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 12
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work in a grocery store conducted by his father where he learned all the de- tails of the grocery business. In 1939 he established his own grocery business under the name of United Coffee Store, where he specializes in high grade coffee and superior Italian products.
Mr. Garganese is a reliable, ener- getic and industrious young business man, and the success of his venture is a tribute to his business ability.
On February 11, 1935, Mr. Gar- ganese married Victoria Maini, a na- tive of Providence.
Mr. Garganese's United Coffee Store is at 578 Charles street, Provi- dence, R. I.
GUADAGNI, Paolo
Founder of the confectionery and fancy pastry establishment bearing the same name; born in Pomigliano D'Arco, Province of Naples, Italy, April 16, 1866, the son of Antonio and Carmela Mastracchio Guadagni.
He attended the public schools of his native town, and at the early age of thirteen began to learn the confec- tionery trade, perfecting his knowledge in Naples, where he also learned the fancy pastry trade from all angles. Up- on his return to his native town from Naples he immediately started in bus- iness for himself and followed it until he came to these shores.
Upon his arrival here in 1906, he at once engaged in the manufacture of high grade Italian confectionery, wed- ding cakes and fancy pastry. Since he started his business in Providence, Paolo Guadagni has not only gained the confidence of his clients for the excellence of his products, but he has also made it one of the largest and best equipped of its kind in New England.
Mr. Guadagni married twice. His first wife, Genoveffa Dascoli, died in Naples in 1904. Surviving children of
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that marriage are: 1. Giulio; 2. Vir- gilio. In 1908 he married his second wife, Rosa Romano.
The business founded by Paolo Guadagni is now owned by his son, Virgilio Guadagni, and operated un- der the name of V. Gaudagni & Sons, with factory at 649 Admiral street, and two spacious, well equipped stores, one at 639 Admiral street, and the other at 242 Atwells avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
GEREMIA, Edward
Lawyer; born in Providence, Feb- ruary 4, 1912, the son of John and Immacolata (Russillo) Geremia, who were born respectively at Vairano Pate- nora, and Frosolone, Italy.
He was educated in the Providence public schools and Technical High School, from which he graduated in 1930. He then attended the Rhode Island State College, from which he graduated in 1934 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. While at Rhode Island State College, he majored in political science, economics and history of social legislation. He then pursued his studies at Harvard Law School and Boston University Law School, graduating from the lat- ter institution with the degree of Bach- elor of Laws after majoring in the Study of Federal and State Administra- tion of Social Security Legislation.
Mr. Geremia was admitted to the Rhode Island bar on May 19, 1939. In the same year he was appointed legal consultant to the State Department of Social Welfare.
His professional affiliations include Tau Kappa Alpha, the honorary col- legiate debating fraternity; Beta Psi Alpha, the Italian fraternity of R. I. State College of which he was one of the founders. Office: Turk's Head Building, Providence, R. I.
GEMMA, Albert
General contractor; born in Arce, Province of Frosinone, Italy, the son of Bernardo and Filomena Calcagni Gemma.
When an infant he was brought to the United States by his parents in 1912, who settled in Providence. He was educated in the local public schools until the age of sixteen, at which time he went to work to learn carpentry and cabinet making. In the meantime he attended the Evening High School and Rhode Island School of Design, where in addition to English he studied architectural designing and draftsman- ship.
In 1930, when only nineteen years old, he started his business as a general contractor, specializing in building fine homes, a business which has prospered and expanded under his personal direc- tion.
On April 23, 1936, he married Maria P. Melucci, a native of Provi- dence. They became the parents of two children : 1. Jeannette; 2. Marie Ann. Office: 12 Raritan avenue, Providence, R. I.
GUCCIONE, Giuseppe
Businessman ; born in Comiso, Prov- ince of Siracusa, Italy, February 10, 1880, the son of Salvatore and Nun- ziata (Muccio) Guccione, also natives of Comiso.
He attended the public schools of his native town until the age of four- teen, at which time he began to work for his father as a miller. In 1906 he immigrated to the United States, set- tling in New York City, where he be- came a wage earner, beginning as a dock worker. In 1908 he visited his native Sicily, returning to New York City in 1909. Upon his return to New York he started in business for himself, establishing a travelling grocery store distributing Italian food products, spe-
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G. GUCCIONE
cializing in imported olive oil. While in New York City, he travelled throughout the principal cities of the United States introducing his products. After his marriage in 1911, he moved his business to Providence, making this city his home.
Mr. Guccione, the only Italian en- gaged in conducting a travelling Italian grocery business, is known for the suc- cess of his venture and for the high quality of his products.
During his thirty years in which he has been engaged in business in the United States, he has won a high repu- tation for honesty, reliability and in- dustry. His sterling qualities and high standards of business dealing have won for him the confidence of his clients and friends.
On April 23, 1911, Mr. Guccione married in New York City, Maria Salomone, a native of Sciacca, Italy, but brought up and educated in New York since she was two months old. They became the parents of six chil- dren: 1. Mrs. Anna Lombari; 2. Mrs. Susie Milillo; 3. Ella Josephine ;
4. Nunziata; 5. Salvatore Anthony ; 6. Palmo Joseph.
Mr. Guccione conducts his travelling grocery business under the name of G. Guccione. Address: 748 Atwells ave- nue, Providence, R. I.
GENTILE, Herman A,
Osteopathic physician ; born in Prov- idence, February 10, 1913, the son of Michael Gentile and Bessie (Bloom) Gentile. His father is a son of early immigrants from Pietravairano, Italy.
Dr. Gentile attended the Providence public schools and Classical High School, from which he graduated in 1930. He then studied for three years at Providence College. He thereafter entered the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy, from which he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Osteo- pathy in 1938. He spent one year in- terneship at the Rhode Island Osteo- pathic Hospital.
He began the active practice of his profession in July, 1938.
At present he is a member of the staff of the Osteopathic Hospital.
His professional affiliations include the National Osteopathic Association. Office: 580 Chalkstone avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
GIOLITTI, Mario
Treasurer and manager of the Silver Lake Loan and Investment Company, and prominent in Italo-American social, civic and fraternal circles; born in Turin, Italy, October 15, 1901, the son of Camillo and Giulia (Rocca) Giolitti, who were born respectively at Turin and Milan, Italy.
He received his education in the public schools of Genoa and following his graduation from the Technical School enrolled at the Royal Nautical School Vittorio Emanuele II, of Genoa, from which he graduated on July 18,
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1920, with the grade of high sea cap- tain.
He began his active career in the Royal Italian Navy, serving as chief steering officer on submarines and mine sweepers doing service on the Adriatic Sea until 1921. He then entered the service of Lloyd Sabaudo as deck offi- cer and rose subsequently to the posi- tion of first purser on the liner Conte Verde, serving until 1925. Following the termination of his brilliant career in the Italian merchant navy, Mr. Gio- litti immigrated to the United States in 1925, settling in Providence.
Upon his coming to Providence he immediately entered the employ of M. Thomas Marcello, importer, with which concern he spent the first years of his American experience. Since 1937 he has been treasurer and manager of the Silver Lake Loan and Investment Com- pany, a position which he ably fills to the satisfaction of his superiors and the public as well.
A man of broad culture and business ability, Mr. Giolitti is a Past Grand Assistant Venerable of the Order Sons of Italy; a member of Lodge Piave, the Elks, Unitas Club and other or- ganizations.
On October 1, 1925, Mr. Giolitti married Enrichetta Marcello. They be- came the parents of three children: 1. Mario; 2. Enrico; 3. Giulia. Home: 425 Laurel Hill avenue, Cranston, R. I.
GALASSO, Domenico
Businessman; born in Francavilla Fontana, Province of Brindisi, Italy, June 7, 1891, the son of Francesco and Concetta (Costantina) Galasso.
At an early age he was put to work helping his father in taking care of gardens and farms. In 1907 he immi- grated to the United States, settling in
Providence. Upon arriving here he worked in various occupations. In 1919 he bought a car and became a jitney driver. He then went into business in cars for hire and later into the taxi business. At present he is engaged in the trucking and general automobile business.
Mr. Galasso is active in the civic, social and fraternal affairs in the Silver Lake section.
On December 6, 1914, Mr. Galasso married Bessie Pezzullo, a native of Hughesdale. They became the parents of the following children: 1. Francesco; 2. Concetta ; 3. Margaret; 4. Rosina ; 5. Paolina ; 6. Domenico ; 7. Anthony ; 8. Raymond.
Mr. Galasso's business place is at 170 Laurel Hill avenue, Providence, R. I.
GRECO, Amalio Edward, Rev, P.S.M.
Born in Providence, October 21, 1915, the son of Giovanni and Maria (Sardarelli) Greco, natives of Vairano Patenora, Italy. His parents are among the earliest settlers of the Silver Lake section.
Fr. Greco received his education in the local public schools and at La Salle Academy, from which he graduated in 1933. He then studied for one year at Noviziato Missionario Pallottini, at Rocca Priora, Province of Rome. He afterwards spent five years at Collegio Regina Degli Apostoli, in Rome, Italy. He was ordained to the priesthood July 30, 1939, and celebrated his first Mass July 31, 1939, at the Church of Regina Degli Apostoli, Rome, Italy. After his ordination he immediately re- turned to the United States. At present he is connected with St. Leo's Church, Baltimore, Md.
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GRILLI, Anthony
Lawyer ; born in Providence, Sep- tember 14, 1908, the son of Ernesto and Maria Sofia (Ursillo) Grilli, who were born respectively at Cassino, Prov- ince of Frosinone, Italy, and Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy.
Following his primary education he attended Classical High School two years and then he was compelled to in- terrupt his studies because of illness. Resuming his studies he attended the Technical High School from which he graduated in 1927. Thereafter he en- tered Providence College, from which he graduated with the degree of B. Ph. in 1931. Later, he took up the study of law at Georgetown University School of Law, from which he graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1934.
While attending high school and Providence College he worked under Jack Martin as assistant high school sports editor for the Providence Jour- nal and Evening Bulletin. In the last year of his law school at Georgetown University, he worked at the Govern- ment Printing Office in Washington, D. C., in order to help in financing his education. Following his graduation from the law school he worked for one year with the Re-settlement Adminis- tration in Washington, D. C. Upon his return to Providence he first worked as salesman for Metz Paper Company and later for a government project called the Consumers Purchases Study. In March, 1937, he was appointed assistant supervisor of Domestic Rela- tions, Department of Public Welfare, of the City of Providence, serving until September, 1939. On November 5, 1937, Mr. Grilli was admitted to the Rhode Island bar, at which time he entered the practice of law in Provi- dence.
On October 12, 1932, Mr. Grilli married Adelina Cantino. They are the parents of three children: 1. Anthony
Ernest; 2. Ernest Albert; 3. Albert John. Office: 908 Union Trust Build- ing, Providence, R. I.
GIORDANO, Simone
Businessman; born in Palazzolo Acreide, Province of Siracusa, Italy, November 19, 1891, the son of Sebas- tiano and Sebastiana (Lombardo) Giordano.
At the age of nine he left school and began to learn the coppersmith trade from his father. He followed his trade until he immigrated to this coun- try in 1914. Upon his arrival here he was first employed in doing roofing work. He next entered the Bernor Mill at Georgiaville. Being a man of natural intelligence and business ability, in 1920 he established a business of his own, starting a spaghetti and macaroni manufacturing plant, with an adjoining large grocery store, in which are to be found the finest quality of cheese, olive oil and other Italian products.
Mr. Giordano is affiliated with many social and fraternal organizations, in- cluding Society Palazzolo Acreide. He is treasurer of Italian Grocery and Mar- ketmen Association. A successful bus- iness man, he is also a splendid type of an American citizen.
On August 2, 1913, he married in Italy, Lucia Gilistro. Address: 414 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
GALASSI, Theodore Vincent
President, Capitol Marble & Tile Company, Inc. ; born in Carovilli, Prov- ince of Campobasso, Italy.
After receiving his education in the grammar schools of his native town, at the age of twelve he began to learn the marble and stone business, and at fifteen he immigrated to the United States, settling first in Philadelphia, where he remained one year. He then spent four years in Boston, working at his trade, moving at the end of that
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time to San Francisco, where he estab- lished the T. V. Galassi Mosaic Com- pany. His work embracing Roman, Venetian, glass, pearl and ceramic mo- saic decorations, and giving employ- ment to seventy-five of those working on the capitol at Sacramento, where the floors were decorated with California poppies. Mr. Galassi was also em- ployed in the decoration of the United States Post Offices at San Francisco and Oakland, Cal., and Portland, Ore., and on the battleships at Mare Island. Among the many public build- ings for which he applied the decorative work were the Union Savings Bank at Oakland, the St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, the Columbus Savings & Loan Company's buildings, also of San Francisco, and the following structures all of which are in the same city: the buildings of the Pacific State Telegraph and Telephone Company, the Italian-American Bank, the Yoko- homa Specie Bank, the Iroquois Apart- ments, the Buckingham Apartments, the James Flood Building. Some of those he decorated elsewhere were the fol- lowing: the Union Savings Bank at Oakland, the Central Bank at the same place, the library buildings at Vellejo and Berkeley, churches and public buildings at Palo Alto, St. Joseph's Church, the new Albee Theatre, old Keith's, new Victory, the Jackson Building, the Dexter Asylum and the Providence College Dormitory, all these in Providence. The Junior and Senior High School buildings, Paw- tucket, R. I. He also decorated State buildings at Howard, R. I., the Narra- gansett Pier Post Office, the Newport Training Station, St. Luke's Hospital at New Bedford, the Sayles Bleachery, and many of the large mills in Rhode Island.
He has also worked for the Bureau of Mines, United States Government, at Pittsburgh, finished the fourth and fifth floors of the Federal Building,
and all the tile and marble work for Walter H. Arnold at East Greenwich. The foregoing is only a partial list of Mr. Galassi's contracts.
Mr. Galassi has also made a repu- tation as an inventor for devices and appliances applied to his line of deco- rative art. On the occasions of the Lit- torial Exposition, held in Bologna, Italy, on May 15-29, 1932, Mr. Ga- lassi was awarded a Diploma of Merit accompanied by Merit Cross and Gold Medal for the high excellence of his contribution to decorative art.
Mr. Galassi married in Italy, Lu- cietta Milanese, of his home town, and they became the parents of the follow- ing children: Lilia ; Theodore V. Jr., born August 13, 1915, died October 26, 1916; Italia Victoria; Irma Bi- anca; Vera; Lucio Mario.
Mr. Galassi is president of the Cap- itol Marble & Tile Co., Inc., engaged in the tile, slate, mosaic and glass bus- iness. Office: 48 Oxford street, Provi- dence, R. I.
GAMMINO, Michael A.
President and treasurer, M. A. Gammino Construction Company. One of the foremost road contractors in Rhode Island and widely known Italo- American. American born, he is the son of the late Frank A. Gammino, also a road contractor, who immigrated to the United States from Basilicata, Italy, back in the late '70s and set- tled in Providence in the late '90s.
Mr. Gammino has constructed hun- dreds of miles of roads in Rhode Is- land and other sections of the United States.
On July 1, 1907, Mr. Gammino married Grazia Pennacchia. A son-in- law of Mr. Gammino is John R. Cioci, Representative from the 7th Assembly District. Home: 152 Columbia avenue, Edgewood. Office: 728 Valley street, Providence, R. I.
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GARGANESE, Nicola
Businessman; born in Francavilla Fontana, Province of Brindisi, Italy, October 20, 1881, the son of Salvatore and Antonietta (Solazzo) Garganese.
He attended the public schools and gymnasium of his native town. After leaving school he spent five years as clerk in the office of taxes and records of the town of Francavilla. Later he opened a cafe and liquor store which he kept until he came to the United States in 1905. Upon his arriving in Providence he obtained employment at F. E. Chester Mfg. Company as ship- ping clerk, and worked there until he started his own business under the name of United Coffee Store, special- izing in high grade roasted coffee and the finest Italian groceries. Mr. Garga- nese, a man of education, is regarded as a very able and successful business man, and much of the growth of his enterprise must be attributed to his honesty and reliability. Recently he became the owner of the property at 346 Atwells avenue, the site of the old Florence Drug Store, which was established by the late Dr. V. L. Raia in 1893.
Mr. Garganese is one of the original founders of Lodge Italia, Order Sons of Italy; founder of Camp Garibaldi, Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Garganese married in Italy, November 25, 1903, Giuseppina Di Castri. They are the parents of two children: 1. Paul, engaged as super- visor for the Pioneer Stores; 2. John, engaged in the grocery business.
Mr. Garganese's United Coffee Store is at.341 Atwells avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
GENTILE, Anthony A.
Police captain, Providence Police Department. See Page 165, First Edi- tion, Italo-Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
COIA-HARRIS, Anita Dolores
Pianist; born in Providence, the daughter of Philip and Giovanna (Di Iorio) Coia, who were born respec- tively, at Filignano, and Colletorto, Province of Campobasso, Italy.
She attended St. Ann's Parochial School and St. Xavier's Academy. She then studied music at the Providence College of Music, directed by Dr. Wassili Leps, conductor of the Provi- dence Symphony Orchestra. While at the Providence College of Music she specialized in piano, teaching and con- cert work, graduating in 1932.
Mrs. Coia Harris has successfully taught piano for the past nine years and has appeared in many concerts as pianist, accompanist and assistant artist. She is listed as a member of the faculty of the Providence College of Music.
She holds membership in the N. E. Council of Young Republicans, the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and other women's organizations.
Studio: 155 Langdon street, Provi- dence, R. I.
IZZO, John
Cabinet maker ; born in Sessa Aurun- ca, Province of Naples, Italy, Septem- ber 21, 1893, the son of Ambrogio and Civita (Croce) Izzo.
After receiving his elementary edu- cation, at the age of fifteen he went to work for his father from whom he learned the cabinet making trade. In 1911 he immigrated to the United States, settling first in New York, where he worked at his trade. In 1915 he moved to Providence, where he estab- lished his own business, specializing in general cabinet work for bars, drug stores, restaurants and booths.
He is a past vice president and now secretary of Union and Benevolence Society, the oldest Italian fraternal so- ciety in Rhode Island.
In 1918 he married Teresa Buon-
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anno. They became the parents of four children : 1. Ambrogio; 2. Alfred; 3. Remo; 4. Vincenzo. Address: 18 Bas- sett street, Providence, R. I.
IANNITELLI, Angelo Raffaele
Veteran insurance underwriter ; born in Prata Sannita, Province of Campo- basso, Italy, March 7, 1884, the son of Francesco and Maria Giovanna (La Banca) Iannitelli.
He was brought to Rhode Island by his parents when a small boy in 1892. For a while he attended the local pub- lic schools until the age of ten, at which time he went to work in a textile fac- tory. Next he worked successively as a milk man, in a foundry factory, as a shipping clerk for Ballou, Johnson & Nichols. In 1914 he entered the service of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. In 1922 he went to work as manager for one of the A. & P. stores, remaining there four years. In 1922 he returned to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, remaining there ever since. An indefatigable worker, in his long years of service, Mr. Ianni- telli has not only demonstrated marked ability, but ranks high among the un- derwriters of the Metropolitan Life In- surance Company
On November 8, 1908, Mr. Ianni- telli married Carolina Leo, a native of Pietro Montecorvino, Province of Foggia, Italy. They became the par- ents of three children: 1. Angelo, Jr .; 2. Maria Consiglia ; 3. Carmela.
IANNUCCILLO, Thomas
Contractor ; born in Roccamonfina, Province of Naples, Italy, June 1, 1890, the son of Antonio and Isabella (Petteruti) Iannuccillo.
He attended the public schools of his native town until the age of eleven, at which time he began his apprentice- ship in the masonry trade. This was
followed by experience in construction work. In 1910 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon coming to Providence he fol- lowed his trade until twenty years ago, at which time he started his own bus- iness as a mason contractor. His many building operations include work for St. Mary's Church, St. Theresa's Church, State Institutions, etc.
Mr. Iannuccillo is a member of the Young Italian Imperial Club.
On June 1, 1913, Mr. Iannuccillo married Vincenza Sciarretta, a native of Sessa Aurunca, Italy. They became the parents of six children: 1. Isabella ; 2. Mafalda; 3. Viola; 4. Elvira; 5. Rosa; 6. Rita. Address: 161 Unit street, Providence, R. I.
IANNUCCILLO, Angelo
General contractor; born in Rocca- monfina, Province of Naples, Italy, August 23, 1880, the son of Pasquale and Carmela (Maccarone) Iannuccillo, also natives of the same town.
After a brief education, at the age of thirteen he began his apprenticeship in the mason trade and followed this occupation until he came to this country in 1899, settling in Lawrence, Mass. After working in Lawrence for three years, he moved to Providence in 1902. He worked as mason until 1905 at which time he went into the masonry contracting business. Since 1920 he has been in business for himself as a general contractor. Many well-built homes, garages and gasoline stations built by him are scattered throughout the state.
Mr. Iannuccillo married (first) An- gela Damiani. She died in 1917. He married the second time, Elisa Muoio. His children are the following: 1. Car- mela; 2. Latterina ; 3. Ribella ; 4. Pas- quale; 5. Arturo; 6. Luigi; 7. Ray- mond; 8. Agnese.
Mr. Iannuccillo is a member of the
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Italo-American Club, Young Italian Imperial Club, the Elks. Address: 185 Unit street, Providence, R. I.
IMPERIAL KNIFE COMPANY
The manufacture of pocket knives and similar cutlery articles is one of the important industries which has received great development in the City of Provi- dence through the initiative of enter- prising and sturdy sons of Frosolone, Italy.
The creation of this new industry in Rhode Island is due to Michael A. Mirando, trained in the cutlery trade since his boyhood in Italy. Upon ar- riving on these shores some thirty years ago, he first worked in the cutlery fac- . tories in Connecticut where he devel- oped the idea of establishing a cutlery factory of his own. The first inception of this new industry was some twenty- three years ago when Michael A. Mi- rando established a small shop of his own at 4 Pocasset avenue, in the Olneyville section, a business which he carried on alone. As he progressed with his industry he became greatly enthused over the possibilities of such an indus- try that he was able to convince his young brother, Felix A. Mirando, and his close friend, Domenic A. Fazzano, to join him in his enterprise. From these three young men, experienced knife makers, possessing initiative and energetic in action, grew the Imperial Knife Company, founded in 1917.
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