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 19
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Under the remarkable leadership of Vincent Sorrentino, the Uncas Manu- facturing Company has become a model in the jewelry industry, setting new standards of equipment, workman- ship and quality. The high ideals and sound business principles upon which Mr. Sorrentino has established and maintained the business have won for him not only the respect of the com- munity and the devotion of his em- ployers but a richly deserved recogni- tion from the jewelry industries at large.
Besides being President and Treas- urer of the Uncas Manufacturing Com- pany, he is President and Treasurer of the Rhode Island Echo, director of the N. E. Manufacturing Jewelers Board of Trade, N. E. Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths Association and Fashions Jewelers, Inc., of New York.
Deeply interested in welfare and other worthy causes, he is a member of the Board of Federal Hill House, Osteopathic Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence Community Fund, Inc., Hospital Service Corp. of Rhode Is- land, and Providence Lying-In Hospi- tal. He is a conspicuous figure in the social, fraternal and club circles of the community and is a member of numer- ous organizations. He is a Past District Chairman, West District Boy Scouts of America ; Past President and Treas urer Aurora Club; President, Modern Woodmen of the World; Past Chair- man for three consecutive years, West District for the Providence Community Fund Company; Past Chairman for R. I. Red Cross Drive. during Ethi- opian campaign. His other affiliations
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VINCENT SORRENTINO
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include Rotary, Masons, Elks, Sons of Italy.
In recognition of his business ability and integrity of character, and because of his deep interest in the welfare and advancement of the community, on March 16, 1939, he was appointed by Governor William H. Vanderbilt, Director of the Department of Social Welfare for the State of Rhode Is- land, an office which he most ably fills to the entire satisfaction of the Governor and the general public.
In 1911, Mr. Sorrentino married Katie (Goldstein. ) They are the parents of seven children: 1. Anne Marie; 2. Mrs. Loretta Luisa Reinherz ; 3. Mrs. Helena Evelyn Monte ; 4. Dorothy Ed- na; 5. Louis Vincent; 6. Gloria Vir- ginia; 7. Stanley Lawrence. Home: 141 Freeman Parkway. Office: 623 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
SANTANGINI, Col. Ernest
Second in command of the Coast Guard Engineers; born in Gissi, Pro- vince of Chieti, Italy, January 5, 1896, the son of Nicola and Sofia (Leandro) Santangini. In 1900, 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, Technical High School and Brown University, from which he graduated as a civil engineer.
Col. Santangini has had a long and honorable career both as an engineer and as an officer in the military service of the State. He first entered the U. S. Army on September 16, 1918, as second lieutenant of Infantry, serving at Camp Grant, Illinois, and was hon- orably discharged on December 6, 1918. He then enlisted in the R.I.N.G. when he was appointed a second-lieu- tenant in the 4th Company, Coast Artil- lery, on May 23, 1921. On July 1, 1922, he was appointed first-lieutenant.
On January 26, 1925, he was ap- pointed captain. He resigned from the Coast Artillery on October 19, 1925. In March, 1929, he was appointed first-lieutenant in the 118th Engineers, R. I. N. G. On December 1, 1930, he was appointed captain. On October 16, 1932, he was appointed major. On January 3, 1933, he was detailed as an aid de camp on the staff of Gov. Green, serving until January 5, 1937. On April 8, 1938, he was promoted lieutenant-colonel.
Col. Santangini is also a graduate of the Battery Officers' Course at Coast Artillery School, Fortress Mon- rie, Va. In addition to his military activities, he is employed by the U. S. Government as a civil engineer. At present he is in Washington where he is second in command of the Coast Guard Engineers. Under the proposed expansion of the Army, he may become the first Italo-American General.
In 1933, Col. Santangini married Alice Anderson of Providence. They are the parents of one child: Paul.
SCORPIO, Angelo, M. D.
Born in Providence, September 12, 1896, the son of Giuseppe and Maria Carmina (Carosono) Scorpio.
Attended the Providence public schools; Classical High School; R. I. State College, B.S., 1922; Brown University, M.Sc., 1923; Harvard Medical School, M.D., 1927. Served his interneship at the surgical depart- ment of Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Md. He began his active practice in 1928.
Dr. Scorpio is on the surgical staff of the out-patient department at the R. I. Hospital; assistant surgeon at the State Infirmary, Howard, R. I.
Dr. Scorpio is a member of the Providence Medical Society ; the R. I. Medical Society. He is a Past Presi-
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dent of the Aurora Club; member of the Italo-American Club.
In 1930, Dr. Scorpio married Elsa Tortolani. They are the parents of one son, Raphael Metcalf Scorpio. Office: 236 Broadway, Providence, R. I. (From the 1936 Edition).
ANTHONY SANCHIRICO
SANCHIRICO, Anthony
Prominent jewelry manufacturer and well-known in business circles; born in New York City, May 26, 1895, the son of Leonardo and Antonetta (Vi- ola) Sanchirico, both natives from the Province of Basilicata, Italy.
He attended the public schools of New York City until the age of four- teen at which time his parents moved to Providence. An ambitious youth, full of determination to make a future for himself, upon arriving here he realized from the outset that the great manufacturing jewelry plants of Provi- dence offered a fertile field for future business opportunity. He immediately obtained employment in a local jewelry factory, where he served his apprentice- ship and later worked as a skilled craftsman.
When the United States entered the World War, he volunteered for army service in the Yankee Division, serv- ing over seas until he was honorably discharged in May, 1919. Returning to the pursuits of peace, Mr. Sanchirico resumed his occupation in the jewelry trade until 1926, at which time he associated himself with Pasquale Sam- martino in the jewelry manufacturing business. A businessman of keen per- ception, alive to every changing phase of the industry in which he is engaged and an able executive and organizer, he has helped to make the firm of Sammartino and Sanchirico one of the largest and best equipped among lead- ing jewelry establishments.
As co-owner of Samsan Company, one of the largest jewelry concerns, Mr. Sanchirico occupies a leading place among successful Italo-Ameri- cans. A genial and generous man, he devotes an immense amount of time to civic and philanthropic movements. He is a member of the Jewelry Board of Trade.
On November 24, 1919, Mr. San- chirico married Filomena Simonelli, daughter of the late Serafino Simonelli, a well-known retail jeweler from Pon- tecorvo, Italy. Mrs. Sanchirico is prom- inent in Italo-American women's edu- cational, patriotic, social and fraternal activities. Mr. and Mrs. Sanchirico are the parents of two children: Silva and Marie. Office: 158 Pine street, Prov- idence, R. I. Home: 13 Belmont ave- nue, Providence, R. I.
SANTOPIETRO, Frank
Proprietor of Frank's Auto Up- holstery Co .; born in Pontecorvo, Pro- vince of Frosinone, Italy, December 3, 1887, the son of Tommaso and Concetta (D'Amata) Santopietro, both natives of the same town.
He attended the public schools and Gymnasium of his native town. He
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then served his apprenticeship as an upholsterer under his father and fol- lowed that trade until as a youth of 15 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon arriving here he worked for various concerns as a skilled upholsterer until 1919 at which time he established his own busi- ness on Broadway, specializing in auto tops, seat covers and general upholstery. He conducts his business under the name of Frank's Auto Upholstery Co.
A popular and genial businessman, Mr. Santopietro is one of the founders and an honorary member of Verdi M. F. S. Club; member of Lodge Italia of the Order Sons of Italy.
On May 8, 1908, Mr. Santopietro married Giovannina Cotroneo, a native of Messina, Italy. They are the parents of two children : 1. Mrs. Linda Spirito ; 2. Thomas, a foreman at Nick's Auto Body Works. Office: 407 Broadway, Providence, R. I.
SCIOTTI, Danilo
Music teacher, composer and director of orchestra; born in Providence, March 10, 1900, the son of Angelo and Giulia (Radoccia) Sciotti.
As in the case of most of the great masters of music, Maestro Danilo Sci- otti began his studies at an early age, entering the Royal Academy of Pesaro, Italy in 1916. His progress was so rapid that at the age of nineteen he was conducting symphonies as assistant to the noted Maestro Del Campo, who later became identified with the famous "La Scala," in Milan, Italy. At twenty- one he became associated with Maestro Mule, now director of the Royal Con- servatory at Rome.
Upon his return to his native city, Providence, R. I., he was honored in a series of receptions. Among his first musical ventures was the organization of Providence's first symphony orches- tra which gave several successful con-
certs. His group was called the "Provi- dence Philharmonic Society," and was the forerunner of the symphony orches- tra which eventually became perma- nently established. He also organized a symphonic group in Fall River, Mass.
But grand opera was Maestro Sciot- ti's first concern and he soon devoted his talents to the operatic field, eventual- ly organizing the New England Opera Company, an organization which has already attained distinction in the musi- cal field.
SCALA, Luigi
President of Columbus National Bank, prominent in Italian cultural, fraternal, patriotic, philanthropic and social activities, and a leader of the Italo-Americans of Rhode Island; born in Milazzo, Italy. Following the com- pletion of his commercial studies, he began his active professional career in Italy. In 1910 he immigrated to the United States. In his early American career he held the office of Royal Italian Consular Representative in Lou- isiana. While there he organized an agricultural co-operative association which was widely supported by Italian farmers in that State. Later he entered the banking business, and held responsi- ble positions in New York City and Jersey City. In 1924 he was con- nected with the Industrial Trust Com- pany of Providence. He later went to New York, where he assisted in the organization of the Bank of Sicily Trust Company of New York, of which he became vice-president. Cav. Scala returned to Providence in 1934, when he became president of the newly organized Columbus National Bank of Providence. Under his able and dy- namic direction this bank has become one of the leading Italo-American financial institutions in New England.
In addition to the important role Cav. Scala has played in Italo-Ameri-
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can's financial and business life as head of Columbus National Bank, since he came from New York, has been prom- inently associated with welfare and civic enterprises and is a leader in promoting Italo-American cultural and patriotic activities.
In 1935 he was elected Grand Venerable of the Order Sons of Italy of Rhode Island, an office which he is still filling with eminent satisfaction. He took a conspicuous part in the erection of a plaque in honor of Da Verrazzano, discoverer of Narragan- sett Bay, at the State House. His leadership in promoting the study of the Italian language, his part in raising funds for the Italian Red Cross and American Red Cross, and for other philanthropic activities, were prompted by his deep sense of obligations to the public and his duty as a citizen.
In 1920 the Order of Chevalier of the Crown of Italy was conferred upon him by the Italian government, in recog- nition of his services rendered in cement- ing Italian-American amity.
In 1930 Cav. Scala married Mar- jorie Alford McGuire. Mrs. Scala is very active in Italo-American women's social, cultural and philanthropic af- fairs. Office: 20 Westminster street, Providence, R. I.
SCUNCIO, Joseph
Proprietor of Eagle Park Chevro- let Company, and State official; born in Providence, November 28, 1900, the son of John and Maria Scuncio, both natives of Prata Sannita, Italy.
He received his early education in the Providence public schools and at Morris Heights College Preparatory School. During the World War, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving as chauffeur for the officers of the Bethlehem Ship Building Corporation.
After his discharge from the Navy,
he entered the automobile business, be- coming a dealer of Chevrolet cars.
In 1934 he was elected Representa- tive of the '4th District. In June, 1935. he was appointed Commissioner of Police and Fire of the City of Provi- dence, and re-appointed on January 6, 1936, serving until January, 1939. In January, 1939, he was appointed by Governor Vanderbilt as a member of the State Board of Elections.
In 1920, Mr. Scuncio married Vin- cenza (Lanni) Scuncio. They are the parents of the following: 1. Mary; 2. John; 3. Dorothy; 4. Joseph, Jr .; 5. Jane; 6. Edward. Office: 479 Doug- las avenue, Providence, R. I.
SAMMARTINO BROTHERS COMPANY
Jewelry manufacturers. Providence is particularly fortunate in counting among its population an important group of skilled Italian jewelers, whose inclination for jewelry craftsmanship runs through them for generations. This group has taken a leading part in the last two decades in the development of its jewelry industry.
A jewelry manufacturing concern that ranks high in this industry is the Sammartino Brothers Company, an or- ganization made up of three brothers, Achille Sammartino, William Sammar- tino and Alexander Sammartino. Born craftsmen, these three brothers got to- gether some twenty years ago and es- tablished their jewelry concern under the name of Sammartino Brothers Company. Employing at times up :0 80 people, the concern is one of the largest and finest solid gold and silver jewelry establishments in Providence.
Achille Sammartino, guiding head of the triumvirate, is a designer and manufacturer of high art jewelry, with a penchant for painting and sculpture.
William Sammartino, in addition to being an engraver of the highest order,
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is also listed on the instruction staff of the R. I. School of Design, where he teaches letter and ornamental en- graving.
Alexander Sammartino, in addition to being foreman of the Sammartino Brothers Company, is also active in giving personal attention to the details in conducting its office.
The Sammartino brothers are prom- inent throughout the jewelry industry and in civic affairs. Office: 185 Eddy street, Providence, R. I.
SCHIFINO, Leonardo A.
Pioneer immigrant and one of the founders of the Italian colony of East Providence; born in Rionero in Vul- ture, Province of Basilicata, Italy, No- vember 22, 1868, the son of Pasquale and Maria Michela (Giammatteo) Schifino. When a lad he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania. Upon his arrival there he was put to work with a large construction concern. He started in a humble way, but soon showed himself to be of value to his employer, who recognized his alert mind and consistent attention to work. He was promoted to labor foreman, an occupation which he followed with many concerns who took contracts in Pennsylvania. He moved to Rhode Island in 1891, settling in East Prov- idence. Upon his arrival there he worked as construction foreman for various concerns, including the O'Ban- non Manufacturing Company branch in East Providence, and then went into business for himself as a sewer con- tractor. He retired twenty years ago.
A fine type of an American citizen, he is one of the founders of the Italian Catholic Church of East Providence. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Fede- Patria e Lavoro Club of East Provi- dence, and Basilicata Society of Provi- dence.
On April 23, 1890, Mr. Schifino married in Johnstown, Pa., Madda- lena Traficante, also a native of Rio- nero in Vulture, Italy. They are the parents of nine children: 1. Mrs. Maria Prisco; 2. Pasquale; 3. Mrs. Della Traficante; 4. Mrs. Madeline Saraci- no; 5. Mrs. Pasqualina Nardoza; 6. Charles; 7. Joseph; 8. Lucy, a school teacher ; 9. Daniel.
Mr. and Mrs. Schifino celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 21, 1940, with a banquet and reception given by their nine children. More than 125 relatives and friends attended the affair. Rev. John Rubba, O.P., of Providence College, gave the invocation. Home: 76 Lyon avenue, East Providence, R. I.
STORTI, Herman
Flutist; born in Capriati al Vol- turno, December 22, 1884, Province of Campobasso, Italy, the son of Fran- cesco and Maddalena (Mancini) Stor- ti, who were born respectively, at Cap- riati al Volturno, and Venafro, Italy. When an infant he was brought to Rhode Island by his parents.
As a musician and soloist in flute, Mr. Storti has been a popular figure at the old Providence Opera House and in band concerts at Roger Williams Park. He has been a flutist with the American Band, Vessella Band, Crea- tore Band and with many other famous musical organizations, and has played in some of the leading theatres through- out the United States.
Mr. Storti is regarded as one of the leading soloists in flute in the United States.
SCIALO, Luigi
Owner of Scialo Bros. Bakery, one of the largest and finest stores of its kind in New England, specializing in high grade Italian bread, fancy and
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delicious Italian pastries, confectionery and wedding cakes. See also Page 85, First Edition, Italo-Americans of Rhode Island, 1936. Address: 257 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
TRAFICANTE, Michael A.
General contractor; born at Rione- ro in Volture, Province of Basilicata, Italy. April 8, 1883, the son of Frank and Maria (Gammino) Traficante. His father, who immigrated to the United States for the first time in 1872, was one of the early pioneer immigrants from Basilicata.
In 1894 when a small boy he was brought to these shores by his parents. At an early age he began to work with the J. W. Bishop Construction Company. There he acquired the foun- dation upon which he has built a suc- cessful business career, and at such times as he could spare he attended the evening public schools. He later worked for his uncle, Frank Gammino, a pioneer Italian contractor, where at the age of eighteen he rose to the posi- tion of foreman. Finally, in 1916, he established his own general contracting business. He has done considerable pub- lic works not only in Rhode Island, but also throughout New England. He specializes in water works and sewer constructions.
Mr. Traficante is a member of the Elks and Basilicata Society.
Mr. Traficante married Anna (Cir- illo) Traficante, in 1901. They be- came the parents of the following chil- dren: 1. Frank, foreman, associated with his father; 2. Joseph, estimator and bookkeeper, associated with his father; 3. Charles, operating engineer, associated with his father; 4. Leonard, operating engineer, associated with his father ; 5. Vincent, timekeeper and truck operator, associated with his father; 6. Mrs. Maria (Traficante)
Wahl; 7. Agnes, a student at Central High School. Office: 20 Delaine street, Providence, R. I.
TRIANGOLO, Giovanni
Retired contractor and well-known religious worker; born in Venafro, Italy, October 13, 1866, the son of Liborio and Vincenza (Revella) Tri- angolo.
During the Abyssinian campaign in 1887-88, he served in the Royal Ital- ian Army, first assigned to the infantry, and later to the engineers. He was honorably discharged in 1890 with the rank of Corporal Major. He immi- grated to the United States in 1895, settling in Providence.
He has spent his career as a con- tractor and is one of the founders of the First Italian Baptist Church. He is very active in religious and fraternal work in the Charles street section.
On January 7, 1895, Mr. Triango- lo married Lucia Taccarone.
TROIANO (Trione), Joseph
Associated with his brother, Alfred, in the ownership of Clarke & Wood Company, printers; born in Pollutri, Province of Chieti, Italy, Febuary 21, 1897, the son of Domenico and Rose (Martini) Troiano, also natives of Pollutri.
He was educated in the local pub- lic schools and began his career in the printing trade in some of the leading printing establishments of Providence. Some few years ago, Mr. Troiano, (Trione), purchased the plant of Clarke & Wood Company, an old printing establishment founded in 1898.
This plant is perfectly equipped with machinery and material to execute the finest line of commercial, booklets, circulars and color work printing.
Joseph Troiano (Trione), conducts the printing business under the old
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name of Clarke & Wood Company in joint ownership with his brother, Alfred Troiano (Trione) at 15 Snow street, Providence, R. I.
TANCREDI, Julio
Music teacher ; born in Providence, July 21, 1917, the son of Giovanni and Lucia (Favoccia) Tancredi. His parents are natives of Pontecorvo, Pro- vince of Frosinone, Italy. His father is Director of the Tripoli Marine Band.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High School. At a very early age, he studied music under Maestro D'Orsi and other outstanding teachers, specializing as a cornet player and cornet teacher. Afterwards he went to Boston, perfecting his training under the well known Mager, first cornetist of the Boston Symphony Or- chestra. Studio: 34 Lowell avenue, Providence, R. I.
TURINI, Giovanni
Manufacturer; born in Palestrina, Province of Rome, Italy, December 8, 1896, the son of Celeste and Agata Turini, who were born respectively at Palestrina, and Subiaco, Italy.
He attended the public schools of his native town and then studied at the Municipal School of Design, where he specialized in technical mechanics, graduating from this school at the age of eighteen.
Following the completion of his studies, he immigrated to the United States. His first job was repairing wagons at Lynn, Mass. After a few months, he moved to Providence, in which city he followed the trade of mechanic for various leading concerns.
A skilled technical mechanic, he followed his natural bent in establishing in 1937 a plant of his own under the name of United Shoe Ornament Com- pany, for the manufacture of all kinds
of shoe ornaments, including the man- ufacture of special tools and machin- ery.
Mr. Turini is a member of Mc- Allister Post, and active in the reli- gious work of the parish of St. Barto- lomeo Church.
On January 21, 1917, Mr. Turini married Elia Ronci. They became the parents of two children: 1. George, a toolmaker, associated with his father ; 2. Silvia, a student.
Mr. Turini, proprietor of United Shoe Ornament Company, maintains his office at 35 Tripoli street, Cranston, R. I.
TESTA, Carl
Police justice; born in Providence, July 16, 1904, the son of Alfonso and Maria Giovanna Testa, both na- tives of Prata Sannita, Province of Campobasso, Italy.
He attended the local public schools and English High School, graduating in 1923; he then studied at Boston University College of Business Ad- ministration ; subsequently he enrolled at Boston University Law School, graduating with the degree of LL.B. in 1927. He has been practicing law since 1928.
He holds the office of Judge of the Police Court of the City of Providence, since 1935, discharging the duties with ability and fidelity, and at the same time enjoying the esteem of the public.
Judge Testa is a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus, having gained his 4th degree in Bishop Hend- ricken Assembly. He is also Grand Knight of St. Anthony Council, No. 1618, K. C. He is a member of Jus- tinian Club of Boston University, and Alpha Phi Delta, national Italian fra- ternity of Boston University. He is also a member of Rhode Island Bar Association, Italo-American Club, Vit- toria Lodge, Order Sons of Italy,
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Italo-American Citizens Club and other organizations.
On October 9, 1935, Judge Testa married Liberina Viola Cipriano, of Providence. Office: 1904 Industrial Trust Building, Providence, R. I.
TURILLI, Nicholas
Mastercraftsman ; born in San Gio- vanni Lipioni, Province of Chieti, Italy, the son of Michele Antonio and Anto- nietta (Rossi) Turilli, also natives of the same town. He acquired the hand wood carving art from his father in his native town and where his ancestors were also skilled craftsmen.
At the age of 13 he went to Vasto to serve his apprenticeship in wood carving, artistic furniture making and interior decorating. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked as master craftsman in various parts of Italy. From the time he immigrated to the United States in 1924, his work has attracted wide attention. While in Providence, he has worked for William C. Fisher Company, Merriam Com- pany and other high grade concerns.
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