USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 64
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75
Mr. Laub is president of the Springfield Life Underwriters Association (1935-36) and a director and officer of the Mutual In- vestors Fund. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Order. Golf and other out-of-doors sports are his chief recreations.
On July 24, 1918, Roswell C. Laub mar- ried Beatrice Gardner, of Rochester, New York, and they have two children : I. Bea- trice Eloise, born July 30, 1919. 2. Carol Jane, born September 12, 1923.
438
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
NORMAN A. POKORNY, M. D .- En- gaged in the practice of medicine in Spring- field, Dr. Norman A. Pokorny was born August 12, 1903, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Joseph J. and Rose (Lauer) Pokorny, both natives of Wisconsin.
In the parochial schools of that mid-west- ern city, Norman A. Pokorny received his early education, and in 1925 he was gradu- ated from Marquette University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Taking up the study of medicine, he was graduated from Johns Hopkins Medical School in 1929, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For two years he served an interneship in Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, in Boston, and then for a year he was house physician at the Babies' Hospital of the City of New York. After- ward he served as resident physician at the Infants' and Children's Hospital, in Boston, at the same time filling the office of assist- ant in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.
It was in 1933 that he came to Springfield, where he has since been engaged in active medical practice. Specializing in pediatrics, he has come to be loved by his little patients and highly respected in his community. He is a member of the Massachusetts State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He is a member also of the New England Pediatric Society and a licen- tiate of the American Board of Pediatrics. As a member of the staffs of Springfield Hospital, Wesson Maternity Hospital, Wes- son Memorial Hospital, and Isolation Hos- pital he further contributes to the health and well-being of Springfield. Dr. Pokorny also takes a deep interest in the general af- fairs of Springfield and Hampden County. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
On July 27, 1933, Dr. Norman A. Pokorny married Ethel Kortluck, of Richmond Hill, Long Island, New York. The family resi- dence is situated at No. 435 Union Street, Springfield.
GERALD T. MURPHY-Prominent among the young attorneys of Hampden County is Gerald T. Murphy who since 1928 has developed a large and substantial prac- tice in the city of Springfield. Through his professional accomplishments and civic con- tributions he has won the esteem of his col- leagues and the confidence and respect of the public-at-large.
Gerald T. Murphy was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, in the year 1901, the son of Patrick P. and Mary (Gilmore) Murphy, the former a native of Ireland and the lat- ter of Springfield, Massachusetts. His father, who came to the United States with his parents at a very early age and settled in Chicopee, is a toolmaker by occupation. The elder Murphy received a general edu- cation in the schools of this community until he started to work. He was, until 1929, as- sociated with his brother John, now de- ceased, in the conduct of the Hampden Tool Company, formerly located on St. James Avenue, Springfield. The elder Murphy has been active in the political and civic affairs of his community and during the admin- istration of ex-Mayor Henry Cloutier in Chicopee, was a member of the Park and Playground Commission.
Attorney Gerald T. Murphy received a general education in the public schools of his native community and after completing his studies here matriculated at the Catholic University of America, Washington, Dis- trict of Columbia. After completing his academic course at the latter institution he entered Boston University School of Law, Boston, from which institution he was grad- uated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws with the class of 1925.
The following year he was admitted to the Massachusetts State Bar and immediately thereafter became associated with the Trav- elers Insurance Company, working for this organization in Newark, New Jersey, where
439
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
he held the position of claims adjuster. He returned to Chicopee in 1928 and embarked on his professional career locating in the city of Springfield. As a representative of the legal profession he is a member of the Hampden County Bar Association and the Chicopee Bar Association. Fraternally Mr. Murphy is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elder Council, Foresters of America, Chicopee Social Club and the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
ERNEST A. BYRON-Ranked among the foremost morticians of New England and one of the most prominent in the country, Ernest A. Byron today operates one of the finest and most modern funeral homes in the city of Springfield and vicinity. The institu- tion he has built up is a tribute to his abil- ity and a credit to this community.
Mr. Byron was born March 6, 1888, the son of Napoleon L. and Emily D. (Mal- boeuf) Byron. His father, who died Octo- ber, 1913, founded the present business in 1889, and for many years operated on Main Street, near Stockbridge Street, in this city. Later he removed to Winthrop Street where he continued until his passing. Mr. Byron received a general education in the public schools of Springfield and at the age of fourteen became associated with his father and began to acquire a thorough and prac- tical experience that has since been of inesti- mable value. When the elder Byron died Ernest A. Byron took over the business, which under his able direction grew to such an extent that by 1924 he was compelled to seek new quarters. At this time he es- tablished himself at No. 648 State Street and six years later built an addition and reno- vated the entire property, converting it into one of the finest and most beautiful in New England. To explain its beauty and mod- ernity we briefly review the features and facilities it contains. The first floor consists
of a service room, a family room, a blue room, a music room, with an organ console, a reception room, and an office. The second floor is given over to a series of slumber or reposing rooms, completely furnished to resemble living rooms and create a home- like atmosphere. The third floor is a beau- tiful display and show room and consulting office. Attached to the main building is one of the most complete and modern operating rooms in New England. An elevator con- nects all departments. The personnel is made up of ten specialists, each an expert in his field. Progressive in spirit, Mr. Byron has introduced many innovations and is listed as the first to motorize his equipment in Springfield. More recently he added an air conditioning system on the first floor which has greatly added to the comfort of his patrons. Mr. Byron is universally esteemed and recognized as one of the foremost fig- ures of his profession.
Active in the social and civic affairs of his surroundings he is a member of several leading organizations in Springfield. Pro- fessionally he is a member of the Massachu- setts Funeral Directors Association and in his religious convictions worships at the Hope Congregational Church, where he serves as a member of the board of trustees. He enjoys outdoor sports of all types, par- ticularly baseball.
On November 6, 1928, Mr. Byron married Mabel P. Becher and they are the parents of two children : Janet and Ernest A., Jr.
PASQUALE A. BREGLIO-A resident of Springfield during the past forty-five years, Pasquale A. Breglio has been active in many phases of the city's life and has be- come one of its substantial business men. His restaurant at No. 353 Dwight Street is one of the largest and best known enter- prises of its kind in Hampden County.
440
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
Mr. Breglio was born at Chiaromonte, Providence of Potenza, Italy, in 1869, and came to America in 1880 when he was only eleven years old, settling in New York City. Here he worked as a newsboy and messen- ger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company while attending night school, and subsequently took up the study of music. Meanwhile he also learned the barber's trade in order to possess a means of liveli- hood that would make it possible for him to continue his music. Mr. Breglio came to Springfield in 1890 and for two years worked at his trade as a barber here. During this time he became acquainted with local court officials, through whom he obtained an ap- pointment as court interpreter, and for sev- enteen years devoted himself to the duties of that office. Later he established a gro- cery business, importing and dealing in fine Italian and French groceries, and succeeded in building up an extensive trade. In con- junction with his grocery business, he also obtained a license to sell liquors and wines, supplying the family trade. Mr. Breglio continued this enterprise until the World War, when his imports from abroad were cut off, and, with the coming of prohibition in the United States, he retired entirely from the field. By this time, however, he had opened a restaurant, which he operated jointly with his grocery and liquor business, and he now devoted himself exclusively to the management of the former project. He has continued with uninterrupted success in spite of the handicaps which prohibition brought to every restaurant keeper, and in 1929 purchased the building at No. 353 Dwight Street, Springfield, which he now occupies. He has always maintained the highest standards and is again handling all kinds of fine liquors and wines. In his ban- quet hall he can seat and serve five hundred people at one time, and his regular dining
rooms attract a patronage which reflects the wide reputation for quality which his estab- lishment enjoys.
Mr. Breglio is affiliated fraternally with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a member of the Oxford Coun- try Club. The demands of his business have prevented him from taking an active part in public life, but his support for worthy civic movements can always be counted on, and the constructive value of his citizenship is well known.
On January 22, 1896, at Springfield, Mr. Breglio married Filomena B. Profiglio. Six children of this marriage are living: Cate- rina, Vincent, Louisa, William, Grace, and John.
ROSARIO GORI, M. D .- The Royal Italian Consular Agent at Springfield, since 1934, is Rosario Gori, M. D., a man of thor- ough professional training in the medical schools of his native country, and of experi- ence in military and consular affairs. He was born in Cassano, Ionio, Italy, January I, 1897, and was educated in the Modena (Italy) Military Academy, from which he was graduated in 1917, with the rank of second lieutenant. He was a student in the Medical School of the Royal University at Rome, when his native country became in- volved in the Great War. Joining his colors he served during the conflict with the 19th Regiment, Italian Infantry, and when hon- orably discharged held the rank of first lieu- tenant. His military career at an end, he re- turned to the medical school he had been attending, and was graduated in 1925 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Three years later he came to America to join his parents in Boston, where they had come some ten years previously. Within a year he went to Ottawa, Canada, as secretary to the Italian Consul General there, at which
441
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
post he spent a year. The two years of his stay in the United States and Canada were utilized, in part, in acquiring a more perfect knowledge of the English language and familiarity with the customs and institutions found in America. In 1930 Dr. Gori became house physician in the Misericordia Gen- eral Hospital of Ottawa. He is registered as a physician in Great Britain, Italy and Nova Scotia. On April 1, 1934, he was appointed, through the Royal Italian Consulate Gen- eral at Boston, Consular Agent at Spring- field for the Division of Western Massachu- setts. He is a member of the Italian War Veterans Association ..
On December 16, 1934, Rosario Gori, M. D., married Tina Pollina, daughter of Dr. Vincent J. Pollina, of Brookline.
FRANCESCO SAVERIO MARINARO -Hampden County has been a certain and consistent gainer from the work of Fran- cesco Saverio Marinaro, of Springfield, a widely known printer and publisher. Though he has had to acquire practically all his knowledge of English since his arrival in the United States in 1913, he has brought with him from Italy his printing and pub- lishing skill and has successfully adapted it to American methods and conditions. The company that he heads publishes the Italian weekly paper, "L'Eco," which has grown rapidly in recent years.
Mr. Marinaro was born June 2, 1876, in Benevento, Italy, son of Salvatore and Lucia Marinaro. Salvatore Marinaro fought in the war for Italian independence, which closed in 1860. Francesco S. Marinaro attended the schools of his native land, being gradu- ated from what, in Naples, would be the equivalent of the United States high school, and from the Naples Diocesan Seminary. In his native land he prepared himself for the printing trade, and in Naples he worked as
a printer on a local newspaper. Suddenly deciding to come to the United States, he arrived in this country in 1913, worked for three months in New York City, then came to Springfield. Knowing through a news- paper advertisement that an Italian printer and editor was needed in Springfield, he sought the position and was employed. Though lacking money, he possessed a full measure of courage and confidence, and set about his new occupation with a determina- tion to build up the business by every con- ceivable means for rendering greater service to the customers of the Itala Printing and Publishing Company, Inc. The company was at that time putting out a four-page paper, and its printing work was confined to the smaller commercial lines. Setting out to increase the business of both the printing and the publishing departments, Mr. Marinaro initiated a period of growth and soon was able to make theatrical work a specialty. Larger presses and fuller equip- ment were necessary, and he made the plant conditions thoroughly up-to-date and mod- ern in every way. In 1920 the business was removed to No. 67 Taylor Street, where it remained for three years before entering its present quarters at No. 42 Hampden Street, Springfield. The first quarters of the com- pany, in Chestnut, comprised only 300 or 400 square feet, but the present plant com- prises 10,000 square feet. Larger presses and more complete facilities made it possi- ble for the business to broaden its scope and include much book and catalog work along with its theatrical and general printing. "L'Eco" has made great headway, building up its circulation to 25,000.
Aside from building up his paper and printing business as president, treasurer and manager of the Itala Printing and Publish- ing Company, Mr. Marinaro has performed many services of value to his city and to this
442
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
county. Before he left Italy, he was secre- tary and business agent of the Cooperative League at Naples from 1894 to 1910. He is now a member of Lega Protettiva Lodge of the Order of the Sons of Italy, in Spring- field, and here also belongs to the Dante Club and the Verdi Club. Active in several fraternal orders, he is Grand Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts of the Order of the Sons of Italy in America, and a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Union and Fraternal Society. He be- longs to Mount Carmel Church.
Along with his other activities, Mr. Mari- naro has distinguished himself as an author. He has written "Mary-the Beggar's Daughter" and "The Power of Love" (a drama in four acts). He is one of Spring- field's well-beloved citizens and an individ- ual whose attainments have brought him wide notice and favor.
In 1912, at Naples, Italy, F. S. Marinaro married Lucia Montano. By a previous marriage Mr. Marinaro is the father of one daughter, Lucia Stella Marinaro. Arriving in the United States with a very scant knowledge of English, she attended the pub- lic schools and was graduated from West Springfield High School, from the Wheelock Kindergarten Training School, and from Boston University in 1928 with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education. After- wards she took a course in dramatic arts at Emerson College of Oratory. She was then engaged as a teacher of English at West Springfield High School. She is the wife of Ettore Ferrari, and the mother of two chil- dren : Francesca and Frederick.
HUGO CHARLES CANOVA-As pres- ident of Canova Brothers, Incorporated, Hugo Charles Canova today directs the activities of one of the largest and most
prosperous plumbing firms in the city of Holyoke. Starting in a modest capacity, he served a long apprenticeship in the trade, secured a well-rounded and practical experi- ence working for various organizations of this vicinity, and through his training and background was eminently equipped to found and direct the business he heads today.
Hugo Charles Canova was born in Biella, Piedmont, Italy, March 1, 1895, the son of Antonio and Quintina (Grosso) Canova, both natives of that country. His father, who was also born in Biella, August 5, 1858, and is now living in retirement in Holyoke, engaged in the woolen manufac- turing business in Italy, and after coming to this country became a silk weaver, first working in this capacity in Paterson, New Jersey, later in Middletown, Connecticut, and finally in Holyoke, where he arrived in 1901 and became associated with Wil- liam Skinner and Son, working with this organization until his retirement.
Hugo Charles came to this country with his mother and brothers, Hector Marius and Victor, in 1899. His father, sister Emma, and brother Eli, had preceded them to this country two years earlier. Hugo Charles received a general education in the public schools of Holyoke and after completing his studies here secured employment with the Dean Steam Pump Company in this city, where he was to work for six months. He then entered the firm of William Skinner and Son, working here for a like period, and later became an apprentice plumber under Charles Ludden, initiating a career that has since been marked for its outstanding dis- tinction and success. He worked with the Ludden concern in Chicopee Falls for four years. After that he carried on his trade in various cities, and finally returned to Holyoke, where on March 1, 1916, he started a plumbing business under his own name,
443
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
operating at No. 775 Dwight Street. This venture was to form the nucleus for the present organization he now heads. In 1918, he was joined on a partnership basis by his brothers, Victor and Marius, and the pres- ent firm of Canova Brothers was formed. Eleven years later it was incorporated un- der the same name, Hugo Charles becoming president, Marius, treasurer, and Mrs. Cath- erine Canova, secretary, the executive staff which today manages the business. In con- junction with its trade activities this con- cern also has extensive real estate holdings in Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee Falls.
When the United States entered the World War Mr. Canova enlisted in the army, October 7, 1917, received his training at Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Georgia, was ele- vated to the rank of sergeant and on May 4, 1918, sailed for France, where he was to serve for fourteen months. He returned to this country at the end of that period and received an honorable discharge from the service at Fort Ontario, New York. In his trade Mr. Canova is a member of the Mas- ter Plumbers Association and socially is affili- iated with several fraternal organizations of this vicinity. Fond of the outdoors, he finds his greatest diversion in mountain climbing, a hobby he indulges in during his leisure.
On June 20, 1921, in Northampton, Mr. Canova married Emma Cerruti, a native of that city and the daughter of Louis and Falicia (Cerruti) Cerruti, who came over to this country from Italy during their youth. He is a retired silk weaver by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Canova are the parents of three children : 1. Evelyn Jane, born September 5. 1922. 2. Lester Charles, born Septem- ber 28, 1926. 3. Alfred William, born Octo- ber 25, 1928.
MARIUS V. CANOVA -- Much of the suc- cess enjoyed by the firm of Canova Broth- ers, Incorporated, at Holyoke, can be at-
tributed to the intelligent efforts and sound judgment of Marius V. Canova, who since its formation has occupied the office of treas- urer for this company. Like his brothers, who are associated with him in this venture, he possesses a thorough and fundamental knowledge of the plumbing business, which has served to make him a valuable asset in the management and development of this organization. Apart from business activities he has taken a live interest in the social and civic affairs of this community, and through his efforts and contributions is prominently identified with several of the leading organizations here, as well as hav- ing occupied important and responsible pub- lic office.
Marius V. Canova was born in Biella, Piedmont, Italy, February 15, 1889, the son of Antonio and Quintina (Grosso) Canova, and the brother of Hugo Charles Canova, whose life is reviewed in the preceding biography.
Marius V. Canova studied in the public schools of his native country and Holyoke. After receiving a general education in these institutions, he began to specialize in the work he was to follow so successfully for a number of years. At this time he took a course in sheet metal drafting through the International Correspondence School, and later got a practical training in the trade with E. H. Friedrich and Company, where he was to remain for four years. He then became associated with Charles A. Ludden of Chicopee and worked there for ten years as a sheet metal worker and plumber. It was at the expiration of this period that he returned to the city of Holyoke to join his brothers, Hugo and Victor, in a business partnership under the firm name of Canova Brothers, which some years later was in- corporated. Today Mr. Canova occupies the post of treasurer for this concern, while his wife is secretary. The company, which is
444
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
devoted to all types of plumbing, today in- stalls, among other modern facilities, auto- matic heaters, coal stokers, automatic oil burners and air conditioning equipment.
Though an independent in politics, Mr. Canova has taken a prominent part in the municipal affairs of this community, and for two years occupied the post of alder- man-at-large, serving in this capacity in 1932 and 1933. A member of a number of frater- nal and social organizations here, Mr. Canova is vice-president of the Order of the Sons of Italy, and president of the Italian Progressive Society. During the World War he was very active in Liberty Loan campaigns, and patriotically offered his aid in other phases. Fond of the outdoors, Mr. Canova finds great pleasure in the game of golf and also enjoys touring.
On August 8, 1916, Mr. Canova married Catherine Dooley, a native of Northampton, who was educated in the public schools of that city and Holyoke, and is a member of St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Canova are the parents of two children : I. Edson Howard, born September 16, 1921. 2. Alice Ruth, born October 8, 1923.
CHARLES E. BELSKY-Romance sur- rounds the life and career of Charles E. Bel- sky. Ambitious, and aware of the oppor- tunities that existed in this country, he left his native Poland alone and came here to seek his fortune. Arriving in Holyoke five years after the turn of the century, he em- barked on a business career that has since been marked for its outstanding distinction and success. Handicapped through lack of knowledge in the customs and language of his new home, he started his life here in an humble capacity, securing the type of labor that would best fit his circumstances. Though many obstacles faced him at the time, he worked diligently and courage-
ously, overcoming each in turn, and through his efforts rose to become the directing ex- ecutive and owner of one of the largest or- ganizations of its type in the United States. Throughout, he has won the recognition of his fellow-citizens and today is prominently identified with many of the leading organiza- tions of his surroundings.
Charles E. Belsky was born in Stavick, Poland, May 25, 1887, the son of Ezi and Goldie Belsky, both natives of Poland, where his father engaged in farming and was a member of the Jewish Congregation. Mr. Belsky was educated in the schools of Lomna, Poland, and after completing his studies here entered Stuchin College at Stuchin, Poland, which he attended for one year. At the age of nineteen years he de- termined to come to the United States. He arrived in this country on June 2, 1905, and settled in Holyoke, where he secured em- ployment in the Merrick Cotton Mill as a laborer. He worked in this capacity from June until September of that year and then became associated with the Norman Paper Company where he remained until January, 1906. It was during the latter month that he hit upon the idea of collecting rags which could be sold to paper concerns for the man- ufacture of their product. He purchased a horse and wagon, and for eighteen months worked at this business. Enjoying a com- fortable return on this venture he opened a retail grocery store on North East Street and conducted it until 1909, when he bought out the wholesale junk business of Fisher Brothers, then located on Main Street. He operated at this site for a brief period and then removed to a building on Winter Street, where he was to remain from 1909 to 1915. During the latter year he purchased a building on Race Street, established him- self there and formed a partnership with A. Goldberg, founding the concern of Belsky, Goldberg and Company, which was to exist
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.