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 13
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The Imperial Knife Company is lo- cated at 14 Blount street, a short distance from the center of the city of Providence. It is a thoroughly mod- ern plant, designed especially for the manufacture of pocket knives and kin- dred articles. Since its operation, it has become the largest factory in the coun- try devoted exclusively to the manu- facture of pocket knives. It occupies an entire building containing six floors
and nearly seven hundred people em- ployed.
The great plant of the Imperial Knife Company stands as a fitting sym- bol of the growth of a new industry in Providence, originated and developed by Michael A. Mirando, Felix A. Mirando and Domenic A. Fazzano, three sons of Italy, but now devoted and loyal American citizens.
Michael A. Mirando, Felix A. Mi- rando and Domenic A. Fazzano, pro- prietors of the Imperial Knife Com- pany, represent the best type of Amer- ican citizenship. They are active in club circles, leaders in community affairs and enjoy fully the respect, confidence and esteem of their fellow citizens.
IDEAL KNIFE COMPANY
In 1921 the two brothers, Domenico Maselli and Michele Maselli, two ex- pert cutlers from Frosolone, got to- gether and formed a partnership under the name of Ideal Knife Company to manufacture high grade pocket knives. This concern has been in operation for the past nineteen years, and its plant at 9 Adie street, employs about 15 employes.
The two brothers, natives of Froso- lone, Italy, are the sons of Francesco and Saveria (Zampini) Maselli. The father, a skilled cutler, operated a knife factory in Frosolone.
Domenico Maselli, eldest of the two brothers, was born on June 23, 1887. After attending school he served his apprenticeship under his father and re- mained there until he was called to serve in the 5th Regiment of Artillery. He was honorably discharged in 1909. In 1910 he immigrated to the United States. Upon arriving here he worked at his trade until he went into business by starting the Ideal Knife Company with his brother.
Mr. Maselli married Maria Di Biase, a native of Frosolone. They are
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the parents of seven children: 1. Joseph; 2. Sarah; 3. John; 4. Felix ; 5. Michael; 6. Louis ; 7. Anna.
Michele Maselli, younger brother and joint owner of the Ideal Knife Company, was born on October 20, 1892. After attending school he served his apprenticeship under his father and remained there until he immigrated to the United States in 1911. He worked at his trade until he went into business by starting the Ideal Knife Company with his brother.
Mr. Maselli is a charter member of the Frosolonese Club.
On September 29, 1919, Michele Maselli married Theresa Di Tata. They are the parents of four children: 1. Joseph; 2. Nicholas; 3. Michael; 4. Thomas.
IZZO, Andrew F.
Businessman and a veteran of the World War; born in Teano, Province of Naples, Italy, September 18, 1898, the son of Vincenzo and Maria De Francesco Izzo, also natives of the same town. At the age of nine he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence.
Upon his arrival here, he attended the local public schools, Technical High School and Rhode Island School of Design. When the United States en- tered the World War he enlisted in the United States Army and saw overseas service. He served with the 102nd Headquarters, Field Artillery, 26th Division. Later he also served with the Tank Corps. He saw active duty under fire at the Aisne, Marne and St. Mithiel sectors where he distinguished himself for bravery and was awarded a war medal in recognition of his valor. He was honorably discharged on January 26, 1919.
Following his discharge from the army Mr. Izzo resumed his occupation
as a machinist at Brown & Sharpe, and completed his studies as a draftsman at the Rhode Island School of Design. After working at his trade for a number of years Mr. Izzo was also interested in the hardware business. At present he is the owner of a flourishing grocery store on Mount Pleasant avenue.
Mr. Izzo is a Past Commander of Rocco Bagalio Post; member of 26th Division V. A .; American Legion and Disabled Veterans. His social affilia- tion is with the Ausonia Club. In the fall of 1938 he was a candidate for councilman from the 6th Ward.
On October 30, 1925, Mr. Izzo married Antonetta Russo, a native of Teano, Italy. They are the parents of two children: 1. Andrew F., Jr .; 2. Vincent Thomas. Address : 88 Mount Pleasant avenue, Providence, R. I.
JACKVONY, Louis V.
Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island; respected citizen and leader of Italian descent, who with affection for the land of his forefathers, gives his full devotion to American principles and institutions.
He was born in Providence, R. I., January 25, 1892, the son of the late Antonio and of Carmela Jackvony. Married to Clotilda Zambarano, Feb- ruary 7, 1921. Children: Louis Jr., Jacqueline and Alma.
Lawyer - Soldier - Legislator -- Public Servant.
Boston University Law School, 1916; admitted to the Rhode Island Bar, 1917; enlisted in the U. S. Army during the World War; member of Rhode Island House of Representa- tives, 1920-1922; Assistant Attorney General of Rhode Island, 1925-1930; elected Attorney General on November 8, 1938.
Mr. Jackvony has worked diligently
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g : /
LOUIS V. JACKVONY
in the discharge of his high office. His public career is an open book of capa- ble and disinterested service. He be- lieves firmly in the principles of Ameri- canism and its aims and has contrib- uted largely to its success and perma- nence in the community. He has a wide acquaintance in his State among its people in all walks of life. His demo- cratic friendliness also contributing 10 his large following. Throughout Rhode Island, he is known as a fearless, able and devoted public servant, and enjoys the confidence of its citizens.
Governor Vanderbilt in praising Mr. Jackvony for his services rendered to the State made the following state- ment on August 12, 1940:
"I want to congratulate the Attor- ney General and his department on the conviction and sentencing of those
guilty of election frauds in Providence and elsewhere in the State. The re- sults of these trials and their culmina- tion in jail sentences should act as an encouragement to the people of Rhode Island and as a serious warning to that small group who have engineered crookedness at the polls in the past. The recent convictions are added proof that future elections in this State are going to be honest."
JACKVONY, Albert H., M.D.
A small town that figures conspicu- ously in the history of early Italian im- migrants to Providence is Capriati al Volturno, in the Province of Campo- basso, Italy. Among the well-known descendants of this group is Dr. Albert H. Jackvony, American born.
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LAUDATI, Hector David
Lawyer; born in Providence, Sep- tember 19, 1909, the son of Nicola and Rosina Laudati, both natives of Santa Croce del Sannio, Province of Benevento, Italy.
He received his education in the local public schools and at Classical High School, from which he graduated in 1927; graduated from Brown Uni- versity with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1931. He worked for a few years and then entered Harvard Law School in 1935, from which he graduated with the degree of LL.B. in 1939.
Upon his admission to the Rhode Island bar on November 29, 1939, Mr. Laudati entered immediately in the active practice of law. Office: 49 Westminster street, Providence, R. I.
LEONELLI, Lucia E.
A leader in Italo-American activities and one of the best known Italo-Amer- ican women in Rhode Island; born in Pontecorvo, Province of Frosinone, Italy, the daughter of Alessandro and Oliva (Forlini) Santoro, both natives of the same town.
After completing her studies at the convent of Sacro Cuore at Pontecorvo, in 1907 she came to the United States with her mother to join her father in Providence.
For many years she has been prom- inent in promoting cultural, social, fra- ternal and patriotic activities among Italo-American organizations. She is a member of the R. I. Council of Italian Women, of which she took an active part in its reorganization ; she is one of the founders and at present Secretary of Convivio Cultural Club; President of the Ladies Harmony Club of Rhode Island; member of Lodge Gloria, Order Sons of Italy. She has been active in raising funds for the American
Red Cross, the Italian Red Cross and Community Fund.
On February 16, 1908, she mar- ried Filomeno Leonelli, a native of Frosolone, Italy. Her husband is a prominent Catholic layman of Holy Ghost Church, one of the founders and past president of Holy Name So- ciety and member of Carducci Lodge, Order Sons of Italy.
Mr. and Mrs. Leonelli are the pa- rents of six children: 1. Maria C .; 2. Joseph, a school teacher ; 3. Ermanno, an accountant; 4. Renato, a school teacher ; 5. William, a student ; 6. Ilda. Home: 84 Althea street, Providence, R. I.
LEONELLI, Renato, E.
Teacher; born in Providence, May 12, 1916, the son of Filomeno and Lucia (Santoro) Leonelli.
He received his education in the local public schools and La Salle Academy, graduating with honors in 1934. He then entered Rhode Island State College, graduating with the de- gree of Bachelor of Sciences in 1938.
He began teaching as a student teacher of mathematics at Hope High School, 1938-39. At present he is a substitute teacher in the Providence public schools.
Mr. Leonelli is a platoon sergeant of the Reserve Officers Training Corps of R. I. State College.
LEONELLI, Joseph
Teacher! born in Providence, Sep- tember 3, 1910, the son of Filomeno and Lucia (Santoro) Leonelli.
He received his education in the local public schools and at Classical High School, graduating in 1927. He then attended Providence College, graduating with honors with the degree of Ph.B. in 1931. He afterwards en- rolled at Rhode Island College of Edu-
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cation, graduating with the degree of B.Ed. in 1932. Pursuing further his studies, on June 10, 1940, he received the degree of Master of Education from Boston University.
In 1934 he began his career as a public school teacher, teaching social sciences at Oliver Hazard Perry Jr. High School. At present he is listed as a teacher of mathematics and journal- ısm.
Mr. Leonelli is a member of Ty- ler Council, Knights of Columbus ; Aurora Club : one of the founders and member of Clavis Cultural Club.
LEONELLI, Ermanno, J.
Accountant; born in Providence, December 1, 1914, the son of Filome- no and Lucia (Santoro) Leonelli.
He received his education in the local public schools and Commercial High School, graduating in 1931. Im- mediately thereafter he pursued a coin- mercial course at Bryant College, grad- uating with the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration in 1938.
Mr. Leonelli is a member of the Colita Graduate Club.
LEONI, Pilade Mario
Electrical engineer ; born in Alatri, Province of Rome, Italy, the son of Camillo and Emilia (Benedetti) Leoni, who were born respectively, at Monte- catini. and Falvaterra, Italy.
He received his education in the pub- lic schools of Rome, Collegio Nazza- reno and at the Royal University of Rome. from which he graduated with the degree of Electrical Engineer. On graduation he enlisted in the Royal Italian Army, assigned to the engineers. Following his discharge from the Ital- ian Army in 1912, he came to the United States, settling in Woonsocket, R. I.
Mr. Leoni's first activity after arriv-
ing at Woonsocket was in the auto- mobile business. He then went with the electrical power and light construc- tion. In 1923 he joined the Internation- al Telephone and Telegraph Company of New York, serving there in the pur- chasing department of the International Standard Electrical Company. Later, served as telephone engineer for the International Company, travelling ex- tensively throughout Cuba, Mexico, Spain, England, France and other coun- tries. It was in 1929 that Mr. Leoni was sent to Rome to supervise the first telephone connection between Italy and the United States. In 1930 he went back to Rome to supervise the installa- tion of the telephone system at the Vati- can. He returned to New York in 1931 where he served as commercial agent for the Commercial Cable Com- pany. In 1932 he was with General Pellegrini and Colonel Infante of the Royal Italian Aviation to prepare the Balbo flight to Chicago, New York and back to Rome.
In recognition of his services, in 1931, His Holiness. Pope Pius XI, conferred upon him the decoration of Cavaliere of St. Gregorio Magno, In 1934, the Italian government conferred upon him the decoration of Commenda- tore.
Mr. Leoni has lectured extensively to many clubs, societies and fraternities on Rome and on the Vatican.
Mr. Leoni married in Woonsocket, Irene Fugere, a native of the same city. They are the parents of two children: 1. Leon : 2. Evelyn. Home : 137 Dover street, Providence, R. I.
LUONGO, Fedele Ubaldino, M.D.
Born in Tufo, Province of Avel- lino. Italy, February 23, 1887, the son of Vincenzo and Maria (Ruotolo) Luongo.
As a boy he attended the public schools of his native town and then
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studied at the Gymnasium and Lyceum at Avellino, where he completed both the secondary and classical studies. He then took up the study of medicine at the Royal University of Naples, grad- uating in 1912 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. He later served his interneship in the hos- pitals of Naples.
He came to the United States in 1913 and established himself in the practice of medicine in Providence.
Dr. Luongo is connected as a phy- sician with the Homeopathic Hospital, Miriam Hospital and St. Joseph's Hos- pital.
Dr. Luongo is a member and past president of the Malpighi Medical Club. His other professional affiliations include the Providence Medical So- ciety ; Rhode Island Medical Society ; American Medical Association.
On November 10, 1915, Dr. Luon- go married Esther Ballarin. They are the parents of one daughter: Maria. Office : 508 Charles street, Providence, R. I.
LAURIENZO, Michele
Businessman and prominent in fra- ternal, social, civic and patriotic circles ; born in Matrice, Province of Campo- basso, Italy, July 29, 1881, the son of Luigi and Marta (Cornacchione) Laurienzo.
He received his education in the public schools of his native town and at the University of Naples. In 1904, he immigrated to Rhode Island. A man of culture, on coming to Provi- dence he realized the necessity of learn- ing a trade in order to make a liveli- hood for himself. He immediately served an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker and mastered every branch of the trade. He then worked as a cabinet maker, finally engaged in business for himself.
For many years active in fraternal
circles in the North End section, he served first as Grand Assistant Vener- able, and later as Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy of Rhode Island. He was one of the charter members of Lodge Vittoria of Order Sons of Italy. He was one of its influential member, in which he held various offices including that of Recording-Secretary, which he held un- til his premature death.
On Feburary 18, 1908, Mr. Lau- rienzo married Maria Schiavone, a native of Sessa Aurunca, Italy. They became the parents of three children : Mrs. Italia Romano, wife of Bernard Romano; 2. Viola; 3. Mrs. Elvira Coia, wife of Paul Coia.
Mr. Laurienzo died in Providence, March 27, 1940. The North End section, has lost by his death, one of its stalwart citizens who for many years gave of the best at his command to the welfare of the community.
LAPOLLA, Daniel
Lawyer and Director of Federal Census for Providence ; born in Provi- dence, April 13, 1906, the son of Raffaele and Angiolina (Tramonti) Lapolla, who were born respectively, at Panni, and Bovino, in the Province of Foggia, Italy.
He received his education in the local public schools. Following his graduation from Classical High School, he entered Brown University. While at Brown he achieved many scholastic honors, including first prize Sons of Italy in Italian ; appointed James Man- ning Scholar in 1924; was elected to Phi Beta Kappa honorary scholastic society in his junior year; won Hicks prize in English in 1927; appointed James Manning Scholar in 1927; re- ceived Final Honors in English in 1927, and graduated, Cum Laude, with the degree of LL. B., in 1927. Following his graduation from Brown
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University, he served there for two years as assistant instructor in the Eng- lish Department. He afterwards en- rolled at Boston University Law School, graduating with the degree of LL.B., in 1933. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1934.
During 1936-38, Mr. Lapolla served as Assistant Clerk of the Supe- rior Court. In December, 1939, he was appointed Director of the Federal Census for the City of Providence. In the discharge of the exacting duties of both offices, fraught with so many and various responsibilities, he has made a notable record, exercising his splendid knowledge and thorough training to appreciable results.
Mr. Lapolla is a member of the Aurora Club, Italo-American Club and Bonefro Club.
On September 18, 1935, Mr. La- polla married Elda C. Giannotti, Am- erican born. Office: 49 Westminster street, Providence, R. I.
LOMBARDO, Ralph B.
Assistant District Manager, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany; born in Providence, February 2, 1910, the son of Antonio and An- giolina (Di Muccio) Lombardo. His father is a native of Pietravairano, Italy. His mother, American born, is a daughter of the late Mr. Di Muccio, a sturdy and industrious pioneer from Pietravairano, Italy, who settled on Federal Hill in the 80's.
Mr. Lombardo attended the local public schools, Technical High School and Rhode Island State College, grad- uating with the degree of B.S. in 1932.
In 1933 he entered the employ of the John Hancock Mutual Life In- surance Company. An ambitious and energetic youth, his rise was inevitable from the start. In 1935 he was pro- moted to assistant district manager.
Mr. Lombardo is a member of the Aurora, Italo-American and Unitas Catholic Clubs.
On August 26, 1935, Mr. Lom- bardo married Genevieve Fogarty, a native of Providence. They are the parents of two children: 1. Ralph B. Jr .; 2. David A. Office: John Han- cock Mutual Life Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
MELILLO, Vincenzo
Proprietor of Danbury Hat Manu- facturing Company and one of the original Italian hat manufacturers in the United States; born in Atripalda, Province of Avellino, Italy, December 5, 1866, the son of Pellegrino Mellini and Maddalena Angiuoli. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, and at the early age of twelve he left school and became an apprentice in a hat factory and per- fected his trade in Naples.
In 1891, Mr. Melillo immigrated to the United States, settling first in New- ark, N. J., in which city he obtained employment in a hat factory. He later worked at his trade in New York and Danbury. In 1909 he conducted for a brief period a hat factory in New York City. He moved with his family to Providence in 1914 and established here his high grade hat manufacturing business, to which he added a complete line of men's furnishings.
Mr. Mellillo married in 1900, at Danbury, Conn., Amalia Mazzarella, and they became the parents of the following children: 1. Mrs. Madeline Mascia; 2. William, associated with his father in the business; 3. Thomas Domenico, also associated with his father in the business.
The Danbury Hat Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Melillo is the founder and sole owner, is located on La Salle Square, Providence, R. I.
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MOORE BROTHERS, The
One of the best firms of its kind is that of Moore Brothers, well-known Italo-Americans in the North End sec- tion of the City of Providence.
These four young men, Thomas C., John, Anthony and Arthur, got to- gether some years ago and formed a co-partnership among themselves to en- gage in the wholesale and retail busi- ness of cut flowers, gladiolus, bulbs, singing canaries and tropical fish. From a very small beginning the business has steadily grown, until today the Moore Brothers not only have one of the most profitable breeds of canaries in Rhode Island, but they are also among the largest growers of gladiolus and bulbs.
Melodious singing canaries can be purchased here at reasonable prices. This firm also specializes as growers of superb gladiolus flowers and young vigorous bulbs.
In developing this business, Thomas C., oldest of the firm, personally trained and instructed his younger brothers. They are self-made men in the truest sense, their success the result of indus- try, economy, integrity and sound busi- ness judgment
These four brothers, American born are all children of Anthony and Nellie Caruolo, both pioneer Italian settlers of the Charles street section. Address: 73 Hagan street, Providence, R. I.
MARIANETTI, Louise E.
A promising young artist, born in Providence, March 16, 1916, the daughter of Cesare and the late Elvira (Tirocchi) Marianetti.
Miss Marianetti exhibited a love for art when she was a mere girl, and at an early age, between school hours, she took private lessons in painting, and on Saturdays she attended the R. I. School of Design, from which she received a scholarship. It was while receiving this preliminary training that
she gave evidence of her artistic quali- ties and of her desire to follow it as her life career. Following her gradu- ation from the Nathanael Greene Junior High School in 1932, she enrolled at the R. I. School of Design, where she studied painting and sculpturing, graduating in 1936. Thereafter she was admitted at the Art Students League in New York City, where she studied for a year and a half under Robert Brackman; later at the same institution she became a student of Wil- liam C. Palmer, an outstanding mural painter, under whom she studied Tem- pera painting.
Miss Marianetti has successfully ex- hibited the following work executed by her: "Potrait Study," at R. I. School of Design Galleries, June 15, 1936. Painting of "Thomas S. Lucitt," at Gallery of Fne Arts in New York, August 16, 1937. A painting, "The Bath," at Providence Art Club, April, 1938. On January, 29, 1939, she exhibited a variety of original oil paint- ings at her home which attracted wide attention and strong favorable comment. Miss Louise E. Marianetti lives at the home of her father. Studio: 1363 Smith street, North Providence, R. I.
MANCINI, Novello A.
Manufacturing jeweler, born in Fon- tegreca, Province of Campobasso, Italy, February 20, 1896, the son of Camillo and Filomena (Cucculo) Mancini.
When an infant he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Providence. He attended the local public schools and graduated from the English High School in 1914. For two years he took up a correspon- dent course in law with the La Salle Extension University.
He became a jewelry apprentice at Ostby & Barton Company, and later worked as diamond setter in St. Louis, Missouri. On May 1st 1917, he en-
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listed as a musician in the 2nd Coast Artillery Band and was honorably dis- charged in October, 1917. He re- enlisted in the U. S. Aviation Corps, serving as a reserve officer until Novem- ber, 1918. Following his honorable dis- charge, he started in the jewelry manu- facturing business for himself, and has continued its existence ever since.
He is a Past Venerable and mem- ber of Lodge Dante Alighieri, Order Sons of Italy ; national commander of the Italian World War Veterans Asso- ciation ; member of Knights of Colum- bus and other fraternal and civic organ- izations. In 1932, he served as Eastern Campaign Manager for the Republi- can Party.
He married (first), in 1917, En- richetta Taccone, deceased. He mar- ried the second time in 1921, Giusep- pina Pozzi. His children are the fol- lowing: 1. Victor Camillo; 2. Elena Filomena. Address : 601 Charles street, Providence, R. I.
MOTTA, Alfred Edward
Lawyer; born in Providence, Feb- ruary 28, 1911, the son of Raniero Vittorio Motta and Elvira (Autieri) Motta. His parents are natives of Te- ano, Italy.
He was educated in the Providence public schools and after graduating from Classical High School in 1929, he entered Providence College, gradu- ating with the degree of Ph.B., in 1933. He afterwards took up the study of law at the University of Michigan, graduating with the degree of LL.B. in 1937.
He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar on May 8, 1938, and im- mediately began the active practice of law
He is a member of the Italo-Ameri- can Club.
On May 27, 1939, Mr. Motta married Irene Augustine, a cultured
young woman of Detroit, Michigan, a . graduate of the University of Michigan. Office: 267 Academy avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
MONTELLA, Maria C.
Teacher; born in New York City, the daughter of Carmine and Columbia (Mazzeo) Montella. Her parents im- migrated from Italy some forty-two years ago.
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