboni, AnnMarie Davi - 58 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- Rigo, John M. - 48 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Rimmele III, Frederick Charles - 32 - Marblehead, MA - Un 175
- Risco, Theresa "Ginger" - 48 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Riso, Rose Mary - 55 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- Rivelli Jr., Joseph - 43 - Manhattan, NY - Dec E/R
- Riverso, Joseph R. - 34 - White Plains, NY - Dec WTC
- Rizza, Paul V. - 34 - Park Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Rizzo, John Frank - 50 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Roberto, Joseph - 37 - Midland Park, NJ - Dec WTC
- Roma, Keith - 27 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Romagnolo, Joseph M. - 37 - Coram, NY - Dec WTC
- Romero Sr., Efrain Franco - 57 - Hazleton, PA - Dec WTC
- Romero, Elvin Santiago - 34 - Matawan, NJ - Dec WTC
- Romito, James A. - 51 - Westwood, NJ - Dec E/R
- Rosario, Aida - 42 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
- Rosario, Angela - 27 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Rossetti, Daniel - 32 - Bloomfield, NJ - Dec WTC
- Rossomando, Nicholas - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Rubino, Joanne - 45 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Ruggiere, Bart Joseph - 32 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Ruggiero, Susan Ann - 30 - Plainview, NY - Dec WTC
- Sabella, Thomas E. - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Sacerdote, Joseph F. - 48 - Freehold, NJ - Dec WTC
- Salamone, John Patrick - 37 - North Caldwell, NJ - Dec WTC
- Salamone, Marjorie C. - 53 - Springfield, VA - Dec Ptn
- Salcedo, Esmerlin Antonio - 36 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
- Salerno, John Salvatore - 31 - Westfield, NJ - Dec WTC
- Salinardi, Richard L. - 32 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
- Salvaterra, Frank G. - 41 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
- Salvio, Paul - 27 - Midwood, NY - Dec WTC
- Salvo, Samuel R. - 59 - Yonkers, NY - Dec WTC
- Sammartino, John - 37 - Annadale, VA - Am 77
- Santo, Susan G. - 24 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Santora, Christopher - 23 - New York, NY - Dec E/R
- Santore, John - 49 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
- Santoro, Mario L. - 28 - Manhattan, NY - Dec E/R
- Santos, Dominick - 36 - Bronx, NY - Dec E/R
- Santos, Rufino Condrado F. "Roy" - 37 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Saracini, Victor J. - 51 - Lower Makefield Township, PA - Un 175
- Sattaluri, Deepika Kumar - 33 - Edison, NJ - Dec WTC
- Sbarbaro, John - 45 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Scandole, Robert Louis "Rob" - 36 - Pelham Manor, NY - Dec WTC
- Scarpitta, Michelle - 26 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Scauso, Dennis - 46 - Dix Hills, NY - Dec E/R
- Scibetta, Adrianne - 31 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Scorca, Raphael - 61 - Beachwood, NJ - Dec WTC
- Sellitto, Matthew Carmen - 23 - Morristown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Sereno, Arturo Angelo - 29 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Serrano, Frankie - 23 - Elizabeth, NJ - Dec WTC
- Serva, Marion - 47 - Stafford, VA - Dec Ptn
- Sesinova, Alena - 57 - Brooklyn Heights, NY - Dec WTC
- Sessa, Adele - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Sezna Jr., Davis G. "Deeg" - 22 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Siracuse, Peter A. - 29 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Skala, John P. - 31 - Clifton, NJ - Dec E/R
- Smagala Jr., Stanley S. - 36 - Holbrook, NY - Dec E/R
- Sorresse, Michael C. - 34 - Morris Plains, NJ - Dec WTC
- Soto, Fabian - 31 - Harrison, NJ - Dec WTC
- Spagnoletti, Gregory T. - 32 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Spampinato, Donald - 39 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
- Sparacio, Thomas - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Spataro, John Anthony - 32 - Mineola, NY - Dec WTC
- Sperando, Mary Rubina - 39 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
- Spinelli, Frank J. - 44 - Short Hills, NJ - Dec WTC
- Starita, Anthony M. - 35 - Westfield, NJ - Dec WTC
- Strada, Thomas S. - 41 - Chatham, NJ - Dec WTC
- Suozzo, James Joseph - 47 - Hauppauge, NY - Dec WTC
- Taddei, Norma C. - 64 - Woodside, NY - Dec WTC
- Taddonio, Michael - 39 - Huntington, NY - Dec WTC
- Talignani, John - 74 - New York, NY - Un 93
- Tamuccio, Michael Andrew - 37 - Pelham Manor, NY - Dec WTC
- Taormina, Dennis Gerard - 36 - Montville, NJ - Dec WTC
- Tarantino, Kenneth Joseph - 39 - Bayonne, NJ - Dec WTC
- Tartaro, Ronald - 38 - Bridgewater, NJ - Dec WTC
- Tempesta, Anthony - 38 - Elizabeth, NJ - Dec WTC
- Terrenzi, Brian John - 28 - Hicksville, NY - Dec WTC
- Tieri Jr., Sal Edward - 40 - Shrewsbury, NJ - Dec WTC
- Tieste, William Randolph - 54 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
- Tino, Jennifer Marie - 29 - West Caldwell, NJ - Dec WTC
- Tipaldi, Robert Frank - 25 - Dyker Heights, NY - Dec WTC
- Tirado Jr., Hector Luis - 30 - Bronx, NY - Dec E/R
- Tirado, David Lawrence - 26 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Titolo, Michelle - 34 - Copiague, NY - Dec WTC
- Todisco, Richard J. - 61 - Wyckoff, NJ - Dec WTC
- Traina, Christopher M. - 25 - Brick, NJ - Dec WTC
- Traore, Abdoul Karim - 41 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Trentini, James Anthony - 65 - Everett, MA - Am 11
- Trentini, Mary - 67 - Everett, MA - Am 11
- Trerotola, Lisa L. - 36 - Hazlet, NJ - Dec WTC
- Trerra, Karamo - 40 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
- Trombino, Francis Joseph - 68 - Clifton, NJ - Dec WTC
- Tuzio, Donald Joseph - 51 - Goshen, NY - Dec WTC
- Uliano, Michael A. - 42 - Aberdeen, NJ - Dec WTC
- Vaccacio, John Damien - 30 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Valvo II, Carlton Francis - 38 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
- Varacchi, Frederick T. - 35 - Greenwich, CT - Dec WTC
- Velamuri, Sankara - 63 - Avenel, NJ - Dec WTC
- Ventura, Anthony M. - 41 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
- Vera, David - 41 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Vero, Loretta A. - 51 - Nanuet, NY - Dec WTC
- Vialonga, Christopher - 30 - Demarest, NJ - Dec WTC
- Vianna, Matthew Gilbert - 23 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
- Vicario, Robert A. - 40 - Weehawken, NJ - Dec WTC
- Vigiano II, John T. - 36 - West Islip, NY - Dec E/R
- Vigiano, Joseph Vincent - 34 - Medford, NY - Dec E/R
- Vignola Jr., Frank J. - 44 - Merrick, NY - Dec WTC
- Vilardo, Joseph B. - 44 - Stanhope, NJ - Dec WTC
- Villanueva, Sergio - 33 - Jackson Heights, NY - Msg E/R
- Vincelli, Chantal - 38 - Harlem, NY - Dec WTC
- Virgilio, Francine A. - 48 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Virgilio, Lawrence - 38 - Unknown - Dec E/R
- Visciano, Joseph G. - 22 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
- Vitale, Joshua S. - 28 - Great Neck, NY - Dec WTC
- Zaccoli, Joseph - 39 - Valley Stream, NY - Dec WTC
- Zambrana Jr., Edwin J. - 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
- Zampieri, Robert Alan "Robbie" - 30 - Saddle River, NJ - Dec WTC
- Zangrilli, Mark - 36 - Pompton Plains, NJ - Dec WTC
- Zarba, Christopher Rudoph - 47 - Hopkinton, MA - Am 11
- Zedillo, Aurelio - - Mexico - Msg WTC
- Zinzi, Michael Joseph - 37 - Newfoundland, NJ - Dec WTC
- Zisa, Salvatore J. - 45 - Hawthorne, NJ - Dec WTC
- Zuccala, Joseph J. - 54 - Croton-on-Hudson, NY - Dec WTC
Never Forget...
--GVI

September 11, 2018
Closed since 1997, the Cressoni Theater in Como was destined to be demolished, making way for modern luxury residence. As happens often in ancient Italy, the more you dig, the more you find... but what a find this was!
A hoard of ancient Roman gold coins...
A soapstone jar dating from the fifth century AD was found this week, full of ancient Roman gold coins that could be worth millions of dollars. The unique coins that date back to the late Roman imperial era were uncovered in the cracked soapstone jar, broken when workers first came upon it. “We do not yet know in detail the historical and cultural significance of this discovery but this area is a real treasure for our archeology,” Minister of Culture Alberto Bonisoli said in a press release published on Friday.
As is common when archeological artifacts are uncovered, construction will be halted until further excavation is carried out by archeologists, who believe the site could also contain jewelry and gold ingots. The excavation site is close to the Foro Novum Comum, an area known for some major Roman artifacts discoveries.
--GVI
Closed since 1997, the Cressoni Theater in Como was destined to be demolished, making way for modern luxury residence. As happens often in ancient Italy, the more you dig, the more you find... but what a find this was!
A hoard of ancient Roman gold coins...
A soapstone jar dating from the fifth century AD was found this week, full of ancient Roman gold coins that could be worth millions of dollars. The unique coins that date back to the late Roman imperial era were uncovered in the cracked soapstone jar, broken when workers first came upon it. “We do not yet know in detail the historical and cultural significance of this discovery but this area is a real treasure for our archeology,” Minister of Culture Alberto Bonisoli said in a press release published on Friday.
As is common when archeological artifacts are uncovered, construction will be halted until further excavation is carried out by archeologists, who believe the site could also contain jewelry and gold ingots. The excavation site is close to the Foro Novum Comum, an area known for some major Roman artifacts discoveries.
--GVI
On Amazon:
Roman History!
Archives
March 2025
April 2024
December 2020
November 2020
July 2020
May 2020
August 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
September 2018
July 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
October 2017
August 2017
March 2017
February 2017
Categories
All
Ancient Romans
Archeology
Architecture
Famous Italians
Fine Arts
Geology
Heritage
Holidays
Immigration
Inventors
Italian Americans
Maps
Music
Religion
Renaissance
Technologies
Unification