Isabella Civitano and Michele Sollecito

Isabella Civitano was the daughter of Francesco Civitano (1834-1879) and Giuditta Maria Sportelli (1839-1908)

She was born 21 July 1865, Grumo Appula, Italy. Isabella was my great grandaunt. She was the sister of my great grandfather Vincenzo and his brother Vito Luigi Civitano. Both Vincenzo and Vito Luigi immigrated and began our our Civitano families here in New York. Isabella however, remained in Grumo Appula.

Isabella’s Birth Certificate

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I have written briefly about Isabella before. I have had no luck in locating information on or connecting with any family members of her branch. It is my hope in keeping her current I may be able to discover more about her from readers.

Isabella married Michele Sollecito on 31 January 1891 in Grumo Appula, Italy.

Marriage Certificate for Isabella and Michelle

Michelle Sollecito was born 11 March, 1864 in Grumo Appula. He was the son of Leonardo Sollecito (1836 -18730 and Francesca Filomena Capozzolo (1840 – 1916)

Birth Certificate of Michele

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Backtracking just a bit, Isabella’s father Francesco had been convicted of robbing a stage coach and assault on August 30, 1873. He was 39 years old at the time. He was sentenced to 18 years of forced labor at the Bagno Penal Facility in Civitavecchia. He would only serve 6 years, passing away at age 45, in prison.

Isabella was only 8 years old when her father was convicted. Mother Giuditta was left with her daughter and her two sons, Vito Luigi (13) and Vincenzo (5) to raise. A great deal of responsibility must have been placed on Vito Luigi being the oldest child.

When Isabella married Michele in 1891, brother Vito Luigi was already married (1882) to Angelina Marvulli and brother Vincenzo was still single and would not marry Nicoletta Marvulli until 1900.

Isabella and Michele’s first son was Leonardo Sollecito born 25 Feb., 1893. He too remained in Grumo Appula, passing away on 5 March 1954, Grumo.

Their next three children, all named Francesco did not live to adulthood, all passing within a 2 years of being born.

A daughter Francesca was born on May 15, 1902. I have no other information on her. She was followed by Giuditta born 25 Feb. 1905. She would live for 15 years before passing away on March 6, 1920.

Isabella and Michele last child was Donata born on November 14, 1908. She went on to marry Pasquale D’Erasmo. Pasquale was the son of Vito D’Erasmo and Rosa Burdi. It appears they made their home in Grumo where Donata died on 26 July, 1973. I have no other information on Pasquale.

Brother Vincenzo was the first to immigrate to New York, arriving on June 19, 1903, Vito Luigi followed on May 8, 1907.

Their mother, Giuditta passed away on February 21, 1908 leaving Isabella, her only child in Grumo Appula to bury her. Actually she was not alone her sister in law, Vito Luigi’s wife, Angelina, was still there. She would not join her husband until 1910. Vincenzo’s wife Nicoletta (Angelina’s sister) was already in New York, having traveled in 1906 to join him.

While the details of Isabella and Michele Sollecito and family remain limited I am hopeful more information will eventually surface.

Cousins: Robert G. Caso and Guy T. Caso

On May 23, 2020 I wrote about Robert G. Caso my 2nd cousin 1 X removed. You can access that post at the link below. I never knew Robert, but in researching him I learned I’ve lived within 150 miles of him for the past 20 years. Robert, known as Bob was born in 1924, New York and passed away in 2018 in Port Angeles, WA.

https://wordpress.com/post/civitanofamilyblog.wordpress.com/5685

I have also highlighted Gaetano (Guy) T. in a number of postings over this past year. (also a 2 C 1X R) He was born in 1923, New York and also passed away in 2018 in New Jersey.

Robert and Guy share their grandparents, Gaetano Caso (1864) married to Rita Marvulli (1862). Gaetano and Rita had sons Michele (Michael) Caso (1892) and Domenico (Dominick) Caso (1900). Both born in Grumo Appula, Italy. Dominick arrived in September of 1905 at 5 years old. He was traveling with his mother Rita Caso, under her maiden name of Marvulli, along with his sister Domenica. Michael arrived three years later in November 1908 (Boston arrival) at the age of 16.

Michael married Rosa DiGirolamo and had son Gaetano T. Caso and Dominick married Rose Haughey and had son Robert G. Caso.

Below is a photo of these two 1st cousins together.

Courtesy of Linda Caso-Conte, daughter of Guy T. Caso

While working on this posting I was reminded of another photo I was gifted. Below are the cousins once again together. Lt to Rt : Robert, his brother Arthur Caso and Guy Caso.

Courtesy of Guy Caso, son of Guy Caso

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Guy T Caso and Elizabeth Panacciulli

It was March of 2020 that I wrote a number of posts highlighting the family of Michael Caso and his wife Rosa DiGirolamo. Michael was the son of Rita Marvulli (sister of my great grandmother Nicoletta Marvulli) and her husband Gaetano Caso. Gaetano and Rita immigrated from Grumo Appula, Italy with their three children (all born in Grumo) to begin their new lives here.

Michael and Rosa’s children were, Rita, Guy T. (Gaetano) and Vita. In this posting I am highlighting Guy T. (Gaetano) with a few photo’s shared with me courtesy of his son. Below are engagement party highlights of Guy T. and Elizabeth Panacciulli. They applied for their wedding license on 23 Aug, 1947 and were married on the 14th of September.

1947 – Standing left-right: Michael Caso, Antonio Panacciulli Seated left-right: Rosa (DiGirolamo), Guy T. Caso, Elizabeth Panacciulli, Antoinette (Albanese) Panacciulli, Angelo D’Attoma and a hint of Giuseppe Marvulli

left-right: Mary Lingo, Lena Mancini, Elizabeth, Guy T., Giuseppe Marvulli

I am adding three additional photo’s to the original posting that Guy sent to me. These are unlabeled photo’s although a few people are recognizable. I love seeing everyone celebrating and enjoying.

Standing center: Joseph Panacciulli arm around Antoinette, Pauline directly in front of Jospeh is his wife, to Paulines left is Nicoli Panacciulli, his wife, Antoinette is to Paulines right. Next to Nicoli, Gennaro Panacciulli (another brother) and an adorable Gennaro Panacciulli son of Joseph and Pauline. (ID courtesy Louis Panacciulli)

28th Street, Long Island City home of Michael Caso where the reception took place

Guy T. Caso and Elizabeth (Panacciulli) Caso

Photo Courtesy of the Guy Caso Family

Coney Island Beauties – 1943

In my last posting I shared my recent cousin connection with Joseph Eckhardt and some of his wonderful family photos. That posting opened up a dialog and communication between us which later included another cousin, Guy Caso, which led to their connection. Guy has graciously shared some of his family favorites before. He is at it again and a big thank you for these two additional photo’s.

Coney Island, July 18th 1943

Left to Right: Rita Caso, Elizabeth Panacciulli, Antoinette D’Attoma Bellini , Antoinette D’Attoma Piacenza, Lena LNU

Rita Caso was born in 1922 and was the daughter of Michael Caso and Rosa DiGirolamo. Rita married Anthony Fraticelli on 18 Dec., 1943. Our shared common ancestor was Domenico Marvulli and Rosa DiArmiento, my 2x great grandparents.

Elizabeth Panacciulli was born in 1927 and was the daughter of Antonio Panacciulli and Antonia Albanese. Elizabeth married Gaetano (Guy) Caso, brother of Rita, on 23 Aug., 1947.

Antoinette D’Attoma was born in 1928. She was the daughter of Angelo D’Attoma and Vera (Vita) Marvulli. Antoinette married Andrew Bellini on 31 Mar., 1948. The 2nd Antoinette D’Attoma was born in 1927. She was the daughter of John D’Attoma and Rosa Marvulli. Antoinette married Sabino Piacenza. Vera and Rosa Marvulli, sisters, married brothers John and Angelo D’Attoma. My shared ancestors with the Antoinettes is also Domenico Marvulli and Rosa DiArmineto.

Lena (last name unknown) is not related but a friend.

Coney Island July 18, 1943

Back left to right: Lena, Rita Caso, front: Antoinette D’Attoma Piacenza, Antoinette D’Attoma Bellini, Elizabeth Panacciulli

Caso ~ Locorriere New Cousin Connection and Photos

This past week I had the welcomed surprise of an email from a distant cousin who had found the blog and contacted me. He shared briefly that he was the great grandson of Rita Edith Marvulli and her husband Gaetano Caso and would love to share some photo’s with me. The cousin who contacted me was Joseph and he is my 3rd cousin. He is the son of Gloria Caso, daughter of Domenica Margharita Caso. Domenica was the daughter of Rita Marvulli, who was the sister of my great grandmother Nicoletta Marvulli. A sincere thank you to Joseph Eckhardt for reaching out and graciously sharing some of his family photo’s. The first one I wanted to share was this lovely wedding photo of Domenica to Vincenzo Locorriere.

Domenica Margharita (Margaret) Caso & Vincenzo Locorriere December 1922, N.Y.

Curtesy of the Joseph Eckhardt Family

Domenica Margharita known as Margaret was born 11 April, 1903 in Grumo Appula, Bari, Italy. She was the daughter of Rita Edith Marvulli and Gaetano Caso. Joseph and I share our 2x great grandparents Domenico Marvulli and Rosa DiArmiento parents of Rita Edith. Vincenzo Locorriere was born on June 1, 1890, also in Grumo Appula and was the son of Leonardo Locorriere and Laura Antonelli, both of Grumo Appula.

Birth Certificate Domenica (Margaret) Caso – Via San Lorenzo 81 – 6pm

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Birth Certificate Vincenzo Locorriere – Piscina la Terra 3 – 12pm

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Margaret, under the name of Domenica arrived on Sept. 11, 1905 aboard the S.S. Manuel Calvo. She was traveling with her mother Rita and older brother Domenico (b. 1900). They were traveling to their father Gaetano Caso at 112 Stone Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.. I was unable to locate a passenger record for Vincenzo. The 1930 census listed his immigration year as 1908 and showed alien status. I was also unable to locate a 1910 or 1920 census. Jumping ahead to the 1940 census it showed under citizenship he had naturalized. Using that information I was still unable to locate any record for this with ancestry but checking familysearch.com I was able to find his Petition For Naturalize. In order, the earliest record I found was for him was the 1917 WWI Draft Registration (ancestry.com) and then the Petition For Naturlization.

His Petition For Naturalization 1919 while in the service, Fort Dix, New Jersey (familysearch.com)

If you noticed on his WWI draft registration his occupation was listed as Ice Business. Joseph also shared this photo of his grandfather Vincenzo in front of his Ice Delivery Truck

Photo curtesy of Joseph Eckhardt Family

Locorriere and Civitano Ice & Coal Delivery Trucks ~ A true family affair

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Two years after marring, Margaret and Vincent welcomed daughter Laura (1924) Rita (1926) and Mary (1927) followed by their first son Leonard (1929). They were renting at 38 Wales Ave.. Jersey City, N.J.. I noticed that under occupation it said disabled – veteran and not working. He had been employed in the ice delivery business prior to serving in WWI. I was unable to locate any record pertaining to his injury using ancestry and fold3. Below from google, a photo of the home in 1930.

Between 1930 and 1940, three more children were added to the family of Vincent and Margaret. Gaetano (1930), Helen (1933) and Gloria (1940). As reported on the 1940 census by 1935 the family had moved to 151 Grand Ave., North Bergan, New Jersey. Vincent now listed his employment as ice and coal delivery. He reported work for 52 weeks.

Sitting in back yard of the summer bungalow that his (Joseph) grandfather Vincent built in Brick, New Jersey is his great grandparents Rita (Marvulli) and Gaetano Caso and grandparents Vincent and Margaret.

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  Rita and Gaetano Caso

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  Margaret (Caso) and Vincent Locorriere

Photo’s curtesy of Joseph Eckhardt Family

Another wonderful photo, this one of Margaret and Vincent with all 7 of their children. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary ~ 1972

Sadly, Vincent passed away a year later on July 31, 1973. Margaret lived until August of 1982. The are both laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, New Jersey.

In Memory of Frank Civitano Nov. 8, 1907 – Nov. 23, 1982

Francesco (Frank) Civitano

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.

1929

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.

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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

Three Civitano Photo’s Just Found

I have a few wonderful family photo’s to share. In my last posting there was a photo of my father Vincent with his God-father Thomas DeVito at his confirmation. You can see the post here Thomas (Gaetano) DeVito and FamilySeptember 25, 2020

While going through photo’s to find the confirmation picture, my brother Frank found a few more that he shared with me that I had not seen before.

In this photo below is my grandfather Frank Civitano with his cousin Vincent (James) Civitano with one of his daughters.

Frank Civitano with his cousin Vincent (James) Civitano and Vincents daughter

Vincent was the son of Louis Civitano and Angelina Marvulli. Vincent born in 1897, Grumo Appula, Italy immigrated in 1910 at the age of 13. He was traveling with his 10 year old brother Giuseppe aboard the SS America. They were the last of their family to leave Italy, traveling to their father on the immigration record. Written under ‘family or relative in country in which they came’ was recorded “nobody”. Vincent went on to marry Anna Plavcson on June 29, 1919. Vincent and Anna had 5 children, 3 boys, Louis (1921), Thomas (1930) and Frank Thomas (1934) and 2 girls, Angelina (1923) and Julia (1926). Checking with my uncle on this photo, he is not sure which daughter this is. I am guessing this photo was from the mid to late 40’s.

Frank Civitano and John Robert or Dominic John Civitano 🙂

This must be one of the first photo bombed pictures I have seen. Notice the man looking in on them. The woman appears to be a advertisement. In this photo my grandfather Frank is enjoying and afternoon ride with his cousin John Robert or Dominic John Civitano. They are the son’s of Frank Civitano and his wife Rosa DiArmiento. Frank and Rosina were the parents of 7 children, 3 boys and 4 girls. All were born here in the states. Angelina (19109), Mary (1911), Helen (1914) and Julia (1929) and Louis John (1912), Dominic John (1920) and John Robert (1922) My uncle could not be sure in identifying which son this was. I am leaning on this being Dominic but would love to have a family member chime in on this. Dominic married Anna Rose Servidio March 14, 1943 and they went on to have 4 children. John married Frances Kaiserman 1953 and had 3 sons. Whether Dominic or John – I love seeing them out having fun.

This last picture is of my grandfather Frank holding (who my uncle believes) is the daughter of father Anthony (Tony) Langellotti, Franks brother-in-law. Tony married Marie Visaggi on Dec 11, 1940. They had 2 daughters.

Frank Civitano with Anthony (Tony) Langellotti

Giuseppe, Lucia and baby Rose Marvulli

Back on May 13th of this year I posted the picture below of Giuseppe (Joseph) Marvulli and his beautiful wife Lucia and baby girl Rose. In the posting Rose was only partially visible but thank you to my cousin Toni for getting the full photo to me courtesy of Vita Andreoli nee Caso.

Photo very late 1904 early 1905

Look at Rose so tiny and sitting so princess like, almost floating it seems in air. I can see just a faint making of a board that must be suspended across the arms of the chair, and you can make out a strap across her chest and a hunt of the buckle.

Giuseppe/Joseph is my 2x great Uncle – brother to my great grandmother Nicoletta Marvulli.

Written on the May 13th

I can not get over the gentleness in the face of Lucia and just how beautiful she truly was. Sadly, as I have written before, Lucia passed away on the 11 June 1908, in Grumo Appula, Italy, just three years after the birth of Vera.

In this photo, Lucia is pregnant with 2nd daughter Vera/Vita. Vera was born in 1905. 

The story that was shared with me was that after Lucia died Giuseppe was forced to put Rose into an orphanage as he was not able to care for both children. Lucia’s mother, Vita DiGirolamo nee Serveddio actually wet nursed her grand baby. After some time, Giuseppe, in a better position, had Rose return home.

A very big thank you to Vita Andreoli for sharing her memories and this photo with me to share with you 🙂

I posted the photo on the FB page of Random Acts of Photo Restoration and this wonderful restoration of the photo was done by Jeff Lentz. I think he did a great job in removing some of the shadowing and gave it a nice crisp look.

 

 

Wordless Wednesday: Michele Caso & Ship in a Bottle

 

Photo’s Courtesy of Guy Caso

 

 

 

Giuditta (Julia) Civitano ~ My Great Aunt

Julia was born today, June 18th, 1909. She was the sister to my grandfather Frank Civitano.

Today I remember and celebrate her birthday.

Both Julia and Frank were born in New York City to Vincenzo Civitano and Nicoletta Marvulli. Just 4 months after Julia was born, her father Vincenzo was murdered, stabbed in the streets of the city over what was believed a ‘ice route’ dispute.

Julia with her brother Frank 

In this photo Frank and Julia (late teens or very early 20’s) are attendants in a wedding party. If any family members knows who wedding this might have been, has a wedding photo to match Julia’s dress, we would love to hear from you.

 

Frank and Julia 

You can read more about Julia by clicking here