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 15
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He was educated in the public schools of Providence, attended the Technical High School and then en- tered the Morris Heights Preparatory School, graduating in 1917.
He was first employed with the
George H. Fuller Company of New York City, where he acquired the early training for the building construc- tion business. In the meantime, he spent one year at Columbia University, where he took up a course in en- gineering.
The years of experience with the George H. Fuller Company, combined with his studies in engineering at Co- lumbia University, gave Mr. Mauro the foundation with which to build a business for himself, and in 1925, he founded and organized in Providence the building construction business, known as the Mauro Construction Com- pany, Inc., of which he is President and Treasurer.
Mr. Mauro is widely known as a very able and successful businessman, enjoys a high reputation for fair deal- ing, takes a very active part in civic, fraternal and social affairs, and indeed, in every respect represents the highest type of useful and public-spirited citi- zenship.
On June 8, 1939, His Excellency, Governor William H. Vanderbilt ap- pointed Mr. Mauro a member of the State Board of Parole.
Mr. Mauro is a charter member of the Aurora Club.
On September 5, 1929, Mr. Mauro married Zelia Emilia Tortolani, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Tortolani. They are the parents of two children: 1. Roberta Elsa; 2. Edmund M., Jr. Office: 601 Turks Head Building, Providence, R. I.
MARCELLO, Matteo Thomas
Prominent wholesale grocer and im- porter, State official and a leader among ยท Italo-American business men; born in Caianello, Province of Naples, Italy, March 14, 1894, the son of Antonio and Margherita (Piccirillo) Marcello, who were born respectively, at Caianel- lo, and Teano, Italy.
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M. THOMAS MARCELLO
He attended the public schools of his native town, but when a lad of twelve he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Cranston. Starting life as an immigrant boy, Mr. Marcello had risen through various employment, to the position of building contractor, a business which he started at the age of seventeen. In 1919 he turned to the wholesale gro- cery, provisions and importing business, establishing his new venture under the name of M. Thomas Marcello, whole sale dealer in beef, eggs, groceries, provisions, and importer of olive oil. High standards of business dealing, products of the finest quality and ef- fective service on the part of trained and competent employes, are largely due to the efforts of Mr. Marcello. His extensive and growing enterprise makes him one of the most widely known Italo-American business men in Rhode Island.
A generous man and active in Italo- American civic and social affairs, in 1934 he was elected councilman from the 5th Ward of the City of Cranston, and re-elected in 1936, serving until
1938. In 1938 he was elected Rep- resentative from the 5th Representative district of the City of Cranston. A pub- lic servant of integrity and ability, he is a member of many important com- mittees, including the Agriculture and Mechanic Arts committee.
Mr. Marcello is President of the Silver Lake Loan & Investment Com- pany.
His business, fraternal and social affiliations include the Italian Chamber of Commerce of New England, the Elks, Aurora Club, Italo-American Club and Unitas Catholic Club.
In 1921, Mr. Marcello married Anna Indeglia, a native of Providence. They are the parents of four children : 1. Mrs. Olga Margherita Toppa, wife of John M. Toppa, a well-known con- tractor of Newport, R. I .; 2. Mathew Thomas, Jr., a student ; 3. Anthony Claudio, a student ; 4. Anna Marie, a student. Home: 183 Heather street, Cranston, R. I. Business address: 375 Canal street, Providence, R. I.
MAINELLI, Joseph
Lawyer and public official. As a member of the Rhode Island bar and active in public affairs, Mr. Mainelli has spared no obstacles to develop the talents with which nature endowed him and has won his way to the top through hard work and consistent effort. For his achievements in these different fields, he is highly esteemed and respected.
Mr. Mainelli was born in Froso- lone, Province of Campobasso, Italy, March 3, 1903, the son of Michele and Maria Carmina (Venditti) Main- elli.
At the age of three he was brought to Rhode Island by his parents who settled in Providence. He was edu- cated in the Providence public schools and Technical High School. He studied law at the Northeastern University
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JOSEPH MAINELLI
Law School, from which he graduated in 1933, with the degree of LL. B.
Having been admitted to the Rhode Island bar in May, 1934, he has since then been successfully engaged in the practice of law in Providence. On De- cember 28, 1939, Mayor John F. Collins appointed Mr. Mainelli to the important post of Secretary of the Board of Canvassers and Registration of the City of Providence, an office which he fills with ability and tact.
He is also keenly interested in civic, social and fraternal affairs, covering a wide scope. His political alignment is with the Republican party, of whose policies and principles he is a staunch supporter. He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, Froso- lonese Club, Bradford Club and Uni- ted Commercial Travelers of America.
On June 11, 1928, Mr. Mainelli married Anna Regine. They are the parents of two children: 1. Maria Carmina ; 2. Michael Richard. Home: 197 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
MIGLIACCIO, Anthony V., M.D.
The island of Ischia, in the Bay of Naples, Italy, is especially interesting to Rhode Islanders because of the great number of its people that have immi- grated to Providence. Among the per- sonalities who have emerged from this group is Dr. Anthony V. Migliaccio, American-born physician.
MAISANO, John
Businessman and one of the founders of the Italo-American community of Bristol; born in Scafati, Province of Salerno, Italy, August 21, 1876, the son of Aniello and Maria Carmina Caraturo Maisano, both natives of the same town.
After attending school in his native town, he learned the shoe-making trade. At the age of about sixteen years, he immigrated to the United States, set- tling in Bristol. Upon coming to Bristol, he obtained employment at the U. S. Rubber Company, where he remained until 1918, when he established him- self independently in the grocery and news store business. As one of the earliest settlers of Italian origin and father of a large family, he made him- self a figure of influence in Italo-Am- erican circles in Bristol, where the Maisanos are highly respected and widely known.
Mr. Maisano is one of the founders and member of the Lodge Principessa Elena, Order Sons of Italy.
On June 17, 1899, in his native town of Scafati, Italy, he married Anna Santa. They are the parents of thirteen children, all natives of Bristol and proud of their American citizenship: 1. Salvatore, in the gasoline business ; 2. Anthony, in the gasoline business ; 3. Carmine, a reporter for the Provi- dence Journal and Evening Bulletin ; 4. Mrs. Carmelina Proto; 5. Pasquale ; 6. Mrs. Elizabeth Romano; 7. Wil-
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liam ; 8. Lucy; 9. Virginia; 10. Ella ; 11. Aniello; 12. John; 13. Louis. Ad- dress : 467 Wood street, Bristol, R. I.
MARIANO, Joseph Edward
Jewelry manufacturer ; born in Mon- tagano, Province of Campobasso, Italy, November 20, 1890, the son of Gi- useppe and Carmela Mariano, de- ceased, who were also natives of the same town. His parents with their small children immigrated to the United States in 1891, settling in Providence, and here the Mariano family have made their home ever since.
Joseph Edward Mariano attended the Providence public schools and Clas- sical High school. At the age of four- teen he became an apprentice in a jew- elry factory. After completing his ap- prenticeship he followed his trade in different leading jewelry concerns dur- ing a number of years. An exceedingly ambitious young man, anxious to en- gage in business on his own account, in 1916 he associated himself with the Progressive Ring Company. He re- mained there for twelve years. In 1928 he started the Barker & Barker Mfg. Co., makers of fine sterling silver jewel- ry and novelties, of which concern he is President and Treasurer. Mr. Mari- ano is not only a skilled jeweler, but also a most able business man. His progressive ideas are in a large measure responsible for the rapid growth of his concern.
Mr. Mariano is a well-known figure in business, patriotic and social circles. He is one of the original founders of the Rhode Island Boys Scouts of America, which was organized in 1910. He has been an active member of the Italo American Club of Rhode Island since 1908.
On August 20, 1934, Mr. Mari- ano married Amelia Del Sesto, a native of Providence. They are the parents
of two children: 1. Elizabeth Ann ; 2. J. Edward Mariano, Jr. Home: 616 Mount Pleasant avenue. Office : 1199 Eddy street, Providence, R. I.
NANI, Albert E.
Furniture salesman and well known fraternal worker ; born in Isernia, Prov- ince of Campobasso, Italy, April 10, 1888, the son of Licinio and Chiarina (D'Alfonso) Nani, who were born respectively, at Isernia and at Scapoli, Italy.
He attended the public schools of Isernia and the private school of Semi- nario of Montecassino, but the prema- ture death of his father cut short his ambition to acquire a thorough educa- tion. At the age of thirteen he immi- grated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon arriving here, he went to work in a jewelry factory, re- maining there a number of years. He then entered the employ of the United Electric Railways, first as a motorman and later becoming an inspector. In 1927 he went to work as salesman for the Outlet Company, in the furniture department. In his line of work he has been eminently successful from the very outset, with the result that he ranks high among outstanding furniture sales- men and has now the confidence of his superiors.
A man of many activities, Mr. Nani is a member of Lodge Riunite of North End, Order Sons of Italy; Society Umberto II, No. 2; the Elks.
Mr. Nani married first, in 1916, Elvira Mascio. His first wife died in 1936. Mr. Nani married the second time on April 28, 1938, Luisa Fer- rucci. Mr. Nani is the father of the following children by his first mar- riage: 1. Ines; 2. Lola; 3. Emma; 4. Albert, Jr .; 5. Ronald; 6. Roger. Home: 89 Paul street, Providence, R. I.
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NANI, Henry E.
Jewelry superintendent ; born in Iser- nia, Province of Campobasso, Italy, August 25, 1894, the son of Licinio and Chiarina (D'Alfonso) Nani, who were born respectively, at Isernia, and at Scapoli, Italy.
He was brought to the United States by his mother when only seven years old, settling in Providence. After grad- uating from the Branch avenue gram- mar school, he served his apprenticeship in a jewelry factory, and later worked as a skilled jeweler with various con- cerns. During the World War Mr. Nani enlisted in the United States Navy, serving overseas, assigned to transport duty. He was honorably dis charged in October, 1919. Following his return to civilian life he resumed his occupation in the jewelry factory. After serving in practically all the many de- partments of the jewelry trade, in 1925 he became superintendent of the Pro- gressive Ring Company, jewelry man- ufacturers, rising to his present responsi- ble position through sheer intelligence and ability. The company during the busy season employs over 350 em- ployes.
Highly regarded in jewelry circles, Mr. Nani is also active in social and fraternal affairs. He is a member of the American Legion and of the Vet- erans of Foreign Wars.
On June 14, 1921, Mr. Nani mar- ried Anna Maria Colicci, a native of Providence. They are the parents of five children: 1. Claire ; 2. Henry Jr. ; 3. Richard; 4. David; 5. Donald. Home: 163 Modena avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
OTTAVIANO, James
Public official; born in North Prov- idence, January 19, 1902, the son of Giovanni Giuseppe and Angela (Iannuccilli), who were born respec- tively, at Ciorlano, and Valle Agricola,
in the former Province of Caserta, Italy.
After attending the local public schools and Manton Evening High School, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving at Gulfport, Mississippi, and was honorably discharged in 1918. Upon his return to Rhode Island he became a construction mechanic and followed this trade until his entrance into the political field. In 1932 his popularity culminated in his appoint- ment as Director of Public Aid in the Town of North Providence. He re- signed in 1935 in order to accept the appointment of Relief Administrator and Director of WPA of North Prov- idence.
Under the name of James Penny he has been very active as a baseball player, winning a number of prizes.
On June 27, 1936, Mr. Ottaviano married Irma Maiani of Boston, for- merly a school teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Ottaviano maintain their home at 5 Emanuel street, Lymansville, in the Town of North Providence, R. I.
ODDO, Vincent J., M.D.
Born in Bisacquino, Province of Palermo, Italy, February 13, 1891, the son of Gaspare and Rosalia Fulco Oddo.
At the age of four he was brought to the United States by his parents. He attended the public schools of New York City, North Adams and Hol- yoke, Mass., graduating from the Hol- yoke High School in 1912. He then entered the University of Maryland School of Medicine, from which he graduated with the degree of M.D., in 1916. Following his interneship at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Mary- land, he successfully passed the medical examination in Maryland, Massachu- setts and Rhode Island.
Dr. Oddo came to Providence in
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1917 and immediately began practice of his profession.
While engaged in medical practice, he took up a post graduate course in urology at the N. Y. University in 1928, and at Harvard Medical School in 1929.
In 1918, Dr. Oddo became associ- ated with St. Joseph's Hospital, and . when a new department of urology was established, he was appointed assistant urological surgeon. He was later appointed Chief Urological Sur- geon in 1920, and Director of the Department of Urology in January, 1936. He is also on the visiting staff of the Homeopathic and Miriam Hos- pitals; consultant urologist at Charles V. Chapin Hospital, Notre Dame Hos- pital of Central Falls, the Hospital for Mental Diseases at the State In- firmary at Howard, and Westerly Gen- eral Hospital.
Dr. Oddo served as member of the School Committee, during 1922-23; he was appointed medical examiner for the District of Providence in January, 1933.
Dr. Oddo is a member of the Prov- idence Medical Society; R. I. Medi- cal Society; Fellow of the American Medical Association; member of the Malpighi Medical Club and the Amer- ican Society of Regional Anesthesia. He is also a member of the Aurora Club.
On October 6, 1918, Dr. Oddo married Carmelina M. Martino of Providence. They are the parents of three children: 1. Rosalia; 2. Vincent, Jr .; 3. Salvatore. Office: 322 Broad- way. (From the 1936 Edition. )
POLICASTRI, Eugenio
Businessman and veteran of the World War; born in Corigliano Cal- abro, Province of Cosenza, Italy, No- vember 11, 1888, the son of Paolo and Chiara (Galanti) Policastri.
He attended the public schools of his native town until the age of 12, at which time he was brought to the United States by his parents, making their home in New York City. Upon arriving there he learned the tailoring trade and designing, and studied Eng- lish in the evening public schools. In 1914 he removed to Providence where he obtained employment as a tailor and designer.
During the World War he enlisted in his adopted country's cause, being assigned to the 76th Regiment of In- fantry, with which he saw active service in France, taking part in a number of engagements in the Metz sector. He was honorably discharged in September, 1919.
Upon his return to America he es- tablished a high grade tailor shop of his own, where fine clothes for gentle- men and custom made uniforms are made.
He is a member of the Lafayette Lodge of Masons of New York; El Sole di Cuba Lodge of New York; Court Carlo Alberto, Foresters of Am- erica of New York.
Mr. Policastri married twice. His first wife was Carmela (Rosa) Poli- castri. She died in 1926. His second marriage was to Maria Saulini Policas- tri. He is the father of four children : 1. Antonietta, a clerk in the Providence Public Library; 2. Paolo; 3. Egidio; 4. Diana. Address: 46 Home avenue, Providence, R. I.
PONTARELLI, Mary C.
Teacher; born in Providence, the daughter of Giuseppe and Delfina (Montepara) Pontarelli, both natives of Rocchetta al Volturno, Province of Campobasso, Italy.
She attended the local public schools and graduated from Technical High School in 1928. Thence she entered the Rhode Island College of Educa-
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tion, from which she graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Education in 1932. While at R. I. College of Education she was a member of the Italian Club and Art Club.
Miss Pontarelli began teaching as a student teacher in 1932 and received an appointment as permanent teacher in 1935. She is listed as pre-vocational teacher at Kenyon street school.
PETRUCCI, Emilio R.
Superintendent, born in Providence, January 8, 1908, the son of Luciano and Louise (Rampini) Petrucci, both natives of San Giovanni Incarico, Italy. He received his early education in the local public schools, graduating from Bridgham Grammar School. After leaving school, he worked in various jewelry factories, where he learned the jewelry trade. He next spent twelve years with the Sumner Manufacturing Company, as foreman, going thence to Blacher Brothers as superintendent. Blacher Brothers is one of the largest manufacturing concerns of its kind in Rhode Island. He is deeply interested in civic, social and fraternal activities. Some few years ago, Mr. Petrucci married Anna Tarentino of Providence. They became the parents of one child: Emilio, Jr. Home: 73 Tell street, Providence, R. I.
PENNINE, Saverio N., D.M.D. M.D.
Born in Venafro, Province of Cam- pobasso, Italy, September 15, 1890, the son of Antonio and Giocondina (Borrelli) Pennine, who were born respectively at Capua, Province of Na- ples, and at Venafro, Province of Cam- pobasso, Italy. His father was a vet- erinary surgeon. At the age of 5 he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Providence.
After completing his education in
DR. S. N. PENNINE
the public schools, La Salle Academy, Max Magner Business College and Child's Commercial College, he entered the employ of the National Cash Regis- ter Company and worked for that firm for ten years as head book-keeper and stenographer. In 1915 he attended Tuft's Dental College, from which he graduated in January, 1918.
In 1921 he entered the Kansas City College of Medicine and Surgery, re- ceiving his M.D. degree the following year. He then resumed the practice of dentistry here and in 1927 enrolled at the Massachusetts College of Osteo- pathy in Boston, from which institu- tion he received his B.C. degree in 1928.
Dr. Pennine is the founder and President of the New England College of Podiatry. He enlisted in the U. S. Army Medical Reserve Corps in 1918, rising in 1936 to the rank of Major and at present is a member of the Re- serve Corps examining board here.
Dr. Pennine's civic, social and fra- ternal affiliations include the Elks, Town Criers and other organizations.
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ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
In January, 1940, he was made an honorary sheriff by High Sheriff, John H. Kelley, in recognition of his con- tributions to many civic activities.
On April 26, 1911, Dr. Pennine married Ella De Courcey, of Provi- dence. They are the parents of six children : 1. Eleanor ; 2. Edna ; 3. Wil- liam; 4. Ernestine; 5. Virginia ; 6. Ed- ward. Office: 118 Empire street, Providence, R. I.
PEZZULLO, Joseph
Manufacturing jeweler; born in Providence, October 14, 1894, the son of Angelico and Domenica (Pet- racca) Pezzullo, both natives of Valle Agricola, Province of Benevento, Italy.
He attended the Providence public schools, English High School, Rhode Island School of Design and Rhode Island Commercial School. He then entered the carpenter's trade under his father, an experienced contractor. Later he became his father's partner in the contracting business. In 1933 he organized the Star Novelty Company, Inc., makers of fine jewelry, of which concern he became its treasurer.
An influential citizen of the Town of Johnston, in November, 1936, he was elected its Representative, serv- ing until 1938. He was very active in the discharge of his office, serving in the educational and welfare committees.
He is a member of St. Maria di Prata Club and St. Ann Society.
On August 19, 1916, Mr. Pez- zullo married Theresa De Sisto, a na- tive of Johnston. They became the parents of eight children : 1. Elizabeth ; 2. Angelico; 3. Joseph, deceased; 4. Raymond; 5. Rose; 6. Achille; 7. Ed- mund; 8. Rita. Office: 101 Sabin street, Providence, R. I.
PASTORE, John O.
Lawyer; born in Providence, March 17, 1907, the son of Michele and Erminia (Asprinio) Pastore, who were born respectively, at Sant' Arcangelo, Providence of Potenza, and Teano, Province of Naples, Italy.
He attended the local public schools, Classical High School, 1925; North- eastern University Law School, LL.B., 1931. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in May, 1932, and immedi- ately afterwards he engaged in the active practice of law.
Deeply interested in public affairs, Mr. Pastore came into political prom- inence in 1934, when he was elected to the House of Representatives, serv- ing in 1935, 1936 and 1937. In June, 1937, he was appointed by Attorney General John P. Hartigan to the post of Assistant Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island, an office which he filled very efficiently until December, 1938. In 1939 he was made a member of the important Providence Charter Revision Commission.
Mr. Pastore is a member of both the American Bar Association and Rhode Island Bar Association. He is President of the Italo-American Club of Rhode Island. Office: 49 West- minster street, Providence, R. I.
PASTORE, George A.
Manufacturing jeweler; born in Sant' Arcangelo, Province of Potenza, Italy, March 19, 1897, the son of Giambattista and Teresa (Scardacci one) Pastore. He came to the United States in 1905. After attending the local public schools, at the age of fifteen he became a jewelry tool making apprentice. He followed this trade until he went into the jewelry tool making business for himself. In 1928 he also added to his business jewelry manufac- turing, specializing in men's jewelries,
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ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
employing in his concern some twenty- five people.
In 1919, Mr. Pastore married Emi- lia Rosati. Children: 1. George, Jr .; 2. Anita ; 3. Dolores; 4. Edward.
Office: 46 Chestnut street, Provi- dence, R. I.
PAOLISSO, John A.
Businessman and prominent in fra- ternal societies ; born in Riardo, Prov- ince of Naples, Italy, the son of Stefa- no and Giovannina (Regna) Paolisso. His father was employed as an agent of Prince Gira of Naples. When he was two years old the family moved to Pietravairano.
He attended the public schools of Pietravairano, and in the meantime learned the tailor's trade. At the age of twenty he was called to serve the Royal Italian Army, assigned to the 76th Regiment of Infantry, remaining there until his honorable discharge with the rank of corporal major in 1896.
Immediately following his discharge from the army in 1896, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Provi- dence. For the first few years he worked as a tailor in many leading shops. In 1909 he established his own tailor shop, which business he has conducted for over thirty years.
Mr. Paolisso is a past chief ranger of Court Florence, Foresters of Ameri- ca; President of Nuova Firenze So- ciety ; Assistant Venerable of Lodge Italia, Order Sons of Italy.
On June 16, 1901, Mr. Paolisso married Maria De Mitri. They are the parents of four children: 1. Mrs. Jennie Sammartino ; 2. Louis, a jewel- er ; 3. Americo, a designer; 4. Mrs. Evelyn Gemma. Home: 72 Brad- ford street, Providence, R. I.
PATERRA, Alfredo Armando
Businessman; born in Rome, Italy, September 12, 1886, the son of Gio- vanni and Serafina (Paolelli) Paterra. His father was a native of Palena, Province of Chieti, Italy. His mother is a native of Rome.
After completing the primary grades of the public schools of Rome, he spent three years at the Technical School and two years at the Technical Insti- tute. Later, he served apprenticeship in designing and tailoring in Rome.
In 1905 he immigrated to the United States, 'settling in Providence. Upon arriving here he obtained employment as designer and tailor for B. F. Keith and Albee theatres, remaining there for sixteen years. During the World War he served as special investigator for the U. S. government. From 1935 to 1937 he served as clerk in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Rhode Island. From 1938 to 1939 he served as assistant caretaker and general stock clerk for State park sup- plies at Goddard Park. At present he is engaged in the tailoring business.
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