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 5
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
CHIAVERINI, William
Pianist and organist ; born in Provi- dence, January, 18 1901, the son of Gaetano and Angelina (Del Mastro) Chiaverini.
He was educated in the Providence public schools and Classical High school. He studied piano under Maestro Arturo Mariano of Providence and Prof. George Slocum of Pawtucket.
At the age of sixteen he was con- nected as pianist with Maestro Pet- tine's Orchestra at Rhodes-on-the-Paw- tuxet. During 1923-31 he was engaged
45
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
at Fay's Theatre. In 1931-33 he played at the Albee Theatre. In 1933 he returned to Fay's Theatre and has held the position as pianist ever since. He has been among the first musicians in Providence to broadcast on the radio.
Mr. Chiaverini is a past organist of the Providence Lodge of Elks.
He is a member of the executive com- mittee of Local 198, American Feder- ation of Musicians.
In 1927 Mr. Chiaverini married Alice Hammel.
CAPUTI, Nicholas G.
NICHOLAS G. CAPUTI
Insurance broker; born in Provi- dence, June 14, 1893, the son of Jo- seph M. and Amalia Mironi. The father, one of the early immigrants from Basilicata, Italy, was the first Italo-American to hold the office of Barber Commissioner in Rhode Island.
He was educated in the local public schools and Technical High school, from which he graduated in 1912. Immediately thereafter he pursued a special extension course at Brown Uni- versity ; he later entered the Harvard Graduate School of Business Admin-
istration, taking a special course in public utility management, later serving on the research staff at the Harvard Business School.
After completing his educational training in 1917, Mr. Caputi started life in the utility field with the Provi- dence Gas Company. Next he was suc- cessively connected with the Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gas Light Company engaged as General Superintendent ; with the Salemn Gas Light Company of Salem, Mass., as assistant manager and engineer, and when this company was absorbed by the C. H. Tenney interests of Boston, he was appointed gas engineer of all its New England properties. In 1931 he moved to Wash- ington, D. C., where he became Gen- eral Superintendent of the Gas Light Company in that city. On the death of his wife in 1932, he relinquished his duties in Washington and returned to Providence.
He entered the life insurance busi- ness in this city in 1933. Today he is not only regarded as a successful man in the insurance business, but leading insurance companies rank him among the leading underwriters in the country.
Mr. Caputi is a member of the Auro- ra Club, Italo-American Club and R. I. Underwriters Association.
On May 30, 1917, Mr. Caputi married Filomena Mariano. Mrs. Cap- uti died in 1932. His children are the following: 1. Amalia; 2. Filomena ; 3. Maria.
Mr. Caputi, who is now manager of the local branch of the Fidelity Mu- tual Life Insurance Company of Phil- adelphia, has his office at 1228 In- dustrial Trust Building, Providence, R. I.
CHECCA, Rocco E.
Musician ; born in Pettorano sul Gi- zio, Province of Aquila, Italy, August 15, 1884, the son of Vincenzo and Francesca Cercone Checca.
46
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
He was educated in the public schools and gymnasium of his native town. At an early age, after school hours, lie studied music under private teachers, specializing himself as a cornetist. As a youth he played with many bands in Italy.
In 1902, at the age of 18, he immi- grated to the United States, making his home in Providence. Upon settling in Providence he joined the leading musical organizations and at the same time perfected himself as a cornet player under Bowen R. Church, leader of the American Band and at that time one of the greatest cornetists in the world.
As a soloist in cornet Mr. Checca has been a popular figure in the band concerts at Roger Williams Park and in all musical organizations with which he has been associated. He has also played as a soloist in many large cities of the United States.
Mr. Checca is a member of the executive committee of Local 198 Am- erican Federation of Musicians and member of Societa Fede Patria e La- voro.
On February 15, 1905, Mr. Checca married Emilia Pescatore. They be- came the parents of five children: 1. Eugenio, in the painting business ; 2. Elena Frances, a school teacher ; 3. Ida a book keeper; 4. Frances, a clerk; 5. Irene Louise, a book keeper.
CARLOTTI, Albert
Treasurer, Providence Beverage Company ; born in Pisa, Italy, Febru- ary 27, 1910, the son of Santi and Beatrice (Cantini) Carlotti. He at- tended the public schools of his native city until the age of ten, at which time he was brought here by his mother to join his father in Providence.
Upon coming to Providence he at- tended the local public schools and Technical High school, from which he graduated in 1928. While there he
was a member of the R. I. Honor So- ciety for scholastic achievements. He then entered the R. I. State College, from which he graduated with the de- gree of Bachelor of Sciences in Me- chanical Engineering in 1932. At the R. I. State College he became a mem- ber of Phi Kappa Phi, the national honorary scholastic fraternity.
Mr. Carlotti is treasurer of Provi- dence Beverage Company, a concern engaged in the wholesale of fine Italian wines and domestic and imported liquors.
In 1932 he joined the R. I. National Guard, where he became a Second- Lieutenant in the 243rd Coast Artil- lery ; in 1935 he was promoted to the rank of First-Lieutenant; in 1938 he was appointed an Aid-de-Camp on the staff of His Excellency, William H. Vanderbilt, Governor of Rhode Island.
On November 27, 1935, Mr. Car- lotti married Rose Marciano. They be- came the parents of one child, Albert, Jr. Home: 41 Humes street, Provi- dence, R. I.
CARUOLO, Armand G.
Architect ; born in Providence, March 17, 1898, the son of Giovanni and Christina Caldarone Caruolo.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High school, from which he graduated in 1918. He then attended the Rhode Island State Col- lege for one year, and later transferred to Providence College, remaining there until 1922. He afterwards studied draftsmanship at the R. I. School of Design.
After completing his educational training he perfected his studies in the offices of various architectural firms. In 1925, he established his own office as an architect and engineer. From 1934 to 1939 he worked for the State of Rhode Island as resident engineer. In 1939 he resumed his private practice as a registered architect.
47
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
During the World War, Mr. Caru- olo served as reserve officer in the Officers' Training Camp at the R. I. State College. He was then transferred to Camp Devens and remained there until honorably discharged.
On November 10, 1927, Mr. Caru- olo married Assunta Marandola. They became the parents of three children. 1. Armando George, Jr .; 2. Janet Marie; 3. Robert Anthony. Office : 296 Atwells avenue. Home: 20 Pow- hatan street, Providence, R. I.
CALIRI, Giuseppe
Designer and manufacturer of mem- orials and mausoleums; born in Mes- sina, Italy, November 20, 1885, the son of Giovanni and Maria di Pietro Caliri.
He received his early education in the public schools of his native city, but at the age of 14 he began to learn the marble and stone craftsmanship from his father, an experienced monumental worker, and followed it until he immi- grated to the United States in 1904.
For thirty years he worked as a marble and stone craftsman in some of the leading monumental establishments in Rhode Island, acquiring reputation and experience.
In 1934 he became a partner of the Pocasset Monumental Works, one of the best known establishments of its kind in Dhode Island. In 1936 he became its owner.
The Pocasset Monumental Works specializes in designing and manufactur- ing exclusive memorials and mausole- ums. The memorials and mausoleums erected for the families of Dr. John Venick, Judge De Pasquale, Frank A. Gammino, Giuseppe Papino and others scattered throughout Providence and Rhode Island, impress one with the diversity of types designed and erected by the Pocasset Monumental Works.
Mr. Caliri was united in marriage
August 15, 1909, with Antonetta As- prinio, and they became the parents of seven children: 1. Maria; 2. Giovan- ni, associated with his father; 3. Or- lando, associated with his father; 4. Adolfo; 5. Antonio; 6. Gloria; 7. Dorothy.
The office of the Pocasset Monu- mental Works is located at 99 Pocasset avenue, Providence, R. I.
CICERCHIA, Michael
Long a prominent figure in political circles, former member of the Town Council of Barrington and owner of a grocery store ; born in Sant' Angelo d' Alife, in the former Province of Caser- ta, now Province of Benevento, Italy April 16, 1877, the son of Antonio and Isabella (De Sisti) Cicerchia. His step-father, Pietro Antonio Cicerchia, was one of the earliest Italian immi- grants to settle in Barrington.
He attended the public schools of his native town until the age of 13, at which time he went to work at his mother's grocery store. In 1893 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Barrington.
Upon arriving in Barrington he ob- tained work at the Barrington Brick Company. He won rapid advancement and after six years he was promoted to the position of foreman. In 1907 he established his large and flourishing grocery store, in which are to be found Italian and domestic products of the finest quality. He served one term of five years as a member of the Town Council of Barrington. He was very active in the discharge of his office, serving on many committees.
He is one of the founders of the Italian Catholic Church of Holy Angels. He is a charter member of the American Citizens Club of Barrington ; member of the Elks and other fraternal and social organizations.
On November 4, 1900, Mr. Cicer-
48
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
chia married Pasqualina Amato. They became the parents of seven children : 1. Maria; 2. Isabella; 3. Michael ; 4. Iolanda ; 5. Victor ; 6. Anna ; 7. Gi- ovanni. Address: 68 Maple avenue, Barrington, R. I.
CAZONNE, Concetta
Teacher; born in Barrington, the daughter of Frank and Isabella (Rega) Cazonne, who were born re- spectively, at Sant' Angelo d' Alife, and Raviscanina, Italy.
She attended the local public schools and High school, graduating in 1920. Thence she entered the Rhode Island College of Education, from which she graduated in 1923. Following her grad- uation she was appointed as teacher at the Maple avenue Elementary School, Barrington, R. I.
COSTANTINI, Giovanni, M.D.
Born in Sant' Apollinari, Province of Frosinone, Italy, May 1, 1910, the sone of Giuseppe and Giuseppa (Fargnoli) Costantini.
At an early age he attended the public schools of his native town until 1919 at which time he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence. Upon arriving in Providence he was educated in the local public schools and at Clas- sical High school, from which he grad- uated in 1928. He then entered Provi- dence College, from which he graduated in 1932, receiving a pre-medical cer- tificate and the degree of Ph.B. He afterwards matriculated at the Royal University of Rome, Italy from which he graduated with the degree of M.D. in 1936. From January, 1937, to May, 1937, he served his interneship at the Homeopathic Hospital, Wash- ington, D. C. Later, he went to St. Joseph's Hospital, in Baltimore, where he remained for twenty-six months, ris- ing to the position of resident physician,
and completed his internship on June 30, 1939. Home: Whitehall street, Providence, R. I. Office: 211 South Conkling street, Baltimore, Md.
COLANNINO, Donato
Grocery store owner and veteran of the Abyssinian campaign; born in Pan- ni, Province of Foggia, Italy, Febru- ary 26, 1884, the son of Giuseppe and Caterina Mentella Colannino.
He attended the public schools of his native town and at an early age was put to work. Coming to Providence from Panni as a boy of fifteen, he worked at anything he could find in order to make an honest living. He worked for the U. S. Rubber Con- pany, Brown & Sharpe and other in- dustrial concerns until 1930, at which time he made his first independent ven- ture in business, establishing a high grade grocery store with a full line of domestic and imported products.
In 1904 he served in the Royal Italian Army, assigned to the 3rd Regi- ment of Bersaglieri. For two years he saw service in Abyssinia, and was hon- orably discharged in 1908. He again returned to Italy in 1911, where in his native town of Panni, he married Gra- ziella De Cutiis. They became the parents of four children: 1. Giuseppe ; 2. Santina; 3. Giovanni, associated with his father; 4. Amedeo, associated with his father.
Mr. Colannino is a member of the Pannese Society.
Mr. Colannino's grocery store is lo- cated at 536 Manton avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
CARANCI, Charles L.
Representative from North Provi- dence ; born in Providence, September 7, 1908, the son of Luigi and Angio- lina Cancelliere Caranci.
He attended the Providence and
49
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
North Providence public schools, grad- uating from the Grammar school in 1923.
When a mere lad, Charlie learned the bakery trade and followed it until 1930, at which time he established his own bakery business.
In 1938 his popularity as an intelli- gent and progressive young man cul- minated in his election as Representative from the Town of North Providence. An ardent Republican, he is very active in the discharge of his office.
Mr. Caranci is Treasurer of the Marieville Republican Club and active in the social, civic and professional affairs of North Providence.
On May 16, 1931, Mr. Caranci married Sophy Szeliga. They are the parents of Louis L. Caranci.
Mr. Caranci's bakery is located at 12 Atlantic avenue, North Providence, R. I.
CASTRONOVO, Vincent
President of the Musicians Protec- tive Association, Local No. 198, A. F. M., born in Tursi, Province of Basilicata, Italy, the son of Nicola and Nicolina (Cirogliano) Castronovo. His parents, also natives of Tursi, im- migrated to Rhode Island about 1888. While an infant he was brought to this country by his parents, who set- tled in Providence.
He received his education in the local public schools. When but a lad of thirteen, he studied music under Giulio E. Capone, specializing in trombone. Later he studied music under Claude R. Spary. A gifted musician, he soon became known throughout Rhode Island for his tal- ent and ability. At one time he was a member of Reeves American Band, under Bowen R. Church, and trav- eled extensively with this famous band throughout the country.
Mr. Castronovo has been active in
musical fraternal circles since joining the Musicians Protective Association, Local No. 198, A. F. M. He has continuously held office for more than twenty-five years. At present he is serving his seventeenth consecutive year as its president, proving himself an able and conscientious leader. In 1936 he became assistant to the national president of the A. F. of M. in New York City. He served as a delegate to the A. F. of Labor convention in San Francisco, in 1934; in Denver, in 1937; and in Houston, in 1938.
In addition to his professional af- filiations, Mr. Castronovo is also a member of the Elks.
CARDARELLI, Peter
Businessman and civic worker, born in Paris, France, June 10, 1882, the son of Gaetano and Rosaria (Neri) Cardarelli, who were born respective- ly at San Donato Val Di Comino, and Rocchetta al Volturno, Italy. When two years old he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Providence. He re- ceived his early education at the old Woodville school, North Providence, and at the Admiral Street School, Providence. At the age of ten he learned the stone-cutting trade at Quincy, Mass. He also learned the machinist trade at Brown & Sharpe. From 1906 to 1917 he was con- nected with the Police Department of North Providence and Providence. He has held the police badge for thirty- two years. At present he is engaged in operating the Granite Quarry, Har- risville, R. I. He is a member and charter member of St. Lawrence Coun- cil, Knights of Columbus ; member and charter member of Reali Carabinieri, Order Sons of Italy ; life member Cen- tredale Fire Department. On Septem- ber 27, 1904, Mr. Cardarelli mar- ried Theresa Cuchasi, a native of Al-
50
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
bania. They became the parents of seven children : 1. Gaetano, Fire Chief of North Providence; 2. Mrs. Antonetta Doll; 3. Elvira, employed at State House; 4. Rose, clerk at Atlantic Mills; 5. Donato, an ama- teur boxer; 6. John, a mechanic ; 7. Theresa, a student. Home: 652 Woonasquatucket Avenue, North Providence, R. I.
COLICCI, Giovanni
Business man and civic worker; born in Pontecorvo, Province of Fro- sinone, Italy, December 19, 1865, the son of Giuseppe and Vittoria (Di Nora) Colicci.
He was educated in the public schools of his native town. At an early age he went to work in a gov- ernment tobacco factory and remained there until he was called to serve the Italian Army, assigned to the 11th Regiment Field Artillery, remaining there until his honorable discharge in 1888. During his military service he acted as an instructor to newly en- rolled recruits of the classes 1867- 1868.
Following his discharge from the army he resumed his position at the government tobacco factory. He emi- grated to the United States in April, 1896, settling in Providence. Upon coming to Providence he obtained em- ployment in the Atlantic Mills, where through sheer intelligence and ability he rose to a position of responsibility. He remained there 28 years. These years of experience, combined with his ability to grasp business problems, gave him the foundation to build up a busi- ness for himself. In 1921 he built the Ridge Street Garage, which he manages associated with his sons.
An ardent admirer of Mussolini and a patriot, he had the honor to call upon the Italian statesman in Rome
in 1929 with a group of representa- tive men of the Order Sons of Italy. He has written many articles on Mus- solini, King Victor Emmanuel III, Popes Pius XI and Pius XII, on the Italo-Ethiopian conflict and on Italo- American affairs. Genial and alert, he takes an active part in patriotic, fra- ternal, civic and social affairs. He is past orator of Carducci Lodge, Order Sons of Italy, member of Holy Name Society and Societa San Giovanni Battista di Pontecorvo.
In 1889 he married Maria Spiriti- gliozzi. They are the parents of the following children: 1. Giuseppe ; 2. Pa- olo; 3. Francesco; 4, Antonio: 5. Al- merico; 6. Mrs. Theresa (Colicci) Margadonna ; 7. Mrs. Helen (Colicci) Murgo; 8. Luciano C. Office: 19 Ridge Street, Providence, R. I.
COLAGIOVANNI, Fred
First Deputy City Clerk; born in Providence, March 5, 1912, the son of Marco and Isabella (Germano) Colagiovanni. His father, a native of Baranello, Province of Campobasso, Italy, came to this country sixty years ago, and settled in New York and Boston before coming to Providence. His mother is also a native of Italy.
Mr. Colagiovanni received his edu- cation in the Providence public schools and at Technical High School, from which he graduated in 1930. He graduated from Rhode Island State College with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences in 1934. He then took up the study of law at Harvard Law School and Boston University Law School, graduating with the degree of LL.B. in 1938.
He is serving as First Deputy City Clerk of the City of Providence.
Mr. Colagiovanni is a member of the Harvard Club of Rhode Island, Aurora Club and Beta Psi Alpha.
51
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
COPPOLA, Emilio G.
Manager, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., born in Cicerale Cilento, Province of Salerno, Italy, April 10, 1891, the son of Nicolo and Concetta (Liccio) Coppola, also na- tives of Cicerale Cilento. A maternal great-grand-uncle of Mr. Coppola was Colonel Giambattista Riccio, a dis- tinguished patriot of the war for the unification of Italy.
He attended the public schools of his native town, but his education was cut short at the outset, and at the age of twelve he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon coming to Providence he worked at various occupations, devoting his evenings to the study of the English language, proving himself an alert and earnest student.
In 1916 he entered the service of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insur- ance Company in which field he soon demonstrated marked ability. In 1920 he was promoted to assistant manager. On October 2, 1939, he was pro- moted to manager in charge of the branch office at New Britain, Conn. Before his appointment as manager he was the oldest assistant manager in point of service.
Mr. Coppola is a member of the Ausonia Club.
Mr. Coppola married Hilda Storti, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pietro Storti, early pioneer immigrants. He is the father of the following children: 1. Esther; 2. Nicola; 3. Ada; 4. Olga: Office: John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, New Brit- ain, Conn.
CATALOZZI, Maria C.
Teacher; born in Providence, the daughter of Masenzio and Annita (Zolla) Catalozzi, who were born respectively, at Roccadevandro, and Montagano, Italy.
She received her education in the Providence public schools and Clas- sical High School, from which she graduated in 1929. She then entered Brown University from which she graduated in 1933, cum laude, with the degree of A.B. At Brown Uni- versity she achieved many scholastic honors, including Manzoni prize, in Italian ; Sons of Italy prize, in Italian. From Brown she received the degree of Master of Arts in 1938.
During the summer of 1937 and 1939, Miss Catalozzi took up spe- cial studies of advanced Italian at Middlebury College, Vermont.
In 1933 she received an appoint- ment as teacher of Italian at Central High School. In 1939 she was trans- ferred as teacher of Italian and French at Mount Pleasant Senior High School.
Miss Catalozzi is a member of Modern Languages Association of Rhode Island.
CAPPALLI, Francis
Lawyer ; born in Providence, May 29, 1908, the son of Joseph and Anna (Camardo) Cappalli. His father is a native of Providence, son of immi- grants from Tuscany who settled in Providence in the early '60's. His mother is a native of Baranello, Italy.
He was educated in the local public schools and Classical High School, 1926; Providence College, A.B., 1930; Georgetown University, LL.B., 1933. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1934.
While at Classical High School he played baseball and was selected ou the all-star interscholastic league team. From there he went to Providence College where he played baseball for four years under the late Jack Flynn, and was a member of Providence Col- lege intercollegiate championship in 1928. Later he was selected by Jack Flynn as the best short-stop of the
52
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
team he coached at Providence Col- extensively both in Europe and in the lege. United States.
On September 29, 1939, Mr. Cap- palli was appointed by Mayor Collins Assistant Supervisor of Domestic Re- lations, Department of Public Welfare.
His professional, social and frater- nal affiliations include the Rhode Island Bar Association, Providence College Alumni Association, George- town Club, Rome Lodge, Order Sons of Italy and Aurora Club. Office: 49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.
CARLEVALE, Joseph
Director of School of Italian Lan- guage; born in San Giovanni Incarico, Province of Frosinone, Italy, Septem- ber 17, 1890, the son of Serafino and Angela (Sarracino) Carlevale.
He attended the public schools of his native town until the age of 12, at which time he immigrated to the United States. In this country he re- ceived the following education: Ver- mont Academy and Colby Academy, 1908-1911; International College, 1912; Colgate University, 1913- 1914; Columbia University, 1915- 1916.
He has been an instructor of Italian at Connecticut College, 1917; Direc- tor School of Adult Education at Yale University, 1918-1919; Direc- tor of Norwich Americanization In- stitute, 1919-1927; he served as Di- rector of Army and Navy Clubs of New London County during the World War. At present he is Direc- tor of School of Italian Language, Providence.
Among his leading publications can be noted: "Sillabario e Piccole Let- ture Italiane"; "Conferenze"; "La Vittoria." Since completing his studies he has made the teaching of Italian his field of endeavor, and has travelled
Professor Carlevale's School of Italian Language is at 118 Empire Street, Providence, R. I.
CIANCI, Vincent A., M.D.
Born in Providence, July 29, 1900, the son of Pietro and Carmela (Te- desco) Cianci, who were born re- spectively at Roccamonfina and Avel- la, Italy.
He attended the public schools of Providence and Cranston, and Crans- ton High School, graduating in 1921. He then spent two years at Providence College where he took up a pre-medical course. In 1924 he entered St. Louis University. In 1926 he enrolled at the Medical School of St. Louis Uni- versity, from which he graduated with the degree of M.D. in 1930. the first Italo-American from Rhode Island to graduate from that medical school. His last year at the medical school he served as interne at St. Mary Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. Next he served his interneship at St. Joseph's Hospital, Providence, 1930-1931; Charles V. Chapin Hospital, Providence, 1931- 1932. He served in the medical out- patient department of Rhode Island Hospital, 1932-1935.
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.