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 7
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business. The venture continuing un- der the same name until 1926 when they obtained a charter under the cor- porate name of Colonial Knife Com- pany, Inc. It started operation at 9 Calendar Street with 40 employes. In 1929 it moved to 287 Oak Street, in the Olneyville district, occupying an entire block and employing at the pres- ent time over 250 employes.
This venture under the leadership of Antonio Paolantonio, Domenico Paolantonio and Fortunato Paolan- tonio, three experienced cutlers from Frosolone, Italy, has grown to be one of the largest knife factories in the country. The officers of the Colonial Knife Company, Inc., are the follow- ing: Fortunato Paolantonio,, Presi- dent ; Domenica Paolantonio, Secre- tary; Antonio Paolantonio, Treasurer.
The office and plant of the Colonial Knife Company, Inc., is at 287 Oak Street, Providence, R. I.
CATANZARO, Bartolo Joseph
Business man and prominent among Italian fraternal societies; born in Termini Imerese, Province of Paler- mo, Italy, September 30, 1887, the son of Giuseppe and Concetta (Minar- di) Catanzaro. His father was one of the early immigrants from Sicily lo settle in Rhode Island. He attended the public schools of his native town. At the age of ten in his return to Rhode Island after a visit to Sicily, his father brought him to Providence, which city has been his home ever since. For a while he attended the local public schools.
After leaving school he began to work for his father in the fruit and produce business. In 1909 he estab- lished his own fruit and produce busi- ness, a venture in which he has been successfully engaged ever since.
Twenty-eight years ago he moved his residence to 54 Willow Street, in Dexter Training Ground district, one of the first Italians to move in that section. For fifteen years he was presi- dent of the Trinacria Society, receiv- ing from its members a merit diploma in recognition of his contributions to the association. He is a charter mem- ber of the Aurora Club. He is also a member of Lodge Italia, Order Sons of Italy, and Court Florence.
On April 18, 1909, Mr. Catanzaro married Rosa Sansone, a native of Boston. She is a well-known member of the Rhode Island Council of Ital- ian Women. Mr. and Mrs. Catanzaro are the parents of six children: 1. Concetta, a registered pharmicist; 2. Philip, a graduate from Providence College, as civil engineer, at present en- gaged in business; 3. Cosmo, asso- ciate din business with his father; 4. Anthony, a window dresser; 5. Ida, a student ; 6. Bartolo, Jr., a student.
Mr. Catanzaro's address is at 54 Willow Street, Providence, R. I.
CRISCIONE, Emanuele
Macaroni Manufacturer; born in Ragusa, Province of Ragusa, Italy, February 1, 1896, the son of Salva- tore and Marianna (Cascone) Cris- cione.
He attended the public schools of his native town. In 1911 he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in New York City. For a while he attended the public schools of New York City. He was an ambitious boy and worked his way up from anything he could find in order to support his parents and make a future for himself. At 17 he came to Providence in com- pany with his brother George, and in 1914 they organized and established
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EMANUELE CRISCIONE
a macaroni factory. In 1925 the part- nership was dissolved, and he imme- diately started his own factory un- der the name of Naples Macaroni Manufacturing Company of which he is the sole founder and proprietor. The highest grade of macaroni and spaghet- ti are manufactured in this plant.
Mr. Criscione became a natural- ized American citizen in 1918. On July 17, 1918, he enlisted in the Unit- ed States Army, serving as private in the 16th Co., 4th B. R. G., 153 Depot Brigade. He was honorably dis- charged on January 25, 1919.
On August 23, 1920, Mr. Criscione married Concetta Cintolo, a native of Ragusa, Italy. They are the parents of ten children: 1. Rosaria; 2. Con- cetta; 3. Rosa ; 4. Giovanni; 5. Iolan- da; 6. Emanuela; 7. Salvatore; 8. Elena; 9. Emanuele; 10. Giuseppe.
A business man of innate kindli- ness, Mr. Criscione enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Mr. Criscione's office is at 54 Mercy Street, Providence, R. I.
CALIFORNIA ARTIFICIAL FLOWER CO.
Climaxing 18 years of continuous growth, Michele D'Agnillo, of the California Artificial Flower Company, takes rank today as one of the lead- ing Italo-American industralists of Rhode Island.
From the original humble one-man factory on Spruce Street, he moved to 32 Broadway where he first hired help. From there he moved to the cor- ner of Weybosset and Snow Streets, with employment gradually increasing until approximately 200 persons were on the payroll. In 1934 he moved to 14 Blount Street, where employment rose from 200 to 500, and last year 650 persons were employed.
Today Michele D'Agnillo, founder and owner of the California Artificial Flower Company, who came to Provi- dence in 1921 as a poor immigrant from Agnone, Italy, sits proudly in his luxurious office of the modern new factory at 364-402 Reservoir Avenue, directing the work of nearly 700 girls employed in manufacturing artificial flowers.
See also Page 127, First Edition, Italo-Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
CENCI, Vincent, D.M.D.
Born in Providence, September 19, 1901, the son of the late Elviro and Theresa (Pilla) Cenci, both natives of Fornelli, Italy.
He was educated in the local pub- lic schools ; was graduated from Brown University in 1925 and from Harvard Dental School in 1931. For three years he served with the Medi- cal Corps, 103rd Field Artillery, R.I.N.G. For two and one half years he served the combined medical and dental corps of the 241st Coast Ar- tillery, Massachusetts National Guard.
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He later spent three months on the visiting staff of the Samuel's Dental Clinic, and two and one half years at the Rhode Island State Hospital at Howard.
Dr. Cenci is a life member of the Harvard Dental Alumni Association, and is active in civic affairs.
In May, 1933, he married Mary Di Nadal of Fall River, Mass.
Dr. Cenci is registered to practice dentistry in Rhode Island and Massa- chusetts, and his office is at 204 West- minster Street, Providence, R. I.
CALABRO, Maria Flavia
MARIA FLAVIA CALABRO
Prominent in Italo-American cul- tural, charitable, fraternal, patriotic and religious activities, and known throughout the state for leadership of Italo-American women's movements ; born in Messina, Italy, the daughter of Giuseppe and Domenica (Fioren- tino) Zagarella. She was educated at the convent of Sant Anna, in Sorrento, Italy. After graduating from this in- stitution, she went to Palermo where she taught the children of the new
recruits of the World War. In 1917 she immigrated to the United States with her mother and brother, settling in Providence. Since coming to Provi- dence she has been in the forefront in Italo-American women's activities. She has always been an active supporter of religious work, for which she received a merit certificate from Societa San Paolo, of Rome, Italy. To welfare ac- tivities she has devoted untiringly of her time and strength. She had helped to raise funds for the American Red Cross, Italian Red Cross, Community Fund, Charity Fund. In addition to these she has contributed for the suc- cess of the Order Sons of Italy and for the Italian School.
In the field of Italo-American women's activities, Mrs. Calabro is one of our outstanding leaders. She is one of the founders of Ada Negri Club; venerable of Lodge Gloria of Order Sons of Italy. She is the found- er of numerous educational and cul- tural clubs. She has attended many conferences as a representative of va- rious Italian women's lodges.
On June 6, 1918, Mrs. Calabro married Filippo Calabro, a jewelry manufacturer. They are the parents of four children: 1. Josephine, a student teacher; 2. Elena, a student at the R. I. College of Education ; 3. Hilda, a student at the convent of Sacred Heart at Elmhurst; 4. Olga, a stu- dent at the convent of Sacred Heart at Elmhurst. Home: 251 Jastram Street, Providence, R. I.
COLUCCI, Maria (Formichelli)
For many years prominent in Italo- American women's organizations ; born in Isernia, Province of Campobasso, Italy, the daughter of Ferdinando and Maria (Marracino) Formichelli. Her father, a well-known patriot, fought under Garibaldi for the unification of Italy. He died in Providence in 1929.
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His red shirt and war medals are now in the possession of his daughter, Mrs. Colucci.
In 1902, accompanied by her fath- er and sister, Nicoletta, she came to the United States to join her brother, Carlo, in Providence. She has long been a leader in Italo-American wom- en's social, fraternal, cultural and pa- triotic movements. In 1908, she or- ganized a committee of Italian women which gave a benefit concert at the Y.W.C.A., for the relief of earth- quake sufferers of Messina, Italy. She showed so much ability and efficiency on that memorable occasion that she received a letter of commendation from Her Majesty, Queen Helen of Italy. During the World War she was active in sending clothing to needy soldiers and refugees in Italy.
Mrs. Colucci is a founder and for eight years venerable of Lodge Gloria of the Order Sons of Italy. She is a founder and an honorary member of Convivio Club.
In 1903 Mrs. Colucci married Lor- enzo Colucci, a native of Teano, Italy. They are the parents of four children : 1. Mrs. Marcella D' Irri; 2. Horace, a pharmacist and owner of a drug store; 3. Frank, an electrician; 4. Ar- mand, a musician.
CORVESE, Anthony, M.D.
Born in Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy, November 26, 1889, the son of Bartolomeo and Antonia (Ricci) Corvese. He was brought to the United States in boyhood in 1896, to join his father in Providence, who had emigrated three years previously.
After attending the public schools he graduated from Rhode Island Col- lege of Pharmacy in 1906. In 1912, he graduated from Tufts Medical Col- lege receiving a cum laude diploma. Following graduation from medical school, he served interneship at the fol-
lowing Hospitals: Charles V. Chapin Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence Lying-In-Hospital.
He began practice of medicine in August, 1915. During the World War served overseas with the United States Army as lieutenant in Medical Corps. During the St. Michel and Argonne Meuse drives he was in the front line field hospital. After the Armistice he served three months with the army of occupation in Germany. He was hon- orably discharged in 1919 with the rank of Captain. He then resumed practice.
Dr. Corvese is assistant surgeon at Rhode Island Hospital, surgeon at Charles V. Chapin Hospital, surgeon at the State Hospital, consulting sur- geon at the South County Hospital, and gynecologist at the House of Good Shepherd. He is one of the founders and past president of Malpighi Medi- cal Club, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Medical Association, the Rhode Island Medical Society, and Providence Medical Society. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Federal Hill House. He is a mem- ber and past commander of Provi- dence Post American Legion and chairman of Troop 9, Boy Scouts of America. He is also a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Corvese is a member of the Au- rora Club. In May, 1925, Dr. Corvese married Maria Leoni. They are the parents of two children: 1. William; 2. Louis. Address: 243 Broadway, Providence, R. I. (From 1st Edition, Italo-Americans of R. I., 1936.)
CAMBIO, Frank C.
Assistant Attorney General; born in Providence, August 14, 1898, the curio) Cambio, who were born re- son of Camillo and Maria S. (Mer-
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spectively, at Ciorlano, and Isernia, Province of Campobasso, Italy.
He attended the Providence public schools, Classical High School, Brown University and Harvard Law School. He was admitted to the bar on May 5, 1922, and immediately began the active practice of law. He was au- thorized to practice before the U. S. District Court on January 28, 1925.
From 1925 to 1936 he was a part- ner of the firm of Pettine, Godfrey and Cambio, and since 1936 has been as- sociated with Edward L. Godfrey in the firm of Godfrey and Cambio. On December 30, 1938, he was appointed Assistant Attorney General by Louis V. Jackvony, Attorney-General of Rhode Island, an office which he ably fills to the general satisfaction of his superior and members of the bar.
Prominent in Italo-American pro- fessional, social, civic and fraternal ac- tivities, he has held office in the Au- rora and Italo-American Clubs. His affiliations include R. I. Bar Asso- ciation, Brown Club of Providence, Aurora and Italo-American Clubs.
In 1923, Mr. Cambio married Ade- lina Benevenga. They are the parents of two children: 1. Maria S .; 2. Frank C., Jr. Office: 58 Weybosset Street. Home: 19 Ravenswood Avenue, Providence, R. I.
CARNEVALE, Giuseppe
Businessman; born in Pico, Prov- ince of Frosinone, Italy, March 13, 1888, the son of Sebastiano and Candelora (Carnevale) Carnevale.
He attended the public schools of his native town. When he was eigh- teen years old he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon arriving here, he worked on anything he could find in order to make an honest living, and with his sheer intelligence and determination, he made his own way in the world. In
1922 he established a flourishing laun- dry business, under the name of Su- perior Laundry, of which he is the sole owner. Because of its complete and efficient services, Mr. Carnevale has been very successful in his busi- ness.
In addition to his work, Mr. Carne- vale is active in religious circles, being a member of the Italian Protestant Church. He is a member and one of the founders of Pico Society.
On June 25, 1912, Mr. Carne- vale married Rosa DiManna, a na- tive of Pico, Italy, Mrs. Carnevale is deeply interested in church activities. Mr. and Mrs. Carnevale are the par- ents of four children: 1. Sebastiano ; 2. Mary, a bookkeeper for her father; 3. William; 4. Josephine. Office: 245 Huntington Avenue, Providence, R. I.
CONTI, Luigi
President and Treasurer, Benjamin Franklin Press, Inc., printers, publish- ers, stationers. 91 Broadway, Provi- dence, R. I. See also Page 67, First Edition, Italo Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
CONTI, John
Founder and proprietor of Provi- dence Monumental Works, 314 Branch avenue, Providence, R. I. See also Page 55, First Edition, Italo-Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
CARNEGLIA, Vito
Assistant to the president, Uncas Manufacturing Company; born in Forio D' Ischia, in the island of Ischia, Province of Naples, Italy, May 6, 1897, the son of Aniello and Libera (Del Ponte) Carneglia, both natives of the same town.
He attended the public schools and Gymnasium of his native town, and
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at the age of 16 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. On coming to Providence, young Carneglia, an ambitious youth, with a receptive mind and habits of thought and observation, immediately set out to make his own way in the land of opportunity. He entered the employ of Vincent Sorrentino, then a rising young jewelry manufacturer, and de- voted his evenings in serving an ap- prenticeship at the stone setting trade. Three years of apprenticeship, com- bined with his natural intelligence, gave Mr. Carneglia the foundation with which to build a future for himself. At the expiration of his apprentice- ship he worked as a jewelry crafts- man in the employ of Vincent Sorren- tino. For a while he worked for other jewelry concerns, but later returned to Sorrentino & Lanigan. When the Uncas Manufacturing Company was organized by Vincent Sorrentino, Mr. Carneglia was placed in charge of the stone setting department. Steadily ris- ing in position, he later became assist- ant superintendent, and in 1934 he was promoted assistant to the presi- dent, a position which he still fills with marked success. Mr. Carneglia has travelled extensively in all parts of the United States as a representative of the Uncas Manufacturing Company, and he is everywhere known for his efficiency, courtesy and pleasing per- sonality.
Mr. Carneglia is a member of the Aurora Club and Verdandi Male Chorus Association.
On June 20, 1921, Mr. Carneglia married Theresa Del Ponte, daughter of Mr. Michelangelo and Mrs. Lucia Del Ponte. They are the parents of two children: 1. Donald; 2. Doris. Home: 20 Cathedral Avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
CAMILLONI, Giuseppe
Distinguished blind violinist, pianist and composer; born in Trevi, Prov- ince of Frosinone, Italy, March 19, 1886, the son of Pietro and Elisa- betta Del Signore.
After achieving a notable success in Italy, for which he was awarded medals of distinction in music by King Victor Emmanuel III, Professor Camil- loni immigrated to the United States in 1921, settling in Providence, where he joined his brother, Antonio.
In October, 1921, he gave a con- cert in Pianoforte and violin at Schu- bert-Majestic Theatre, where in the presence of a large and enthusiastic gathering he demonstrated his wonder- ful skill and mastery. In 1923 he gave a successful recital in the Art Association Hall, in Newport, R. I. On November 29, 1927, he gave a highly successful piano concert in the Town Hall in New York. He has done much for promoting musical edu- cation among school children by means of the radio. For several years he was organist and Chapel Maestro of Holy Ghost Church. On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Holy Ghost Church, he composed a pontifical Mass Pro- cessional, especially dedicated to the Holy Ghost.
He is the author of a vast repertoire of compositions for piano, violin, voice and other instruments. Many of his compositions have been published, others will be published later.
CARLONE, Gennaro
Businessman; born in Pietravairano, Province of Naples, Italy, October 14, 1895, the son of Antonio and Teresa De Robbio Carlone.
He attended the public schools of his native town, and on reaching his military age, he served in the Italian Army.
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He immigrated to the United States in 1921, settling in Pawtucket, R. I. Upon arriving here, he obtained em- ployment in a grocery store and mas- tered every branch of the business. On May 28, 1928, he started his own grocery store in Pawtucket. After selling out this business, he opened a new grocery store at 1075 Charles street, North Providence, which he has successfully operated since 1933.
On December 27, 1919, Mr. Car- lone married Gabriella De Robbio, a native of Pietravairano, Italy. They are the parents of two children: 1. Anto- nio; 2. Vincenzo. Business address : 1075 Charles street, North Providence, R. I.
CIVITO, Joseph
Manager of J. H. P. Welding Company; born in Providence, Feb- ruary 2, 1902, the son of Carlo and Angiolina Civito, both natives of Italy.
Following his education received in the Providence public schools and at Technical High School, he served an apprenticeship at Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company, graduating as a machinist in 1921. He immedi- ately worked as a skilled machinist in various shops until he went to work for the J. H. Welding Company. He won there rapid advancement, and in a few years became manager of the company. This concern specializes in repair work for all kinds of ma- chineries.
In 1922, Mr. Civito married Ethel Pugh, a native of Providence. They are the parents of two children: 1. Do- lores; 2. Jean. Business address: 54 Troy street, Providence, R. I.
CHIAPPINELLI, Salvatore
Prominent jewelry manufacturer and philanthropist ; born in Teano, Province of Naples, Italy, November 1, 1873, the son of Bartolomeo and Lucia (Cin- quegrana) Chiappinelli.
In 1895, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence.
In addition to his jewelry manu- facturing business, he is also actively interested in the real estate business.
Active in the business life of the city of adoption, and well known as a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Chiappi- nelli has long been identified as a trustee of Holy Ghost Church, and is known for his interest in raising funds for welfare and religious institutions.
Mr. Chiappinelli is married to Pas- qualina Diodati and is the father of nine children: (1) Bartolomeo; 2. Lu- cio; 3. Pia; 4. Antonio; 5. Filomena ; 6. Josephine ; 7. Irma; 8. Rita; 9. Federico. Office: 105 Gordon avenue ; home: 478 Broadway, Providence, R. I.
CAPASSO, Ralph
Manufacturer of Italian cigars ; born in Mercato San Severino, Province of Salerno, Italy, January 28, 1891, the son of Enrico Capasso and Enrichetta (Risi) Capasso. His father, who died some thirty years ago, came from Pied- imonte D'Alife, Italy.
Young Capasso attended the pub- lic schools of his native town until 1903, at which time he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Providence. Starting life as a circus magician, he travelled throughout the United States. He con- tinued this work until 1930, at which time he opened a factory for the man- ufacture of Italian cigars on his own account, and which he successfully operates under the name of Reflection Cigar Company. Mr. Capasso is the originator of the package of three cigars known as 3-4-5, a brand which has been introduced throughout the United States, and especially in New England.
Mr. Capasso, an energetic and cap- able business man, is a member of the Elks, the Eagles, and takes an active part in the life of the community.
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In 1917, Mr. Capasso married Car- olina Lalla of New York and Wester- ly. Business address : 124 Atwells ave- nue, Providence, R. I.
CONTI, Leo J.
Registered pharmacist; born in Bar- ga, Province of Lucca, Italy, Novem- ber 11, 1894, the son of Pietro and Emilia (Caproni) Conti. His father was a well-known business man. His mother is a member of the Caproni family, pioneer Italian settlers who have figured prominently in the history of the Italo-Americans of Rhode Island.
In 1896, he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence. He attended the local elementary schools and Eng- lish High School. Later, he entered the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated with the de- gree of Ph. G., in 1924. Following his graduation, he entered the drug business for himself on Broadway, es- tablishing the Conti Pharmacy, which he has conducted ever since.
In 1924, Mr. Conti married Eva Martini, a native of Providence. They are the parents of one child : Leo J., Jr. Business address: 506 Broadway, Providence, R. I.
CALCAGNI, Louis
General contractor and builder ; born in Arce, Province of Frosinone, Italy, November 11, 1902, the son of Eleu- terio and Filomena Calcagni. After at- tending the public schools of his native town, he served an apprenticeship at the cabinet making trade. At the ex- piration of his apprenticeship he fol- lowed his trade in Rome and other cities in Italy. In 1920 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Prov- idence. Upon his arrival here he ob- tained work as a carpenter for various leading contractors. These years of ex-
perience, combined with his training in Italy and business ability, gave Mr. Calcagni the foundation to build a business for himself. In 1924 in associ- ation with his brother, Alfred Calcag- ni, he engaged in business as a general contractor and builder, they operating under the firm name of Calcagni Brothers, of which he is president.
Since establishing his firm in 1924, Mr. Calcagni has been very success- ful. He has built some very fine houses near the best residential districts. Mr. Calcagni ranks high among the prom- ising and energetic contractors and builders.
Mr. Calcagni is a member of the Arcese Society.
On May 24, 1924, Mr. Calcagni married Assunta Cassiere, a descendant from the town of Laurenzana, Province of Basilicata, Italy. They are the pa- rents of two children: 1. Eleuterio ; 2. Giovanni. Business address: 190 Wardlaw avenue, Providence, R. I.
CALCAGNI, Alfred
General contractor and builder ; born in Arce, Province of Frosinone, Italy, April 17, 1904, the son of Eleuterio and Filomena Calcagni. After attend- ing the public schools of his native town, he served an apprenticeship at the cab- inet making trade. At the expiration of his apprenticeship he followed his trade in Rome and other cities in Italy. Becoming very proficient in his work, he left his native country and came to the United States, locating in Providence. Upon his arrival here, he worked as a carpenter for many lead- ing contractors. His skill and knowledge of the work soon led to his becoming associated with his elder brother, Louis Calcagni, in the business of general contractors and builders.
The Calcagni Brothers have made the construction of fine homes their
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specialty, together with their remodel- ing and land development.
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