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 8
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
Mr. Calcagni is a member of the Arcese Society.
In 1930 Mr. Calcagni married Car- mela Fanelli, a descendant from Lau- renzana, Province of Basilicata, Italy. They are the parents of two children: 1. Filomena ; 2. Addolorata. Address: 701 Academy avenue, Providence, R. I.
CIMINO, Anthony B.
Traveling salesman and a leader in musical, civic and fraternal circles, born in Rhode Island, the son of early Ital- ian immigrants.
Prominently identified as a traveling salesman for H. Midwood Sons Com- pany, wholesale grocers, for more than eleven years, Mr. Cimino holds the esteem of all who have been observant of his progressive activities in the in- terest of the community.
A man of ability, he has been of considerable assistance to various or- ganizations. Some of his work has been through as secretary of the New Eng- land Opera Company, and with the Providence Council No. 67, Commer- cial Travelers, of which he recently became Senior Counselor. As one affil- iated with the Republican Party, Mr. Cimino is taking a very active role in its activities. His ramified connec- tions give him intimate contact with the principal currents in the development of our city and State.
Keen at business, shrewd in judg- ment in all things, genial, warm in his humor, Mr. Cimino has a legion of friends throughout Rhode Island.
CHIAVERINI, Francis
Registered architect and engineer. For almost twenty-four years, Mr. Chi- averini has been known for his success- ful professional activities. He is re- garded as one of the outstanding Italo-
Americans of Rhode Island and is highly esteemed for his abilities and for his many fine qualities. His pro- fessional standing in the community is such that he was appointed by former Governer Green, to the important post of Chief of State Division of Public Buildings and Consulting Architect of the R. I. Emergency Public Works Commission.
Mr. Chiaverini was born in Palena, Province of Chieti, Italy, January 1, 1893, the son of Edward and Maria Etta (Sica) Chiaverini. A great grand- father, Don Raphael Chiaverini, was a provincial engineer and as such he designed many public works.
He received his early education in the public schools of his native town, but while still in his teens, he was brought to the United States by his mother, to join his father in Providence. He attended the Providence public schools and then studied in the Atelier Rosener and the Harvard Graduate School of Architecture under Prof. Charles W. Killam and under Prof. Jean Haffner at the Beau Arts in Paris.
He was engineer and designer with Leland S. Rosner, consulting architect and engineer; a structural designer for a large oil company in California; an engineer designer for the Federal Gov- ernment ; was with a big powder com- pany at one time, was associated with Wesley H. Blank, instructor in engi- neering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ; under the firm of Chi- averini & Blank, engaged in independ- ent practice in architecture and engi- neering for 10 years and has designed and supervised construction of many public and religious buildings, includ- ing the winning of the competition of the Italian orphanage to be built in Providence.
He checked and approved structural plans for the late Spencer B. Hopkins, Providence building inspector, and for many years had been keyman and archi-
70
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
tect in the Providence public buildings department.
During the incumbency of his office as Chief of State Division of Public Buildings, Mr. Chiaverini had direct supervision and care of the State House, the State Office building, Providence County Court House and other court hourses, armories, the Rumford rifle range, the Soldiers' Home in Bristol, repairs to State institutions, repairs to R. I. State College, the R. I. College of Education, the Wallum Lake Sani- torium and all the military buildings. He discharged the duties of his high office with complete efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of the Governor and the State which he served.
Mr. Chiaverini resumed his private practice as registered engineer and ar- chitect on April 8, 1939. Despite the . fact that it is but a little more than a year since he has resumed his private practice, he has already designed the new building for Beta Psi Alpha Fraternity, at R. I. State College, an organization made up of all Italo- Americans; the new building of the Warwick Ice Cream Company at War- wick, R. I., which will be one of the most modern and best equipped ice- cream plants in the country ; a pencil manufacturing plant on Huntington avenue, Providence, and numerous other buildings.
Mr. Chiaverini is a member of the American Society of Military Engi- neers, the American Society of Engi- neers, the Harvard Club of Rhode Is- land, the Aurora Club and the Italo- American Democratic League of Rhode Island.
On June 1st 1916, Mr. Chiaverini married Clorinda Schiappi, a native of Terracina, Italy. They are the parents of three daughters: 1. Frances; 2. Ada; 3. Leonida. Home: 21 Lotus Pl. Office: 815 Union Trust Building, Providence, R. I.
CARLONE, Edmund J.
Assistant manager, Atwells Avenue Branch of the Industrial Trust Com- pany; born in Providence, May 22, 1906, the son of Domenico and Con- cetta (Conca) Carlone.
He received his preliminary educa- tion in the local public schools and Commercial High School. Later he en- tered Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, graduating in accountancy in 1930. After completing his educa- tion, he entered at once in the active practice of his profession. In 1931 he entered the service of the Atwells Ave- nue Branch of the Industrial Trust Company as teller, and in 1937 was promoted to assistant manager.
During the period of his connection he has amply demonstrated the value of his services to the company, and is now well known in the business and financial circles of this very important section of Providence.
In other fields of activity, Mr. Car- lone has also been prominent. He is Treasurer of the Italo-American Club of Rhode Island, and Vice-President of the Federal Hill Business Men's Association. He is a most promising young Italo-American, and his kindly and genial personality have won him warm friendship throughout the city.
On October 26, 1936, Mr. Car- lone married Vitalina Galluccio, a na- tive of Providence. Home: 328 Mount Pleasant avenue, Providence, R. I.
CIPOLLA, Jack
Registered pharmacist ; born in Na- tick, R. I., April 22, 1904, the son of Antonio and Teresa (Palazzo) Cipolla, who were born respectively, at Fornelli, and Grazzanise, Italy.
He attended the public schools of Natick, West Warwick High School and Rhode Island College of Pharma- cy, graduating with the degree of Ph. G. in 1927. Since 1929 he has been
71
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
proprietor of Jack's Drug Store, in Na- tick. He is a member of Leo Council, Knights of Columbus, for which organ- ization he served for eight years as re- cording secretary.
On May 1, 1928, Mr. Cipolla married Emilia Ucci, American born. They are the parents of two children: 1. Dolores ; 2. Jacqueline. Business address : 715 Providence street, Natick, R. I.
CIANCI, Anthony A.
Contractor and builder ; born in Roc- camonfina, Province of Naples, Italy, April 8, 1896, the son of Giuseppe and Orsola (Santantonio) Cianci, both natives of the same town. His father also a contractor and builder, followed his business both in Italy and in this country. He died in Providence in 1934.
Anthony A. Cianci was brought to this country by his mother in 1897 to join his father in Providence. He at- tended the local public schools and Rhode Island School of Design, where he pursued a course in architecture, graduating in 1912. After completing his education, he assisted his father in his contracting and building business until 1918, when he started his busi- ness on his own account, under the name of Cianci Construction Company, Inc.
During the twenty-two years that Mr. Cianci has been in business, his enterprise has flourished exceedingly and is now one of the most important of its kind in this section of the State, and Mr. Cianci is justly regarded as one of the most capable and progres- sive contractors in Providence. He spe- cializes in all types of commercial and public buildings. He has designed and built many large and important build- ings throughout the city and State. Mr. Cianci is also a successful real estate developer. At present he is engaged in
developing a land project at Rumford, R. I., involving approximately half a million dollars worth of property.
Deeply interested in public affairs, in May, 1940, Mr. Cianci was ap- pointed by the Mayor of Providence a member of the Building Board of the City of Providence for a term of five years, the first Italo-American ever to hold such an office.
He is a member of the Italo-Amer- ican Club, the Eagles, Benevolent Or- der of Elks and other organizations.
On September 25, 1922, Mr. Cian- ci married Michelina Carlone, Ameri- can-born. They are the parents of three children : 1. Dolores; 2. Alma ; 3. Or- sola. Office: 176 Sterling avenue, Providence, R. I.
CAMPAGNA, Anthony T,
Proprietor and manager of Franklin Printing Company ; born in Bristol, R. I., September 8, 1914, the son of Carmelo and Maria Mancuso Cam- pagna, who were born respectively, at Lebrizzi, Province of Messina, and Casteldaccia, Province of Palermo, Italy.
He received his education in the Bristol public schools and at Provi- dence Trade School, where he learned the printing trade, completing his course in 1930. His first employment was in various printing shops in Providence and Bristol, where he gained the neces- sary experience and a full knowledge of the trade. In 1938 he opened his own printing plant under the name of Franklin Printing Company The plant is perfectly equipped to execute everything from the simplest business card to the most elaborate catalog. An energetic and ambitious young man, Mr. Campagna has succeeded well and is now conducting a flourishing busi- ness.
Mr. Campagni is a member of San Giovanni Society of Providence, La
72
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
Bella Sicilia Society, Cup Defenders Association, Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Mr. Campagna conducts his busi- ness under the name of Franklin Print- ing Company; office: 124 Franklin street, Bristol, R. I.
CIRILLO, Gaetano
Businessman; born in Viesti, Prov- ince of Foggia, Italy, October 21, 1882, the son of Paolo and Giusep- pina Fabrizio Cirillo, who were born respectively, in Naples, and Viesti, Italy. His paternal grand father was a refugee from Naples, who settled in Viesti in 1860, in order to escape from the political persecution of the King of Naples.
Mr. Cirillo attended the public schools and Technical School of his native town. After completing his edu- cation, he helped to manage his father's estate. In 1904 he immigrated to the United States. After living in various cities, in 1906 he settled in Bristol, where he went to work for the U. S. Rubber Company. After a few years, in 1913, having saved some money, Mr. Cirillo was able to establish a grocery store in Bristol. For the past five years he has been conducting a successful grocery store in Warren, R. I.
In October, 1899, he married in Italy, Agata Russo, also a native of Viesti. His wife came to the United States in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Cirillo are the parents of six children : 1. Paul, a foreman at Central Falls ; 2. Louis ; 3. Josephine; 4. Anthony, a foreman at Cumberland Mills. 5. Carmine; 6. Angiolina. Home: 411 High street, Bristol, R. I. Business address: 189 Main street, Warren, R. I.
CIARLA, Peter Philomen, M.D.
Born in Providence. R. I., January 11, 1907, the son of Pietro and An-
gelina (Messore) Ciarla, both natives of Italy.
He received his preliminary educa- tion in the public schools of Newport and Rogers High School, from which he graduated in 1925. Subsequently he attended Providence College, where he completed his pre-medical course, and received his degree of Ph.B. in 1931. He afterward studied at the New York Medical College and Flow- er Hospital, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1936.
He spent his interneship at East Orange General Hospital, East Orange, N. J. For two years he prac- ticed his profession at Morristown and Millbury. While there he served on the surgical staff of the East Orange Gen- eral Hospital, and on the courtesy staff of Overlook and All Souls Hos- pitals. His professional affiliations were the Essex County Medical Society and New Jersey Medical Society.
For six months he served as surgeon in the U. S. Army.
He has been in the active practice of his profession in Newport since 1939.
Dr. Ciarla is on the courtesy staff of the Newport Hospital.
His professional, fraternal and so- cial affiliations include Newport Coun- ty Medical Society, the Elks, Brother- hood Society of Newport, Lodge Pro- gresso and Civilta of Order Sons of Italy.
On June 6, 1936, Dr. Ciarla mar- ried Eleanor Pizzi, a native of New York City. They are the parents of two children: 1. Angelica Elaine; 2. Philomen Peter, Jr. Office: 7 R. I. Avenue, Newport, R. I.
CALDARONE, Nicola
Head of this branch of the family in Rhode Island, first immigrant from Marzano Appio, Italy, in the banking
73
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
business since 1897, and one of the outstanding builders of the Italo-Amer- ican community during the country's greatest era of industrial expansion.
See Page 26, First Edition, Italo- Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
CAPPELLI, Antonio F.
Head of this branch of the family in Rhode Island, one of the earliest immigrants from Prata Sannita, Italy, retired wholesale wine and liquor mer- chant, and one of the outstanding figures in the upbuilding of the Italo- American community during the coun- try's greatest era of industrial expan- sion.
See Page 95, First Edition, Italo- Americans of Rhode Island, 1936.
CESARE, Pasquale
Proprietor of Sunrex Company and prominent in Italo-American business, social and fraternal affairs; born in San Paulo, Brazil, April 15, 1894, the son of Salvatore and Anna (Piroz- zi) Cesaro, both natives of Aversa, Province of Naples, Italy. He attended the public schools of Brazil until the age of seven, at which time his parents returned to Italy. He there attended the public schools of Aversa, and as a youth of 16, he immigrated to these shores.
Upon his arrival in Providence, he worked at various occupations, and dur- ing his spare time studied the English language. During the World War he enlisted in the U. S. Aviation Corps, being attached at Kelley Field, No. 1, San Antonio, Texas, and was honor- ably discharged because of injury in 1918.
Following his discharge, he became interested in many activities. In 1927 he invented the Sunrex Oil Burner, an
improved type of oil burner which he had patented. The Sunrex Company was soon established to manufacture Sunrex Range Oil Burners, of which he became President and General Man- ager. In addition to range oil burners, a full line of up-to-date kitchen ranges and domestic and imported rugs are included at the salesrooms of the Sun- rex Company.
Mr. Cesaro, a genial and generous man, is one of the most enterprising and successful business men of the Federal Hill section. He is active in community affairs, and is a conspicuous figure in Italo-American fraternal and social affairs. He is a member of An- tonio Mangione Post of the American Legion and charter member of the Aurora Club.
On July 20, 1920, Mr. Cesaro married Giulia Munos. They are the parents of three children: 1. Richard; 2. Clement; 3. Pasquale, Jr. Business address: 272 Atwells avenue, Provi- dence, R. I.
DI SANDRO, Domenico
Representative from the 6th Assem- bly District ; born in Cordova, Argen- tine Republic, November 6, 1901, the son of Michele and Maria (De Iorio) Di Sandro, natives of Colli al Volturno, Province of Campobasso, Italy.
He attended the public schools of Colli al Volturno until the age of 11, at which time he came to the United States to join his father in Providence. Upon arriving here he attended the evening public schools and prepared himself for citizenship, graduating from the Branch Avenue School in 1914.
Many years ago he entered the em- ploy of F. D. McKendall Lumber Co., with which concern he is identified as traveling salesman.
Since January, 1937, he has been a member of the State Legislature, hav-
74
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
ing been elected twice to the House of Representatives, his present term ex- piring in 1940. Mr. Di Sandro's service to his constituents have been of great value, serving his people with his best energies and his fullest measure of enthusiasm, with the result that he is highly esteemed and respected in wide- ly varying walks of life.
Mr. Di Sandro is a member of the Italo-American Citizens Club ; Knights of Columbus; 4th Ward Democratic Club.
In 1923 Mr. Di Sandro married Mary A. McGowan. They became the parents of three children: 1. Domenic, Jr. 2. Marietta ; 3. Mercedes.
De RUSSO, Rocco
Actor, singer and manager of the musical and dramatic company, Arte Vera ; born at Sant' Arsenio, Province of Salerno, Italy, March 16, 1885, the son of Pietro and Maria (Spinelli) De Russo. He began his career as an actor and singer in his early childhood in Italy. He came to the United States in 1905. Since he has been here he has successfully managed American tours of leading Italian actors, singers and musicians. He is well known in the theatrical field not only as an actor and singer of wide experience and ability, but also as an author of several popu- lar dramas which he has produced through his own company. He operates and manages the musical and dramatic company, Arte Vera, which company, under his able direction, has played in many large cities of the United States.
Mr. De Russo has been active in many Italo-American civic affairs. In recognition of the many facilities of- fered by his company in raising funds for needy Italians, for the Red Cross and for civic and religious organiza- tions, he received the decoration of
Commendatore of the Military Order of the Mercedes.
Commendatore De Russo is married to Susy Imundi, who is associated with her husband as singer for the company. He is the father of the following chil- dren: 1. Umberto, an artist, residing in New York City; 2. Italia ; 3. Mrs. Adelgisa Suriano. Office: 61 Wayland avenue, Cranston, R. I.
DALPIAN, Silvio
Cabinet maker, born in Pedevena, Province of Belluno, Italy, April 4, 1910, the son of Enrico and Luigina Dal Pian. When six years old he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled at Stafford Springs, Conn. He attended the public schools of Stafford Springs and later learned the carpenter and cabinet making trade at the Manchester Trade School, Man- chester, Conn. After completing his apprentice training he moved to Provi- dence in 1928 and followed his trade in many leading concerns of its kind.
In 1937 he started his own business, specializing in cabinet making, repair- ing of all kinds of wood work and jewelry pattern work.
In September, 1932, Mr. Dal Pian married Maria Mastrodicasa of Prov- idence. They became the parents of two children: 1. Robert; 2. Dick.
Mr. Dal Pian is engaged in busi- ness under the name of General Cabi- net Company, located at 84 Atwells avenue, Providence, R. I.
De MAIO, Mario
Clerk, supply department at Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co .; born in Provi- dence, January 20, 1910, the son of John and Maria (Lerz) De Maio, both natives of Campobasso, Italy.
He attended the local public schools and Technical High School, from which he graduated in January, 1928.
75
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
At the age of 18 he went to work as receiving clerk at the Outlet Com- pany; in 1933 he obtained a position as clerk in the supply department at Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co., a posi- tion which he has held ever since.
Deeply interested in military affairs, on January 7, 1926, he enlisted as private in headquarters battery and combat train, 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery, R. I. N. G. In 1927 he was promoted to corporal; in 1928 to sergeant and staff sergeant; in 1930 he was promoted to 1st sergeant; on April 2, 1932, he was commissioned 2nd lieutenant and assigned to head- quarters battery and combat train, 2nd Battalion. On March 15, 1935, he was promoted to 1st lieutenant and assigned to headquarters, 2nd Battalion, as liason officer. On September 11, 1937, he attended the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, grad- uating on December 11, 1937. In September, 1937, he was re-assigned as executive officer of Battery E, 103rd Field Artillery. At present he holds a certificate of capacity as Captain of Field Artillery.
On July 13, 1932, he married Mary W. Hanley of Providence. They became the parents of two children: 1. John Thomas; 2. Robert Mario.
De CESARE, William, D.D.S.
Was born in Providence, June 18, 1912, the son of Francesco and Theresa (Manzi) De Cesare, who were born respectively, at Marzano Appio, and Frosolone, Italy.
He was educated in the Providence public schools and Commercial High School, from which he graduated in 1929. After attending a post-gradu- ate course at Classical High School, he entered the University of Maryland, from which he graduated in 1936, with the degree of D.D.S. He after-
wards served his interneship in dental surgery at Bellevue Hospital in New York, receiving a certificate of quali- fication in 1937.
He has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Providence since September, 1937.
He is affiliated with many profes- sional, civic and social organizations, including the Young Italian Imperial Club.
Dr. De Cesare is registered to prac- tice dentistry in Rhode Island and his office is at 316 Turks Head Building, Providence, R. I.
Di LORENZO, Michael G.
State Probation Officer; born in Providence, April 29, 1911, the son of Pietro and Rosina Gentile, who were born respectively, at Pratella and Aila- no, Italy.
He received his early education in the local public schools and La Salle Academy, from which he graduated in 1930. He then entered Providence College where he specialized in educa- tion and philosophy, graduating in 1934, with the degree of Ph.B. Upon completing his educational training, he did voluntary work as a social worker.
On October 15, 1935, he was ap- pointed State Probation Officer.
Mr. Di Lorenzo is Vice-president and member R. I. Community Advis- ory Council; Vice-president Cranston Boys Club; Manager Cranston Base- ball Team. His other professional, so- cial and fraternal affiliations include : National Probation Association ; Social Workers' Club of Rhode Island; Lodge No. 14 B. P. O. Elks; Com- mitteeman B. S. of America, Troop 16 of Cranston. During the Italo-Ethi- opian campaign, he served as secretary for the Italian Committee in Cranston for raising funds for the Italian Red Cross.
76
ITALO-AMERICANS OF RHODE ISLAND
DELFINO PHARMACY
In September, 1938, the two broth- ers, Vincenzo A. Delfino and Car- mine N. Delfino, established a partner- ship under the name, Delfino Pharma- cy, offering their services in the dis- pensing and compounding of high grade drugs. These two young men thoroughly conversant with all branches of the pharmaceutical profession, have built up their pharmacy to a very high de- gree of usefulness, enjoying not only a large and growing clientele, but also, to a remarkable extent, the confidence of the community.
Vincenzo A. Delfino, older brother, was born in Johnston, (Thornton), January 1, 1904, the son of Biagio and Concetta (Melfi) Delfino. His father, a native of Prata Sannita, Italy, was one of the early Italian settlers of Thornton.
He was educated in the local public schools and Cranston High School. He then attended the Rhode Island Col- lege of Pharmacy, from which he graduated with the degree of Ph.G. in 1925.
For eighteen years he was continu- ously employed as registered pharma- cist at Silver Lake Pharmacy, remain- ing there until September, 1938, at which time he associated himself with his brother in establishing the Delfino Pharmacy.
On June 8, 1931, Mr. Delfino mar- ried Emma Apici of Providence. They became the parents of two children: 1. Eleonora : 2. Rita.
Carmine N. Delfino, younger broth- er, was born in Johnston, (Thornton), September 9, 1910, the son of Biagio and Concetta (Melfi) Delfino. His father, a native of Prata Sannita, Italy, was one of the early Italian settlers of Thornton.
He was educated in the local public schools and La Salle Academy, from which he graduated in 1929. He there- after attended Providence College for
one year. Entering the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, he graduated with the degree of Ph.G. in 1933.
For a while he was employed as registered pharmacist at Conti Pharma- cy on Broadway. Later, he was em- ployed at Silver Lake Pharmacy, re- maining until September, 1938, at which time he associated himself with his brother in establishing the Delfino Pharmacy.
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.