Today, November 23rd, marks the anniversary of my grandfathers passing. He was born on the November 8, 1907 in Manhattan and died in 1982 at the age of 75.
Frank was the son of Vincenzo and Nicoletta (Marvulli) Civitano, natives of Grumo Appula, Italy, who immigrated to start a new life in the early 1900’s. Frank was the older brother to Giuditta (Julia) born in 1909. The excitement of their new life was cut short when on the 12 of October, 1909 Vincenzo was murdered. After a trial, and the assailant was sent to prison, Nicoletta returned to Grumo with her two children. There, she remarried Nicholas Gisondi. Life was not easy and the memories of that time was not openly talked about or shared.
Frank returned to New York at the age of 15 on June 7, 1923. He was sponsored by his cherished cousin – more like an Uncle to him, Francesco (Frank) Civitano – oldest son of his father’s brother Vito Luigi Civitano. Sister Julia followed in June of 1925.
Frank got down to the business of work and building a new life in New York but it wasn’t long before he met and married Catherine (Katie) Langellotti, daughter of Giuseppe (Joseph) and Filomena (DeLellis) Langellotti.
Frank and Katie had three children. The oldest was daughter Nicoletta, then my father Vincent and younger son Joseph. They made their home in the Bronx which was often the gathering place for many family celebrations.
Frank worked hard to support and raise his family for many years in the ice delivery business and then as a fuel oil dealer and later President of a window cleaning business.
He took great pride in his home, his family and his extended family.
Frank and Katie celebrated 53 years of marriage before he lost his life in a tragic accident. Below celebrating 50 years of marriage they were joined by their beloved family and friends.
Frank was laid to rest at Ferncliff Cemetery, Shrine of Memories Mausoleum, Hartsdale, Westchester County, New York
Branches On Our Civitano Family Tree 