This memorial day, remembering Peter Marvilli, son of Giovanni (John) Marvilli and Maria Fazio. Peter was born on the 7th of June, 1923 and lost his life in the line of duty on the 28th of May, 1944.
In Memory of Peter Marvilli 1923 – 1944
World War II
Memorial Day Remembrance: Peter Marvulli/Marvilli and Joseph Civitano
I have been working for some time on compiling a book of records on the military service for the men and woman in our extended Civitano family. I am far from completing this task.
With Memorial Day 2021 here I wanted to take a moment to reflect and remember the sacrifice and great service to our country by these two men.
Peter Marvilli
7 June 1923 ~ 28 May 1944
PVT US ARMY WORLD WAR II
Died In Action
Co. I 6th Armored Infantry 1st Armored Division
Peter was laid to rest at Cypress Hills National Cemetery 10 August 1948, Brooklyn, New York
Peter was the son of John (Giovanni) Marvilli/Marvulli and Maria Fazio. Peter was brother to Thomas, and 1/2 brother to Dominick, Rocco, Rosa and Joseph.
Joseph Civitano
7 August 1922 ~ 8 December 1944
PVT US ARMY WORLD WAR II
Died In Action
114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division
Joseph rests at Epinal American Cemetery France
Joseph was the son of Frank and Mary Civitano. He was brother to Joseph, Antonette, Moneantonette, and Leonora.
MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING
- If you are a family member reading this and you can help me in identifying any other family members we have lost in battle, I would appreciate hearing from you
Maria Forese and Michael Sinisi Family
I have written about the Forese Family before. Specifically covering the story of little Maria 2 (7 years old) who died tragically in a fire in 1919, the passing of Maria’s 2 younger sister Angelina in 1917 and the passing of their mother, Rosa (DeSantis) in 1920, as well as touching briefly on the remaining family.
This week I received an email from Dr. John Sherry. Researching his family, he discovered the blog and contacted me. I am always so thankful to hear from family and so grateful for their willingness to add to our shared family story. John and I connect through the marriage of his grandmother Maria 1(Mary) Forese and my grandfather’s sister Julia Civitano. Julia married Nicholas Forese, Mary’s brother. With Johns help and information it is time for me to revisit his family.
Michele Forese b. 21 Sept. 1873 and Rosa De Santis, b. 1 July 1876 both from Grumo Appula, Bari, Italy married on January 9, 1897, in Grumo.
They had four children born in Italy. First was daughter Maria 1 b.1898, followed by Nicola b.1900 who did not survive past infancy and died in 1900. On the 12 July 1902 son Nicholas 1 (Nicola) was born followed by another Nicholas 2 (Nicola) in 1908. (for the sake of repeating names I have added 1, 2 and 3 to make it less confusing – hopefully)
Father Michele Forese left for New York arriving on April 2nd aboard the S.S. Weimar. He was traveling to his cousin Giovanni Forese living at 240 E. 79th St. N.Y.C.. Rosa, under her maiden name, De Santis, along with her three children Maria 1 (11) under Nicola 1(Nicholas)(8) Nicola 2 (Nicolas) (2) left behind father-in-law Nicola Forese, traveling aboard the S.S. Florida to join her husband. They arrived at Ellis Island, New York on May 9, 1911.
Rosa and Michele added two more daughters to their family once she arrived. Maria 2 was born on Aug 23, 1912 followed by Angelina in 1916. (the daughters who passed away very young)
Their oldest daughter Maria 1, married Michele (Michael) Sinisi. Michael was the son of Nicola Sinisi (abt.1855) and Rosa Rella (abt.1861) both of Grumo Appula, Italy.
Maria 1 (Forese) and Michael Sinisi had 9 children.
Nicholas (Nick) b. 1918, Rose Louise b. 1919, Rose (Dolly) 1924, twins Sam and Michael b. 1925, Elizabeth (Bibit) b. 1926, Joseph b. 1928, Maria 3 b. 1931 and Anthony b. 1938
Below is the wonderful family photo of Maria and Michael Sinisi with all their children courtesy of Dr. John Sherry.
Michael Sinisi Family 1938/39
This is such a precious photo. Maria 3 (Mary) in the front row on the end is John’s mother. I love the boys in the front…so much personality.
Michael Sinisi passed away on October 14, 1951, his wife Maria 1 lived another 17 years before passing away on January 10, 1978, New Jersey. They are together at rest at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, East Orange, New Jersey
Of their nine children, three are still living together. twin Michael Jr., Elizabeth (Bibit) and Anthony. God Bless them!
Nicholas 3 (Nick) was born September 29, 1917 New York. Nicholas 3 served our country in the Army. He enlisted on June 4, 1941, Trenton, N.J.. He was married to Carmella (Mildred) Santucci in April of 1952. Nicholas passed away on February 17, 1995 in Florida. He was buried at Southern Memorial Park in N. Miami, Florida.
WWII Draft registration (ancestry.com)
Rose Louise born October 10, 1919 New Jersey. She passed away at 93 years old on Jan. 20, 2013, Brick, N.J. She had married Salvatore Strafaci.
Rose Laura (aka Dolly) was born in 1924. She went on to marry Nicholas Spano. I was able to locate their wedding announcement using newspaper.com. appearing in The Courier News 16 Jan. 1947 . page 14
If the name Spano rings a bell, it should as Spano is a familiar name in our tree. I tried briefly to see if I could locate a cousin connection for this marriage. I found another researcher with unproven information which showed parents for this Nicholas (aka Rocco/Rocky) who were from Bari, Puglia, Italy.
Next born were twins Samuel and Michael Sinisi. I was able to locate their WWI draft registration, which gave me their birthdate.
WWII Draft Registration (ancestry.com)
Samuel married Florence DeStefano. Samuel passed away on Jan. 19, 2012, New Jersey. He is entombed at St Joseph Cemetery in Toms River, New Jersey.
*after posting I heard from John that Samuel and twin brother Michael had married sisters but he was not sure of her name. I was able to confirm this fact, Michael married Geraldine DeStefano, Florences sister. Their parents were Salvatore and Rose DeStefano.
Elizabeth was affectionately known as Bibit. John shared this photo of Bibit holding him on his Christening day. Also in the photo, his father John Sherry and Godfather George Vainer.
Joseph Sinisi was born on 25 May, 1927 in East Orange New Jersey. Joseph served his country in the Army during WWII. From ancestry.com his draft registration.
Joseph passed on 24 Mar 2004 in Brielle, New Jersey. He is also entombed at St. Joseph Cemetery, Toms River, New Jersey.
Mary Rose Sinisi was John’s mother. She was born on May 9, 1930 East Orange, New Jersey. Mary was the niece of the husband of my grandaunt. John connects to me as the grandnephew of the husband of my grandaunt. I am so thankful for Ancestry easy quick explanations of connection. Mary is the sweet little girl on the left, front row in the family photo above. She married John Sherry in 1957. Mary Rose passed away on March 27, 2007, Dover, New Jersey.
John shared with me that his love for his family history was a shared love with his cousin Lynore Sinisi, daughter of Anthony and Marian Sinisi. Sadly, Lynore passed away on May 24, 2020 due to COVID. John wrote “I have been keeping this going, something we shared together.” Because of Lynore’s passion for her family history not only have John and I connected but I was able to put him touch with a direct line Forese cousin – Ann, his 1c1xr. Thank you Lynore for your love of preserving our family story.
This post is dedicated to the memory of Lynore M. Sinisi
Memorial Day Mention
Honoring
Joseph Civitano, Private U.S. Army
114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division
Epinal American Cemetery, Epinal, France
Purple Heart
Son of Frank and Mary Civitano
2310 Valentine Ave, Bronx, New York
May your memory be a blessing
Robert G. Caso ~ Solves a 75 Year Old Mystery
Robert G. Caso was my 2nd cousin 1x removed. His grandmother Rita Marvulli and and my great grandmother Nicoletta were sisters. Robert was born on July 19, 1924, N.Y.C. to Domenico Caso and Rose Haughey. He was the oldest of three children, brother to Rita G. born 1926 and Arthur Caso born 1929.
At age 18, Dec. 16, 1942 Robert registered for the draft.
TitleU.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, Ancestry.com
Using Ancestry and Fold3, I did find Muster Roll entries for a Robert G. Caso, the earliest for March 10, 1944 giving the date of July 10, 1943 for date of enlistment. The branch of service was for the Navy. With no other information to confirm this was truly our Robert, a clue on the November 3, 1945 marriage license application below, for Robert to Louise Kaiser confirmed that this was Robert serving in the Navy. On the application, under occupation, US Navy.
The Navy brought him out to the west cost of Washington State where he met and married Louise Kaiser, 18, daughter of Otto Kaiser and Bernice Mary Meyer. Bernice was no longer married to Otto however but remarried to Elmer Barth, a Stevedore (longshore man).
Washington, Marriage Records, 1854-2013, Ancestry.com
It was here in Washington State that Robert and Louise would eventually make their home by 1950. They were the parents to three children.
Robert ‘s (Bob as he was known) story does not stop there. In fact it truly does have quite a dramatic tale attached to it which can best be told by the LA Times article at the link below. Bob can most certainly be credited in solving the mystery of the disappearance of Russel and Blanche Warren on July 3, 1929. Please take a moment to read this fascinating story.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-aug-12-na-mystery12-story.html
Robert G. Caso passed away on
December 16, 2018
Port Angeles, Washington
May his memory be a blessing
Gaetano (Guy) Thomas Caso Sr.
For Wordless Wednesday last week I shared the photo of Gaetano (Guy) Thomas Caso. (below) It has been the highlight of my week as he continues to share more of his fathers ‘story’ along with more photo’s. Before going any further I want to say a big thank you to the Guy Caso family for sharing with me all the wonderful photo’s in this posting and allowing me to share them with you.
Gaetano Thomas Caso was my 2nd c 1x removed, born September 10, 1923 in New York. He was the middle child of 3 children born to Michele (Michael) Caso and Rosa DiGirolamo. Rita was born in 1922 and Vita (Vera) born in 1932.
Gaetano, under the name of Guy Thomas Caso, served in WWII with the 147th NCB: Naval Construction Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. He was a Machinists Mate Second Class (CB) He served from January 4, 1943 and was honorably discharged on February 9, 1946. He was 20 years old when he entered the Navy.
Guy Thomas Caso
photo in front of his parents home
WWII Draft Registration Card – Ancestry.com
Guy was a SeaBee during the war. The Seabee’s are part of the Construction Battalion of the Navy, they were deployed to Okinawa to build airstrips and fueling tanks to allow a safe distance for an invasion of Japan ” he went on to say “my father told me that this job was very difficult. He had to operate heavy equipment with his M1 Carbine strapped to him and was under constant sniper fire.”
From the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park, North Kingston, Rhode Island
“On December 28, 1941, Rear Admiral Ben Moreell, Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks (BUDOCKS), requested specific authority to activate, organize, and man a unique, very special organization that would support the Navy and Marines in remote locations and defend themselves if attacked — the Naval Construction Battalions. On January 5, 1942, he was given that authority and the original Battalions were formed at a new Naval base in Davisville, Rhode Island.
The first naval construction unit to actually deploy from the United States left Davisville, Rhode Island, less than two weeks later on January 17, 1942. It was designated the First Construction Detachment. The 296 men arrived at Bora Bora on February 17, 1942. ”
https://www.seabeesmuseum.com/seabee-history
You can read about the Seabee’s at the link above
Guy on some of the heavy equipment
Before being deployed Guy was part of the Navy’s Marching band. A drummer, he continued his love of music when “he formed a quartet and got to play at the officers’s club to fill up some of the down time” Guy told me.
Guy’s story does not end with his service to his country nor did it start there. Sharing a few of the memories with his son, Guy shared that his father had told him that his Uncle was an ice man, and that he helped him on his ice route sometimes. Without knowing who he meant exactly, as quite a few of the men in the family delivered ice/coal, Guy’s age does seem to line up/point to that ‘uncle’ may have been my grandfather, Frank Civitano. Looking at the other men in business during that time, they all had sons in the right age group to help out their fathers with the exception of Frank’s son, Vincent, my father, under ten during that time. But it’s just a guess at this point. As a young boy Guy Sr. also shared that his father (Michele) had given him a shoe shine box filled with polish. He would go to the local Irish bars and shine shoes for extra money for the family. Guy Jr. wonders if this might have contributed to his fathers love of corned beef and cabbage 🙂
In 1947 a year after his discharge from the Navy, Gaetano (Guy) Thomas married Elizabeth Panacciulli. Elizabeth was the daughter of Antonio Panacciulli and Antonia Albanese.
Below ~ the parents of Elizabeth and Guy Thomas
Antonia & Antonio Panacciulli and Rosa & Michael Caso
Work was sparse, so Guy joined forces along side his sister Vita’s husband, Donald Andreoli. They tried their hand at various jobs including an egg route, selling Christmas tree’s, waxing floors, any odd job that could be found. Eventually they bought a Good Humor Ice-cream truck along with some good routes. Guy. says he can remember the truck parked in the garage at his home. Who didn’t love the Good Humor ice-cream man? It was one of the best parts of my childhood summer memories.
*add on to original post, family members have expressed that it was a Howard Johnson’s ice cream truck.
His luck turned when a friend suggested he check into the Stagehand Union as a replacement, they were always looking for extra people, so he did. This lead led to a life long career within this industry. Guy worked the 1964/65 NY World Fair, Radio City Music Hall, NBC, ABC, CBS. He built scenery for the Metropolitan Opera House during the day and at night he would work on numerous Broadway shows. He retired in 1987 at the age of 64.
Gaetano (Guy) Thomas Caso Sr. passed away on July 1st, 2018 at the age of 94.
May his memory be a blessing
I would again like to say thank you to Guy Caso family for sharing so willingly the story of his father and his branch of the family and the wonderful family photo’s.
Remembering Vincent Civitano
I know my birth father through the stories told to me about him.
I know him by studing the pictures I have acquired through the years.
I know him by the mannerism and expressions of my brothers and his brother.
I know him by researching and writing about his family, my family, the family that has come before us from the simple peasant village of Grumo Appula, in the Puglia region of Italy.
As I remember him on this anniversary of his passing, those of us who knew him intimately, remember the boy and man he was and the gap left in our lives with his passing.
Vincent Anthony Civitano
24 April 1934 – 20 June 1990
I know him by seeing myself in him
This photo of Vincent was taken in about 1953/54. He is about 19 or 20, serving in the Army in the Korean War. The photo of myself, high school graduation, 1971 and I am 18. This was one of the very first photo’s I received after I found my birth family in 2004. I saw myself in him immediatly. Below is a picture with the two of us transposed on each other.
Vincent was the son of Frank Civitano and Catherine Langellotti. Vincent joined his sister, Nicoletta (4) born in 1930. Living at 1114 Metcalf Ave, Bronx, his father Frank was working as an ice proprietor and later delivering coal in those early years. Many of our family members began in the ice and coal business which provided a stable and steady income for their families.
Vincent was preceded in death by his father in 1982. His son, my brother, Vincent Jr. joined them both in 1996.
As it is with genealogy, we look back into our past to move forward and through life celebrating and remembering those who have gone before in a effort to make sense and understand our present.
Today I remember and celebrate you
Vincent Anthony Civitano
Memorial Day: Joseph Civitano & Peter Marvulli/Marvilli
Remembering
Joseph Civitano
PVT 114 INF 44 DIV
DEC. 8, 1944
Purple Heart
Buried: Epinal American Cemetery, France
I have yet to identify who and how this Joseph Civitano connects to our family but the connection is there – back in the tangled branches of our tree from the province of Bari, Italy. While so many of our 1st and 2nd generations served our country, and continuing today, in preparing for a possible Memorial Day post, I located only one record for a life lost during WW11.
From the National Archives and Records Administration. World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000. Ancestry.com
| Name: | Joseph Civitano |
|---|---|
| Death Date: | 8 Dec 1944 |
| Cemetery: | Epinal American Cemetery |
| Cemetery Burial Plot: | Plot A Row 28 Grave 55 |
| Cemetery City: | Epinal |
| Cemetery Country: | France |
| War: | World War II |
| Awards: | Purple Heart |
| Title: | Private |
| Rank: | Private |
| Service: | U.S. Army |
| Service ID: | 12175601 |
| Division: | 114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division |
| Data Source: | World War II Honor Roll |
I have learned his father was Frank Civitano of 2310 Valentine Avenue, Bronx. I have been unable to locate a Frank in the 1940 census at this address. Looking back at the 1930 census, Bronx, I did find the family of Frank and Mary Civitano, with son Joseph (7), Antonette (6), Moneantonio (5), and Leonora (2). The family was living at 1376 Ogden. Frank was working as a butcher on his own account. Could this be the family of Joseph? I will continue to research with the hope of identifying Joseph and his family. But for today:
Thank you for your commitment and sacrifice Joseph Civitano.
Thank you to his family and friends who knew him intimately.
May his memory be a blessing
*This is an addition to my original posting. Please take a look at the comment made by Donna below. She has solved the puzzle for me/us as to the connection of this ‘Frank Civitano’. His branch of the Civitano family descends off of my 4x great grandparents Francesco Civitano (1763- 1829) and Rosa Spano (1764 – 1824) both of Grumo Appula, Bari, Italy
Remembering
Peter Marvulli (Marvilli)
Born 7 June 1923 Died 28 May 1944
Interned 10 Aug 1948
Cypress Hills National Cemetery
Section 9 Site 13377
PVT US ARMY
Peter was my 1st c 2x removed. The son of John Marvulli and his 2nd wife Maria Fazio.
“The bodies of 117 Brooklynites were among the 4,842 World War II dead returned from temporary military cemeteries in Italy aboard the army transport Carroll Victory, which docked yesterday at the Brooklyn Army Base. Aaron L. Jacobs, chief clerk of the Surrogates Court, who delivered the principal address, told more than 400 relatives of the deceased servicemen present at the memorial service on Pier 3 that America “must be strong and prepared in order to preserve the freedom for which these soldiers fought and died.” The Brooklyn Eagle (Brooklyn, New York) . 07 Jul 1948, Wed . Page 7
From The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York) . 30 Aug 1944, Wed . Page 13 Peter’s sister Mrs. Rose Alestro of 340 Stockton St is listed as his contact person. Alestro was a miss spelling as this was Rose Alesia wife of Nicholas Alesia.
Thank you for your commitment and sacrifice
Peter Marvulli/Marvilli
Thank you to his family and friends who knew him intimately
May his memory be a blessing
Branches On Our Civitano Family Tree 