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 20
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In the past few years Mr. Turilli has been engaged in a business of his own, specializing in wood carving, fine furniture making, antique reproductions, furniture repairing and refinishing, up- holstering, drapery cornices and val- ances carved, painted and decorated, repairing and regilding of antique frames, all types of carved mirrors frames made, etc.
Mr. Turilli is a member of St. An- thony Society.
In 1915, Mr. Turilli married in Italy, Maria Di Pasquale, a native of Buenos Aires of Italian parentage. They became the parents of three chil- dren: 1. Mrs. Clelia Beneduce ; 2. Mi- chael Anthony, associated with his father; 3. Duilio. Address: 128 North Main street, Providence, R. I.
NICHOLAS TROPEA
TROPEA, Nicholas
Artistic designer ; born in Cosenza, Italy, August 27, 1881, the son of Giuseppe and Maria (Percacciante) Tropea, both natives of the same town.
He attended the public schools and Technical school of his native town. He later went to Naples where he attended the Royal Technical Institute. Thereafter he enrolled at the Royal University of Naples and received his degree of Civil Engineer from Scuola d'Applicazione degli Ingegneri in 1908.
In 1909, then twenty-eight years old, Mr. Tropea came to the United States, settling in New York City. There he worked as draftsman for Eagle Construction Company of Brook- lyn. Following his natural bent which he first showed when he attended the technical school, four years later he entered the jewelry designing and mod- eling field. He first worked for Osmers & Dougherty Company, manufacturing jewelers ; then worked for Steel & Gir- dany, a platinum and diamonds con- cern. In 1911 he went into business for himself designing new creations for
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diamonds and platinum jewelry con- cerns. In 1931 he moved to Providence to organize the white metal department of Cohn & Rosenberg. In 1932 he established his own business in Provi- dence, specializing in artistic designs for jewelry. He formerly published Tropea's Fashion in Platinum Mount- ings.
Mr. Tropea is well and favorably known in the jewelry circles of Provi- dence, Attleboro, New York, Chicago and Newark.
On June 1, 1907, Mr. Tropea mar- ried Enrichetta Borgo-Caratti, member of an old and noble Milanese family. Mrs. Tropea died in Providence, May 25, 1936. Mr. and Mrs. Tropea be- came the parents of two children: 1. Marcello, a lawyer; 2. Amilcare, a jewelry sample maker. Office: 212 Union street, Providence, R. I.
TRAMONTI, John
Proprietor of Tramonti Ford Sales & Service Company ; born in Bovino, Province of Foggia, Italy, June 18, 1896, the son of Donato and Carmela (Trevisano) Tramonti, who came to the United States when he was four years of age.
He attended the public schools of Providence until he was sixteen years old, at which time he entered the em- ploy of a printing shop, learning the printer's trade. In 1916 he took up the automobile business, forming an association with his brother, James Tra- monti. In 1924 he organized and estab- lished an automobile business of his own, which he conducts under the name of Tramonti Ford Sales & Service Company, where he is a dealer of high grade Ford cars and maintains a com- plete sales and filling service. With offices and salesrooms at 365-369
Broadway, Providence, the establish- ment over which Mr. Tramonti presides is one of the most successful and most capably conducted enterprises of its type in the Broadway section.
Mr. Tramonti is a popular and genial young businessman, and gives a goodly portion of his time to civic, social and fraternal activities.
Mr. Tramonti married in 1917, Anna Tamalleo, and they are the parents of four children: 1. Donald; 2. John, Jr .; 3. Ruth; 4. Verna.
JOHN TRAMONTI, JR., a promising son of Mr. and Mrs. John Tramonti, is a striking example of how the sons of Italian immigrants are able to rise to positions of prominence through sheer intelligence, devotion to study and hard work.
Young Johnny, a native of Provi- dence, attended the local public schools and La Salle Academy, from which he graduated in 1939. At the age of twelve, he started taking courses in art at the R. I. School of Design, and when he entered La Salle Academy, he did a lot of work making portraits for students. He cartooned, too, for the Academy monthly publication, and when he reached Providence College last fall he became Art editor of the year book and the weekly paper. John- ny designed sets for the college dra- matics society as a side line.
Recently, young Johnny won a test for a tryout as an animator at "Cartoon- ist's Paradise"-the Walt Disney land of the Silly Symphony, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. A thousand students apply at the Disney studios every year, and only a few of them get a chance to go to school there. Johnny is one of the lucky few who won the test and he is now at the Disney's studious in Hollywood completing his studies for his chosen career.
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MARCELLO A. TROPEA
TROPEA, Marcello A.
Lawyer ; born in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 3, 1912, the son of Nicholas and Enrichetta Borgo-Caratti, who were born respectively, at Cosenza, and Milan, Italy. His father, a civil en- gineer, is now well known as an out- standing jewelry designer and modeler.
Mr. Tropea received his preliminary education in the elementary schools and High School of Brooklyn. Subsequently he attended Brown University. While at Brown he studied Italian under the late Professor de Salvio, and was prominent in the activities of the Ital- ian Club of Brown University. After his college work, he entered New York University Law School, from which he received the degree of LL.B. On May 6, 1940, he was admitted to practice law in Rhode Island. Office: 908 Union Trust Building, Provi- dence, R. I.
TACCONE, Mary
Union official. Among the young well-known Italo-American women of Rhode Island and also well and favor-
ably known in other sections of New England is Mary Taccone, now a union official connected with the American Federation of Labor. The labor move- ment and the betterment of the working people, in particular, has enlisted her hearty support, and her activities have contributed much to the advancement of this cause.
Miss Taccone was born in Provi- dence, November 2, 1912, the daugh- ter of Vito and Maria (Pescarino) Taccone, both natives of Sesto Cam- pano, Province of Campobasso, Italy. After completing the Esek Hopkins Grammar School, she entered the em- ploy of the Wanskuck Mill as a textile operative. While a mill hand, her deep interest in labor conditions and in the recognized spheres of women's efforts brought her prominently to the publics attention.
In 1937 she resigned from the Wan- skuck Mill to become Vice-president of the Federation of Woolen and Worsted Workers of America, an organization affiliated with the United Textile Workers of America and American Federation of Labor. Widely known throughout Rhode Island, she is re- garded as one of the most able young women with the local American Feder- ation of Labor.
TREMENTOZZI, Gaetano
Businessman ; born in San Giovanni Incarico, Province of Frosinone, Italy, September 8, 1897, the son of Giusep- pe and Camilla Victoria Rosati Tre- mentozzi. His father came to the United States in 1897, and was one of the earliest immigrants from San Giovanni Incarico to settle in Providence. In 1898, when Gaetano was an infant, he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence.
He attended the local public schools, and at the age of fourteen he went to
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work in a jewelry factory, where he remained two years. He then entered the employ of the American Screw Ma- chine Corporation, to learn the machin- ist trade. He worked at his trade until 1924, at which time he went into business for himself, starting the Valley Street Garage, engaged in a complete service of auto repairing, storage, bat- tery and gasoline fiilling station. An ambitious and capable man, Mr. Tre- mentozzi has been very successful in his enterprise.
On January 1, 1923, Mr. Tremen- tozzi, married Mabel Emilia Sutcliffe of Providence. They are the parents of three children : 1. Loreta ; 2. Evelyn ; 3. Dorothy. Business address : 332-334 Valley street, Providence, R. I.
TARTAGLINO, Alfred M., M.D.
Born in Newport, R. I., July 31, 1905, the son of Eugene and Josephine (Monticone) Tartaglino, both natives of Alessandria, Piedmont, Italy. His parents came to Newport in 1898.
He attended St. Joseph's Parochial School and St. Joseph's High School, from which he graduated in 1923. He then entered Georgetown Univer- sity, where he completed both college and medical school, graduating with the degree of B.S. and M.D., in 1929.
Dr. Tartaglino served his interneship at the Georgetown University Hospital.
He began his active practice of med- icine in Newport in 1930. .
Dr. Tartaglino is on the surgical staff and also an anesthetist at Newport Hospital.
Dr. Tartaglino's professional and social affiliations include the American Medical Association, Rhode Island Medical Society, American Medico- Legal Association of Massachusetts, Rotary Club, Newport Medical So- ciety of which he is Secretary; Mian-
tonomi Club and Italo-American Club of Newport.
On June 28, 1930, Dr. Tartaglino married in Washington, D. C., Virginia Crabill, a native of Roanoke, Va. They are the parents of two children: 1. Jo- seph; 2. Joanne. Office: 75 Pelham street, Newport, R. I.
TROPPOLI, Daniel V., M.D.
Born in Providence, October 25, 1901, the son of Pasquale and Cath- erine (Anastasia) Troppoli.
Dr. Troppoli was educated in the Providence public schools and at Clas- sical High School, from which he graduated in 1919, receiving the Classi- cal High School scholarship for Brown as leading man of his class. At Brown University he achieved many scholastic honors, including the first prize, Presi- dent's Premium in Latin; first prize, President's Premium in Greek; first prize, Foster Premium in Greek; was appointed Francis Wayland Scholar, in 1921; James Manning Scholar, in 1922; James Manning Scholar, in 1923 ; was elected to Phi Beta Kappa honorary scholastic society in his junior year ; elected to Sigma Xi, the honorary scientific society in 1923; received Final Honors in Biology and was grad- uated with the degree of A.B. and A.M., in 1923. Thereafter he enrolled at Harvard Medical School, from which he graduated with the degree of M.D., in 1927. While there he won three scholarships. Immediately follow" ing the completion of his medical studies he was appointed neurological house officer at Massachusetts General Hos- pital; medical house officer at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital; resident phy- sician at Rhode Island Hospital ; surgi- cal house officer at Peter Bent Brig- ham Hospital.
He began the active practice of med- icine in Providence in 1930.
Dr. Troppoli is surgical interne,
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Out Patient Department, Rhode Island Hospital; visiting surgeon, Out-Patient Department, Miriam Hospital; Assist- ant visiting surgeon, Urological De- partment, Charles V. Chapin Hospital ; visiting surgeon, Urological Out-Patient Department, Charles V. Chapin Hos- pital; courtesy staff at St. Joseph's and Homeopathic Hospitals ; physician to State Home and School and Socka- nosset School.
Dr. Troppoli's professional affilia- tions include the Providence and R. I. Medical Societies; Malpighi Medical Club. He is also affiliated with the Phi Kappa Fraternity and is a Captain in the M. C., R. I. N. G. and U.S.A. Reserve Corps. He is a member of the Aurora and Italo-American Clubs.
In September, 1934, Dr. Troppoli married Catherine Buxton Webster of Bradford, Mass. They are the parents of one daughter, Jane. Office: 380 Broadway. (From the 1936 Edition).
TUMMILLO, Peter P.
Sales Manager ; born in Trenton, N. J., February 10, 1900, the son of Nicola and Angela Maria Tummillo, both natives of Rapone, Province of Basilicata, Italy.
He attended the public schools of Rapone until the age of 11, at which time he was brought to Trenton by his father. Upon returning to Trenton he attended the local public schools and Rider's Business College.
Mr. Tummillo"'s experience and training with many concerns qualified him very well for the position of sales- man which he accepted in 1935 for Browne Vintners Co., Inc., wine and spirit importers of New York. Im- mediately he proved himself a man of ability and was transferred to Boston as District Manager in charge of the Massachusetts district.
In 1929 Mr. Tummillo married Zoe Masciantoni, a native of Rome, Italy.
They became the parents of two chil- dren: 1. Gloria; 2. Zoe.
Mr. Tummillo is affiliated with the following business, social and fraternal organizations: Italian business and pro- fessional men of Trenton; Commercial Travelers Association ; B.P.O. Elks ; Italian Chamber of Commerce of New England. Office: Statler Building, 20 Providence street, Boston, Mass.
URSILLO, Antonio
Prominent in religious and fraternal circles of the North End section; born in Marzano Appio, Province of Na- ples, Italy, the son of Carmine and Maria Antonia (Caldarone) Ursillo.
He attended the public schools of his native town and the Industrial School of Aversa. When a young man he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. For many years thereafter he worked at many jobs in various industries. In 1909 he went into the business of bowling alleys. He was a charter member and past chief ranger of Court Savoy, Foresters of America. He was a supreme trustee of the For- esters of America. Besides being a trus- tee of St. Ann's Church, he is also a member of the Holy Name Society. He took an active part in raising funds for the sufferers of the San Francisco and Messina earthquakes, in 1906, and 1908.
On May 12, 1896, Mr. Ursillo married Maria Annina Di Fazio, a native of Alvito, Italy.
VIGLIOTTI, Edward
General contractor ; born in Madda- loni, Province of Naples, Italy, Octo- ber 31, 1908, the son of Michele and Teresina (Tagliaferro) Vigliotti, also natives of Maddaloni.
As a small child he was brought to this country by his mother in 1913, to
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join his father in Providence, who had immigrated some years previously.
He attended the public schools of Providence, graduating from the Man- ton Avenue Grammar School. At the age of 14 he went to work for his father, an experienced mason, from whom he learned the mason trade. The advantages of a thorough training in masonry and construction work from his father, were reflected in the after work of young Edward Vigliotti. On the death of his father in 1935, he established himself in the contracting business, in which he has continued since then. He specializes in all forms of masonry and heavy cement work and ranks as one of the leaders of its type in Rhode Island. Mr. Vigliotti, an enterprising and promising young man, is the sole proprietor and directing head of this concern.
He is a member of the 6th Ward Italo-American Club.
On September 26, 1932, Mr. Vig- liotti married Marianna De Cubellis, a native of Marzano Appio. They be- came the parents of three children : 1. Michele; 2. Edward, Jr .; 3. Jo- seph. Office: 785 Manton avenue, Providence, R. I.
VALENTINO, Vito
Businessman; born in Rocchetta al Volturno, Province of Campobasso, Italy, April 10, 1879, the son of Servideo and Maria (Pontarelli) Val- entino, also natives of Rocchetta al Volturno. His father was one of the founders of the Eagle Park section.
Attended public schools of his native town. At the age of twelve he was brought to the United States by his father. Has always lived at the Eagle Park section. Has been engaged in di- versified occupations. For many years conducted a hay and grain business. For the past six years has been engaged in conducting a gasoline filling station.
On May 28, 1905, Mr. Valentino married Carolina De Lisi. Children : 1. Giuseppe; 2. Maria; 3. Antonetta ; 4. Servideo. Home: 36 Messina street, Providence, R. I.
VELLELLA, Elizabeth Ann
Music teacher and organist ; born in Providence, the daughter of Pasquale and Carmela (Paiano) Vellella.
She attended the local public schools and English High School. At an early age she studied music, specializing in piano, spending one year under Mis. Mary Fitzpatrick. She then studied under Prof. Leonard P. Smith, former organist of Blessed Sacrament Church. She afterwards studied under the late Prof. Louis P. Willemin, organist of St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
Miss Vellella, well-known in musi- cal circles, began teaching piano and organ when only 16. Since then she has had large classes and has given many successful recitals. Studio: 118 Almy street, Providence, R. I.
VIOLA, Anthony, Jr.
General contractor and public offi- cial; born in Middletown, Conn., Feb- ruary 15, 1910, the son of Antonio and Modestina (Masi) Viola, both natives of Sipicciano, Italy.
After attending the Providence pub- lic schools and Classical High School, at the age of 16 he learned the carpen- ter trade and followed it until 1933, at which time he started in business for himself as a general conractor. A popular and promising young business- man, his building operations are ex- tensive and scattered throughout the State.
A staunch Democrat, in 1936 he was elected Councilman from the 13th Ward. In 1938 he was re-elected and is serving his term to the entire approval of his constituents and friends.
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He is a member of the Italo-Ameri- can Club and lodge Dante Alighieri, Order Sons of Italy.
On January 29, 1940, Mr. Viola married Alice Natal, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Romeo Natal of Providence. Office: 14 Slocum street, Providence, R. I.
ROBERT VALENTINI
VALENTINI, Roberto F.
Photographer ; born in Sant' Apol- linare, Province of Frosinone, Italy, April 15, 1896, the son of Giovanni and Antonia (Riccardi) Valentini, who were born respectively, at Sant' Apollinare and Sant' Ambrogio, Italy.
He attended the public schools of his native town. At 17, he immigrated to the United States, settling first at Montreal, Canada, where he served an apprenticeship in photography. For eleven years he worked as a photogra" pher in that city. In 1922 he went back to Italy to visit his parents. Upon his return to the United States in 1923 he settled in Boston, where he worked for three years. In 1926 he came to Prov- idence to establish his own business,
Valentini Studio, which under his di- rection has continued to thrive, keeping abreast with modern photographic ad- vancement.
On September 24, 1928, Mr. Val- entini married Gelsomina Di Carlo, a native of Forli del Sannio, Italy. They became the parents of three children: 1. Roberto Edmondo; 2. Walter Ru- dolph; 3. Norma Vilma. Photographic. studio: 277 Atwells avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
VENEZIALE, Joseph
Assistant United States District At- torney; born in Isernia, Province of Campobasso, Italy, January 15, 1892, the son of Luigi and Carolina (di Placido) Veneziale.
He was brought to the United States by his mother in 1896, to join his father in Providence, who had immi- grated some years previously. He at- tended the Providence public schools and the Law School of the University of Valpairaso, Indiana, from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law in 1914.
During the World War he served in the United States Army at Camp Mead, Maryland, and was honorably discharged as sergeant in January, 1919.
Mr. Veneziale was admitted to the R. I. bar in 1915.
For eight years, Mr. Veneziale was a member of the State Legislature, representing loyally the wishes of his constituents. During 1933-34 he was vice-chairman of the Judiciary Com- mittee. In 1934 he was appointed to the post of U. S. District Attorney, an office which he ably fills to the entire satisfaction of the people.
A staunch Democrat and an eloquent speaker, he has rendered to this city and the State of his adoption public service of value and devotion.
Mr. Veneziale is a member of the
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R. I. Bar Association ; member of the American Legion and honorary mem- ber of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Office: 87 Weybosset street, Provi- dence, R. I.
VERRECCHIA, Guido
Jewelry designer ; and ALFIO VER- RECCHIA, commercial designer ; twins, born in Providence, June 16, 1911, the sons of Giuseppe and Filo- mena (Coia) Verrecchia, both natives of Filignano, Province of Campobasso, Italy. The father served in the Royal Italian Army, during the First World War, was made prisoner while in active service and honorably discharged be- cause classed as an invalid on January 20, 1919.
Guido Verrecchia attended the local public schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he became an apprentice in jewelry designing. At the same time he entered the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied jewelry designing under Angelo Del Sesto. For the past seven years he has been with Cohn & Rosenberg Company, engaged as a designer and supervisor of jewelry models.
Alfio Verrecchia attended the local public schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he began to work in a jewelry factory. A few years later he gave up his position and entered the Rhode Island School of Design, de- voting his entire time to the study of fine arts under Professor John R. Fra- zier, graduating in 1937. For two years he also attended the summer school at Provincetown, Mass., under the same professor.
For the past few years Alfio Ver- recchia has been engaged as artist de- signer for the Paramount Line Inc.
VICARIO, Raphael
See Page 119, First Edition, Italo- Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
ZAINO, Nicholas
Businessman; born in Popoli, Pro- vince of Aquila, Italy, December 23, 1904, the son of Frank and Angiolina (Antonucci) Zaino.
Young Zaino attended the public schools of his native town until 1913, at which time he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Boston, who had immi- grated some years previously. He at- tended the public schools of Boston until the age of fourteen, at which time he started life as a messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany. He later obtained employment as repair man for fountain pens. As his interest for fountain pens grew, he was able to establish a business of his own in Boston.
In 1929 he removed to Providence to work as a repair man for fountain pens. In 1932 he again started busi- ness for himself in Providence, doing business under the name of Royal Pen Shop, where he specializes in the sale and repair work of the finest fountain pens of all makes.
Mr. Zaino is active in civic, social and fraternal organizations. He was formerly Financial Secretary of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1618, later becoming its Treasurer.
In 1928, Mr. Zaino married Anna G. Cocozza. They became the parents of three children : 1. Angie ; 2. Frank. 3. Carol Ann.
The Royal Pen Shop, of which Mr. Zaino is the proprietor, is at 5 Arcade, Providence, R. I.
ZAMPINI, Louis M.
General contractor; born in Provi- dence, January 10, 1912, the son of Antonio and Lucia Zampini, who were born respectively, at Frosolone, and Arienzo, Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High School, from
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LOUIS M. ZAMPINI
which he graduated in 1928. He then took up a course in architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design.
He worked at the carpenter trade in his early years, and continued to work for local contractors and build- ers, and gained a thorough knowledge of the contracting business. In 1931 he established a general contracting business on his own account. He has been very successful and has done a very large part of excellent work throughout the State. Mr. Zampini has renovated the home of Achille Sam- martino. He has erected the homes of Paul P. Pederzani, William Sam- martino, Domenico Dolce. Other homes of which he has built are num- erous. Sound, practical, common sense has governed his construction work and has won the satisfaction of his clients.
Mr. Zampini, a popular and prom- ising young man, is a member of the Italo-American Club of Rhode Island.
On September 25, 1937, Mr. Zam- pini married Emily Mroz of Provi- dence. Office: 191 Academy Avenue, Providence, R. I.
ZAINETTI, Dante
Business man and veteran of the World War; born in Fano, Province of Pesaro, Italy, April 15, 1892, the son of Giovanni and Anna (Pucci) Zainetti, both natives of the same town.
He attended the public schools, the Gymnasium and other higher institu- tions of learning in his native town. When he reached the military age, he joined the Royal Italian Army, and assigned to the 27th Regiment Mi- lano Artillery. At the outbreak of the war he went to the front, where his regiment served with the 3rd Army Corps under the command of H. R. H. the Duke of Aosta. He was wounded at the battle of St. Michele in the Carso sector. He was honorably dis- charged in 1919 with the grade of corporal major.
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