USA > Rhode Island > Italo-Americans of Rhode Island; an historical and biographical survey of the origin, rise and progress of Rhode Islanders of Italian birth or descent > Part 10
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Mr. D'Agostino is a leader among fraternal societies of the North End section. He has been venerable of Lodge Roma, Order Sons of Italy, since 1926. He is also a member of the Italo-American Citizens Club of the North End and 4th Ward Republi- can Club.
On January 8, 1893, Mr. D'Agos- tino married Teresa Ferri, a native of Capriati al Volturno, Italy. They are the parents of six children: 1. Mrs. Catherine Genua ; 2. Paul, a foreman at Quincy, Mass .; 3. Perry, a machin- ist; 4. Mrs. Concetta Thomma ;5. Mrs. Rose Lancey ; 6. William, in the bakery business.
Mr. D'Agostino's bakery is at 563 Charles street, Providence, R. I.
De PAOLO, Emilio
Registered pharmacist; born in Thornton, city of Cranston, June 29, 1899, the son of Francesco and Maria Domenica (Favicchio) De Paolo, both natives of Capriati al Volturno, Italy. His parents were among the few origi- nal settlers of the village of Thornton.
Mr. De Paolo attended the local public schools. Later he entered the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated with the de- gree of Ph. G. in 1922. Following his graduation, he held responsible positions with Liggett's No. 1 Drug Store, Bris- tol Pharmacy and other drug stores in Cranston and Providence. In 1935 he was made manager and registered pharmacist of George's Pharmacy, at 188 Atwells avenue, and has served in that capacity since then. George's Pharmacy is one of the oldest drug stores in the Atwells avenue district. Business address: 188 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
De SALVIO, Alfonso
College professor ; born at Orsara di Puglia, Province of Fuggia, Italy, July 13, 1873. In 1928 he was appointed Professor of the Italian language and literature at Brown University. Profes- sor de Salvio came to Brown University from Northwestern University where he held an Assistant Professorship of Ro- mance languages. He died in the Mem-
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orial Hospital, North Conway, N. H., on July 14, 1938, the day after his 65th birthday and a week after he had collapsed with a heart attack while playing golf with friends of the Aurora Club of Providence in Jackson, N. H. He was a distinguished and able mem- ber of the Brown University faculty. During his connection with the Uni- versity, Professor de Salvio won for himself the admiration and esteem of his students and friends.
See also Page 145, First Edition, Italo-Americans of R. I., 1936.
Di MUCCIO, John
Of North Providence, diplomat ; born in Valle Agricola, Province of Benevento, Italy, the son of Antonio and Filomena (Di Muccio) Di Muc- cio. In 1901, when one year old, he was brought to Rhode Island by his mother to join his father in North Providence. Following his graduation from Brown University in 1921, he received an appointment to serve at the State Department, in Washington, D. C. Thereafter he served in the U. S. Consular Service at Hamburg, Hong Kong, Yunnanfu, Foochow, Shanghai; La Paz, in Bolivia. On June 20, 1939, he was promoted to first secretary of the American Embassy, at Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Felix Di Muccio, Joseph Di Muc- cio, Pasquale Di Muccio, Marco Di Muccio and Mrs. Elizabeth Zambara- no, all of Lymansville, North Provi- dence, are brothers and sister of Mr. Di Muccio.
DEL BENE, Charles
Manufacturer, founder and sole own- er of the Silverloid Company; born in Pesaro, Province of Pesaro, Italy, January 17, 1896, the son of Luigi and Maria (Mancini) Del Bene.
He attended the public schools and the Catholic seminary of his native town. At the age of fourteen his father brought him to France. Following his return to Italy, at the age of fifteen in company with his older brother, Gio- vanni, immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon arriving here he learned the trade of working on celluloid novelties. He won rapid advancement, and in a few years he became general foreman of Elkloid Company, working there from 1915 to 1927, when he started his own factory. He specializes in the manu- facture of dices and dominoes, and they are shipped to all parts of the world. His factory employing at present 30 employes.
A successful and popular business man, he is a director of the Silver Lake Loan Company. He is an honorary member of "Laziale Society." He is Vice President of Unitas Catholic Club, and member of Society Madonna del Carmine, Circolo Filodrammatico and other organizations.
On August 29, 1920, Mr. Del Bene married Lina Ruizzo, a native of Teano, Italy. They are the parents of two children: 1. Louis; 2. Maria.
The office of the Silverloid Com- pany, of which Mr. Del Bene is the founder and sole owner, is at 283 Thurbers avenue, Providence, R. I.
De VELLIS, Thomas S.
Insurance assistant manager ; born in Somerville, Mass., March 7, 1910, the son of Angelo and Maria Grazia (Vecchione) De Vellis, who were born respectively, at Gaeta, and at Avellino, Italy.
He attended the public schools of Somerville; Rindge Technical School in Cambridge, graduating in 1924; Cambridge Latin School, graduating in 1926; attended the School of Law of Northeastern University.
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Upon completing his education he entered as agent the service of the Bos- ton Mutual Life Insurance Company. His success in insurance and wide un- derstanding of men and conditions were soon recognized. After only five and a half months spent as an agent in Bos- ton, in July, 1933, he was promoted to assistant manager at Providence. Since his arrival in Providence, his staff leads all others in New England in the amount of business written for the Boston Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany.
He is a member of the Elks and of the Providence Y. M. C. A.
On October 12, 1939, Mr. De Vellis married Assunta Cerbo, a native of Providence.
Mr. De Vellis's office is at 10 Weybosset street, Providence, R. I.
Di LEONE, Ralph, M.D.
Born in Roccamonfina, Province of Naples, Italy, December 13, 1894, the son of Francesco and Michelina Di Leone.
He was brought to the United States by his parents in 1900.
He received his education in the Providence public schools and graduat- ed from Classical High School in 1913. Thereafter, he entered Brown Uni- versity and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1917. He obtained his medical education and de- gree from Harvard Medical School and served his interneship at the Rhode Island Hospital, Charles V. Chapin Hospital and Providence Lying-In Hospital.
He began active practice in 1925. Dr. Di Leone is First Assistant Sur- geon in the Gynecological department and First Assistant Surgeon in the Di- vision of Gynecological Research at R. I. Hospital. First Assistant Surgeon, Gynecological Department, Charles V. Chapin Hospital and Second Assistant
Visiting Obstetrician at Providence Ly- ing-In Hospital.
Dr. Di Leone is an officer, U. S. Medical Reserve. Charter member, Malpighi Medical Club. Director, Fed- eral Hill House, 1930-38. Director, Providence Community Fund, 1934- 37. Member: American Medical Asso- ciation; New England Obstetrical So- ciety ; R. I. Medical Society ; Provi- dence Medical Society ; Aurora and Italo-American Clubs and the Brown Club of Providence.
On July 10, 1924, Dr. Ralph Di Leone married Constance Giusti, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vincenzo Giusti. They are the parents of three children: 1. Zelia Clotilde; 2. Roland Ralph; 3. Gilbert Robert. Address : 221 Broadway, Providence, R. I. (From the 1936 Edition) .
De CONTI, Angelo, D.D.S.
Born in Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy, the son of Agostino and Francesca (Cipolla) De Conti.
After going through various fields of activity, young De Conti being an industrious and ambitious young man, in 1907 entered the Dental School of the University of Maryland, gradu- ating in 1910 with the degree of D.D.S., the first Italo-American to be registered to practice dentistry in Rhode Island. Dr. De Conti has been en- gaged in the practice of dentistry in Providence since 1910.
Dr. De Conti is a member of the American Dental Society ; R. I. Dental Society; the Elks; Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan; Aurora Club and Italo-American Club.
On February 2, 1913, Dr. De Con- ti married Santina Maria Gammino. They are the parents of two children: 1. Clinton, a graduate with the degree of D. M. D., from Harvard Dental School; 2. Merlin, a student at Boston University Law School. Office: 112 Mathewson street, Providence, R. I.
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De CIANTIS, Michael
Lawyer; born in Sora, Province of Frosinone, Italy, August 15, 1900, the son of Luigi and Sofia De Ciantis. When a lad of about nine years, he was brought to these shores by his mother, to join his father in Natick.
He attended the West Warwick public schools and High School, and Boston University Law School. He completed his studies with the law firm of Quinn, Kernan & Quinn.
Mr. De Ciantis entered upon the practice of law immediately after he was admitted to the bar in Rhode Island.
His first official appointment was Judge of the Probate Court of West Warwick. In 1932 he was appointed fourth Assistant Attorney General. In 1934 he was promoted to third Assist- ant Attorney General, serving until July 7, 1937, at which time he became Chief of the Division of Public Utili- ties, State of Rhode Island. He held this office until the advent of the new administration. While holding the office of Chief of the Division of Public Utilities, he ordered the discontinuance of the sur-charges on hand telephones. Through his instrumentality the gas companies of the State returned to the public the deposits which they made in the amount of approximately $125,- 000. He compelled the reduction of electric light rates and bus fares. He did well. Fellow attorneys consider him an able and faithful public servant.
Mr. De Ciantis is President of Barristers Club and former District Deputy of Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of Regina Margherita Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy.
On September 15, 1930, Mr. De Ciantis married Dorothy Glenn. They are the parents of one child: Ann. Office: 1911 New Industrial Trust Building, Providence, R. I.
D'ERRICO, Carmine
Real estate ; born in Roccamonfina, Province of Naples, Italy, September 25, 1890, the son of Tommaso and Antonetta (Iannuccilli) D'Errico.
He attended the public schools of his native town, and as a youth of twelve came to the United States, set- tling in Providence. His first employ-
CARMINE D'ERRICO
ment here was as a tailor, devoting his evenings to the study of the English language in the night schools. Later, when he acquired enough knowledge to seek his fortunes in the world of busi- ness, he became interested in the real estate business, which has occupied his attention since 1907. His rise was rapid. He is considered one of the leading real estate operators among Italo-Americans.
Mr. D'Errico is well known in re- ligious, social and civic affairs of the Federal Hill section.
On December 21, 1925, Mr. D'Er- rico married Aquilina Melucci, a native of Roccamonfina, Italy. Home: 445 Broadway, Providence, R. I.
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De CESARE, Arthur F.
Civil engineer ; born in Providence, July 16, 1916, the son of Rodosindo and Rachele (Cinquegrana) De Ce- sare, who were born respectively, at Marzano Appio, and Conca Campania, Province of Naples, Italy.
He attended the local public schools ; Hope High School, 1934; Rhode Island State College, B. Sc., 1938. After completing his education he was appointed civil engineer in the sewer department of the City of Providence. Later, he was transferred to the Scitu- ate Reservoir Division of the City of Providence.
Mr. De Cesare's fraternal, profes- sional and social affiliations include the Beta Psi Alpha, the Italian fraternity of R. I. State College; American So- ciety of Civil Engineering ; Providence Engineering Society; Lodge Vittoria of Order Sons of Italy.
Di MASCOLO, Henry R.
State Senator; born in Providence, Rhode Island, August 2, 1910, the son of Gaetano and Maria Civita (Car- di) DiMascolo, both members of re- spectable families, from the town of Itri, in the Province of Rome, Italy. His parents immigrated to the United States in 1905, settling in the Silver Lake section of Providence, where they have been residing ever since.
He received his education in St. Anthony's Parochial School and La Salle Academy. Thereafter he spent three years at Providence College. He then took up the study of Law at Georgetown University School of Law and later at Boston University School of Law, from which he graduated with the degree of L.L.B. in 1935.
He was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar on May 19, 1937, and immediately opened his office for the practice of Law. His first participation
in public life was in 1938, when he became elected Senator for Providence, from the Second Senatorial District. He is the first Republican to be elected from the Second Senatorial District and the first person of Italian extraction to be elected State Senator by either party from his district.
Although Senator DiMascolo is the youngest member of the present Senate, his record and tactful use of his office won the complete confidence of his colleagues and the satisfaction of his constituents as well.|
He has been a life-long resident of the Silver Lake section of Providence and has always maintained an active interest in religious, civic and political affairs. He was a charter member and the first President of the Silver Lake Republican Club.
On September 25, 1937, Senator DiMascolo married Mary DiPetrillo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carmine DiPetrillo of Providence. Office: 505 Turks Head Building, Providence, Rhode Island.
De PASQUALE, Emilio
Registered pharmacist ; born in Prov- idence, July 9, 1892, the son of Pietro and Teodolinda De Pasquale, natives of San Marco La Catola, Province of Foggia, Italy.
He received his education in the local public schools and later attended the R. I. College of Pharmacy, grad- uating with the degree of Ph.G. in 1913. After completing his studies, he held responsible positions with many leading drugstores. In 1928, he went into business for himself on Broadway, under the name of Professional Phar- macy. He is the owner of one of the best equipped drug stores, where he serves his customers faithfully and well, selling the best in the pharmaceutical field.
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Mr. De Pasquale is one of the most successful among younger pharmacists of Providence, a most generous man and deeply devoted to his profession. Along with his work in the professional field, he devotes much of his time in civic, social and fraternal affairs.
On June 29, 1929, he married Kathleen Johnston, deceased. He is the father of one child: John Peter.
Mr. De Pasquale's Professional Pharmacy is at 267 Broadway, Provi- dence, R. I.
Del ROSSI, Gaetano D.
Macaroni manufacturer and Presi- dent of the G. D. Del Rossi Co., Inc., born in Monteroduni, Province of Cam- pobasso, Italy. Like his father, the late Gabriele Del Rossi, and his grand- father, Giuseppe Del Rossi, Mr. Del
G. D. DEL ROSSI
Rossi has been actively identified since his early manhood with the macaroni industry.
The plant of G. Del Rossi Co., is virtually the American outgrowth of the macaroni industry created by the
Del Rossi family in their native town. The Del Rossis for generations have been engaged in the macaroni industry in the picturesque village of Montero- duno, Italy.
The American history of the G. D. Del Rossi macaroni factory started in Providence in June, 1910, and was incorporated in April, 1917. It is the oldest macaroni factory in New Eng- land, and its products are shipped to all parts of the United States.
Gaetano D. Del Rossi has devoted all his life in the upbuilding of the industry. His father and grand-father had their factory in their native town, where the Del Rossi macaroni industry originated in 1844. This corporation being composed of members of one family, with nearly a century of un- broken history, assures the best satis- faction to its increasing clientele and is ever watchful to see that the high reputation that it has enjoyed for years as one of the leading macaroni manu- facturers in the community be main- tained.
The steady growth of the business necessitated enlarging the housing ca- pacity of the plant, which together with its up-to-date scientifically made ma- chinery gives the G. D. Del Rossi Com- pany one of the finest appointed, and best equipped macaroni factories in New England.
Mr. Del Rossi is known for his quiet philanthropies, his unfailing friendship and his splendid qualities as a citizen.
Mr. Del Rossi's office is at 240 India street, Providence, R. I.
De PASQUALE, Luigi
Associate Justice of the Sixth Judi- cial District Court; born in Providence, December 13, 1892, the son of An- tonio and the late Maria (Vitale) De Pasquale, who were born, respectively,
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at San Marco La Catola, Province of Foggia, Italy, and at Santa Croce Del Sannio, Province of Benevento, Italy.
Following his primary and high school education in Milford, Massa- chusetts, to which town his parents moved when he was 3 years of age, he attended the Boston University Law School, from which he graduated in 1913. He was only 21 when he passed the Massachusetts bar exami- nation, and for a year he practiced in Milford. A year later he moved to Providence. He successfully passed the Rhode Island bar examination and soon became active in professional and civic affairs. When 23 years of age, he was elected to the House of Rep- resentatives and was re-elected serving two terms; from 1920 to 1922 was Treasurer of the Democratic State Cen- tral Committee; from 1922 to 1924 was Assistant Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island; from 1924 to 1928 was Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee ; was a dele- gate to the Democratic National Con- vention in San Francisco, in 1920; delegate to the Democratic National Convention in New York in 1924; delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Houston, Texas, in 1928; was elected to the Senate of Rhode Island in November, 1934; ap- pointed Associate Justice of the 6th Judicial District Court of the State of Rhode Island on June 21, 1935.
He is a director of Federal Hill House and member of many organiza- tions.
Judge De Pasquale is married 10 Marie Michard. They are the parents of three children: 1. Marie; 2. Beat- rice; 3. Eva Marcelle. Home: 232 Broadway. Office: Union Trust Build- ing, Providence, R. I.
De SIMONE, Thomas D.
Lawyer ; born in Worcester, Mass., on August 17, 1901, the son of Sal- vatore and Francesca (Bianchi) De Simone. His parents removed to Prov- idence in 1903. He received his edu- cation in the local public schools, and continued on to college, preparing at Brown University, 1919-1923, and obtaining his Law Degree at Boston University Law School in 1926. Mr. De Simone was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar on December 23, 1927, after successfully passing the bar exam- ination, and immediately engaged in the general practice of law.
For many years he served as a mem- ber of the staff in the Division of Corporations and Inheritance Taxes of the State of Rhode Island.
On August 1, 1939, Mr. De Si- mone resumed his practice of law, at the same time specializing in general tax service.
Mr. De Simone is a member of of many clubs and organizations, among them being the Italo-American Club, and the Kappa Epsilon Phi Legal fraternity, of which he is a founder and charter member.
In 1931 he married Emily R. Pal- umbo. They are the parents of two children: 1. Thomas Edwin; 2. Clau- dia. Office: 49 Westminster street, Providence, R. I.
De ANGELIS, Raffaele
Registered pharmacist and proprietor of Chemical Industrial Company ; born in Teano, Italy, in 1878. He attended the public schools of his native town, and at the early age of eight began to work in a pharmacy. His natural intelligence and determination to follow the pharmaceutical profession led him to spend his time in some of the leading pharmacies of Southern Italy, and final- ly perfected his knowledge at the fam-
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ous pharmacy of Piazza Fiorentini, in Naples, where he won the regard of his masters and instructors.
In 1904, Mr. De Angelis immi- grated to these shores, settling in Prov- idence. His only asset was his ambi- tion to work and to make a future for himself. Upon his arrival here, he at once engaged in manufacturing citrate of magnesia, a superior product which still bears his name as a trade-mark. At first he started in a very small way, but as he gained the confidence of his clientele, his business grew rapidly, resulting in the expansion of his enter- prise and the erection of his own build- ing at 139 Knight street, where both his pharmaceutical laboratory and phar- macy are housed. While working and advancing his large industry, he also studied the English language, and later passed the required examination which enabled him to become a registered pharmacist.
Mr. De Angelis is the owner of a unique pharmacy, established along Italian style, where only pharmaceutical products of the highest order are sold. Six registered pharmacists are regularly employed there : Raffaele De Angelis, William D'Andrea, Charles Pistocco, Victor Canaipi, Philip Mucci and An- thony Iodice, all men of wide experi- ence and ability who have served their customers faithfully and well.
Along with his work in the pro- fessional and business world, Mr. and Mrs. De Angelis are keenly interested in all phases of Italo-American life and their contribution to its civic, social and religious affairs have been oustand- ing. Business address: 139 Knight street, Providence, R. I.
Di SAIA, Oresto
Architect ; born in Providence, Jan- uary 22, 1900, the son of Costanzo Di Saia and Carmela (De Paola) Di
Saia, who were born respectively, at Frosolone, and Riccia, Italy.
He received his preliminary educa- tion at the Federal street Grammar School, from which he graduated in 1913, and later attended the Technical High School in the day time and the old English High School in the eve- nings, graduating from both in 1917. By this time he had chosen the archi- tectural profession as his field of service but as circumstances prevented him from attending college, he obtained employ- ment in the office of F. P. Sheldon & Sons, engineers and architects. Private tutoring and diligent self-application to study, gave him a position beside many who won college honors, and at the same time gave Mr. Di Saia the founda- tion of his profession knowledge, which proved invaluable to him in his later career. His employment with F. P. Sheldon & Sons was interrupted for a short period through his connection with the Construction Division, War Department, Washington, D. C.
Rising steadily in his reputation as an architect, in 1924 he entered pri- vate practice in his own right. His de- signing of the Uptown Theatre, was his first major project. Among the notable buildings and important projects de- signed and improved by Mr. Di Saia are the Hollywood Theatre at East Providence; the Metropolitan Theatre at Providence ; the Holy Ghost Rectory at Providence; Eldorado Apartment at Providence; the Sheraton Manor at Providence ; the President's' residence, R. I. State College, Kingston ; Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house, Kingston ; the Irons Block modernization, Olney- ville; the Warren Hotel, Warren, R. I .; Providence College Dormitory, at Providence College; the Hanger at Governor Green Airport, at Hillsgrove ; the new Johnston Town Hall, at John- ston, R. I .; the Marconi Memorial, in course of construction; two large ward buildings for women patients at the
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State Hospital for Mental Diseases, Howard, R. I., and numerous other buildings and projects. He also repre- sented the United States Government in the construction of the new City Hall of Pawtucket, over which he had super- vision.
An outstanding Italo-American, Oresto Di Saia, has achieved a dis- tinguished place among the architects of the city. Throughout his career he has demonstrated the possession of ver- satile talents, and his rise to prominence has been thoroughly well merited by his own efforts and proved ability.
Mr. Di Saia was elected in 1931 to the American Institute of Architects, from which he retired in 1933. He was awarded the grand prize and gold medal for architectural works at the Bologna Exposition in 1932. He is a member of the State Board of Exam- ination and Registration of Architects.
His fraternal affiliations include the Tyler Council, Knights of Columbus ; Bishop Hendricken Assembly, Fourth Degree K. of C .; Italo-American Club of Rhode Island; Frosolonese Club; trustee of Holy Ghost Church.
Mr. Di Saia is married to Eleanor Rossi. They are the parents of four children: 1. Ethel; 2. Kenneth; 3. Ruth; 4. Robert. Home: 369 Mount Pleasant avenue. Office: 40 Fountain street, Providence, R. I.
Di LIBERO, John
Lawyer; born in Santa Apollinari, Province of Frosinone, Italy, Novem- ber 8, 1901, the son of Raffaele and Maria Grazia Di Libero. He was brought to this country by his parents when five years of age. He received his education in the Providence public schools and at Technical High School. He then took up the study of law at Boston University Law School, from which he graduated with the degree
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