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 6
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Dr. Cianci is on the courtesy staff of Homeopathic Hospital and St. Jo- seph's Hospital. He is on the active surgical staff of Miriam Hospital.
Dr. Cianci has been secretary of the Malpighi Medical Club since 1938. His other professional, social and fraternal affiliations include the Providence Medical Society, the Elks and the Eagles.
On October 14, 1937, Dr. Cianci married Esther Campopiano, a native of Providence. They are the parents of one child: Carol Lois. Office: 54 Pocasset Avenue, Providence, R. I.
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ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
CAROSELLI, Hugo G.
Lawyer; born in Providence, De- cember 29, 1907, the son of Antonio and Maria (Iarussi) Caroselli. His father, a cigar manufacturer, comes from an old family of Isernia, Italy. His mother is a native of Forli del Sannio, Italy.
He received his education in the Providence public schools; Classical High School, 1926; Providence Col- lege, A.B., 1930; Boston University School of Law, LL.B., 1933. While at the Boston University School of Law, he was prominent in the activi- ties of the Justinian Club.
He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in April, 1935, at which time he began his active practice of law.
He is a member of Lodge Vit- toria of the Order Sons of Italy. Office: 618 Turks Head Building ; residence, 257 Broadway, Provi- dence, R. I.
CIPOLLA, Gennaro
Business man and active in re- ligious work; born in Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy, December 9, 1877, the son of Antonio and Filo- mena (Colapietro) Cipolla.
He attended the public schools of his native town. At the age of six- teen he immigrated to the United States. After a short period spent in Providence, he went to Lawrence, where he was employed in the textile factories. During the World War he worked in the ammunition factories at Bridgeport, Conn. He finally settled in Providence, where he worked at Brown & Sharpe and later at Nichol- son File Company. In 1925 he be- came the proprietor of a grocery store in the heart of the Italo-American dis- trict, in which venture he has been very successful. Mr. Cipolla is a very active mem-
ber of the Italian Methodist Church. He is one of the founders and a mem- ber of the Huguenot Society.
On August 28, 1898, Mr. Cipolla married in Lawrence, Mass., Maria Petrillo, a native of Roccamonfina, Italy. They became the parents of three children: 1. Mrs. Chiarina Cipolla Sabatino; 2. Antonio, asso- ciated with his father; 3. Severino, a member of the police department.
Mr. Cipolla's grocery store is at 261 Knight Street, Providence, R. I.
CAPOBIANCO, Giovanni, M.D.
Born in Providence, April 11, 1907, the son of Nicola and Addo- lorata (Colaluca) Capobianco, who were born respectively at Benevento and Prata Sannita, Italy.
He attended the local public schools, Classical High School and Technical High School, graduating in 1926; he took up a pre-medical course at Provi- dence College and graduated from the same college with the degree of Ph.B. in 1930; he afterwards studied at Georgetown University School of Med- icine, graduating with the degree of M.D. in 1934.
He served his interneship at Tuber- culosis Hospital, Washington, D. C .; resident physician at State Infirmary, Howard, R. I .; Charles V. Chapin Hospital, Providence, R. I :; interne and later acting assistant superintend- ent at Glendale Sanatorium, Glendale, Maryland.
Dr. Capobianco began the active practice of his profession in Provi- dence on October 1, 1936.
Dr. Capobianco is on the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Miriam Hos- pital and Charles V. Chapin Hospital.
His professional, social and fraternal affiliations include Providence Medi- cal Society, Malpighi Medical Club, Fratelli Bandiera Society, Santa Maria dei Cipressi and other organizations.
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ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
On August 27, 1938, Dr. Capo- bianco married Marcia Smith, a na- tive of Warwick, R. I. Office: 536 Admiral Street, Providence, R. I.
CAPOBIANCO, Nicola
Business man; born in Benevento, Italy, August 24, 1884, the son of Giovanni and Lucia (Borrelli) Capo- bianco, also natives of the same town.
He received his education in the public schools and technical school of his native town. At the age of seven- teen he immigrated to the United States with his parents, settling in Providence. On arriving in Provi- dence in 1901, he began his career in diversified occupations. For many years he was proprietor of Capo- bianco's bathing pavilion at Oakland Beach, which was destroyed by the hurricane in 1938. He is the owner of Empire Wet Wash Laundry, a venture which he established twenty years ago. Before the prohibition period he was engaged in the whole- sale liquor and wine business.
A leading citizen of the Eagle Park section, he is a member of Fra- telli Bandiera Society, Independent Citizens Club and other organizations.
On July 6, 1906, Mr. Capobianco married Addolorata Colaluca, a native of Prata Sannita, Italy. They became the parents of seven children: 1. Gio- vanni, M.D .; 2. Mrs. Angiolina Conte; 3. Mrs. Theresa Filippone ; 4. Guglielmo; 5. Mrs. Esther Cianci; 6. Lydia; 7. Ida. Address: 445 Admiral Street, Providence, R. I.
COIA, Philip
Manufacturing jeweler; born in Fi- lignano, Province of Campobasso, Italy, the son of Emilio and Anita Dolores Mancini Coia, both natives of the same town.
He received his early education in the public schools of his native town.
PHILIP COIA
When eight years old he began the study of music under Maestro D'Orsi, specializing in the clarinet. At 14 he went to Glasgow, Scotland, where he worked for his uncle, Vincenzo Man- cini, proprietor of an ice cream parlor. In 1907 he came to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon arriving in Providence he learned the jewelry stone-setting trade under Raf- faele and Giustino Tortolani. He then worked for Ostby & Barton, where he remained for several years. Next he worked for O'Neil & Block, where he had charge of the men in the factory. For a while he worked for himself as a jobber. In 1926 he organized White & Coia, manufactur- ing jewelers. After ten years he organ- ized the United Jewelry Company, Inc., of which concern he became President and Treasurer, his son Em- ilio, Vice-President ; and another son, Attilo, Secretary.
Mr. Coia is a member of Fratelli Bandiera Society.
On April 27, 1911, Mr. Coia married Giovanna Di Iorio, a native of Colletorto, Province of Campo- basso, Italy. They are the parents of
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ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
four children: 1. Mrs. Anita Dolores Harris, a pianist; 2. Attilio Reo Car- mine; 3. Emilio Celestino; 4. Vittoria Antonetta. Office: 93 Sabin Street, Providence, R. I. Residence: 155 Langdon Street, Providence, R. I.
CARDULLO, Santo
Insurance ; assistant district man- ager; born in Messina, Italy, Decem- ber 24, 1898, the son of Andrea and Annunziata (Savasta) Cardullo, also natives of the same city.
He attended the public schools of Messina. In 1907 he was brought to the United States by his parents who settled in Providence. Upon his ar- rival here he attended the local public schools for a very brief period. At 13 he was put to work at the Atlantic Mills, where he remained for 17 years in the weaving department.
On November 7, 1928, he became agent of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. In his field he has attained marked success, with the result that in October, 1939, he was promoted to assistant district man- ager of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Active in religious work, Mr. Car- dullo is moderator of the Federal Hill Italian Baptist Church. His fraternal and social affiliations include member- ship in the Roosevelt Lodge, No. 42, F. and A. M .; Ausonia Club.
On October 23, 1922, Mr. Car- dullo married Antonetta Pizzuti, a na- tive of Providence. They became the parents of one child: Nancy. Home: 25 Edgemere Avenue, Providence, R. I.
CAPOCCI, Leonardo
Business man and active in frater- nal societies; born in Conca Casale, Province of Campobasso, Italy, April 7, 1891, the son of Benedetto and Anna (Piroli) Capocci.
In 1896, when five years old, he was brought to the United States by his mother to join her father in Provi- dence. After leaving the public schools he worked on various jobs. In 1918 he established a grocery busi- ness, specializing in high-grade Italian products.
Mr. Capocci is a former member of the R. I. State Board of Retail Grocers. He is a former candidate for the City Council. He is a char- ter member and past president of Vol- turno Society. He is also a member of Lodge Vittoria, Order Sons of Italy, and active in the councils of the Republican Party.
On November 22, 1914, Mr. Ca- pocci married Luisa Acciaioli. They are the parents of five children: 1 An- na; 2. Maria; 3. Elena; 4. Theresa ; 5. Elisa. Address: 392-393 Branch Avenue, Providence, R. I.
CONTE, Alfred Clement, M.D.
Born in Providence, November 22, 1907, the son of Luigi and Domeni- ca (Fascitelli) Conte, both natives of Marazano Appio, Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Hope High School, graduating in 1925. He thereafter attended Provi- dence College, completing his pre- medical course there, and graduated with the degree of Ph.B. in 1929. On graduation he spent one year at Brown University where he took up a course in science. Later he entered Georgetown Medical School, gradu- ating with the degree of M.D. in 1934.
Dr. Conte served his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital for two years; Wallum Lake Sanatorium for six months; Charles V. Chapin Hospital for six months.
Dr. Conte began the active prac- tice of his profession in Providence on November 1, 1937.
His professional, social and fra-
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ternal affiliations include Providence Medical Association, American Med- ical Association, Malpighi Medical Club, 4th Degree Knights of Colum- bus.
On June 24, 1939, Dr. Conte mar- ried Mary Wood, a native of Wash- ington, D. C. Office: 540 Charles Street, Providence, R. I.
CORRENTE, Mariano C.
Air conditioning and oil representa- tive; born in Marzano Appio, Prov- ince of Naples, Italy, July 4, 1888, the son of Francesco and Petrina (Longo) Corrente, who were born respectively, at Teano, and Marzano Appio, Italy.
At the age of five he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence. After attending the local public schools and high school, he busied himself in the real estate business and as court in- terpreter. He rapidly advanced and prospered in this field to become one of the leading business men on Fed- eral Hill. Later he became identified with the air conditioning and oil burn- ing business, in which field he is a pioneer among Italo-Americans. In his activities as Representative of Petrol- eum Service Co., Inc., Mr. Corren- te has been eminently successful from the outset, with the result that he now holds a high place among representa- tives of air conditioning and oil busi- ness. Mr. Corrente has taken an im- portant part in the fraternal, social and civic life of the community. He served as state auditor for the Knights of Columbus, the first Italian ever to hold such an office in their organiza- tion. He is a past Grand Chief Ranger of Foresters of America. He has given freely of his time and strength in raising funds for the Red Cross, the various Liberty Loans and for other worthy causes.
On June 5, 1912, Mr. Corrente married Dusolina De Simone, a na- tive of Providence. They are the par- ents of four children: 1. Veronica, a school teacher in the public schools of North Providence; 2. William Dante, a student at the Massachusetts School of Optometry and editor-in- chief of the school publication; 3. Geraldine, a telephone operator; 4. Robert, a student at La Salle.
Mr. Corrente, who is a representa- tive of Petroleum Service Co., Inc., has his office at 271 Fox Point Boule- vard, Providence, R. I.
CAPUANO, John
Proprietor, Capuano Motor Sales; born in Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy, August 27, 1890, the son of Daniele and Maria (Perrino) Capuano, both natives of the same town.
He attended the public schools of his native town, and at the age of sixteen came to the United States to join his uncle in Providence. Upon his arrival here he worked for a num- ber of years at the Wanskuck Mills, where through sheer ability rose to the position of foreman. In 1921 he joined the sales force of D. W. Flint, where in a few years he became one of the leading automobile salesmen in New England. In 1925 he started in busi- ness for himself, becoming a distribu- tor of Chrysler and Plymouth cars. His unusually fine reputation for hon- esty, reliability and industry, all com- bined to enable him to establish a very successful business.
Mr. Capuano is a trustee of St. Ann's Church. For three years he was a Grand Knight and for four years a treasurer of St. Anthony Council, Knights of Columbus. His other fra- ternal affiliations include the Elks of Pawtucket, and Lodge Vittoria, Or- der Sons of Italy. He is a member of
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the Zoning Board of North Provi- dence.
Mr. Capuano married (first) in 1912, Clara Ranallo. She died in 1918. By his first marriage he has two children: 1. Daniel, associated with his father in the business; 2. John J. Jr., a student at Providence Col- lege. Mr. Capuano married the sec- ond time in 1927, Dora Bourgette of Central Falls. By his second mar- riage he has one child: Venite Marie.
Mr. Capuano's Motor Sales con- cern and office are at 973 Charles Street, North Providence, R. I.
CALDARONE, Thomas J.
Lieutenant, Providence Fire Depart- ment ; born in Marzano Appio, Prov- ince of Naples, Italy, March 8, 1895, the son of Giglio and Teresa (Capu- ano) Caldarone, both natives of the same town.
His parents were among the early immigrants from Marzane Appio to come to these shores. When he was two, his parents brought him to Provi- dence, which city has been his home ever since.
He attended the Federal Street Grammar School, and at the age of fourteen he went to work at Nichol- son File Company. Next he was suc- cessively employed with the Metal Products Corporation, then he be- came foreman with Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company, as inspec- tor of indicators, remaining there dur- ing the period of the World War. Then he opened a Service Garage on Smith Street. Later, on August 15, 1921, he joined the Providence Fire Department as a private. In 1936 he was promoted to the rank of Lieuten- ant.
He is a member of St. Anthony Council, Knights of Columbus.
On November 30, 1916, Mr. Caldarone married Margaret Segrel-
la, a native of Tora e Piccilli, Italy. They are the parents of three children: 1. Theresa; 2. Louis; 3. Thomas, Jr. Lieut. Caldarone is one of the few Italo-Americans holding a position of high rank with the Providence Fire Department.
CIOCI, John R.
Representative from the 7th As- sembly District; born in Providence, January 28, 1915, the son of Luigi and Maria (Giannini) Cioci, both na- tives of Rocchetta Al Volturno, Italy. Educated in the public schools of Providence; Classical High School, 1934; Brown University, A.B., 1938. While at Brown he played one year freshman and three years of varsity football, and in 1937, was given hon- orable mention in the Associated Press All-American selections.
Mr. Cioci manages the ice manu- facturing business in North Provi- dence which was established by his father. He is also engaged in the whole- sale and retail fuel oils.
In November, 1938, he began his political career as Representative from the 7th District, the youngest man ever elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives. Active in the State House, he is a member of the Finance and Public Health commit- tees, in all of which he is rendering valuable services to his constituents.
On September 30, 1939, Mr. Cioci married Marie Gammino, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Gam- mino of Providence.
CONCA, Pasquale, M.D.
Born in Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy, January 12, 1873. He graduated from the Royal Uni- versity of Naples with the degree of M.D. in 1899. In 1905 he came to Providence and established himself in the practice of medicine. He was one
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of the founders and a past president of the Malpighi Medical Club. He was prominent in all activities for the advancement of Italian culture.
On October 7, 1907, Dr. Conca married Smeraldina Mauriello, daugh- ter of Domenico and Francesca (Marseglia) Mauriello, who were borne respectively, at Melito, and at Teano, Italy. Dr. and Mrs. Conca became the parents of one daughter, Frances.
Dr. Conca was a learned and able physician and surgeon. For his achieve- ments, his generosity, and his splen- did character, in 1930, the Italian government bestowed upon him the decoration of the Crown of Italy.
Dr. Conca died in Providence on January 28, 1935.
CAMBIA, John T.
Credit manager. A son of immi- grants from Ciorlano, in the former Province of Caserta, Italy, who, through sheer ability has risen high in Rhode Island is John T. Cambia, credit manager of the Shepard Com- pany, Providence, one of the largest department stores in New England.
CAPASSO, Luigi
Member of Providence School Committee. For a period of many years the city lacked an Italo-American on its school board. In a movement vig- orously led by Vincent Sorrentino, in- dustrialist and philanthropist, to have an Italo-American on the board, on November 2, 1937, Luigi Capasso, a lawyer, American-born, was elected a member of the Providence School Com- mittee.
Antonio Capasso, Joseph Capasso and Thomas Capasso, all employed as
teachers in the Providence Public Schools, are brothers of School Com- mitteeman Capasso.
CAPOTOSTO, Antonio A.
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and a leader of the Italo-Am- ericans of Rhode Island. The future jurist came to Rhode Island in the latter part of 1905. In 1906 he set- tled on Federal Hill, a section then rapidly filling with hard-working men and women who had left their rural homes in Italy in order to work and toil for their adopted country. This vast influx of fellow countrymen in Providence were bound together by language and customs into a solid group that, clinging to their common heri- tage and feeling even as they trans- formed themselves into useful citizens of their new adopted country, com- bined instinctively to accord an un- precedented welcome to Antonio A. Capotosto, the first lawyer and first Harvard graduate of Italian birth or descent ever to settle in Rhode Island.
Being the first Harvardian lawyer of Italian background in a community made up of newly arrived immigrants, the years of Antonio A. Capotosto since he arrived here from Boston were marked by endless festivities and ac- claim as banquet after banquet, re- ception after reception, and by travel- ling over the State making speeches and shaking hands, he soon became the most popular Italo-American in Rhode Island.
Judge Antonio A. Capotosto was born in Capriati al Volturno, Prov- ince of Campobasso, Italy, September 23, 1879, the son of Luigi and En- richetta D'Orsi Capotosto. When four years old he was brought to the United States by his parents who settled in Boston. He graduated from Harvard
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Law School in 1904 with the degree of LL.B. Upon coming to Providence, he practiced law privately until 1912. In that year he was appointed third assistant Attorney-General, serving un- til 1915; second assistant Attorney- General, 1915-1919; Assistant At- torney-General, 1919-1922; Asso- ciate Justice of the Superior Court, 1922-1935; and has been Associate of the Supreme Court since January 1, 1935.
In May, 1924, the Royal Italian Government conferred upon Judge Capotosto the decoration of Chevalier of the Crown of Italy.
CALABRO, Filippo
Jewelry manufacturer ; born in Santa Lucia di Serino, Province of Avellino, Italy, January 27, 1893, the son of Santo and Maria (Maranzini) Cala- bro.
In 1895 he was brought to the United States by his parents, who set- tled in Providence. He was educated in the Providence public schools, and at the age of fourteen he set out to make his own way. He served an ap- prenticeship in a jewelry factory, and later worked successfully in his trade.
In 1926 he bought out a coloring business, which today under his able direction, is one of the state's leaders in coloring and spraying of all kinds of gold, silver and nickel work.
Mr. Calabro's plant is known throughout the manufacturing jewelry centres, and the facilities for producing the work have been kept abreast of the most modern development in the line of jewelry coloring and spraying.
Though he is busily occupied with the increasing scope and responsibility of his business, Mr. Calabro gives a goodly portion of his time to civic, social and fraternal activities. He is
President of St. Paul Society ; mem- ber of Antonio Mangione Post, Ameri- can Legion.
On June 6, 1918, Mr. Calabro married Maria Flavia, a highly cul- tured woman, whose work as a teacher of Italian and her interest in the activi- ties of the Order Sons of Italy in Rhode Island, have brought her name prominently to the attention of Italo- Americans.
Mr. and Mrs. Calabro are the par- ents of the following children: 1. Jose- phine; 2. Elena ; 3. Hilda ; 4. Olga.
CAPPELLI, Louis W.
Former Secretary of State; born in Providence, April 14, 1894, the son of Antonio and Maria (Pettine) Cappelli. Received his education at La Salle Academy, Brown Univer- sity and Yale Law School. Married Catherine McQuade, 1923.
Served as Secretary of State of the State of Rhode Island from 1933 to 1938.
CASTAGNA, John
Brigadier of the Salvation Army ; born in Palermo, Sicily, he came to this country at the age of 15, work- ing in various capacities until he joined the Salvation Army in New York City. The salvation of souls in the slum districts of the large American cities has ever been the chief aim of his life. He is an Italo-American who has achieved success in his own field.
CAVICCHIA, GAETANO
College professor; born in Roc- camandolfi, Province of Campobasso, Italy, June 26, 1875. He came to the United States in 1887, settling in Newark, N. J. He attended the public schools of Newark; Interna-
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ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
tional College, Springfield (A.B., 1902); Yale University (graduate work), 1902-1904; Harvard Uni- versity (graduate work) 1904-06.
During his long teaching career, Professor Cavicchia has been con- nected with many colleges, including Brown University. Since 1928 he has been Chairman of the Department of Romance Languages, Rhode Island College of Education. He has been engaged in many cultural activities out- side the classroom designed to pro- mote the study of the Italian language. At the R. I. College of Education he has been the organizer of Circolo Manzoni, made up of students of Italian origin. Professor Cavicchia married Luigia Nitti in 1908. Home: 180 Congdon Street, Providence, R. I.
CIANFARANI, Aristide B.
Sculptor ; born in Agnone, Province of Campobasso, Italy, August 3, 1895. In the United States since 1913. Mar- ried Teresa Castallo, 1932. Educated in Italy. Head of Cianfarani School of Sculpture. Chief works of art; World War Memorial at Meridan, Conn. and Northboro, Mass; bust of Edgar Allan Poe, Brown University ; statue of Gen. Pulaski, New Haven, Conn .; colossal head of Lincoln, etc. Member: Providence Art Club; As- sociazione Artistica Internazionale, and Lega Navale Italiana, Rome, Italy ; : Aurora Club; Utopian Club; etc. Home: 3 Benevolent Street, Provi- dence, R. I.
CIRINO, Antonio
Teacher and artist; born in Serino, Province of Avellino, Italy, March 23, 1889. He was brought to Rhode Island by his parents in 1891, who settled in Providence.
He received his early education in art at Rhode Island School of De-
sign, 1904-1909; Bachelor of Sci- ence, Columbia University, 1912; pupil of Arthur Wesley Dow; sketched in France and Italy one full year. For- mer teacher of art, Illinois State Nor- mal University and Indiana Univer- sity. Faculty member and head of Teacher Training Department of the Rhode Island School of Design since 1912. Awarded prizes in painting by Springfield Art League, Providence Art Club, Ogunquit Art Centre. Member : Providence Art Club, Rhode Island Association of Draw- ing and Manual Arts, Eastern Arts Association, Rockport Art Associa- tion, Springfield Art League, Ameri- can Federation of Arts, Society of Medalists and the Salmagundi Club of New York.
Since Antonio Cirino graduated from the R. I. School of Design his work has become increasingly im- portant in the various art galleries throughout the country in which he has exhibited his numerous pictures, and he has attained a high position in the field of painting. Office: Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, R. I.
COLONIAL KNIFE CO., INC.
One of the outstanding manufactur- ing concerns of Providence is the Colonial Knife Company, Inc.
This company had its inception through the initiative and mechanical bent of Antonio Paolantonio, who hav- ing been trained as a knife maker in his native town of Frosolone, Italy, in 1925 set up a small shop of his own at 99 Arthur Avenue, for the manufacture of pocket knives. He worked alone in this venture under the name of A. Paolantonio Cutlery Com- pany. Three years later he was joined by his brother Domenico Paolantonio. In 1925, his other brother, Fortunato Paolantonio, was also taken in the
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