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 16
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On October 14, 1907, Mr. Paterra married Lucia Toppi, a native of Pa- lena, Italy. His wife is a founder and member of the Rhode Island Council of Italian Women.
Mr. and Mrs. Paterra are the pa- rents of four children: 1. John, an examiner of driving licenses, Motor Vehicles Division, State House; 2. Mrs. Elena Russillo; 3. Angela, a clerk in the Providence Public Schools ; 4. Anna, employed for the General Motors Corp. Home: 2 Pemberton street, Providence, R. I.
PERRI, Domenic J.
Treasurer American Guaranty Cor- poration; born in Catanzaro, Italy, October 21, 1898, the son of Giovan- ni and Maria (Scalza) Perri; grad- uated from Technical High School,
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Providence, 1916; student Massachu- setts Institute Technology, 1918-19; married (first), Ethel Ella Work, of Providence, October 22, 1928, (de- ceased) ; one daughter, Mary Lou; married second time, Olga Lancellotti, of Providence, September 25, 1939. Began as bond salesman, 1919; or- ganized, 1920, and since, treasurer, director and general manager, Ameri- can Guaranty Corporation ; treasurer, director and general manager, United Guaranty Corporation; vice-president, Berkshire Acceptance Corporation, 1931-32, president, since 1933. En- listed as private U. S. Army, Sept. 1918; honorably discharged, Dec. 1918. Secretary, Federal Hill House; president, Aurora Club of R. I. Home : 35 Elmcrest avenue. Office : 10 Wey- bosset street, Providence, R. I.
PERROTTA, Paul Christopher, O.P.
College professor and religious lead- er; born in Cervinara, Province of Avellino, Italy, August 25, 1898, the son of Antonio and Madeline (Mil- anese) Perrotta. In 1903, when a small boy, he was brought to the United States by his parents who settled in New York City.
Following his preliminary and classi- cal education in New York City in 1922, he matriculated at Catholic Uni- versity, Washington, from which he reecived the degree of Master of Arts. In 1926 he obtained the Doctorate of Philosophy from Catholic University. On June 24, 1926, he was elevated to the priesthood.
In 1927 he was assigned to Provi- dence College as instructor in history. He also acted as curate in St. Ray- mond's Church, Providence.
He went to Rome in 1928, where he studied advanced theology, includ- ing paleography and diplomatics.
In 1929, at the invitation of the
U. S. government, he was engaged in historical research work in Italian ar- chives bearing to American history. On his return to the United States in 1930, he taught for one year moral theology in St. Joseph's Seminary, Somerset, Ohio. In 1931, he was reappointed to Providence College, where he is still serving in the department of Phil- osophy.
PROVIDENCE CUTLERY COMPANY, The
Is a local concern owned and man- aged by Nicola Amorosi, a well-known cutler. Mr. Amorosi was born in Froso- lone, Italy, August 26, 1895, the son of Felice and Filomena (De Biase) Amorosi. After attending the public schools of his native towns, he served apprenticeship in the cutlery trade under his father. In 1913 he immigrated to the United States as an experienced cutler. He worked in Winsted and New Britain, Conn., before settling in Prov- idence in 1919. Here he worked in various knife factories until 1923 when he started his own factory under the name of Providence Cutlery Company, specializing in pocket knives, and em- ploying at present 25 employes.
Mr. Amorosi is a member of the Young Italian Imperial Club.
On June 20, 1927, Mr. Amorosi married Maria Catauro, American born. They are the parents of one child, Felice. Office: 153 Point street, Providence, R. I.
PLACCO, Oscar F.
Jewelry designer and modeler. A figure of prominence in manufacturing jewelry circles for many years, Oscar F. Placco, the able manager of the white metal department of Cohn & Rosenberg Company, has rendered services of decisive importance to the jewelry industry and his career has
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been one of great distinction and suc- cess.
Mr. Placco was born in Torre Del Greco, a suburb of Naples, Italy, April 24, 1903, the son of Angelo Pasquale and Matilde (La Capra) Placco. His father was a well known lawyer of Naples.
Following his elementary and Tech- nical High School education, he at- tended the Art School in Naples, where he studied designing and modeling, graduating in 1917.
After leaving school, he spent three years in the employ of a large jewelry establishment of Naples. Wishing to go abroad, he went to France, where he obtained important positions in Bor- deaux and Marseilles. Two years later he went to San Domingo, where he worked on his art for two years. In 1923 he went to New York, where he was connected as a modeler with some of the principal jewelry companies. In 1931 he removed to Providence, in which city he fills the important posi- tion as manager of the white metal department of Cohn & Rosenberg Com- pany, manufacturing jewelers, in which concern he has charge of over 450 employes.
Mr. Placco, a talented young artist, besides handling his department with much ability and to the entire satisfac- tion of his employer, has also won recognition as an inventor of various jewelry construction work.
Along with his activity in the jewel- ry circles, Mr. Placco finds time to devote much of his time to civic and social affairs. He is a member of the Aurora, Italo-American and Pawtucket Gun and Sporting Club.
In September, 1931, Mr. Placco married Olga Nasti of New York, They are the parents of one child, Oscar, Jr. Home: 35 Philmont ave- nue, Cranston, R. I.
PALUMBO, Guglielmo
Proprietor of Capri Brand; born in Teano, Italy, June 3, 1890, the son of Antonio and Marianna (Fera) Pal- umbo.
He attended the public schools of his native town, and at the age of fifteen he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon his arrival here, he became a wage earner first as a mule spinner at the Atlantic Mills, and then in 1915 he went to work at Brown & Sharpe, Mfg. Co., employed as a gear grinder, in which he demonstrated his ability. He won rapid promotion, and in a few years he became foreman.
Some few years ago, Mr. Palumbo and a few other enterprising Italo- Americans got together and organized the Capri Macaroni Company at 470 West Exchange street, a concern man- ufacturing the highest grade of maco- roni and spaghetti. In March, 1940, Mr. Palumbo bought out the concern and became its sole owner, doing busi- ness under the name of Capri Brand.
Mr. Palumbo, an enterprising and progressive citizen, is a member of the Society Maria Santissima Della Libera.
On January 24, 1914, Mr. Palum- bo married (first), Amadista Mauri- ello. She died in 1918. He married the second time on December 7, 1919, Caterina Ferrucci, a native of Piccilli, Italy. Mr. and Mrs. Palumbo are the parents of four children: 1. Mary; 2. Armando; 3. Joseph; 4. Filomena.
PEDERZANI, Paul P.
Manager Metropolitan Life Insur- ance Company ; born in Lynn, Mass., August 12, 1898, the son of Giacinto and Palma (Magoni) Pederzani. His parents were natives of Bologna, .an important city in Northern Italy.
Possessing an inherent talent for or-
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ganization and leadership, which has been amply demonstrated throughout his career, Paul P. Pederzani, prominent ly identified with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for many years, is held in high regard in insurance circles for his high character and his great business abilities.
Mr. Pederzani attended the public schools and High School of Plymouth, Mass. He then enrolled at Hawley School of Electrical Engineering in Boston, from which he graduated with the degree of electrical engineer in 1918.
During the World War, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps, serving at Quantico, Va .; Paoli, Pa .; and League Island, Pa. ; and was honorably discharged in 1919.
Following his return to civilian life, he worked for himself in the electrical business in Plymouth, Mass., which he carried on until 1924, when he accept- ed a position as agent for the Metro- politan Life Insurance Company. In 1927 he was promoted to assistant manager, serving in Somerville, and in 1930 he was promoted to acting manager, serving first in Providence, and in 1931 in Fall River; in 1931 he was promoted to manager of the East Boston district in Boston; in 1937 he was promoted to manager of the Roger Williams district in Prov- idence, a district almost twice as big as any of the districts heretofore man- aged by him.
Mr. Pederzani is a member of the Italo-American Club of Rhode Island.
On August 28, 1920, Mr. Peder- zani married Ida A. Balboni. They are the parents of four children: 1. Em- alene; 2. Paul, Jr. ; 3. Kenneth C. W .; 4. Diane Louise. Home: 28 Observa- tory avenue, North Providence, R. J.
PALIZZA, Louis
Manufacturer; born in Filettino, Province of Frosinone, Italy, October 9, 1891, the son of Leonard and Vit- toria Cunsolesi Palizza.
Mr. Palizza attended the public schools of his native town, and while still in his teens, came to these shores with his brother, Giuseppe Palizza, and both settled in Providence in 1906. Upon his arrival here he attended private schools. In 1909 he enrolled in the Washington Park College of Pharmacy, which a year later was absorbed by the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, in which institution he specialized in pharmaceutical chemis- try. He later entered the R. I. School of Design, graduating from the Textile Chemistry Department, in 1913. After his graduation he followed his pro- fession in the employ of various Rhode Island establishments. For a while he worked as chief dye chemist for a large dye and chemical manufacturing com- pany at Hastings on the Hudson. Re- turning to Providence, he had charge of a large dye plant in Pawtucket. He subsequently went to Hartford, Con- necticut, where he started the dying department of H. E. Verran (Royal Society). In 1926 he again returned to Providence, at which time he organ- ized and established the Leomar Pro- cessing Corporation, engaged in pro- cessing fine cotton, rayon, and woolen yarns for the embroidery and knitting trade.
Mr. Palizza is Treasurer, General manager and chemist of the Leomar Processing Corporation. The plant and offices of the company are at 14 Mur- ray street, Providence, R. I.
Mr. Palizza is a member of the American Association of Textile Chem- ists and Colorers.
On October 5, 1921, Mr. Palizza married Alba Vicari. They are the parents of two children: 1. Luigi R .;
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2. Leonardo E. Home: 210 Eaton street, Providence, R. I.
PENNACCHIA, Joseph
Businessman and prominent in civic and fraternal affairs; born in Teano, Province of Naples, Italy, January 2, 1898, the son of Donato and Madda- len (Balasco) Pennacchia, also natives of the same town. When two years old he was brought to the United States by his mother, to join his father in Providence.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High School. At an early age he learned the bakery trade from his father, an experienced baker. When his father died in 1922, Joseph Pennacchia succeeded him as the owner of Pennacchia Bakery, the oldest among existing Italian bread bakers in Rhode Island. His bakery business has grown rapidly, and at the present time he owns one of the largest and most up-to-date establishments of its kind in the city. In addition to his business success, Mr. Pennacchia takes a leading part in social, fraternal and civic af- fairs. He is a member of the 13th Ward Republican Club, being Chair- man of its Ways and Means Committee. He is also a member of San Paride Society.
On December 27, 1927, Mr. Pen nacchia married Fortuna Galderisi, a native of Salerno, Italy. They are the parents of one child: Rita. Business address: 15 Ridge street, Providence, R. I.
PAVONE, Virginio J.
Proprietor of Pavone Sign Company, Neon Technician ; born in Providence, June 25, 1913, the son of Carmine and Maria Pavone, both natives of Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High School. He then
took up courses in engineering elec- tronics at Brown University. After working as a Neon Technician for va- rious sign companies, in 1936, he en- tered the sign making business for himself and successfully operates it under the name of Pavone Sign Com- pany.
A finished artisan in the sign indus- try, Mr. Pavone is performing a most useful service in this field of endeavor. Although only a young man, he has already become a leader as a Neon Technician, specializing in the highest grade of signs, manufacturing, erecting and maintenance. Mr. Pavone's signs are shipped to all parts of the United States.
Mr. Pavone is Vice-president of the Pocasset Gun and Rod Club and Pres- ident of the Narragansett Rifle and Revolver Club.
The plant of the Pavone Sign Coin- pany, one of the largest of its kind, is at 939 Manton avenue, Providence, R. I.
PETRONELLA, Anthony
Real estate accountant in the City Tax Department and sports writer ; born in Providence, April 19, 1907, the son of Fedele and Edvige (Ver- rico) Petronella, both natives of Panni, Province of Foggia, Italy. His father was a well-known musician.
Anthony Petronella received his ed- ucation in the local public schools, Clas- sical High School and attended exten- tion courses at Brown University.
Some years ago he began his duties with the Tax Department of the City of Providence. At the present time he is serving as a real estate accountant of the department.
In addition to his activities at the Providence City Hall, Mr. Petronella has had a wide reputation as a sports writer. He has written for many news- papers, including the Italian Echo and
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the Ring Magazine, national publica- tion on boxing. At the present time he is sports writer for the Italo-American Tribune.
For his activities and achievements in his different fields, Mr. Petronella is naturally widely known throughout the city and he is greatly liked by all classes of people.
Mr. Petronella is a member of the 13th Ward Democratic Club.
On February 8, 1934, Mr. Petro- nella married Maria Barra. They are the parents of two children: 1. Daniele Fedele; 2. Roberta.
PONTICELLI, Pasquale
Manager American Radio & Tele- vision Company ; born in Providence, January 23, 1910, the son of Salva- tore and Filomena (Gemma) Ponti- celli.
He attended the local public schools and Central High School, from which he graduated in 1928. He then became an apprentice at the Ceco Manufactur- ing Company, under Fred Dieterle, radio engineer, now with the Radio Corporation of America, rising to the position of foreman. He remained there until the concern went out of business.
In 1933 he started his own business in the Knightsville section. From there he moved his business to the Silver Lake section. In March, 1940, he established his business at 170 Broadway, under the name of American Radio & Tele- vision Company, engaged in a complete radio, sound and television service. Mr. Ponticelli is recognized as an expert in his line of work.
On November 4, 1930, Mr. Ponti- celli married Antonetta Manzi. They are the parents of four children: 1. Pasquale; 2. William; 3. Salvatore; 4. Robert. Office: 170 Broadway, Providence, R. I.
PICCHIONE, Nicholas
NICHOLAS PICCHIONE
Certified public accountant, was born in Providence, August 13, 1903. His father, Pasquale Picchione, was one of the first immigrants from Casacalenda, Province of Campobasso, Italy.
Mr. Picchione received his education in the Providence public schools being graduated from English High School. His college education and preparation for a profession was received at Boston University, Bentley School of Account- ing and Finance, and Northeastern University School of Commerce and Fi- nance, graduating from the latter two institutions. Later he attended North- eastern Law School and Rhode Island College of Education. Following the completion of his studies he entered im- mediately in the active practice of his profession in Providence.
Among the younger members of the Italo-American professional group of Providence, few men have made so notable a place for themselves in a comparatively short span of years as has Nicholas Picchione. He has been in the practice of accountancy for the
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past sixteen years. He was formerly associated on the staff of Ward Fisher and Co. as a senior accountant and has been a lecturer and teacher of income taxes at Central Evening High School for seven years. He is at present Pro- fessor of accounting at Northeastern University Providence Division where he has taught for the last five years.
In spite of the extensive professional practice, he has found it possible to give both time and attention to social, civic and fraternal affairs. He is treas- urer of the Aurora Club of Rhode Is- land. He is a fellow of the Rhode Is- land Society of Certified Public Ac- countants, a member of the American Institute of Accountants, a member of the National Association of Cost Ac- countants and a member of the Amer" ican Accounting Association. He is also a member of the Roosevelt Lodge No. 43 F. & A. M., and Past Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of the State of Rhode Island.
Mr. Picchione married Lillian Bal- doni. By this union there have been two children: 1. Everett; 2. Norma Cecelia. Office: 1230 Industrial Trust Building, Providence, R. I.
PANTALONE, Vincent
Business man ; born in Teano, Prov- ince of Naples, Italy, August 8, 1897, the son of Giovanni and Grazia (De Maio) Pantalone. He received his ed- ucation in the public schools of his native town. At the age of nine he was brought to Rhode Island by his par- ents, who settled in Providence. Ar- riving in Providence he attended the local elementary schools and Technical High School, graduating in 1917. He also attended the Rhode Island School of Design where he completed a course in water coloring.
After leaving school he started life as water colorer for Robbins & Com- pany, Attleboro, remaining there for
three years. After various activities he decided to enter a business career. In 1926 he established a complete baby store shop and variety store on Atwells Avenue, in which he maintains the high- est standards of excellence both as to quality of product and service. Mr. Pantalone, a genial and alert young man, is one of the promising Italo- Americans of the Federal Hill section.
Mr. Pantalone is a member of the Aurora Club.
Mr. Pantalone is married to Anton- etta Caione. They are the parents of four children: 1. Grace; 2. Rita; 3. Marie; 4. Norma.
Vincent's Baby Shop & Variety Store is located on Atwells Avenue in the very center of that busy district.
PERRINO, Glicerio
Dairyman and founder of Cranston Farms, Inc. ; born in Gallo, Province of Campobasso, Italy, the son of Michele and Angela (Paulo) Perrino. He was compelled to work consistently from a very early age, starting life as a farm boy in his native village. Young Per- rino was, however, exceedingly ambi- tious, and whatever education he later obtained was due entirely to his own efforts. Having determined to seek his future beyond the limits of his native village, in 1892 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon arriving here he entered the em- ploy of Brown & Sharpe. Mr. Perrino, with a careful grounding in the dairy industry in Italy, in 1901 made his first independent venture in the dairy business. He sold the highest grade of milk and cream, and quickly became a leader among dairymen in Rhode Is- land. In 1937 his dairy business was incorporated under the name of Crans- ton Farms, Inc., with office and plant at 1014 Park Avenue, Providence, R. I.
Mr. Perrino held membership in the
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Rhode Island Independent Milk Asso- ciation, of which he was one of the founders.
Mr. Perrino married in Italy Rosa Boiano. They became the parents of four children: 1. Michael, engaged as manager of Cranston Farms; 2. An- thony, engaged as route foreman for the Cranston Farms; 3. John, also asso- ciated with the Cranston Farms; 4. Mrs. Angela Chiodi.
Mr. Perrino died in Cranston, R. I., on July 24, 1939.
The Cranston Farms, Inc., as now constituted is made up of the following : Michael Perrino, president and treas- urer; Mrs. Rosa Perrino, vice presi- dent ; Anthony Perrino, assistant treas- urer ; John Perrino, secretary.
PANZARELLA, Pasquale P.
Registered pharmacist ; born in Bris- tol, R. I., March 18, 1917, the son of Antonio and Maria Olivo, who were born respectively, at Montemaggiore Belsito, Province of Pelermo, and Ser- ro, Province of Messina, Italy.
Following his primary education he attended the Colt Memorial High School graduating in 1935. His parents having a large family and because of the necessity of adding his earnings to the family purse, young Pasquale was forced to interrupt his studies for one year, but nevertheless, he was able to enter the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy in 1936 from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy on June 12, 1940.
PENNACCHINI, Michele
Newspaperman, radio commentator and theatre manager ; born in Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy, the son of Luigi and Maria Mongillo Pennacchini. His maternal grandfather, Dr. Vincenzo Mongillo, was for thirty years Mayor of Teano.
Mr. Pennacchini attended the private and technical schools of Marzano Ap- pio and Teano. In 1903 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Provi- dence. Founder of the dramatic club, Ermete Novelli, in 1907. Has been dramatic director of Ermete Novelli, Tommaso Salvini, Dante Alighieri and Federation of Philodramatic Clubs. For many years he represented the "Corriere D'America," published by Luigi Bar- zini, and helped in promoting its cir- culation throughout New England and Canada. He also represented "Ameri- colo" published by La Guardia, and "La Settimana," published by Edward Corsi. Has been active in promoting the representation of Italian theatrical dramas and plays. Has directed and broadcast Italian programs at stations WPRO, WEAN and WSAR. Has been the first to transmit radiophone programs in the Italian language in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
He is an honorary member of Verdi Club.
Mr. Pennacchini is married. Chil- dren: 1. Eleonora; 2. Felice; 3. Rai- mondo; 4. Vincenzo. Office: 201 At- wells avenue, Providence, R. I.
PERROTTA, Mario Thomas
Registered pharmacist ; born in Roc- camonfina, Province of Naples, Italy, May 4, 1900, the son of Gennaro and Antonetta (Santonastasio) Perrotta, who were born respectively, at Rocca- monfina, and Pietramelara, Province of Naples, Italy. His father immigrated to Rhode Island some forty years ago.
When an infant he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence.
He received his education in the Providence Public Schools and later attended the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy from which he graduated with the degree of Ph. G. in 1919. After completing his studies he held re-
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sponsible positions with many leading drug stores. In 1925 he went into the drug business for himself in Newport, a field of endeavor in which he has been successful. Perrotta Pharmacy is one of the leading drug stores in New- port.
Mr. Perrotta is a 4th degree mem- ber, Knights of Columbus, he is a prom- inent member of the Democratic City Committee, a member of Lodge Pro- gresso e Civilta of the Order Sons of Italy, a member of the Italo-American Club of Newport. Address: Perrotta Pharmacy, 176 Broadway, Newport, R. I.
PAOLILLI, Antonio
Music publisher and dealer in musi- cal instruments ; born in Sulmona, Prov- ince of Aquila, Italy, March 21, 1892, the son of Francesco and Maddalena (Giammarco) Paolilli.
Mr. Paolilli was brought here by his mother in 1894 to join his father who had immigrated to Providence pre- viously. He attended the local public schools and at a very early age de- cided to enter a business career where he could be useful as a music publisher and music dealer.
The publishing and musical house of Antonio Paolilli, the oldest and largest of its kind in Rhode Island, had a very modest beginning in 1912. The story of its subsequent growth is but a re- hearsal of the exceptional vision, en- thusiasm and courage of its founder, backed by the confidence of many musi- cians and students who have continu- ously patronized his business. The Pao- lilli Music Company has definitely es- tablished itself as one of the largest Italian music houses in New England.
In 1914 Mr. Paolilli married Filo- mena Ambrosini. They are the parents of two children: 1. Francesco; 2. Al- bert. Address: 201 Atwells avenue.
PESATURO, Michele
Father of the author of this publica" tion, was born in Prata Sannita, in the former Province of Caserta, now Prov- ince of Campobasso, Italy, January 15, 1850, the son of Ottaviano Pesa- turo and Vittoria Conca.
For many years he held the office of municipal secretary and Royal Dele- gate in Prata Sannita, Letino and other towns of his native province. In May, 1891, he came to the United States settling first in Newark, N. J. In October, 1891, he removed with his family to Providence where he was ap- pointed Royal Italian Consular Repre- sentative and at the same time started a private banking and steamship agency. In 1897 he gave up his lucrative activi- ties, preferring to devote his entire time to the notorial profession.
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