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 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
complete assortment of latest patterns. They carry sporting goods, including complete line of fishing tackle, a hunters' supplies, etc. They issue Rhode Island fishing licenses for the convenience of their trade. They also carry big stocks of gifts and articles suitable for showers and wedding gifts. They render an expert stove re- pair service on stoves of all makes and sizes.
Thomas Russo is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Aurora Club.
Mr. Russo is married to Rose Martone Russo.
This large and well-equipped Rus- so's Hardware, Inc., of which Thomas Russo is manager, is at 298 Atwells Avenue, Providence, R. I.
ROMANO, Frank
General contractor; born in Mo- schiano, Province of Avellino, Italy, May 17, 1898, the son of Antonio and Fortunata Giordana Romano, both natives of the same town. He at- tended the local public schools until he was ten years of age, when he be- came a helper on his father's farm. When a youth of sixteen he immi- grated to the United States, first set- teling in Pennsylvania, where he worked for two years in a glass fac- tory. In 1916 he proceeded to Provi- dence, where, Frank, still a mere lad, learned the cement blocking trade. After a few years of experience in his trade, in 1918, he started a con- tracting business on his own account. His building operations include houses, gasoline filling stations, stores and gen- eral construction work. He is suc- cessfully engaged in business under the name of Romano Construction Company.
Mr. Romano is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Stella D'Italia
149
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
Society, Italo-American Citizens Club and other organizations.
Mr. Romano married, May 8, 1922, Angiolina Di Giulio, a native of New York City. They are the parents of four children: 1. Fortu- nata; 2. Angela; 3. Frank, Jr .; 4. Ronald.
Mr. Romano's office is at 95 Foun- tain Street, Providence, R. I.
RUGGIERO, Vasta L.
VASTA L. RUGGIERO
Well-known leader in civic and charitable work; born in Scafati, Province of Salerno, Italy, May 9, 1902, the daughter of Nicola and Elvira (Formisano) La Rocca, both natives of the same town.
When three years old she was brought to the United States by her mother to join her father in Bristol. She attended the public schools and was graduated from the Colt Memo- rial High School with the class of
1920. After her graduation she was employed by the N. I. R. Co., as clerk for five years.
At a very young age she took a great interest in civic, charitable and religious work among the Italian peo- ple of Bristol. Well known in musi- cal circles, she is a piano teacher and also organist of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church since 1924 and still holds that position. Founded the St. Rita's Girls' Club of the same parish and served as its president for thirteen years. In 1927 she organized a kin- dergarten for neighborhood children. In 1931 she was appointed Director of Public Aid, the first Italian ever to hold such an office, discharging her duties with ability and efficiency. She has also the distinction of being the first Italian woman to become a Deputy Sheriff, having been appointed on July 12, 1940. A member of the Republican Town Committee since 1929, in the field of Italo-American women's activities in Bristol, Mrs. Ruggieri is a tireless worker and one of its outstanding leaders.
On September 21, 1925, she was married to John A. Ruggiero, a na- tive of New York City, of the clerical department of the N. I. R. Co., and is the mother of two sons: 1. John; 2, Robert. Home: 97 Bradford Street, Bristol, R. I.
RUSSO, Marco A.
Proprietor of Russo Advertising and Publishing Company ; born in San Fele, Province of Potenza, Italy, Jan- uary 8, 1870, the son of Gabriele and Margherita Russo. In 1886 he im- migrated to the United States, set- tling in Newport. He is one of the founders of the Italo-American com- munity of Newport. Very active in civic and fraternal affairs. He is a member of the Newport Historical Society.
150
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
He is editor and publisher of "L'Alba" of Newport, and "Il Cor- riere" of Middletown.
In 1906, Mr. Russo married in San Fele, Italy, Filomena Pittaro, and is the father of two children: 1. Gabriella, a teacher; 2. Marco A. Russo, a clerk in the U. S. service. Office: corner Touro and Spring Streets, Newport, R. I.
RUSSILLO, Domenic Thomas
Architect. See Page 51, Second Edition, Italo-Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
ROMA MACARONI DIE MFG. CO.,The
The Roma Macaroni Die Manu- facturing Company was established in Boston, Mass., in 1937, by the two cousins, Salvatore Correnti and Gio- vanni Correnti.
As mechanics they felt the need of accurate machines and tools and worked out designs for new tools, many of which are now recognized as the standard in the mechanical field for the manufacture of macaroni. Their selection of improved special machinery and appliances called Panto- graphs which are imported from Ger- many, has been the prime factor in the broad development of the busi- ness of their company.
The excellence of the dies manu- factured by their company have brought it recognition as the leader in their field. Its dies are now dis- tributed to macaroni manufacturers all over the United States and Canada. The Roma Macaroni Die Manu- facturing Company are the only die makers here in New England.
Since its formation in 1937, the company has successfully expanded under the able management of Salva- tore Correnti and Giovanni Correnti.
The office of the Roma Macaroni Die Manufacturing Company is at 348 Commercial Street, Boston, Mass.
SEVERINO, Dominick Alexander
College instructor; born in Boston, Mass., September 14, 1914, the son of Nicola L. Severino and Amalia Giordano, who were born respectively at Altavilla Irpina and Montefredane, Province of Avellino, Italy.
Mr. Severino received his education in the Boston public schools and, fol- lowing his graduation from the High school, enrolled at Massachusetts Col- lege of Arts, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor in the Science of Education in 1937. He afterwards entered Boston University, from which he received the degree of Master of Education in 1938. As an undergraduate he was prominent in college affairs, being President of Stu- dent Government in Massachusetts College of Art, 1936-37.
His educational training completed, he immediately entered in the active teaching of his profession. In Sep- tember, 1938, he was appointed an instructor of art at Rhode Island Col- lege of Education, the youngest Italo- American ever to hold such a posi- tion.
Mr. Severino has executed many important oil paintings and water colors which he has exhibited in Massachu- setts. He has also exhibited import- ant designs and settings for dramatic presentations. In 1939 he received a Carnegie scholarship to Harvard Uni- versity.
He is a member of Rhode Island Arts Teachers Association; Eastern Arts Association; Alumni Association of Boston University.
On August 27, 1939, Prof. Seve- rino married Fehrn E. Dirkman of Waban, Mass., a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art.
151
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
SANTOSUOSSO, Michele Angelo
Proprietor of Providence Marble and Slate Works; born at Taurasi, Province of Avellino, Italy, June 11, 1887, the son of Raffaele and Car- mela (Caggiano) Santosuosso.
Mr. Santosuosso received his early education in the public schools of his native town and at the age of fifteen he was brought to the United States by his uncle to join his father in Bos- ton. In 1907 he returned to his na- tive country to serve in the Italian Army, where he was assigned to the 12th Regiment of Field Artillery. He was honorably discharged in 1909 with the grade of corporal major.
Following his discharge from the army he returned to Boston in 1910. Upon coming to these shores he at once engaged in the marble and slate business. The Providence Marble and Slate Works, of which he is the sole owner, was established in Providence in 1918. The reputation which Mr. Santosuosso has built up for himself . in his field is both enviable and com- plete.
Mr. Santosuosso devotes consider- able time to civic, fraternal and social activities. He is a member of Lodge Fiore D'Italia, Order Sons of Italy and the Elks.
On April 25, 1910, Mr. Santo- suosso married Maria Colarusso. They became the parents of the following children: 1. Raffaele, associated with his father; 2. William; 3. John; 4. Arthur; 5. Carmela; 6. Elizabeth. Office: 470-472 West Exchange Street, Providence, R. I.
SCIOTTI, Fred
Electrical engineer ; born in Provi- dence, March 10, 1904. His father, Antonio Sciotti, a jeweler, native of Furci, Province of Chieti, and his mother, Pulcheria (Bruscaglia) Sciot-
ti, native of Predappio, Province of Forli, immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1900.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High School, gradu- ating in 1922. He then entered Brown University, from which he graduated in 1926 with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences in electrical en- gineering.
After spending two years in vari- ous concerns, in 1929 he became elec- trical engineer for the New England Power Service Company, a position which he has held ever since.
Actively interested in military af- fairs, he joined the Rhode Island Na- tional Guard in 1922; in 1929 he was commissioned in the U. S. Re- serve Army with the rank of lieuten- ant in the 302nd Field Artillery; in 1936 he was promoted to the rank of captain in the same branch of the service.
On April 28, 1930, he married Anna De Bucci of Providence. They became the parents of one child: Robert Sciotti.
SPADETTI, Armando
Chemical engineer ; born in Isernia, Province of Campobasso, Italy, Feb- ruary 15, 1913, the son of Pietro and Antonetta (Amicarelli) Spadetti. In 1916 he was brought to this coun- try by his mother to join his father in Providence. He attended the local public schools and Technical High School, graduating in 1930. While there he was a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society for Scholastic Achievements. He then entered Rhode Island State College from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences in chemical engineering in 1934, and received the degree of Master of Sciences in chemistry in 1939. At the Rhode Island State College he became a member of Phi
152
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
Kappa Phi, the national honorary scholastic fraternity.
In 1934 he was appointed instruc- tor of chemistry at Rhode Island State College serving during 1934-36. He became assistant chief chemist at the Apponaug Finishing Company, re- maining there during 1936-38. He then went with the Smithfield Chemical Company, at Greenville, becoming managing chemical engineer, a position which he has held ever since.
Actively interested in military af- fairs he joined the Rhode Island Na- tional Guard in 1935, when he be- came a 2nd lieutenant of the 118th Engineers. He is a member of the American Association of Textile Chemists, American Chemical Society, Providence Junior Engineers Society.
On May 22, 1939, Mr. Spadetti married Giovanna Guglielmi, daughter of Mr. Raffaele and Mrs. Maria Cara- monte Guglielmi of Providence.
SCIARAFFA, Charles C.
Jewelry manufacturer; born in Providence, March 30, 1905, the son of Paul and Maria Villanova Scia- raffa.
He received his early education in the local public schools and Technical High School. After high school he started and completed his apprentice training in leading jewelry factories, specializing in stone setting, and fol- lowed it until 1936. at which time he went into business for himself, starting a small plant devoted entirely to stone-setting in all its branches.
Mr. Sciaraffa, an enterprising young man, takes an active part in all phases of community life.
On September 11, 1924, Mr. Sciaraffa married Jessie Miller. They became the parents of two children: 1. Charles, Jr .; 2. Norma. Office: 661 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.
SACCOCCIO, Anthony
Proprietor of Modern Jewelry Cast- ing Company, was born in Cranston, R. I., January 20, 1910, the son of Luigi and Madeline Di Meo Saccoccio.
He received his elementary educa- tion in the public schools of Cranston and at the age of 12 he went to work in the jewelry factories where he served his apprenticeship in jewelry tool mak- ing. This was followed by experience in the shop and in time worked as foreman for T. & R. Jewelry Com- pany, B. Novgrad & Co., and other jewelry concerns. In 1936, he went into business for himself by starting a factory where he specialized in bronze molds, a venture in which he has been successful.
On May 12, 1931, Mr. Saccoccio married Catherine De Lellis. They became the parents of two children: 1. Louis Anthony ; 2. Madeline Ann. Mrs. Saccoccio died in 1938.
Mr. Saccoccio is a charter mem- ber of the Rhody Roller Skating Club, the first organization of its kind ever started in this State. He is a member of the City Hall Athletic Club of Cranston.
Mr. Saccoccio is engaged in busi- ness under the name of Modern Jewelry Casting Co., 661 West- minster Street, Providence, R. I.
SOLLITTO, Paul Henry, D.M.D.
Born in Providence, November 23, 1911, the son of Antonio Sollitto and Filomena Correra Sollitto, both natives of Maddaloni, Italy.
He received his education in the local public schools and Classical High School, from which he graduated in 1931. He then entered Rhode Island State College from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences in 1935. He afterwards took up the study of dentistry at Harvard Dental School, graduating with the degree of
153
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
D.M.D. in 1939. He served his junior interneship at Exeter School, Lafayette, R. I.
Dr. Sollitto is a member of the Rhode Island Rams Club and the Rho Iota Kappa, a local fraternity at Rhode Island State College.
Dr. Sollitto is registered to prac- tice dentistry in Rhode Island. Office : 227 Broadway, Providence, R. I.
SGAMBATO, Frank John
Labor leader and councilman from North Providence; born in New York City, August 24, 1900, the son of Giovanni and Carmela Sgambato, natives of Italy.
At the age of fourteen he started life as a textile worker. In 1932 he became President of Local Union of Textile Workers ; in 1934 he became organizer of the American Federation of Labor; from February, 1937, to March, 1939, he held the post of fac- tory inspector. In 1939 he returned to his former position as organizer of the American Federation of Labor. In 1934 he was elected councilman from District No. 1, North Provi- dence, an office which he is still serving. During 1920-1922 he served in the U. S. Navy as a musicianl. He is a member of Local Union No. 198 of the American Federation of Musicians.
On February 8, 1926, Mr. Sgam- bato married Juliet Dandurand. Chil- dren: 1. Carmel; 2. Frances.
SAVASTA, Stellario
Manager of F. & M. Finance Co., born in Providence, November 7, 1909, the son of Domenico and Gio- vanna (Rossi) Savasta, who were born respectively at Messina, and Rome, Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Commercial High School, from
which he graduated in 1927. After completing his education he took up general insurance by entering the em- ploy of Harold Holt & Company. He later was appointed manager of the F. & M. Finance Company, a position which he is still serving to the satis- faction of his superiors and clients.
Active in the civic, social, religious and fraternal affairs of the community he is affiliated with the Roosevelt Lodge, F. & A. M., filling the office of Junior Warden.
On October 5, 1931, Mr. Savasta married Tommasina La Fauci of Providence. Office: 51 Empire Street, Providence, R. I.
STIFANO, Cono V., M.D.
Born in Providence, July 5, 1896, the son of Giuseppe and Angelina (Marino) Stifano. His parents, na- tives of Cicerale Cilento, Province of Salerno, Italy, immigrated to Rhode Island in 1889.
He attended the local public schools and Morris Heights Preparatory School. He graduated from Rhode Island College of Pharmacy in 1915 with the degree of Ph.G. For two years he held the office of U. S. Nar- cotic Agent. Later he took up the study of medicine at Missouri College of Medicine and Sciences, graduating with the degree of M.D. in 1927. For three years he served his interneship at St. Joseph's Hospital. At present he is medical investigator in the Division of Communicable Disease Control, State Department of Public Health.
He is a member of Loggia Vittoria, Order Sons of Italy; St. Anthony Council, Knights of Columbus. A forceful speaker, at the convention held by Sons of Italy on August 6, 1939, Dr. Stifano spoke eloquently on the life of Giuseppe Carlo Maurani, an Italian who immigrated from Villa-
154
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
franca in 1760, and who was second in command to Admiral Hopkins.
On September 23, 1915, Dr. Stifano married Alvina Seneca, a na- tive of Providence. They became the parents of five children: 1. Joseph ; 2. Rose; 3. Anthony; 4. Cono, Jr. ; 5. Raymond. Address: 590 Charles Street, Providence, R. I.
SCALERA, Vincenzo
Pharmacist; born in Presenzano, Province of Naples, Italy, the son of Carmine and Patrizia (Cozzone) Scalera. He was educated in Presen- zano, Naples, and Caserta. After graduating in pharmacy from the Uni- versity of Naples, he held responsible positions with many leading drug stores. For six years he conducted his own pharmacy in Presenzano. He im- migrated to the United States in 1905, settling in Providence. He has worked as pharmacist for F. P. Ventrone and Dr. Luigi Maiello. For many years he was proprietor of Scalera's Phar- macy. At present he is a pharmacist at City Hospital. On April 6, 1900, he married Giulia Villatico. They be- came the parents of eight children : 1. Samuel, formerly a state senator ; 2. Patrizia; 3. Augusto; 4. Nicholas; 5. Flora ; 6. Ida; 7. Giuditta ; 8. Cor- rado. Home: Brighton Street, Providence, R. I.
STORTI, Joseph D.
Italian pioneer immigrant and one of the founders of the Italian colony ; born in Capriati al Volturno, Prov- ince of Campobasso, Italy, November 8, 1865, the son of Domenico and Antonia (Caldarone) Storti, who were born respectively at Capriati al Vol- turno and Marzano Appio, Italy.
He attended the public schools of his native town until the age of nine, at which time he was brought to Rhode
Island. Upon coming to Providence he attended for a while the local pub- lic schools. He kept a shoe repair- ing store downtown, was one of the first Italians to buy real estate and build houses on Federal Hill, and at one time was also a general contrac- tor.
A life-long resident of Federal Hill he held membership in the Italian Union and Benevolent Society, Rome Society, Italo-American Club and other organizations.
On October 20, 1887, Mr. Storti married Infinita Barone, also a native of Capriati al Volturno, and daughter of Francesco and Infinita Barone. They became the parents of the fol- lowing: 1. John; 2. Eda; 3. Mrs. Virginia Rotondo; 4. Henry ; 5. Mrs. Albena Annicelli; 6. Oresto; 7. Mrs. Dora Giusti.
Mr. Storti died on April 26, 1937, at his home, 124 Balbo Avenue, Providence, R. I.
SENERCHIA, Aldo Vincenzo, B.S.
Registered pharmacist and assistant professor in chemistry ; born in Rome, Italy, January 25, 1917, the son of Giovanni Senerchia, M.D., and Er- nesta (Pennacchia) Senerchia, who were born respectively at Fornelli and Naples, Italy.
He was educated in the public schools of Warwick and Warwick High School, from which he grad- uated in 1934; he then entered the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences, from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences in Pharmacy in 1938.
After completing his studies he be- came connected as pharmacist with Senerchia's Pharmacy, owned by his uncle, former Representative Vincenzo Senercia. Mr. Senerchia is on the faculty of the Rhode Island College
155
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences, listed as assistant professor in chem- istry.
SCOTTI, Caesar
Contractor and builder; born in Monti Procida, Island of Procida, Province of Naples, Italy, March 15, 1895, the son of Salvatore and As- sunta Scotti, both natives of the same island.
He attended the public schools of his native town and at the age of ten he was brought to the United States by his step-mother, Margherita (Lu- brano) Scotti, to join his father in Providence.
After a brief education in the local public schools, at the age of 13 he began to work in a jewelry factory. At 16 he became an apprentice in the plumbing trade which he followed until he went into business for himself. Twelve years ago he entered the con- tracting and building business. He has built many houses, garages and service stations scattered throughout Rhode Island.
From 1935 to 1939 he served as official Fish and Game Warden for the State of Rhode Island.
On April 29, 1917, Mr. Scotti married Christine Lubrano, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lubrano. Mr. Lubrano is one of the earliest Italian settlers of Federal Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Scotti are the parents of four children: 1. Susie; 2. Salvatore; 3. Marion; 4. Michael. Office: 97 Parade Street, Providence, R. I.
SANTAGATA, John B,
Proprietor of Colonial Mattress & Upholstering Company ; born in Vaira- no Patenora, Province of Naples, Italy, May 6, 1885, the son of Filo- meno and Maria (Di Muccio) San- tagata, both natives of the same town.
He attended the public schools of his native town until the age of twelve, at which time he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence. Upon his arrival here he attended the local pub- lic schools, and after completing the grammar courses he decided to get an early start in life. He first started working on a farm, then he worked in local factories. Next he obtained employment in one of the largest furni- ture stores of Providence, remaining there for twenty-five years, during which period he became a leading furniture salesman. With the experi- ence and exact knowledge he had gained were reliable guides for him to establish in 1935 his own business, manufacturing furniture, including mattresses and upholstering. The busi- ness is carried on under the name of Colonial Mattress and Upholstering Company. His enterprise has flourished exceedingly and is now one of the most important in the city.
Mr. Santagata, regarded as a most progressive and capable business man, is also active in the general life of the community. He is Vice-President of Holy Name Society ; Treasurer of San Bartolomeo Society; member of St. Vincent de Paul Society and Modern Woodmen of America.
On July 5, 1906, Mr. Santagata married Maria Domenica Angelone. They are the parents of six children : 1. Joseph, in the wholesale fish busi- ness in New York City; 2. Arthur, associated with his father in the busi ness; 3. Philip, associated with his father in the business; 4. Alfredo, a student for the priesthood at the American College, Rome, Italy; 5. John, Jr., a core maker; 6. Marie, a student. Business address: 702 Cran- ston Street, Providence, R. I. Home: 125 Roosevelt Street, Providence, R. I.
156
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
SORRENTINO, Vincent
Prominent jewelry manufacturer, state official, humanitarian, philan- thropist, and a leader of the Italo- Americans of Rhode Island; born in Castellammare di Stabia, Province of Naples, Italy, February 22, 1891, the son of Luigi and Anna Maria (Caruso) Sorrentino, natives of the Island of Ischia.
Following an education of a general nature, at the age of 15 he immi- grated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon his arrival in Providence he served his apprentice- ship as a jewelry worker and mastered very thoroughly every branch of the trade. But he was an ambitious boy and while working as a jeweler he continued to study by himself, concen- trating in broadening his knowledge in the jewelry industry. These early years of experience as a jewelry worker, combined with his natural in- telligence and business acumen, gave young Sorrentino the foundation with which to build a business for himself, and in 1912 he organized and started in a small way the Uncas Manufactur- ing Company.
Since establishing the Uncas Manu- facturing Company, Vincent Sor- rentino has typified completely the rugged, daring and aggressive spirit of American business and industrial ini- tiative. The history of the Uncas Manufacturing Company is a history of the efforts of its founder himself. Started by Mr. Sorrentino at 9 Cal- endar Street in 1912, it has enjoyed a tremendous growth. As the business developed it moved on Sprague Street, and again when expansion required a new home, on May 11, 1929, it moved to its present plant at 623- 631 Atwells Avenue. Today it is housed in one of the most modern jewelry factories in the world, employ" ing as many as 800 employes. The
latest machinery, especially designed ventilating devices, effective manu- facturing, marketing and distributing facilities give Uncas Manufacturing Company an advantage that competi- tors are at a loss to overcome.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.