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 17
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In 1879 Mr. Pesaturo married Ce- cilia Fragola, a school teacher. Mrs. Pesaturo was for many years a public school teacher in various towns of the Province of Caserta. Upon her arrival in Providence, October, 1891, she started private classes for the teaching of the Italian language. She taught until 1895. Mrs. Pesaturo died in Providence, January 11, 1922.
PESATURO, Ubaldo U. M.
Pioneer in Italo-American historical research work, author of Italo-Amer- icans of Rhode Island, and long a prominent figure in civic, cultural and patriotic circles ; born in Letino, Prov- ince of Campobasso, Italy, the son of Michele Pesaturo, a municipal secretary from Prata Sannita, and Cecilia Fra- gola Pesaturo, a school teacher from Piedimonte D'Alife, Italy. In 1891 when a small boy he was brought to the United States by his parents. Ed- ucated in Newark, Providence and New York City. Address: P. O. Box 742, Providence, R. I.
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PALIANO, Michele
Importer, founder and proprietor of the big store conducted under the same name, and one of the most influential business men on Atwells avenue; born in Rodi Garganico, Province of Fog" gia, Italy, January 6, 1880, the son of Giuseppe and Maria Giuseppa (Russa) Paliano, both deceased.
The first twenty-one years of Mr. Paliano's life were passed in his native town, where he received his education, and where he was reared with those favorable habits of industry and thrift that laid the foundation for a success- ful business career in America.
In 1901 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon coming here he obtained employment in the Fletcher Mills where he soon demonstrated his ability by being pro- moted as overseer of the dye depart- ment. For six years he worked in this plant until he had accumulated enough money to make his first independent venture in business at 315 Atwells ave- nue, establishing a small grocery store. In this enterprise he was highly suc- cessful. After three years he moved into the spacious and larger quarters at 321- 323 Atwells avenue, a property which he had purchased. Today Mr. Pali- ano's grocery store is one of the largest and best equipped of its kind in Rhode Island. Mr. Paliano specializes in im- porting, directly from Italy, all the Ital- ian products sold in his store. High standards of business dealing and Ital- ian and domestice products of the high- est quality have made it one of the most popular stores in Rhode Island.
Mr. Paliano is prominently identified with many social and fraternal organ- izations. He is a member of the Italo- American Club, a member and one of the founders of Dante Alighieri Lodge, Order Sons of Italy, a member of Ty" ler Council, No. 45, Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Paliano married May 20, 1909, Carolina Micheli. They are the parents of the following children : Joseph Faust, who has completed a course in finance; Michelina Carolina, a graduate of high school.
Mr. Paliano's big store is located at 321-323 Atwells avenue, Provi- dence. R. I. Home: 115 Vinton street, Providence, R. I.
QUATTROCCHI, John, Jr.
Assistant City Solicitor of the City of Providence; born in Providence. October 15, 1913, the son of Giovanni and Vincenza (Di Gennaro) Quat- trocchi. His parents, natives of Mug- nano Del Cardinale, Province of Avel- lino, Italy, immigrated to Rhode Island about 1900.
Mr. Quattrocchi went through the Providence public schools. He gradu- ated from Classical High School, class of 1930, and Brown University, from which he graduated in 1934 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He after- wards studied at Boston University Law School, from which he was grad- uated in 1937, cum laude, with the degree of LL. B. Upon his admission to the Rhode Island bar on November 5, 1937, he entered immediately in the active practice of law in Providence.
On June 19, 1939, Mr. Quat- trocchi was appointed assistant city so- licitor. He is the first Italo-American ever to prosecute criminal cases for the Providence Police Department.
RAMPONE, Vincent
School principal and supervisor ; born in Johnston, R. I., February 15, 1909, the son of Antonio and Annun- ziata (Marcaccio) Rampone, both na- tives of Capriati Al Volturno. Italy.
He received his early education in the public schools of Johnston, grad- uating from the Thornton Grammar
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School in 1923. In 1924 he was com- pelled to go to work in order to earn money for his education. Re-entering school after one year's absence, lie graduated from the Providence Com- mercial High School in 1928. After spending two years at Providence Col- lege in 1928-30, he transferred to R. I. College of Education, from which he graduated in 1932, with the degree of Bachelor of Education.
He began his active career as a public school teacher at the Thornton Jr. High School in 1932. He was pro- moted to assistant principal in 1936, and to the principalship in 1937. He is at present principal and supervisor of the Thornton Jr. High School.
Since he began his teaching career he has gained wide reputation in hav- ing introduced recreational facilities such as baseball, soccer, basketball and track, dramatics and other extra cur- ricula activities that might contribute to making his school sound both scho- lastically and athletically. In the field of safety education Mr. Rampone has also taken a leading part, as shown by the fact that the Thornton Jr. High School holds the highest record in the country for its work in safeguarding lives.
Mr. Rampone's professional and fraternal affiliations include the Uni- versity Club of Boston; R. I. Sec- ondary Schools Principals' Association ; Kappa Delta Phi National Fraternity, R. I. Driver-Teacher Association.
On August 23, 1937, Mr. Ram- pone married Sarah Martin of Provi- dence, a graduate of the Central High School.
RICCITELLI, Michael P.
State boiler inspector ; born in Thorn- ton, town of Johnston, R. I., April 2, 1893, the son of Angelico and Dom- enica (Iannuccilli) Riccitelli, both pio- neer immigrants from Valle Agricola, Italy.
After attending the public schools of Johnston, at the age of fourteen he be- gan to work on anything he could find. In 1913 he became an apprentice in the power and heating division of Grinnell Company. He rose steadily to higher positions until he became super- intendent of construction.
On April 17, 1939, he was appoint- ed by the Department of Labor of the State of Rhode Island to the position of Boiler Inspector.
He served as a member of the Johns- ton Town Council from 1930 to 1934.
He is a charter member, Past Presi- dent and member of the Board of Di- rectors of the Pocasset Casino Holding Company ; member of the Steam Fit- ters' Local Union, No. 476, of Provi- dence ; member of Lodge Fior D'Italia, Order Sons of Italy; member Provi- dence Elks, No. 14.
On October 24, 1914, Mr. Ric- citelli married Angelina Vinacco. They are the parents of three children: 1. Joseph; 2. Mary Esta; 3. Angela Rita. Home: 1134 Plainfield street, Johnston, R. I.
ROSSI, Thomas
Owner of Tom's Men's and Boys' Toggery, was born in Providence, Nov- ember 18, 1912, the son of Joseph and Antonetta Feole Rossi, both natives of Roccamonfina, Italy. He went through the local public schools and for two years attended the Technical High School. He then completed his course at the Evening High School, from which he graduated in 1931.
At an early age he entered the em- ploy of H. C. Knott & Company where he learned the toggery business. Later he was employed as salesman for vari- ous concerns until 1937 at which time he established his own business, special- izing in the sale of men's and boys' toggery.
Mr. Rossi, who is active in the civic
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and social life in the North End sec- tion, is a member of the North End Business Men's Association.
On May 2, 1936, Mr. Rossi mar- ried Rose Fascitelli, American born. Business address: 582 Charles street, Providence, R. I.
ROMANO, Pasquale
Lawyer, public official ; born in Spi- noso, Province of Basilicata, Italy, September 3, 1876, the son of Giu- seppe and Filomena (Romano) Ro- mano. His father, a patriot, served and fought under Garibaldi in 1860 for the unification of Italy.
He was educated in the public schools of his native town, the gym- nasium Silvio Pellico in Viggiano, and the college Vittorio Emanuele in Naples.
He immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1895, settling first in New York City. After learning the English language he acted as court in- terpreter. In 1904 he removed to Prov- idence where he studied law in the office of Frank Steere, Washington R. Prescott and the Chicago Correspon- dence School. While studying law he acted as court interpreter and taught English in the Evening Public Schools.
He was admitted to the Rhode Is- land bar in 1912 and immediately be- gan his active practice of law in Provi- dence.
In 1927-1935 he served as a mem- ber of the City of Providence from the old 9th Ward and later from the 13th Ward. During 1937-1940 he repre- sented the 17th District in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
His fraternal affiliations include Lodge Italia, Order Sons of Italy ; Ba- silicata Society. He has been a trustee of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church since it was erected.
In 1902 Mr. Romano married Maria Carmela Berenice, a native of Monte-
murro, Italy, who was brought to Bos- ton by her parents when a child.
Mr. Romano's law office is at 4 Weybosset street, Providence, R. I.
ROSSI, Eleuterio Michael
Accountant; born in New York City, December 8, 1900, the son of Nicola and Raffaela (Galuppo) Rossi, natives of Montagano, Province of Campobasso, Italy.
He received his early education in the Providence public schools and at Classical High School. Immediately thereafter he pursued a course in ac- countancy.
In 1917 he began his career at the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company, starting in a minor clerical capacity, but through sheer intelligence and ability rose to the position of an accountant.
He is a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
On April 28, 1928, Mr. Rossi mar- ried Fanny Di Maio, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alessandro Di Maio. They are the parents of two children: 1. Elizabeth Louise; 2. Donald Nicholas.
RICCI, Frank
Contractor ; born in Sulmona, Prov- ince of Aquila, Italy, August 22, . 1879, the son of Camillo and Bam- bina (Di Benedetto) Ricci.
He attended the public schools of his native town until the age of nine, at which time he was compelled to set out to make his own way. He served an apprenticeship at the stone mason trade under his father, an ex- perienced mason contractor. At the age of thirteen he immigrated with his father to the United States. Upon com- ing to this country in 1892, his first job was as a water boy at Whitehall, Pa. Then he came to Providence to join his father here. Upon coming to
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Providence he worked as a water boy and gradually worked himself up to the position of foreman and engineer for large contracting concerns. During his spare time he took up a course in mechanical engineering with the Inter- national Correspondence School of Scranton. In 1904 he accepted a posi- tion as master mechanic for Butler & Hayward, builders of gasometers and gas plants ; next he worked for the same concern at Chicago. Upon his return to Providence he worked as an engineer in the erection of the new Post Office building; from 1906 to 1911 he worked as master mechanic in the con- struction of the East Side tunnel; in 1911 he started the Providence Crush Stone and Sand Company. In 1922 with Domenico Ricci he organized the firm of Ricci & Ricci, general con- tractors, specializing in highway con- struction and in dealing in sand, gravel and crushed stone. Mr. Ricci has been highly successful in his business.
He is a member of the R. I. High- way Association.
On October 18, 1903, Mr. Ricci married Victoria Di Saia. They are the parents of seven children : 1. Albert ; 2. Alfred; 3. Lillian; 4. Rinaldo; 5. Clara; 6. Frank, Jr .; 7. Charles. Home: 118 Pocasset avenue, Provi- dence, R. I. Office: Phenix avenue, Cranston, R. I.
ROSSIGNOLI, Vincent P., M.D.
Born in Providence, September 14, 1908, the son of Louis Rossignoli and Enrichetta (Biello) Rossignoli, both natives of Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Classical High School, from which he graduated in 1927 ; he there- after entered Providence College where he completed his pre-medical course and received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1931. Subsequently he entered Georgetown University where
he graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1935. Immediately afterwards he served his interneship at St. Raphael Hospital, New Haven, Conn., and Charles V. Chapin Hospital, Provi- dence, R. I.
He began his active practice of medi- cine in Providence in April, 1937.
Dr. Rossignoli is connected as a city physician at the Providence Board of Health.
He is a member of the Providence Medical Society, Malpighi Medical Club and Aurora Club. Office: 668 Academy avenue, Providence, R. I.
RICCITELLI, Domenico
Artist and tailor; born in Ravisca- nina, Province of Benevento, Italy, March 9, 1881, the son of Michele Angelo and Brigida (Rega) Ricci- telli, both natives of the same town. His father who immigrated to the United States in 1883 was one of the early settlers of the Federal Hill district.
Mr. Riccitelli attended the public schools of his native town and when twelve years old came to this country to join his father in Providence. Upon arriving in Providence he learned the tailoring trade and studied English in the Evening Public Schools. He also studied painting at the Rhode Island School of Design. A man of talent, his landscape paintings depicting American life and sceneries of Venice and other parts of Italy adorn the homes and institutions in many of our cities.
Mr. Riccitelli is a member and sec- retary of the Pollutrese Society.
On March 13, 1910, Mr. Ricci- telli married Lucia Farina, a native of Pollutri, Italy. They are the parents of four children: 1. Mrs. Della Cor- vino; 2. Michael Angelo Domenico, a graduate of R. I. School of Design, engaged as a commercial artist ; 3. Giulia Anna; 4. Anna, an amateur
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dramatist. Studio: 417 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
ROMANO, Nicholas A.
Museum photographer; born in Benevento, Italy, November 11, 1887, the son of Michele and Angela (Pe- traccaro) Romano, both natives of the same town. In the United States since 1902. Married Goldie Walberg, 1910. Educated in Italy and in the United States. Three children: 1. Hilda; 2. Gilda; 3. Ovid. Soon after his arrival in the United States worked as a photographer in Newark, N. J., where he spent four years. Later he moved to Providence, where he worked for M. L. Buffington until 1917. From 1917 until 1926 he worked for him- self. Since 1926 he has held the posi- tion of museum photographer, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, R. I. Home: 151 South Angell street, Providence, R. I.
RAIA, Vito L., M.D.
Dean of the Italo-American phy- sicians of Rhode Island, was born in Viggiano, Province of Basilicata, Italy, September 15, 1857. He graduated from the Royal University of Naples, Italy, in 1883, with the degree of Doctor in Medicine and Surgery. In 1886 he came to Providence and at once established himself in practice here. He was an eminent eye surgeon and one of the founders of the Mal- pighi Medical Club. On October 28, 1930, the King of Italy conferred upon him the decoration of Chevalier of the Crown of Italy. Dr. Raia died in Prov- idence on November 21, 1938. For further information see Italo-Americans of Rhode Island, Page 116, Vol. 1, 1936.
RUBBA, John, O.P.
College professor and religious leader; born in Hammonton, N. J., October 30, 1903, the son of Matthew and Maria (Angelo) Rubba. His father immigrated to the United States about 1884.
He received his preliminary and secondary education in the public schools of Hammonton. After complet- ing high school he matriculated at Providence College, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He afterwards spent two years at Catholic University, Washington, D. C., two years at the University of Florence, Italy, and two years at the University of Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy, where he received the Doctorate of Letters.
In September, 1938, he was ap- pointed Professor of Italian and Span- ish at Providence College.
RICCI, Joseph
Manufacturer ; born in Providence, September 27, 1904, the son of An- tonio and Rosina (Ricci) Ricci, both natives of Prata Sannita, Province of Campobasso, Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High School from which he graduated in 1922. After leaving school he began to work as poster artist which he followed in various con- cerns. In the meantime he attended in the evening the Rhode Island School of Design taking courses in drawing and designing, receiving a certificate of completion of studies at the end of five years. He then attended the Evening High School where he took up mechan- ical drawing. Being ambitious and pos- sessing an excellent preparation he started his own sign studio on Math- ewson street remaining there for one year. Next he became chief designer for Rueckert Manufacturing Company, remaining there for three years. In
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March, 1937, he established the Crafts, Inc., engaged as designer and manufacturing merchandising displays, of which he is president. Articles manu- factured by this company are shipped to all parts of the United States and Europe.
On February 11, 1929, Mr. Ricci married Maria Lombari, a native of Providence. Office: 70 Tingley street, Providence, R. I.
RICCI, Amedeo A.
General manager; born in Provi- dence, September 11, 1906, the son of Antonio and Rosa (Ricci) Ricci, both natives of Prata Sannita, Prov- ince of Campobasso, Italy.
He attended the local public schools ; Classical High School, 1925; Brown University, A. B., 1929.
After the completion of his educa- tion he entered the employ of Low Supply Company starting first as ship- ping clerk. While with the Low Supply Company Mr. Ricci spared no effort to master every detail of operations and financial conditions to be met in the course of his work, such as distribution, sales, purchasing, warehousing and traffic management, and upon this solid foundation he laid the ground work for his future success. He remained with the Low Supply Company until 1939, at which time he helped to organize the National Plumbing & Heating Sup- ply Corporation, becoming its general manager.
Mr. Ricci is a member of the Italo- American Club.
The office of the National Plumbing & Heating Supply Corporation, of which Mr. Ricci is general manager, is at 513 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
REA, Alfred
Founder and owner of Chrome Kraft Mfg. Company; born in Isola Del Liri, Province of Frosinone, Italy, July 9, 1909, the son of Thomas and Angelina (Mollicone) Rea.
He attended the Providence public schools. At the age of fourteen he went to work in a machine shop and con- tinued his studies in the evening Tech- nical High School, where he studied mechanical drafting. He later enrolled as a student at the Rhode Island School of Design where he took up furniture designing and commercial art. While employed in the wooden furniture bus- iness he made a careful study of chrome steel furniture.
In 1936 he started his own factory, manufacturing and designing krome steel furniture for bus terminals, barber shops, beauty parlors, lunch rooms, shoe stores, men's shops, hotels and doctors' and dentists' offices. A young man with a mechanical bent, at the age of twenty-four he obtained his first patent. At present he has three patents to his credit and fourteen still pend- ing.
On November 21, 1934, Mr. Rea married Elizabeth Capaldi of Provi- dence. They are the parents of one child: Rita.
Mr. Rea conducts his factory un- der the name of Chrome Kraft Mfg. Co., the oldest and largest manufac- turers of distinctive chromium furniture. Office and factory: 934 Branch ave- nue, Providence, R. I.
ROMANO, Anthony, M.D.
Born in Providence, November 13, 1896, the son of Eraclio and Rosa (Viti) Romano, pioneer immigrants from the town of Pietravairano, Prov- ince of Naples, Italy.
Educated in the Providence Public schools; Classical High School, 1916;
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Brown University, B. A., 1920; Jef- ferson Medical College, M. D., 1924. Served his interneship at Grace Hos- pital in New Haven, Conn. He began his active practice of medicine in 1926.
Dr. Romano is on the medical staff of the out-patient department of the Rhode Island Hospital; courtesy staff of the Lying-in-Hospital and Homeo- pathic Hospital.
Dr. Romano is a member of the Providence Medical Society and Mal- pighi Medical Club.
In 1925 Dr. Romano married Kath- erine (Vessella). They are the parents of two children: 1. Robert Anthony ; 2. Geraldine Rose. Office: 462 Broad- way, Providence, R. I. (From the 1936 edition) .
RONCHESE, Francesco, M.D.
Born 'n Treviso, Italy, October 22, 1892.
Graduated from the Royal Univer- sity of Padua, April 6, 1917, with the degree of M. D. He took up a post graduate course in dermatology in Venice, Italy, and Paris, France. Served for four and a half years in the World War and is now a captain in the Reserve Medical Corps, Royal Italian Navy. In recognition of his mil- itary valor he was awarded a bronze medal by the Italian Government.
Dr. Ronchese's hospital affiliations include: dermatologist, Rhode Island Hospital, Charles V. Chapin Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, State Hospital for Mental Diseases, State Infirmary. Assistant dermatologist, Massachusetts General Hospial.
Dr. Ronchese's professional affilia" tions include American Medical Asso- ciation, Rhode Island Medical Society, Providence Medical Association, New England Dermatological Society, Asso- ciation of Military Surgeons of the United States, Societa Italiana Di Der- matologia E Sifiliologia of Rome,
Italy. He has published 23 papers on various subjects of dermatology and syphilology.
In 1923, Dr. Ronchese married Diana Guilmette of Southbridge, Mass. Office: 122 Waterman street. (From the 1936 edition) .
REGINE, Louis
Proprietor Regine Motor Company ; born in Forio D'Ischia, in the island of Ischia, Province of Naples, Italy, Aug- ust 1, 1901, the son of Giuseppe and Carmela (Del Deo) Regine: In 1904, at the age of three, he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Providence.
He attended the local public schools, but early in life he began learning the plumbing trade at the Providence Plumbing Company. Five years later he bought out the concern and became its sole owner. After eight years he transferred his plumbing business to his brother and brother-in-law. In 1932 he turned to the automobile business. At that time he established a complete automobile sales and service agency, becoming a dealer of Pontiac cars. Mr. Regine's salesroom is located at 193 Smith street. He is sole owner of the business, both sales and service, and also of the building in which the bus- iness is carried on under the name of Regine Motors, Inc. In the compara- tively short period of years that Mr. Regine took up the automobile indus- try by representation of popular cars, he has built up an enterprise that is known throughout this section for its fine work and service.
In addition to his ownership of the Regine Motors, Inc., he is also the sole owner of the Rex Finance Com- pany and interested in the real estate business.
Although devoted to his business and to the service of the automobile public, Mr. Regine is also active in
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business, social and fraternal affairs. He is a member of the R. I. Auto- mobile Dealers' Association, Italo- American Club and Aurora Club.
On Sept. 12, 1921, Mr. Regine married Celia Zarrella, a native of Providence. They are the parents of three children: 1. Louis Joseph, Jr .; 2. Vito; 3. Carmela. Office: 193 Smith street. Home: 44 Cathedral avenue, Providence, R. I.
RUSSO, Thomas
Businessman; born in Teano, Prov- ince of Naples, Italy, October 21, 1904, the son of Nicola and Isa- bella (Di Pari) Russo.
Mr. Russo when a small child of five years of age was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence. He attended the local public schools, and when but fourteen years of age, he went to work in a hardware store where he learned the business from all angles. He remained with this concern until 1923, at which time he associated himself with his father, Nicola Russo, in starting a hardware and paint store at 315 Atwells Avenue. His busi- ness grew so rapidly that after a few years it moved to the large quarters at 279-281 Atwells Avenue, making it one of the largest hardware and paint stores in the Federal Hill sec- tion.
The Russo's Hardware, Inc., sup- ply contractors and home builders with a complete line of builders' hard- ware. They supply home owners with everything needed to completely equip your kitchen and beautify your home. They carry kitchen hardware, includ- ing cooking utensils, cutlery, dishes, glassware, electric appliances, etc. They carry large and complete stocks of paints, oils, varnishes, etc., featuring the well-known Sherwin-Williams' line. They carry wall paper in a
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