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 11
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of LL.B. in 1925. He was admitted to the bar on November 6, 1925, and immediately afterwards he engaged in the active practice of law.
Deeply interested in civic affairs and local politics, his effective campaign work brought him rapidly to the fore and in 1933 when Mrs. Isabele Ahearn O'Neil resigned as State Senator, he was nominated by the Democrats to succeed her. Taking his seat in 1934 in the Senate, he became the first mem- ber of his race ever to hold a seat in the State Senate, proving himself an able and conscientious legislator. On December, 10, 1935, Mr. Di Libero was appointed Fourth Assistant City Solicitor, serving until 1939, and again proved himself most capable in the discharge of these exceedingly responsi- ble duties.
In addition to his many professional activities, Mr. Di Libero is also very conspicuous in the social and club life of the Italo-American community. He is a member of the R. I. Bar Associa- tion, Italo-American Club and other organizations. Office: 277 Atwells ave- nue, Providence, R. I.
De PARI, Domenico
Retired business man ; born in Teano in 1875, the son of Pariglio and Brigi- da De Pari. He attended the public schools of his native town, but at an early age became a farmer boy for his father, and continued this work until he was twenty years old when he immi- grated to the United States, settling in Providence.
Upon arriving here, he worked on anything he could find in order to make an honest living. Being a man of very thrifty habits, which were stimulated and encouraged by a desire on his part to be engaged in business on his own account, he invested his savings in start- ing a grocery store on Swiss street. After
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conducting this business for some years, he opened a hardware store at 283- 285 Atwells avenue, corner Crout street, which he followed for twenty- five years, when he finally retired in 1937.
On August 1, 1897, Mr. De Pari married Concetta Mignaniello, also a native of Teano, Italy. They are the parents of two children: 1. Mrs. Giu- seppina De Pari Castellone; 2. Pari- glio De Pari, an insurance underwriter.
Mr. De Pari is a member of Holy Name Society of Holy Ghost Church. Mrs. De Pari is a member of Society Madonna Della Libera and Society Immacolata Concezione. Home: 283 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, R. I.
De LEO, Ralph
General contractor and builder ; born in Bristol, R. I., February 11, 1915, the son of Antonio and Colomba (Ric- cardi) De Leo, both natives of Man- fredonia, Province of Foggia, Italy.
After attending the public schools and Colt High School of Bristol, he enrolled at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied architec- tural designing and draftsmanship, graduating in 1939. He is successfully engaged in the contracting and building business. Many fine homes in Bristol and vicinity have been constructed and erected by him. He is a promising young Italo-American, genial and gen- erous with a host of friends.
Mr. De Leo is a member of Holy Name Society.
On October 29, 1938, Mr. De Leo married Lucy Forillo, a native of Cam- bridge, Mass. Office: 629 Wood street, Bristol, R. I.
Di LEONE, Irma Giusti
Civic worker and well-known in Italo- American women's circles ; born in
Providence, the daughter of Vincenzo and Clotilde Lenci Giusti, both natives of Lucca, Italy.
She received her education in the Providence public schools, in which city she has always made her home.
For many years she was active in Italo-American women's circles. Mean- while her interest in fraternal and social spheres brought her prominently to the publics attention. Mrs. Di Leone served first as vice-president of the Rhode Island Council of Italian Women in 1936-37, and later served as its presi- dent in 1937-38. She is also a mem- ber of Lodge Gloria of the Order Sons of Italy, where she served as treasurer in 1938-39. In addition to these, Mrs. Di Leone has been equally active in promoting Americanization and welfare work.
On November 15, 1910, she mar- ried John Di Leone, a native of Roc- camonfina, Province of Naples, Italy. Mr. Di Leone, who also plays violin, is a well-known business man. Mr. and Mrs. Di Leone are the parents of three children: 1. Anna, a pianist; 2. Eu- nice ; 3. Irma C., a student at the Col- lege of Music, Cleveland, Ohio. Home: 231 Messer street, Providence, R. I.
De MAGISTRIS, Enis Eva
Teacher; born in Providence, the daughter of Giacinto and Anna (Cor- vese) De Magistris.
Following her education in the Prov- idence public schools and at Classical High School, from which she gradu- ated in 1927, she entered Pembroke College in Brown University, from which she graduated in 1931 with the degree of A. B. While at Pembroke she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi societies. Immediately following her graduation from Pem- broke she continued her studies at Brown University, receiving the degree of M. A. in 1934.
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Miss De Magistris began teaching as a student teacher in 1931 and re- ceived an appointment as permanent teacher in 1934. She is listed as a teacher of mathematics, at Classical High School. (From the 1936 Edi- tion. )
De ORCHIS, Vincenzo
See Page 144, Second Edition, Italo-Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
D'ERRICO, John F.
Broker and steamship agent, and prominent in Italo-American business, civic, cultural and social affairs.
See also Page 61, Second Edition, Italo-Americans of Rhode Island, 1936. Address: 119 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
DOLCE, Domenico
Proprietor of Dolce's Restaurant, veteran of the World War and prom- inent in the business circles of East Providence; born in Isoletta, Province of Frosinone, Italy, August 22, 1892, the son of Angelo and Rachele Federici Dolce, who were born re- spectively at Isoletta and San Gio- vanni Incarico, Italy.
He attended the public schools of his native town and at the age of twelve he was put to work at his father's farm. At the age of fourteen he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon his ar- rival here, he worked in a number of industrial establishments and went back to Italy in 1907. He returned to Providence in 1910, learned to cook in leading hotels and attended tlie evening public schools where he pre- pared himself for citizenship and a business career. He went back to Italy in 1915, where he enlisted in
the Royal Italian Army, assigned to the 14th Regiment of Bersaglieri, un- der General Pecori Giraldi, of the First Army Corps. He participated in many actions along the front line, and received an encomium for bravery. He was honorably discharged in Septem- ber, 1919. He then returned to Provi- dence.
Mr. Dolce opened his first restau- rant in 1920 on Aborn Street. But his real fame as a restauranteur came in 1926 when he opened the famous Dolce Restaurant on Taunton Avenue and Six Corners, at East Providence. It is a restaurant of distinction, serving excellent food to its clients. East Providence likes Dolce's Restaurant. It is patronized by its leading citizens and is known as one of the best in Rhode Island.
Mr. Dolce is a member of the East Providence Business Men's Associa- tion, Knights of Columbus, Lodge Luce Moderna of Sons of Italy, Fede, Patria e Lavoro.
On July 20, 1924, Mr. Dolce married in Providence, Bianca Cam- patelli, a native of San Giuliano Terme, Province of Pisa, Italy. They are the parents of two children: 1. Lydia; 2. Rita. Home: 189 Waterman Avenue. Business Address : 287 Taunton Avenue, Six Corners, East Providence, R. I.
FEOLE, Eugenio
Music teacher; born in Roccamon- fina, Province of Naples, Italy, April 7, 1891, the son of Giovanni and Antonia (Coletti) Feole.
Following his elementary education, he immigrated to the United States in 1906. After a few years he went back to Italy to complete his education. He first attended a preparatory school and later entered the Musical Conservatory San Pietro a Maiella, in Naples, where he specialized in band instru-
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mentation and composition, graduating in 1922.
In 1938 he returned to Providence where he is taking a leading part in Italo-American musical activities. Ma- estro Feole is the author of many classi- cal compositions for band. In 1925 he married Lucia De Luca.
FIOCCA, Gaspare A.
Businessman and civic worker; born in Carovilli, Province of Campobasso, Italy, May 26, 1897, the son of Au- relio and Carolina (Fiocca) Fiocca. His father who immigrated to Oklaho- ma in 1884, was one of the first Italian immigrants to work in that State, then known as Indian Territory.
When he was two years old, his parents settled in Denver, Colorado, in which city he received his early education in the public schools. At an early age he began his apprenticeship at the machinest trade. In 1915 he left Denver for Akron, Ohio, where he continued to work at his trade. He then joined the navy, where he served until 1922 as aviation mechanic. Re- turning to civilian life in Akron, he was engaged as salesman until he moved to Providence. In 1927 he established in Providence his tile business, a ven- ture in which he has been entirely suc- cessful.
A man of broad culture, he is an earnest and hard worker, and the pos- sessor of an intimate knowledge of human nature.
He is a member of the Republican City Committee, and takes an active interest in civic and social affairs.
On June 12, 1926, Mr. Fiocca married Ismalia Amicarelli, a native of Agnone, Italy. Mrs. Fiocca, president of Circolo Convivio, is widely known for her leadership in Italy-American women's cultural and patriotic organ- izations.
Mr. and Mrs. Fiocca are the parents
of two children: 1. Ralph ; 2. Antonio. Home: 431 Mt. Pleasant avenue, Providence, R. I.
FUSCELLARO, Giacinto G.
Manufacturer of oil burners; born in Colli al Volturno, Province of Cam- pobasso, Italy, October 18, 1883, the son of Fiorangelo and Palma Rosa (Di Iorio) Fuscellaro.
He attended the public schools of his native town. Later, he attended private school and at the same time learned the carpenter trade.
At the age of 16 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Prov- idence, Upon arriving in Providence he worked as a carpenter and followed it until 1921, at which time he went into business for himself as a general contractor and builder.
In 1932 he invented the Acme Oil Burner, a superior type of oil burner which he had patented in 1934. The Acme Tool & Gage Company was established in Providence, to manu- facture Acme Oil Burners for steam, hot water, hot air and air conditioning. It is an automatic, clean, modern and economical device, suitable for any type of building.
Under Mr. Fuscellaro's direction the Acme Tool & Gauge Company has grown to be one of the largest plants of its kind in the State. Through his creative efforts Acme oil burners are now distributed throughout the United States and parts of Europe.
Active in the civic, social and fra- ternal affairs of the North End section, he is a member of the Italo-American Citizens Club.
On October 22, 1905, Mr. Fuscel- laro married Maria Rossi. They be- came the parents of four children: 1. Fiorangelo ; 2. Mrs. Palma Rosa Ro- tondi; 3. Mrs. Adelina Famiglietti; 4. Antonietta.
Mr. Fuscellaro is sole owner of the
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Acme Tool & Gauge Company, and his office is at 235-237 Charles street, Providence, R. I. Mr. and Mrs. Fus- cellaro maintain their home at 120 Langdon street, Providence, R. I.
FERRI, Vincent J,
Registered pharmacist ; born in Cap- riati al Volturno, Province of Campo- basso, Italy, August 27, 1887, the son of Giovanni and Marzia (Bucci) Ferri. His father immigrated to Rhode Island in 1885. When three months old he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence.
He attended the public schools of Johnston and Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated with the degree of Ph.G. in 1910. He passed the examination of the R. I. Board of Pharmacy in 1910. For many years he conducted a pharmacy at the corner of Atwells avenue and Knight street. For the past eight years he has been the owner of a flourishing pharmacy in the busiest section of Broad street.
On January 12, 1911, Mr. Ferri married Benedetta Bartolomeo, a native of Johnston. They became the parents of five children: 1. Martha ; 2. Vin- cent; 3. Etta; 4. Anthony ; 5. Ray- mond.
Mr. Ferri's pharmacy is at 279 Broad street, Providence, R. I.
FERRARA, Herman D.
Lawyer and public official; born in Providence, July 28, 1910, the son of Pasquale and Rose (Lepera) Fer- rara, both natives of Acri, Province of Cosenza, Italy.
He attended the Providence public schools and Technical High School, from which he graduated in 1928;
following two years spent at Provi- dence College, he entered Georgetown University Law School, from which he graduated with the degree of Bach- elor of Law in 1933.
He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in March, 1934, and en- tered immediately in the active practice of law in Providence.
A staunch supporter of the Demo- cratic Party, in 1936 he was elected Representative from the 14th District, and was re-elected in 1938. He is very active in the discharge of his duties, serving on the important judiciary com- mittee and on the Commission of Inter- State Cooperation.
He is a member of Sigma Nu Phi, the national legal fraternity.
Mr. Ferrara's office is at 305 Turks Head Building, Providence, R. I.
FRATANTUONO, Joseph
Registered pharmacist ; born in Marsi- covetere, Province of Potenza, Italy, December 8, 1884, the son of Frank Domenico and Anna Rosa (Morena) Fratantuono. Educated in the Provi- dence public schools, Evening High School and at Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Ph.G., 1903. He con- tinued his studies taking a post gradu- ate course and received the degree of Phar. D., in 1905. Formerly : in charge of pharmaceutical laboratory at Bland- ing & Blanding. Instructor of Chemistry at R. I. College of Pharmacy, 1912- 13. Since 1908 owner of Fratantuo- no's Pharmacy.
Married Maria Domenica Di Sarro, 1909. Children: 1. Francesco Domen- ico, a physician; 2. Mary, a pharma- cist ; 3. Anna Rose, a graduate nurse and instructor at R. I. Hospital; 4. Joseph, a student at R. I. State Col- lege; 5. Peter, a student; 6. Anthony Caesar, a student. Address: 106 Knight street, Providence, R. I.
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FORTINI, Bernardina Angelina
Pianist and teacher of piano forte; born in Thornton, City of Cranston, R. I., January 30, 1919, the daughter of Carlo and Angelina (Carlino) For- tini, who were born respectively at Prata Sannita, and Mondragone, Italy. The Fortinis immigrated to Rhode Island some fifty years ago, settling in Thornton. A street in the village of Thornton, called Fortini street, is named after the Fortini family.
She attended the public schools at Meshanticut Park and Cranston High School, graduating in 1937. While at the Cranston High School she re- ceived many honor certificates: a cer- tificate for complete theory of Gregg shorthand; a certificate as competent typist; a certificate on the progress of typewriting; a certificate on Gregg Transcription Test.
At the age of ten she began the study of music under Maestro Mazzuc- chelli .. Later she studied under Maestro D'Alessio and Beatrice Ward. In 1937 she enrolled at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she completed her musical edu- cation specializing in piano and in the technique of teaching.
A promising and popular young pi- anist, Miss Fortini is a member of Convivio Club, a founder and member of Mozart Club.
Miss Fortini's piano studio is at 128 Hillwood street, Cranston. R. I.
FERRARA, Bernard F., M.D.
Born in Providence, April 16, 1908, the son of Scipione and Angelina (Baccari) Ferrara. His father, an out- standing jewelry craftsman and pop- ular actor, was a native of Palena, Province of Chieti, Italy, who came to Providence in 1900, and died in 1927.
Dr. Ferrara received his education in the local public schools and Tech-
nical High School, from which he graduated in 1926. He thereafter at- tended Providence College, completed there his pre-medical course, and grad- uated with the degree of B.Ph. in 1930. Immediately afterwards he ma- triculated at St. Louis University School of Medicine, from which he graduated with the degree of M.D., in 1934. Following the completion of his in- terneship at St. Mary Group of Hos- pitals, St. Louis, Mo., he returned to Providence and passed the required State Board medical examination in October, 1935. Later he became 1 st Lieutenant in the Medical Reserve un- der the War Department, assigned to the 7th Corps Area, serving there until December 1, 1939. Following his re- turn to Providence, he entered the active practice of medicine on Decem- ber 26, 1939.
Dr. Ferrara is a member of the Providence Medical Society and Mal- pighi Medical Club.
On December 9, 1936, Dr. Fer- rara married Ann Thorpe, a native of Providence. They are the parents of one child: Joanne. Office: 211 Web- ster avenue, Providence, R. I.
FEMINO, Richard D., M.D.
Born in Providence, April 10, 1905, the son of Antonio and Grazia (Fem- ino) Femino, both natives of Salice, Province of Messina, Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High School, from which he graduated in 1926. He then spent one year at Brown University. Having a bent, too, for music, from Brown he joined an orchestra and for two years travelled throughout Europe and South America. Returning to Prov- idence, he resumed his studies at Brown and graduated with the degree of Ph.B. in 1932. He thereafter entered Tufts Medical College, from which he grad- uated with the degree of M. D. in
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1937. Following his graduation from medical school, he served interneship at Cambridge City Hospital, Cambridge, Mass.
Dr. Femino is a diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examin- ers.
His professional, social and fraternal affiliations include Providence Medical Society, Malpighi Medical Club, Lambda Phi Mu, the Italian medical fraternity. Office: 666 Douglas ave- nue, Providence, R. I.
FORTUNATO, Stephen J., M.D.
Born in Wilmington, Del., Novem- ber 16, 1912, the son of Agostino Fortunato, a native of Salerno, Italy, and Victoria (Fidanza) Fortunato, American born.
Following his primary education at St. Paul Parochial School, he attended the Wilmington High School, gradu- ating in 1930. He then entered the University of Virginia, receiving his degree of B. S. in 1933, and the de- gree of M. D. in June, 1937. He spent his interneship at St. Joseph's Hospital, Providence, R. I.
Dr. Fortunato is associated with the staffs of St. Joseph's Hospital and Homeopathic Hospital.
Dr. Fortunato's fraternal and pro- fessional affiliations include Providence Lodge of Elks; Alpha Kappa Kappa, medical fraternity; Providence Medi- cal Association. Office: 275 Webster avenue, Providence, R. I.
FRANSOSI, Salvatore John
Pianist, teacher and composer ; born in Providence, November 9, 1911, the son of Anthony and Anna (Oddi) Fransosi, both natives of Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Holy Ghost Parochial School,
from which he graduated in 1926. He then attended for three and a half years the Commercial High School.
At the age of ten he began his mu- sical education under Maestro Arturo Mariano, where he studied for seven years. Continuing his studies, he spe- cialized in piano and composition un- der Alexander Rihm, for one year; under Felix Fox of Boston and New York, for two years; under Professor Hitchcock of Brown University; at present he is perfecting his education under Julius Chaloff of Boston. When only fourteen he appeared in a radio recital at WJAR. In 1934 he was engaged to appear in a television broad- cast at WJAR. In addition to his many appearances as a soloist and ac- companist in many recitals, he has also played for many famous singers of both radio and screen.
Maestro Fransosi is a member of the American Federation of Musicians.
On November 9, 1936, Maestro Fransosi married Evelyn Sarro, a na- tive of Pontecorvo, Italy. They are the parents of two children: 1. Annice; 2. Joyce. Studio: 44 Washington street, Providence, R. I.
FIDANZA, Antonio G., M,D.
An Italo-American, native of Wil- mington, Del., who has risen to a posi- tion of importance among the Italians of Silver Lake section is Dr. Antonio G. Fidanza. He is serving as State senator from Johnston.
FAMIGLIETTI, Armand R., D.M.D,
Born in Providence, August 26, 1909, the son of Pasquale and Car- mela (Masi) Famiglietti, who were born respectively at Frigento, Province of Avellino, and Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy.
Dr. Famiglietti was educated in the Providence public schools and Tech-
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nical High School, from which he graduated in 1927; he then entered Providence College and graduated in 1929, receiving a certificate of pre- medical studies ; he afterwards studied at Tuft's Dental College and grad- uated in 1933 with the degree of D. M. D. Dr. Famiglietti is registered to practice dentistry in Rhode Island, and has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Providence since 1933.
He is a member of the R. I. Dental Society and American Dental Asso- ciation. He is a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, being a member of St. An- thony Council, Knights of Columbus. His other social and fraternal affilia- tions include the Aurora Club and Lodge Vittoria of Order Sons of Italy.
On October 22, 1934, Dr. Fami- glietti married Elena Albanese. Office: 524 Charles street, Providence, R. I.
FAMIGLIETTI, Joseph Anthony
General contractor; born in Frigen- to, Province of Avellino, Italy, Jan- uary 28, 1883, the son of Carmine and Maria Antonia (Guerriero) Fami- glietti. His father, a well-known citizen of Frigento, visited the United States in 1878, remained here for two months, and then returned to Italy.
Joseph Anthony Famiglietti re- ceived his education in the public schools of his native town. After leav- ing school, he studied privately, and gained a thorough knowledge of all the details of carpentering and masonry. In 1902 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon his arrival here, he worked at his trade with several large contractors, devot- ing his spare time in the evenings in studying at the Rhode Island School of Design. Being an exceedingly am- bitious and enterprising character, he severed his connection with the com- panies which then employed him and
JOSEPH ANTHONY FAMIGLIETTI
went into business for himself, starting his general contracting business. He has been very successful and has done a very large part of the excellent work in the construction of brick buildings and brick houses throughout the city and state, in which field he specializes. Mr. Famiglietti is one of the leading Italo-American business men in Provi- dence, and his high standing in the community is due entirely to his diligent industry and his exact comprehensive knowledge of the contracting and con- struction business.
Mr. Famiglietti is engaged in busi- ness under the name of The Hope Building Company, Inc., of which he is president and treasurer. He is also treasurer of the State Lumber Com- pany, Inc. He is a member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus.
In November, 1905, Mr. Fami- glietti married Mary Carmela Barone, a native of Providence. They are the parents of one son, Ernest Romeo Famiglietti. Home: 754 Charles street. Office: 36 Exchange Place, Providence, R. I.
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FERRARIS, Felix
Assistant secretary, Foreign Depart- ment of the Industrial Trust Company ; born at Fort Worth, Texas, May 20, 1895, the son of Giovanni and Angela Ferraris, who came to the United States in 1891 from Borgofranco, D'Ivrea, Province of Aosta, Italy. Family re- moved to New York City in 1898.
He was graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1912, and Cornell Uni- versity in 1916. Served in the United States Navy during World War. In 1919 he entered the banking business in New York City. Came to Provi- dence in 1924 as assistant manager of the Foreign Department of the In- dustrial Trust Company and assistant secretary since 1931.
Mr. Ferraris is chairman of the Foreign Trade Committee of the Provi- dence Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Federal Hill House Board, and a Trustee of North Provi- dence Library.
His professional, civic and social af- filiations include Italo-American Club of Rhode Island, Aurora Club of Rhode Island, American Legion, Al- pha Phi Delta Fraternity, and other organizations.
In 1923, Mr. Ferraris married Anne Basile of Brooklyn, N. Y. They are the parents of two daughters and re- side in North Providence.
GARGANESE, John
Business man; born in Francavilla Fontana, Province of Brindisi, Italy, February 10, 1905, the son of Nicola and Giuseppina (Di Castri) Garga- nese, both natives of the same town.
He attended the public schools of his native town, and at the age of thir- teen came to the United States to join his father in Providence. For several years he worked as a barber in leading tonsorial shops. In 1933 he went to
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