List of September 11 Victims of Italian Heritage

1. Abate, Andrew Anthony - 37 - Melville, NY - Dec WTC
   
2. Abate, Vincent - 40 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
3. Aceto, Richard Anthony - 42 - Wantagh , NY - Dec WTC
4. Acquaviva, Paul Andrew - 29 - Glen Rock, NJ - Dec WTC
5. Addamo, Christy A. - 28 - New Hyde Park, NY - Dec WTC
6. Addo, Sophia Buruwa - 36 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
7. Afflitto, Daniel Thomas - 32 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
8. Agnello, Joseph - 35 - Belle Harbor, NY - Dec E/R
9. Alameno, Andrew - 37 - Westfield, NJ - Dec WTC
10. Alario, Margaret Ann Jezycki "Peggy" - 41 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
11. Albero, Gary - 39 - Emerson, NJ - Dec WTC
12. Allegretto, Edward L. - 51 - Colonia, NJ - Dec WTC
13. Amaranto, Angelo - 60 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
14. Amato, James M. - 43 - Ronkonkoma, NY - Dec E/R
15. Amatuccio, Joseph - 41 - Ozone Park, NY - Dec WTC
16. Amoroso, Christopher C. - 29 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
17. Anchundia, Joseph Peter - 26 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
18. Andreacchio, John - 52 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
19. Angelini Jr., Joseph - 38 - Lindenhurst, NY - Dec E/R
20. Angelini Sr., Joseph - 63 - Lindenhurst, NY - Dec E/R
21. Angilletta, Laura - 23 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
22. Angrisani, Doreen J. - 44 - Ridgewood, NY - Dec WTC
23. Aquilino, Frank Thomas "F.T." - 26 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
24. Arias, Adam P. - 37 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
25. Asaro, Carl Francis - 39 - Middletown, NY - Dec E/R
26. Aversano Jr., Frank Louis - 58 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
27. Badagliacca, John James - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
28. Bantis, Kathy - 44 - Chicago, IL - Dec WTC
29. Baptiste, Gerard Jean - 35 - Riverdale, NY - Dec E/R
30. Barbara, Gerard A. - 53 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
31. Barbaro, Paul V. - 35 - Holmdel, NJ - Dec WTC
32. Barbella, James W. - 53 - Oceanside, NY - Dec WTC
33. Barbosa, Ivan Kiryllos Fairbanks - 30 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
34. Barbosa, Victor Daniel - 23 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
35. Barbuto, Christine - 32 - Brookline, MA - Am 11
36. Basina, Inna - 43 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
37. Battaglia, Paul James - 22 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
38. Bautista, Ivhan Luis Carpio - 24 - Ozone Park, NY - Dec WTC
39. Bautista, Marlyn C. - 46 - Iselin, NJ - Dec WTC
40. Beatini, Paul F. - 40 - Park Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
41. Bella, Andrea Della - 59 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
42. Bellows, Debbie S. - 30 - East Windsor, NJ - Dec WTC
43. Benedetti, Paul Michael - 32 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
44. Benedetto, Denise Lenore - 40 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
45. Berardi, Dominick J. - 25 - Whitestone, NY - Dec WTC
46. Boccardi, Michael Andrew - 30 - Bronxville, NY - Dec WTC
47. Bocchi, John Paul - 38 - New Vernon, NJ - Dec WTC
48. Bocchino, Michael Leopoldo - 45 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec E/R
49. Bochino, Susan Mary - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
50. Boffa, Mary Katherine - 45 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
51. Bolourchi, Touran Hamzavi - 69 - Beverly Hills, CA - Un 175
52. Bonomo, Frank - 42 - Port Jefferson, NY - Dec E/R
53. Bonomo, Yvonne L. - 30 - Jackson Heights, NY - Dec WTC
54. Borda Leyva, Juan Jose - 58 - New York, NY - Msg WTC
55. Bosco, Richard E. - 34 - Suffern, NY - Dec WTC
56. Braca, Alfred J. - 54 - Leonardo, NJ - Dec WTC
57. Bravo, Lydia Estelle - 50 - Dunellen, NJ - Dec WTC
58. Brito, Victoria Alvarez - 38 - Elmhurst, NY - Dec WTC
59. Bucca, Ronald Paul - 47 - Tuckahoe, NY - Dec E/R
60. Bulaga Jr., John E. - 35 - Haskell, NJ - Dec WTC
61. Buslo, Irina - 32 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
62. Bustillo, Milton - 37 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
63. Caballero, Daniel Martin - 21 - Houston, TX - Dec Ptn
64. Cachia, Brian Joseph - 26 - Fresh Meadows, NY - Dec WTC
65. Cafiero Jr., Steven - 31 - Whitestone, NY - Dec WTC
66. Caggiano, Richard M. - 25 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
67. Caguicla, Cecile M. - 55 - Boonton, NJ - Dec WTC
68. Calabro, Salvatore - 38 - Staten Island , NY - Dec E/R
69. Calandrillo, Joseph - 49 - Hawley, PA - Dec WTC
70. Calcagno, Philip V. - 57 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
71. Calia, Dominick Enrico - 40 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
72. Calvi, Luigi "Gino" - 34 - East Rutherford, NJ - Dec WTC
73. Cammarata, Michael F. - 22 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
74. Candela, John A. - 42 - Glen Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
75. Cangelosi, Vincent - 30 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
76. Cangialosi, Stephen J. - 40 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
77. Cannava, Lisa B. - 30 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
78. Cannizzaro, Brian - 30 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
79. Caporicci, Louis A. - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
80. Cappello, Jonathan Neff - 23 - Garden City, NY - Dec WTC
81. Caproni, Richard M. - 34 - Lynbrook, NY - Dec WTC
82. Cardona, Jose - 35 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
83. Carlino, Edward - 46 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
84. Carlo, Michael Scott - 34 - Whitestone, NY - Dec E/R
85. Carlone, David G. - 46 - Randolph, NJ - Dec WTC
86. Carpeneto, Joyce Ann - 40 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
87. Casazza, John F. - 38 - Colts Neck, NJ - Dec WTC
88. Cascio, Paul Reegan - 23 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
89. Casoria, Thomas Anthony - 29 - Whitestone, NY - Dec E/R
90. Castano, Alejandro - 35 - Edgewater, NJ - Dec WTC
91. Castillo, Arcelia "Chela" - 49 - Elizabeth, NJ - Dec WTC
92. Castrianno, Leonard - 30 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
93. Castro, Jose Ramon - 37 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
94. Catarelli, Richard G. - 47 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
95. Centeno, Ana M. - 38 - Bayonne, NJ - Dec WTC
96. Cesta, Joni - 37 - Bellmore, NY - Dec WTC
97. Chalasani, Swarna - 33 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
98. Chiarchiaro, Dorothy J. - 61 - Glenwood, NY - Dec WTC
99. Chiofalo Jr., Nicholas P. - 39 - Selden, NY - Dec E/R
100. Chirchirillo, Peter A. - 47 - Langhorne, PA - Dec WTC
101. Ciafardini, Christopher - 30 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
102. Ciccone, Alex F. - 38 - New Rochelle, NY - Dec WTC
103. Cilente, Frances Ann - 26 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
104. Cillo, Elaine - 40 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
105. Cirri, Robert D. - 39 - Nutley, NJ - Dec E/R
106. Coladonato III, Anthony Joseph - 47 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
107. Colaio, Mark Joseph - 34 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
108. Colaio, Stephen J. - 32 - Montauk, NY - Dec WTC
109. Colasanti, Christopher M. - 33 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
110. Conde, Albert - 62 - Englishtown, NJ - Dec WTC
111. Coppo Jr., Joseph J. - 47 - New Canaan, CT - Dec WTC
112. Coppola, Gerard J. - 46 - New Providence, NJ - Dec WTC
113. Cordice, Robert - 28 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
114. Correa, Ruben D. - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
115. Correa-Gutierrez, Daniel A. - 25 - Fairview, NJ - Dec WTC
116. Costa, Dolores Marie - 53 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
117. Costanza, Alexandra Digna - 25 - Woodside, NY - Dec WTC
118. Costello, Charles Gregory - 46 - Old Bridge, NJ - Dec WTC
119. Costello, Michael S. - 27 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
120. Crifasi, Lucia - 51 - Glendale, NY - Dec WTC
121. Crisci, John - 48 - Holbrook, NY - Dec E/R
122. Cuccinello, Thelma - 71 - Wilmot Flat, NH - Am 11
123. Cudina, Richard Joseph - 46 - Glen Gardner, NJ - Dec WTC
124. Curatolo, Robert - 31 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
125. Curia, Laurence - 41 - Garden City, NY - Dec WTC
126. Curioli, Paul Dario - 53 - Norwalk, CT - Dec WTC
127. Da Mota, Manuel J. - 44 - Valley Stream, NY - Dec WTC
128. DaCosta, Carlos S. - 41 - Elizabeth, NJ - Dec WTC
129. D'Allara, John - 47 - Pearl River , NY - Dec E/R
130. D'Amadeo, Vincent - 36 - East Patchouge, NY - Dec WTC
131. D'Ambrosi, Jack L. - 45 - Woodcliff Lake, NJ - Dec WTC
132. Damiani-Jones, Jeannine Marie - 28 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
133. D'Antonio, Mary Yolanda - 55 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
134. D'Atri, Edward Alexander - 38 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
135. D'Auria, Michael D. - 25 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
136. de Laura, Cristina - - Unknown - Msg WTC
137. de Laura, Oscar - - Unknown - Msg WTC
138. De Martini, Francis Albert - 49 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
139. De Santis, Jemal Legesse - 28 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
140. DeAngelis Jr., Robert J. - 47 - West Hempstead, NY - Dec WTC
141. DeAngelis, Thomas P. - 51 - Westbury, NY - Dec E/R
142. DeBarrera, Ana Gloria Pocasangre - 49 - Soyapango, El Salvador - Dec WTC
143. DeCola, Paul - 39 - Ridgewood, NY - Dec WTC
144. Deconto, Gerald Francis - 44 - Sandwich, MA - Dec Ptn
145. DeFazio, Jason Christopher - 29 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
146. DeFeo, David A. - 37 - Flushing, NY - Dec WTC
147. DeLeo, Vito Joseph - 41 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
148. Delie, Danielle - 47 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
149. Della Pietra, Joseph A. - 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
150. Delli Gatti, Palmina - 33 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
151. DeLuca, Joseph - 52 - Ledgewood, NJ - Un 93
152. Demas, Anthony - 61 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
153. DeMeo, Martin N. - 47 - Farmingville, NY - Dec E/R
154. DePalma, Jean C. - 42 - Newfoundland, NJ - Dec WTC
155. DeRienzo, Michael - 37 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
156. Derubbio, David Paul - 38 - Bensonhurst, NY - Dec E/R
157. DeSimone III, Edward - 36 - Atlantic Highlands, NJ - Dec WTC
158. DeSimone, Christian D. - 23 - Ringwood, NJ - Dec WTC
159. Desperito, Andrew J. - 44 - East Patchogue, NY - Dec E/R
160. D'Esposito, Michael Jude - 32 - Morganville, NJ - Dec WTC
161. DeVere, Melanie Louise - 30 - Portsmouth, England - Dec WTC
162. DeVito, Jerry - 66 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
163. Di Nardo Schorpp, Marisa - 38 - White Plains, NY - Dec WTC
164. Diagostino, Michael L. - 41 - Garden City, NY - Dec WTC
165. Dichiaro, Patricia F. - 63 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
166. DiFato, John - 39 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
167. DiFazio, Vincent Francis - 43 - Hampton, NJ - Dec WTC
168. DiFranco, Carl - 27 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
169. DiFranco, Donald J. - 43 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
170. DiMartino, Debra Ann - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
171. DiMeglio, David - 22 - Wakefield, MA - Am 11
172. Dimino, Stephen Patrick - 48 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
173. Dionisio Jr., Anthony - 38 - Glen Rock, NJ - Dec WTC
174. DiPasquale, George - 33 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
175. DiPilato, Joseph - 57 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
176. DiStefano, Douglas Frank - 24 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
177. DiTullio, Donald Americo - 49 - Peabody, MA - Am 11
178. Domanico, James Joseph - 56 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
179. Eacobacci, Joseph Anthony - 26 - Flushing, NY - Dec WTC
180. Fallone Jr., Anthony J. - 39 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
181. Fanelli, Dolores B. - 38 - Farmingville, NY - Dec WTC
182. Farino, Thomas J. - 37 - South Ozone Park, NY - Dec E/R
183. Fava, Shannon M. - 30 - Bensonhurst, NY - Dec WTC
184. Favuzza, Bernard D. - 52 - Suffern, NY - Dec WTC
185. Fazio, Robert - 41 - Freeport, NY - Dec E/R
186. Fazio, Ronald Carl - 57 - Closter, NJ - Dec WTC
187. Ferraina, Elisa Giselle - 27 - London, England - Dec WTC
188. Ferreira, Anne Marie Sallerin - 29 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
189. Ferrugio, David Francis - 46 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
190. Fersini, Louis V. - 38 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
191. Ferugio, Michael - 37 - Brooklyn Heights, NY - Dec WTC
192. Fiorelli, Stephen J. - 43 - Aberdeen, NJ - Dec WTC
193. Fiori, Paul - 31 - Yorktown Heights, NY - Dec WTC
194. Fiorito, John - 40 - Stamford, CT - Dec WTC
195. Fiumefreddo, Salvatore A. - 45 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
196. Flocco, Matthew Michael - 21 - Newark, DE - Dec Ptn
197. Florio, John Joseph - 33 - Oceanside, NY - Dec E/R
198. Fontana, David - 37 - New York, NY - Dec E/R
199. Foti, Robert Joseph - 42 - Albertson, NY - Dec E/R
200. Fumando, Clement - 59 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
201. Furmato, Paul James - 37 - Colts Neck, NJ - Dec WTC
202. Gabrielle, Richard S. - 50 - West Haven, CT - Dec WTC
203. Galante, Deanna - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
204. Galante, Grace - 29 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
205. Galletti, Lourdes - 33 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
206. Gallo, Cono E. - 30 - Maspeth, NY - Dec WTC
207. Gallucci, Vincenzo - 36 - Monroe, NJ - Dec WTC
208. Gambale, Giovanna "Genni" - 27 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
209. Gambino Jr., Thomas - 48 - Babylon, NY - Dec E/R
210. Gamboa, Giann F. - 26 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
211. Gamboa, Ronald - 33 - Los Angeles, CA - Un 175
212. Ganci, Peter - 54 - North Massapequa, NY - Dec E/R
213. Garbarini, Charles William - 43 - Pleasantville, NY - Dec E/R
214. Garfi, Francesco - 29 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
215. Gargano, Rocco - 28 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
216. Gazzani, Terence D. - 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
217. Genco, Peter Victor - 36 - Rockville Centre, NY - Dec WTC
218. Genovese, Steven Gregory - 37 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
219. Giaccone, Joseph M. - 43 - Monroe, NJ - Dec WTC
220. Giammona, Vincent Francis - 40 - Valley Stream, NY - Dec E/R
221. Giordano, Donna Marie - 44 - Parlin, NJ - Dec WTC
222. Giordano, Jeffrey John - 46 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
223. Giordano, John J. - 46 - Newburgh, NY - Dec E/R
224. Giorgetti, Steven A. - 43 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
225. Giovinazzo Jr., Martin - 34 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
226. Giraldo, Jinny Lady - 27 - Unknown - Msg WTC
227. Gitto, Salvatore - 44 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
228. Giugliano, Cynthia - 46 - Nesconset, NY - Dec WTC
229. Gnazzo, John T. - 32 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
230. Gogliormella, Michael - 43 - New Providence, NJ - Dec WTC
231. Granitto, Elvira - 43 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
232. Grazioso, John Michael - 41 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
233. Grazioso, Tim - 42 - Gulf Stream, FL - Dec WTC
234. Grillo, Joseph F. - 46 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
235. Guzzardo, Barbara - 49 - Glendale, NY - Dec WTC
236. Ianelli Jr., Joseph Anthony - 28 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
237. Ielpi, Jonathan Lee - 29 - Great Neck, NY - Dec E/R
238. Infante Jr., Anthony P. - 47 - Mountainside, NJ - Dec E/R
239. Inghilterra, Louis Steven - 46 - New Castle, NY - Dec WTC
240. Ingrassia, Christopher N. - 28 - Watchung, NJ - Dec WTC
241. Innella, Paul William - 33 - East Brunswick, NJ - Dec WTC
242. LaBorie, Kathryn L. - 44 - Providence, RI - Un 175
243. LaCorte, Andrew - 61 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
244. Lafalce, Joseph A. - 54 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
245. LaForte, Michael Patrick - 39 - Holmdel, NJ - Dec WTC
246. Lafranco, Alan - 43 - Unknown - Msg WTC
247. Lamana, Michael Scott - 31 - Baton Rouge, LA - Dec Ptn
248. LaMantia, Steven - 38 - Darien, CT - Dec WTC
249. Langone, Peter J. - 41 - Roslyn Heights, NY - Dec E/R
250. Langone, Thomas Michael - 39 - Williston Park, NY - Dec E/R
251. Lanza, Michele B. - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
252. Lauria, Stephen James - 39 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
253. Lavelle, Denis F. - 42 - Yonkers, NY - Dec WTC
254. Laverde, Jeannine M. - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
255. Lepore, Michael - 39 - Bronxville, NY - Dec WTC
256. Libretti, Daniel F. - 43 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
257. Licciardi, Ralph M. - 30 - West Hempstead, NY - Dec WTC
258. Lillo, Carlos R. - 37 - Babylon, NY - Dec E/R
259. Lilore, Craig Damian - 30 - Lyndhurst, NJ - Dec WTC
260. Linares, Tomas Gallegos - - Queretaro, Mexico - Msg WTC
261. Lipari, Diane Theresa - 42 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
262. Lira, Kenneth P. - 28 - Paterson , NJ - Msg WTC
263. Liriano, Francisco Alberto - 33 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
264. Lisi, Lorraine - 44 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
265. Litto, Vincent M. - 52 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
266. Livera, Joseph - 67 - Unknown - Dec WTC
267. Lizcano, Harold - 31 - East Elmhurst, NY - Dec WTC
268. Lostrangio, Joseph - 48 - Langhorne, PA - Dec WTC
269. Lovero, Joseph - 60 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
270. Lucania, Charles Peter - 34 - East Atlantic Beach, NY - Dec WTC
271. Lugano, Sean Thomas - 28 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
272. Lugo, Daniel - 45 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
273. Luparello, Anthony - 62 - Corona, NY - Dec WTC
274. Luzzicone, Linda - 33 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
275. Maffeo, Jennieann - 40 - Bensonhurst, NY - Dec WTC
276. Maffeo, Joseph - 30 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
277. Maggitti, Joseph - 47 - Abington, MD - Dec WTC
278. Maio, Joseph - 32 - Roslyn Harbor, NY - Dec WTC
279. Maldonado, Debora I. - 47 - South Ozone Park, NY - Dec WTC
280. Maldonado-Agosto, Myrna T. - 49 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
281. Mancini, Francisco - 26 - Astoria, NY - Dec WTC
282. Mangano, Joseph - 53 - Jackson, NJ - Dec WTC
283. Mannetta, Debra M. - 31 - Islip, NY - Dec WTC
284. Marchese, Laura A. Giglio - 35 - Oceanside, NY - Dec WTC
285. Margiotta, Charles Joseph - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
286. Mariani, Louis Neil - 59 - Derry, NH - Un 175
287. Marino, Kenneth Joseph - 40 - Monroe, NY - Dec E/R
288. Marino, Lester Vincent - 57 - Massapequa, NY - Dec WTC
289. Marino, Vita - 49 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
290. Marlo, Kevin D. - 28 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
291. Marrero, Jose J. - 32 - Old Bridge, NJ - Dec WTC
292. Martello, James - 41 - Rumson, NJ - Dec WTC
293. Marti, Michael A. - 26 - Glendale, NY - Dec WTC
294. Martini, Paul Richard - 37 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec E/R
295. Mascali, Joseph A. - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
296. Masi, Stephen F. - 55 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
297. Massa, Nicholas "Nick" - 65 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
298. Massari, Patricia Ann - 25 - Glendale, NY - Dec WTC
299. Massaroli, Michael - 38 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
300. Mastrandrea, Philip W. - 42 - Chatham, NJ - Dec WTC
301. Mastrocinque, Rudolph - 43 - Kings Park, NY - Dec WTC
302. Mattricciano, Marcello - 31 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
303. Matuza, Walter - 39 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
304. Mauro, Charles A. - 65 - Eltingville, NY - Dec WTC
305. Mauro, Charles J. - 38 - Eltingville, NY - Dec WTC
306. Mauro, Dorothy - 55 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
307. Mauro, Nancy T. - 51 - Forest Hills, NY - Dec WTC
308. Mazza-Delosh, Kathy Nancy - 46 - Farmingdale, NY - Dec E/R
309. Mazzella Jr., Edward - 62 - Monroe, NY - Dec WTC
310. Mazzotta, Jennifer - 23 - Maspeth, NY - Dec WTC
311. Medaglia, Rocco - 49 - Melville, NY - Dec WTC
312. Medina, Abigail - 46 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
313. Medina, Ana Iris - 39 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
314. Mello, Christopher D. - 25 - Boston, MA - Am 11
315. Mena, Diarelia Jovannah - 30 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
316. Mentis, Shevonne - 25 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
317. Mercado, Steve - 38 - Bronx, NY - Dec E/R
318. Mercurio, Ralph Joseph - 47 - Rockville Centre, NY - Dec WTC
319. Merino, George C. - 39 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
320. Merino, Yamel - 24 - Yonkers, NY - Dec E/R
321. Micciulli, William Edward - 30 - Matawan, NJ - Dec WTC
322. Milano, Peter Teague - 43 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
323. Minara, Robert - 54 - Carmel, NY - Dec E/R
324. Minardi, William G. - 46 - Bedford, NY - Dec WTC
325. Minervino, Louis Joseph - 54 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
326. Mingione, Thomas - - West Islip, NY - Msg E/R
327. Mirpuri, Rajesh A. - 30 - Engelwood Cliffs, NJ - Dec WTC
328. Mistrulli, Joseph - 47 - Wantagh, NY - Dec WTC
329. Miuccio, Richard - 55 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
330. Moccia Sr., Frank V. - 57 - Hauppauge, NY - Dec WTC
331. Modafferi, Louis Joseph - 45 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
332. Molina, Fernando Jiminez - - Oaxaca, Mexico - Msg WTC
333. Molina, Manuel Dejesus - 31 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
334. Molinaro, Carl - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
335. Molisani Jr., Justin J. - 42 - Middletown Township, NJ - Dec WTC
336. Montanaro, Kristen - 34 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
337. Montano, Craig D. - 38 - Glen Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
338. Montesi, Michael G. - 39 - Highland Mills, NY - Dec E/R
339. Morabito, Laura Lee - 34 - Framingham, MA - Am 11
340. Morello, Steven P. - 52 - Bayonne, NJ - Dec WTC
341. Morello, Vincent S. - 34 - Middle Village, NY - Dec E/R
342. Moreno, Arturo Alva - - Mexico City, Mexico - Msg WTC
343. Moreno, Yvette Nicole - 25 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
344. Morrone, Ferdinand V. - 63 - Lakewood, NJ - Dec E/R
345. Motroni Sr., Marco - 57 - Fort Lee, NJ - Dec WTC
346. Mozzillo, Christopher - 27 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
347. Murillo, Cesar Augusto - 32 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
348. Murolo, Marc A. - 28 - Maywood, NJ - Dec WTC
349. Napolitano, John - 33 - Ronkonkoma, NY - Dec E/R
350. Nardella, Catherine - 40 - Bloomfield, NJ - Dec WTC
351. Nardone, Mario - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
352. Navarro, Karen S. - 30 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
353. Nazario, Francis - 28 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
354. Nichilo, Jody Tepedino - 39 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
355. Nicosia, Kathleen Ann - 54 - Winthrop, MA - Am 11
356. Notaro, Daniela R. - 25 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
357. Oliva, Linda Mary - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
358. Orsini, Ronald - 59 - Hillsdale, NJ - Dec WTC
359. Osorio-Oliva, Elsy Carolina - 27 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
360. Palazzo, Jeffrey Matthew - 33 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
361. Palazzo, Thomas Anthony - 44 - Armonk, NY - Dec WTC
362. Palazzolo, Richard - 39 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
363. Palombo, Frank A. - 46 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec E/R
364. Palumbo, Alan - 42 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
365. Pandolfo, Dominique Lisa - 27 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
366. Pansini, Paul J. - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
367. Paolillo, John M. - 51 - Glen Head, NY - Dec E/R
368. Papa, Edward Joseph - 47 - Oyster Bay, NY - Dec WTC
369. Papasso, Salvatore - 34 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
370. Pappalardo, Marie - 53 - Paramount, CA - Un 175
371. Parro, Robert - 35 - Levittown, NY - Dec E/R
372. Passananti, Horace Robert - 55 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
373. Passaro, Suzanne H. - 38 - East Brunswick, NJ - Dec WTC
374. Pastrana, Victor Antonio Martinez - - Tlachichuca, Puebla, Mexico - Msg WTC
375. Patrocino, Manuel - 34 - Unknown - Dec WTC
376. Pecorelli, Thomas Nicholas - 31 - Topanga, CA - Am 11
377. Pedicini, Thomas E. - 30 - Hicksville, NY - Dec WTC
378. Pelino, Todd D. - 34 - Fair Haven, NJ - Dec WTC
379. Peluso, Anthony - 46 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
380. Peralta, Carl Allen - 37 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
381. Percoco, Marie Vola - 37 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
382. Perconti, Jon Anthony - 32 - Brick, NJ - Dec WTC
383. Perroncino, Joseph John - 33 - Smithtown, NY - Dec WTC
384. Perrotta, Edward Joseph - 43 - Mount Sinai, NY - Dec WTC
385. Pesce, Danny - 34 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
386. Petrocelli, Mark - 29 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
387. Petti, Philip Scott - 43 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
388. Pezzulo, Dominick A. - 36 - Bronx, NY - Dec E/R
389. Pezzuti, Kaleen E. - 28 - Fair Haven, NJ - Dec WTC
390. Piantieri, Eugenia - 55 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
391. Picarro, Ludwig J. - 44 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
392. Picerno, Matthew - 44 - Holmdel, NJ - Dec WTC
393. Pietronico, Bernard T. - 39 - Matawan, NJ - Dec WTC
394. Pietrunti, Nicholas P. - 38 - Belford, NJ - Dec WTC
395. Pinto, Susan Elizabeth Ancona - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
396. Plumitallo, Joseph - 45 - Manalapan, NJ - Dec WTC
397. Pollicino, Steve - 48 - Plainview, NY - Dec WTC
398. Pollio, Susan M. - 45 - Long Beach Township, NJ - Dec WTC
399. Portillo, Anthony - 48 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
400. Potorti, James Edward - 52 - Plainsboro, NJ - Dec WTC
401. Preziose, Gregory M. - 34 - Holmdel, NJ - Dec WTC
402. Princiotta, Vincent - 39 - Orangeburg, NY - Dec E/R
403. Pugliese, Robert D. - 47 - East Fishkill, NY - Dec WTC
404. Puopolo, Sonia Morales - 58 - Dover, MA - Am 11
405. Racaniello, Christopher Peter A. - 30 - Little Neck, NY - Dec WTC
406. Ragaglia, Leonard - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
407. Raggio, Eugene J. - 55 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
408. Ragonese-Snik, Laura Marie - 41 - Bangor, PA - Dec WTC
409. Ragusa, Michael - - Unknown - Msg E/R
410. Raimondi, Peter F. - 46 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
411. Rauzi, Gerard - 42 - Flushing, NY - Dec WTC
412. Reda, Gregory - 33 - New Hyde Park, NY - Dec WTC
413. Reina, Joseph - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
414. Renda, Karen C. - 52 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
415. Reo, John Armand - 28 - Larchmont, NY - Dec WTC
416. Rescorla, Richard C. - 62 - Morristown, NJ - Dec WTC
417. Resta, John Thomas - 40 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
418. Resta, Sylvia San Pio - 27 - Bayside, NY - Dec WTC
419. Riccardelli, Francis Saverio - 40 - Westwood, NJ - Dec WTC
420. Riccio, Rudolph N. - 50 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
421. Riccoboni, AnnMarie Davi - 58 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
422. Rigo, John M. - 48 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
423. Rimmele III, Frederick Charles - 32 - Marblehead, MA - Un 175
424. Risco, Theresa "Ginger" - 48 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
425. Riso, Rose Mary - 55 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
426. Rivelli Jr., Joseph - 43 - Manhattan, NY - Dec E/R
427. Riverso, Joseph R. - 34 - White Plains, NY - Dec WTC
428. Rizza, Paul V. - 34 - Park Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
429. Rizzo, John Frank - 50 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
430. Roberto, Joseph - 37 - Midland Park, NJ - Dec WTC
431. Roma, Keith - 27 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
432. Romagnolo, Joseph M. - 37 - Coram, NY - Dec WTC
433. Romero Sr., Efrain Franco - 57 - Hazleton, PA - Dec WTC
434. Romero, Elvin Santiago - 34 - Matawan, NJ - Dec WTC
435. Romito, James A. - 51 - Westwood, NJ - Dec E/R
436. Rosario, Aida - 42 - Jersey City, NJ - Dec WTC
437. Rosario, Angela - 27 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
438. Rossetti, Daniel - 32 - Bloomfield, NJ - Dec WTC
439. Rossomando, Nicholas - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
440. Rubino, Joanne - 45 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
441. Ruggiere, Bart Joseph - 32 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
442. Ruggiero, Susan Ann - 30 - Plainview, NY - Dec WTC
443. Sabella, Thomas E. - 44 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
444. Sacerdote, Joseph F. - 48 - Freehold, NJ - Dec WTC
445. Salamone, John Patrick - 37 - North Caldwell, NJ - Dec WTC
446. Salamone, Marjorie C. - 53 - Springfield, VA - Dec Ptn
447. Salcedo, Esmerlin Antonio - 36 - Bronx, NY - Dec WTC
448. Salerno, John Salvatore - 31 - Westfield, NJ - Dec WTC
449. Salinardi, Richard L. - 32 - Hoboken, NJ - Dec WTC
450. Salvaterra, Frank G. - 41 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
451. Salvio, Paul - 27 - Midwood, NY - Dec WTC
452. Salvo, Samuel R. - 59 - Yonkers, NY - Dec WTC
453. Sammartino, John - 37 - Annadale, VA - Am 77
454. Santo, Susan G. - 24 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
455. Santora, Christopher - 23 - New York, NY - Dec E/R
456. Santore, John - 49 - Staten Island, NY - Dec E/R
457. Santoro, Mario L. - 28 - Manhattan, NY - Dec E/R
458. Santos, Dominick - 36 - Bronx, NY - Dec E/R
459. Santos, Rufino Condrado F. "Roy" - 37 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
460. Saracini, Victor J. - 51 - Lower Makefield Township, PA - Un 175
461. Sattaluri, Deepika Kumar - 33 - Edison, NJ - Dec WTC
462. Sbarbaro, John - 45 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
463. Scandole, Robert Louis "Rob" - 36 - Pelham Manor, NY - Dec WTC
464. Scarpitta, Michelle - 26 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
465. Scauso, Dennis - 46 - Dix Hills, NY - Dec E/R
466. Scibetta, Adrianne - 31 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
467. Scorca, Raphael - 61 - Beachwood, NJ - Dec WTC
468. Sellitto, Matthew Carmen - 23 - Morristown, NJ - Dec WTC
469. Sereno, Arturo Angelo - 29 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
470. Serrano, Frankie - 23 - Elizabeth, NJ - Dec WTC
471. Serva, Marion - 47 - Stafford, VA - Dec Ptn
472. Sesinova, Alena - 57 - Brooklyn Heights, NY - Dec WTC
473. Sessa, Adele - 36 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
474. Sezna Jr., Davis G. "Deeg" - 22 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
475. Siracuse, Peter A. - 29 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
476. Skala, John P. - 31 - Clifton, NJ - Dec E/R
477. Smagala Jr., Stanley S. - 36 - Holbrook, NY - Dec E/R
478. Sorresse, Michael C. - 34 - Morris Plains, NJ - Dec WTC
479. Soto, Fabian - 31 - Harrison, NJ - Dec WTC
480. Spagnoletti, Gregory T. - 32 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
481. Spampinato, Donald - 39 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
482. Sparacio, Thomas - 35 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
483. Spataro, John Anthony - 32 - Mineola, NY - Dec WTC
484. Sperando, Mary Rubina - 39 - Queens, NY - Dec WTC
485. Spinelli, Frank J. - 44 - Short Hills, NJ - Dec WTC
486. Starita, Anthony M. - 35 - Westfield, NJ - Dec WTC
487. Strada, Thomas S. - 41 - Chatham, NJ - Dec WTC
488. Suozzo, James Joseph - 47 - Hauppauge, NY - Dec WTC
489. Taddei, Norma C. - 64 - Woodside, NY - Dec WTC
490. Taddonio, Michael - 39 - Huntington, NY - Dec WTC
491. Talignani, John - 74 - New York, NY - Un 93
492. Tamuccio, Michael Andrew - 37 - Pelham Manor, NY - Dec WTC
493. Taormina, Dennis Gerard - 36 - Montville, NJ - Dec WTC
494. Tarantino, Kenneth Joseph - 39 - Bayonne, NJ - Dec WTC
495. Tartaro, Ronald - 38 - Bridgewater, NJ - Dec WTC
496. Tempesta, Anthony - 38 - Elizabeth, NJ - Dec WTC
497. Terrenzi, Brian John - 28 - Hicksville, NY - Dec WTC
498. Tieri Jr., Sal Edward - 40 - Shrewsbury, NJ - Dec WTC
499. Tieste, William Randolph - 54 - Basking Ridge, NJ - Dec WTC
500. Tino, Jennifer Marie - 29 - West Caldwell, NJ - Dec WTC
501. Tipaldi, Robert Frank - 25 - Dyker Heights, NY - Dec WTC
502. Tirado Jr., Hector Luis - 30 - Bronx, NY - Dec E/R
503. Tirado, David Lawrence - 26 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
504. Titolo, Michelle - 34 - Copiague, NY - Dec WTC
505. Todisco, Richard J. - 61 - Wyckoff, NJ - Dec WTC
506. Traina, Christopher M. - 25 - Brick, NJ - Dec WTC
507. Traore, Abdoul Karim - 41 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
508. Trentini, James Anthony - 65 - Everett, MA - Am 11
509. Trentini, Mary - 67 - Everett, MA - Am 11
510. Trerotola, Lisa L. - 36 - Hazlet, NJ - Dec WTC
511. Trerra, Karamo - 40 - Manhattan, NY - Dec WTC
512. Trombino, Francis Joseph - 68 - Clifton, NJ - Dec WTC
513. Tuzio, Donald Joseph - 51 - Goshen, NY - Dec WTC
514. Uliano, Michael A. - 42 - Aberdeen, NJ - Dec WTC
515. Vaccacio, John Damien - 30 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
516. Valvo II, Carlton Francis - 38 - New York, NY - Dec WTC
517. Varacchi, Frederick T. - 35 - Greenwich, CT - Dec WTC
518. Velamuri, Sankara - 63 - Avenel, NJ - Dec WTC
519. Ventura, Anthony M. - 41 - Middletown, NJ - Dec WTC
520. Vera, David - 41 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
521. Vero, Loretta A. - 51 - Nanuet, NY - Dec WTC
522. Vialonga, Christopher - 30 - Demarest, NJ - Dec WTC
523. Vianna, Matthew Gilbert - 23 - Manhasset, NY - Dec WTC
524. Vicario, Robert A. - 40 - Weehawken, NJ - Dec WTC
525. Vigiano II, John T. - 36 - West Islip, NY - Dec E/R
526. Vigiano, Joseph Vincent - 34 - Medford, NY - Dec E/R
527. Vignola Jr., Frank J. - 44 - Merrick, NY - Dec WTC
528. Vilardo, Joseph B. - 44 - Stanhope, NJ - Dec WTC
529. Villanueva, Sergio - 33 - Jackson Heights, NY - Msg E/R
530. Vincelli, Chantal - 38 - Harlem, NY - Dec WTC
531. Virgilio, Francine A. - 48 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
532. Virgilio, Lawrence - 38 - Unknown - Dec E/R
533. Visciano, Joseph G. - 22 - Staten Island, NY - Dec WTC
534. Vitale, Joshua S. - 28 - Great Neck, NY - Dec WTC
535. Zaccoli, Joseph - 39 - Valley Stream, NY - Dec WTC
536. Zambrana Jr., Edwin J. - 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Dec WTC
537. Zampieri, Robert Alan "Robbie" - 30 - Saddle River, NJ - Dec WTC
538. Zangrilli, Mark - 36 - Pompton Plains, NJ - Dec WTC
539. Zarba, Christopher Rudoph - 47 - Hopkinton, MA - Am 11
540. Zedillo, Aurelio - - Mexico - Msg WTC
541. Zinzi, Michael Joseph - 37 - Newfoundland, NJ - Dec WTC
542. Zisa, Salvatore J. - 45 - Hawthorne, NJ - Dec WTC
543. 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

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.

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 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

His name doesn’t sound Irish when you read it in the Spanish naval documents, but Guillermo Herries (a Portuguese translation of his name) was really William Harris of Galway. It’s no surprise that Irish children never heard of “Guillermo” even though he was a member of Columbus’ First Voyage with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria…

As historians have theorized based on their evidence, William Harris first met Columbus at St Nicholas’ Church in Galway in 1477. Some say he discussed strange, unknown plant seeds and other objects washing up along the shoreline in Ireland possibly from some far off land, while others think Harris boasted to Columbus that he had actually sailed to those lands to the west. Columbus was also emboldened by stories he heard of the 6th century monk, St. Brendan and his voyage to the New World.

It’s not too difficult to believe that Harris might have reached America before 1492, since it’s been proven that Leif Erickson had also been there hundreds of years earlier in a failed attempt at setting up a colony in the northern regions.

“Guillermo Herries” is one of 38 people listed as being left by Columbus in Haiti to form
the first European settlement in the New World. In the end, after a short time, the native population slaughtered them all.

Still, we must honor both the Italians, Portuguese and even the Irishman that took part in opening up the New World to European culture…
 
Happy Saint Patrick's Day a tutti!

--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.

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.

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 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:

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.

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

By Gianni Pezzano

The decision to migrate is never easy but, no matter how hard the decision, at the moment of departure we never understand the true price paid by those who leave a country for a new life. It will then be the cruelty of time that will uncover the true pain caused by long distances and the ones who feel it are not only the migrants, but also the children and descendants.

From telegrams to messages
When I woke up Saturday morning there was a message on my mobile phone that I had feared since the first day in Italy. My uncle Rocco had passed away, the last of my father’s eight brothers and sisters and with him an entire generation of the paternal side of my family ended. It will not be the last such message and they never become because less painful, in fact…

After the first moment of sadness, which has grown since then, I remembered my mother’s scream that evening fifty years ago when the telegram arrived to tell us of the death of Nonno (grandfather). The change of technology has done nothing to reduce the pain.
That was my first true experience of the migrant’s pain. Two years before my maternal grandparents had come to Australia to meet the new in-laws and above all the grandchildren that they knew only from a few brief words in the rare telephone calls and the photos sent during the long exchange of letters between my mother and Nonna (grandmother). Sadly I never met my paternal grandparents. Nonno had died before my parents’ wedding and I was too young to remember when Nonna followed a few years later.

Read the entire article HERE (in both Italian and English)...

The shameful treatment of Italian Immigrants during WWII
show America’s propensity for xenophobic hysteria
Their movements were restricted,
their homes raided;
in some cases, they were interned

an article by Laura Smith
from Timeline.com

The men in suits were at the Maiorana family’s Monterey, California, home again. Mike, the family’s young son, watched as the agents rummaged through their belongings in search of guns, cameras, and shortwave radios. And again, they found nothing. This was during World War II, and the FBI had declared Mike’s mother an “enemy alien.” The sole source of evidence for this allegation was that she was Italian.

Elsewhere in California, an Italian poet’s work was scrutinized for treachery, and a father was hauled off by the FBI, leaving his wife and ten children without a breadwinner for four months. In New York, an Italian opera singer was thrown in prison without charge and just as unceremoniously released. Hundreds of Italian mariners who had been stranded in U.S. waters by the start of the war were loaded into Army trucks and hauled to an internment camp in Missoula, Montana, where some would remain for years.

It was a distinctly American story, revealing the immigration system’s xenophobic through line. Poverty-stricken immigrants who were hated one day were approved of the next, only to be replaced by another allegedly dangerous immigrant group, all under the guise of national security. As beloved as Italian cuisine, sports cars, and fashion are on our shores today, things were different during the first half of the 20th century, especially during WWII....

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...

Names can tell a lot when researching our Italian roots. But there are some names which tell a sadder tale back several generations or so. Orphans and foundlings in Italy were given special names. This list includes the most common surnames used.

Some means of names are pretty obvious: Bastardo... for bastard. Della Femina for From a Woman. Dell'Amore means From Love. All are a testament to those who came before and the trials they must have gone through to get through troubled times of war or poverty or disgrace. Many suffered through the horrors of war or famine. Anyone bearing these Italian surnames should be proud of what their fore-bearers went through to give life to their children and their children's children.

Although these names do have a high probability of being rooted in an ancestor being orphaned, there are exceptions to this.

Amodio (Love God), Arfanetti (Orphan), Armandonada (Donated by Hand)
Bardotti (The sterile hybrid offspring of a male horse and a female donkey)
Bastardo (Bastard), Circoncisi (Circumcised)
Colombini (Little Dove), Dati (from you)
Circoncisi (Circumcised)
De Alteriis (Changling), De Angelis (From Angels)
Della Donna (From a Lady), Della Femmina (from a Female)
De Domo Magna ("Of the Ospizio" ,of the Hospital or Hospice)
Degli Esposti (Abandoned)
Della Scala (Name assigned by foundling home in Sienna)
Della Fortuna (from Luck), Della Gioia (From Joy), Della Stella (From a Star)
Della Casagrande (of the Hospital/Orphanage)
Dell 'Amore (from Love), Dell'Orfano (the Orphan)
Del Gaudio (of Grace & Goodness), Diodata (God Diven)
D'Amore (Love), D'Ignoto (from Unknown), Diotallevi (God Raised You)
Esposto, Esposito, Esposuto (Lost)
Fortuna (Luck), Ignotis (Unknown), Incerto (Uncertain) Incognito (Unknown) Innocenti, Innocentini (The Lost Ones)
Mulo (Mule), Naturale (Natural/Careless)
Nocenti, Nocentini (Little Innocent), Ospizio (Foundling Home)
Palma (when child is abandoned on Palm Sunday)
Proietti (Thrown away - also, Projetti, Projetto, assigned by an ospizio in Rome)
Ritrovato (Discovered)
Sposito (Lost), Spurio (Illegitimate)
Stellato (The Stars), Trovatello, Trovato (Foundling)
Ventura, Venturini (Angels, Little Angels)

Legislation passed in 1928 outlawed the practice of assigning orphans surnames indicating  their illegitimacy or abandonment, but surnames of some sort still had to be given to these children. These were sometimes the surnames of royal and noble families, but more often they were geographical in nature or alluded to the day, month or season of the child's birth (i.e. Sabato, Maggio, Primavera and so forth).

--Jerry Finzi

The Great War, as it is called, was a dramatic shift in the way war was waged... with the introduction of tanks, churning up the land as they mowed down anything, and anyone--in their way. Both tanks and cannons pulled on carts meant there would be shells remaining... countless numbers of them seemed to become part of the landscape of war, along with the barbed wire and trenches filled with men and vermin.

Italian soldiers were often stuck in the trenches for extended periods, and somehow, from an urge to ease the boredom or simply forget about the horror and fear, they used the jetsam of the battlefield to create
trench art.

Shell art (not the seashell type) is one of the most famous types produced in wartime. Soldiers hammered intricate designs into the casings of artillery shells. Smaller ones were decorated and carried in pockets, often made into cigarette lighters. The larger were turned into vases, bowls, ash trays, or cachepots and taken home after the war was over.

The soldiers would use whatever tools they had available, creating a range of designs, often dating and naming the battles and victories they took part in, or simply adorned with flowers to please a loved one waiting back at home.

When you look at the beautiful designs on these pieces, it's a wonder that these men crafted them while the world around them was in chaos.

--Jerry Finzi