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 9
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On April 27, 1935, Mr. Delfino married Susie Cambio.
These two popular and promising young men are deeply interested in so- cial, civic and fraternal activities.
The Delfino Pharmacy is located at 447 Manton avenue, Providence, R. I.
De SANTIS, Antonio
Teacher of violin; born in Isoletta, Province of Frosinone, Italy, Decem- ber 18, 1890, the son of Vincenzo and Concetta (Trementozzi) De San- tis.
He was educated in the public schools of his native town until the age of 16, at which time he immi- grated to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon arriving here he studied English in the evening schools and prepared himself for citizenship.
He took up the study of violin under private teachers and later studied for six years at the New England Con- servatory of Music in Boston.
During the World War, he worked as a mechanic at the United States Ship Building Corporation, Newport, R. I.
Mr. De Santis has been engaged as teacher of violin since 1920.
His music studio is at 34 Kimball street, Providence, R. I.
Del GIUDICE, Gregorio
Veteran printer and member of one of the oldest immigrant families to set- tle at Simmonsville; born in San Gre-
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gorio, Province of Benevento, Italy, the son of Filippo and Rosaria Del Giudice, also natives of San Gregorio. His father immigrated to Rhode Island in 1880, settling in Simmonsville. Three years later, Gregorio, then a small boy, was brought to these shores by his mother, Mrs. Del Giudice, to join his father at Simmonsville.
He attended the public schools of Johnston and at an early age obtained employment as a mill worker which he followed until 1895, at which time he learned the printing trade. He has followed this trade ever since.
On February 12, 1889, Mr. Del Giudice married Antonietta Caruolo, a native of Prata Sannita, Italy. They became the parents of four children : 1. Minnie ; 2. Anna ; 3. Rose; 4. Ray- mona, a pharmacist.
D'ORSI, Albert
Teacher ; born in Providence, May 15, 1910, the son of Filippo and An- tonia (Iacovone) D'Orsi, both natives of Capriati al Volturno, Italy.
He received his education in the local public schools and Technical High School, 1928; Rhode Island State College, B.S., 1932. He received the degree of Master of Sciences from the same college in 1933.
He began his active teaching career at R. I. State College, remaining there for two years. Thereafter he taught for five years at Chevy Chase Jr. Col- lege and Senior High School, Wash- ington, D. C. In August, 1939, he received an appointment as teacher at the North Providence High School.
Active in military affairs, he is 1 st Lieutenant of organized Reserves of the U. S. Army.
Mr. D'Orsi is a member of Phi Kappa Phi (National Scholastic So- ciety ) ; Beta Psi Alpha of R. I. State College and other organizations.
De LUCA, Michael
Teacher ; born in North Providence, January 7, 1910, the son of Antonio and Maddalena Zuchero, natives of Conca Casale, Italy.
He received his education at Boston College, B.A., 1933, majoring in pre- medical sciences. He attended exten- sion courses at Rhode Island College of Education; pursued special studies at Brown University. Instructor of bi- ology at Providence Y. M. C. A. and Pawtucket Y. M. C. A., 1936; in- vestigator Division of Old Age Securi- ty, State Public Welfare Department, 1937-1939; attended extension courses in education at the State Summer School. On August 21, 1939, he re- ceived an appointment as teacher at North Providence High School. He is a member of the R. I. Community Advisory Council.
On April 25, 1936, Mr. De Luca married Anna Vellucci.
Del SESTO, Angelo
Founder and owner of Van Dell Company, manufacturing jeweler and instructor of jewelry design; born in Providence, June 10, 1896, the son of Antonio and Maria (Tella) Del Sesto. After attending the Providence public schools and Rhode Island School of Design, at an early age he went to work in local jewelry factories, starting first as an apprentice and later as a jewelry craftsman, in which he demonstrated his ability. He later helped to build up the Barker & Barker Manufacturing Company, of which he was president for ten years. At present he is the owner of Van Dell Company, a concern which specializes in manu- facturing all kinds of jewelry. Mr. Del Sesto, in addition to being a manufac- turing jeweler, for the past eighteen years has taught jewelry design at R. I. School of Design. His professional, so-
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cial, civic and fraternal affiliations in- clude Italo-American Club, Civita and Utopian Clubs.
On June 18, 1938, he married Sarah Devlin of Providence. Mr. Del Sesto's office is at 185 Eddy street, Providence, R. I.
Di STEFANO, John A.
Violinist and teacher of music; born in Alatri, Province of Frosinone, Italy, February 3, 1898, the son of Andrea and Filomena (Gatta) Di Stefano.
He received his early education in the public schools of his native town until 1907, at which time he was brought to the United States by his mother.
When only eight years old he was placed under the tutorship of a music teacher. At the age of ten he studied music under the late Prof. Donato Lauria. In later years he studied at the Ondricek Studios of Violin Art in Bos- ton, specializing himself in violin, re- ceiving his diploma in 1934. Mr. Di Stefano has been teaching ever since he was twenty years old and has suc- cessfully appeared in many concerts.
On June 18, 1927, he married Celia Fera. They became the parents of three children: John, Jr .; 2. Anthony ; 3. Theodore.
Mr. Di Stefano's studio is at 1432 Westminster street, Providence, R. I.
Di MEO, Isidoro, D.C., Ph.T.
Born in Pratella, Province of Cam- pobasso, Italy, January 6, 1894, the son of Angelo and Vittoria (Testa) Di Meo.
He received his early education in the public schools of his native town until 1907, at which time he was brought to the United States by his parents, the family settling in Provi- dence.
Upon his arrival in Providence, he worked at anything he could find, de- voting his evenings to the study of the English language in the public schools. His ambitions and capabilities were far beyond those of an ordinary jour- neyman, and after a few years he took up the study of chiropractic at the American University of Chicago, grad- uating in 1923. He later attended the Boston Evening Clinic and Hospital, where he completed a full course of Physical Therapeutics, graduating on June 14, 1935.
On July 15, 1935, he was appoint- ed associate visiting Physio-Therapist in the Physio-Therapist Department of the Clinic.
In 1912, Dr. Di Meo married Ella Lukowski. They became the parents of six children: 1. Walter; 2. Mathil- de; 3. William; 4. Ralph; 5. Isidor, Jr .; 6. Francis.
Dr. Di Meo's office is at 19 Parade street, Providence, R. I.
DIMEO, Joseph
President and treasurer of Dimeo Construction Company ; born in Vena- fro, Italy, May 8, 1893, the son of Domenico and Alessandra Triangolo Dimeo. When an infant he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father in Providence. He at- tended the local public schools until the age of 15, at which time he worked on various occupations. At the age of 17 he began to learn the stone cutting business from his father, a granite con- tractor. He later became his father's partner in the business. In 1918 he was employed as foreman for various contractors. After acquiring a thorough knowledge of all the details of the con- tracting business, in 1920 he became an sssociate member of Balchin Con- struction Corporation. In 1931 he es- tablished the Dimeo Construction
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Company, specializing in all types of building construction. Mr. Dimeo's works are now scattered through Rhode Island.
Mr. Dimeo is a member of the Aurora Club of Rhode Island.
On June 2, 1926, Mr. Dimeo married Livia Storti, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Storti, who immigrated to Rhode Island from Capriati al Vol- turno, Italy, and were among the earlist Italian settlers in Providence. Mr. and Mrs. Dimeo became the parents of three children: 1. Alexander Joseph ; 2. Eleanor Frances ; 3. Thomas Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Dimeo maintain their home at 18 Talbot Manor, Edgewood, R. I. Mr. Dimeo's office is at 75 Westminster street, Providence, R. I.
Di MUCCIO, Pasquale
Businessman and former town official ; born in Valle Agricola, Province of Benevento, Italy, February 6, 1896, the son of Antonio and Filomena (Di Muccio) Di Muccio. When five years old he was brought to the United States by his mother to join his father at North Providence. Following his graduation from the Lymansville Grammar School, he went to work for F. W. Whipple & Co., Providence.
During the World War he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving at the Naval Training Station, Newport, R. I. He was honorably discharged on Febru- ary 5, 1919. After working as carpen- ter, contractor and State Inspector at Wallum Lake Sanitarium, he became Town Inspector at North Providence High School. He later served as Tax Assessor for North Providence from 1936 to 1938. He is a member of American Legion, Lawrence Council of Knights of Columbus. Home: 74 Lyman avenue, North Providence, R. I.
D'AVANZO, Rachele
Teacher of costume and construc- tion ; born in New York City, August 4, 1913, the daughter of Charles and Ida (Spolidoro) D'Avanzo, who were born respectively at Cimitile, Province of Naples, and Viggiano, Province of Potenza, Italy. After attending the public schoolse of New York City, and the Providence Technical High School she continued her studies at the Rhode Island School of Design. Began as de- signer with Blue Comet Manufacturing Company in New York City. Later she joined the firm of William Hardy, re- tail dress makers, also of New York City. She then went to Boston where she was connected with King & Simon, wholesale dress house. In conjunction with her father's tailoring establishment, she conducts a business of her own designing women's suits and clothes. Since 1936 she has taught costume design and construction at Rhode Is- land School of Design.
On August 26, 1939, she married Charles Modliszewski. Home: 255 Webster avenue, Providence, R. I.
DIMITRI, Vincent
Engineer and architect, born in Providence, September 7, 1900, the son of Francesco and Addolorata (Calo) Dimitri, both natives of Fran- cavilla Fontana, Province of Brindisi, Italy.
He received his education in the local public schools and at Technical High School. After spending one year at Providence College, he attended Rhode Island State College, from which he graduated in 1923 with the degree of C. E. Thereafter he studied architec- ture for two years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
After completing his studies he worked for three years for Francis
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Chiaverini. On April 1, 1927, he en- tered private practice by associating himself with his brother, William Di- mitri, also a civil engineer and archi- tect, under the name of Dimitri & Di- mitri.
He is a member of the American Technical Society. Office: 509 West- minster street, Providence, R. I.
De PALMA, Angela
Teacher; born in Providence, the daughter of Donato and Rosa (Buz- zerio) De Palma, both natives of Molfetta, Province of Bari, Italy.
Following her education in the Prov- idence public schools and Technical High School, she entered Rhode Island College of Education, from which she graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Education. She afterwards took up an extension course at Brown Uni- versity.
In 1931 she began her active career as a public school teacher. She is listed as a teacher at Thurbers Avenue Ele- mentary School.
A most active church worker, she holds the secretaryship of the First Italian Baptist Church. She is an officer and member of the Providence Associ- ation of Childhood Welfare; officer and member of Rhode Island Cultural Club.
Di MAIO, Alessandro
Retired businessman ; born in Forio d'Ischia, in the island of Ischia, Pro- vince of Naples, Italy, July 20, 1878, the son of Matteo and Maria Giuseppa (Morgera) Di Maio.
Leaving school at the age of 13, he learned the bakery trade in his na- tive town and followed it until he im- migrated to the United States in 1898, settling in Providence. Upon his arrival in Providence, he worked as a baker
for Charles Hall, in Pawtucket, and for the Providence Public Market, re- maining there for ten years. In 1910 he established a high grade bakery busi- ness on Academy Avenue, which he sold out a few years ago.
On November 28, 1902, Mr. Di Maio married Amalia Fiore. They be- came the parents of six children: 1. Matthew, a member of the Providence Fire Department ; 2. Mrs. Maria Giu- seppa Pastille; 3. Mrs. Fanny Rossi; 4. Mrs. Lina Cannon; 5. Vito; 6. Lucy.
A brother of Mr. Di Maio is Father Chev. Vito Di Maio, who visited Prov- idence in 1926. He is founder and director of a home and hospital for orphans at Alexandria, in Egypt.
Mr. and Mrs. Di Maio maintain their home at 124 Home avenue, Prov- idence, R. I.
Di BENEDETTO, Domenico
Master workman and newspaper correspondent ; born in Introdacqua, Province of Aquila, Italy, September 19, 1883, the son of Achille and Maria Concetta (Volpe) Di Bene- detto.
After leaving school at an early age, he worked as a farm boy for his father, then he went to Germany to work as a track laborer, and at 18 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. Starting life as an immigrant, he worked here through various occupations. In 1905 he went to Italy to enlist in the Royal Italian Army, serving for two years in the 43rd regiment of infantry. He was honorably discharged as corporal ma- jor. Upon his return to Providence in 1909, he went to work for the Universal Winding Company,with which company he is still employed. A gold medal was recently conferred upon him by the company for twenty-
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five years of continuous faithful serv- ice.
A self-educated man who was forced to leave school at the age of ten, Mr. Di Benedetto has been for the past seventeen years a regular correspondent of L'Unione, a weekly Italian news- paper published at Pueblo, Colorado.
On May 9, 1912, Mr. Di Bene- detto married in Italy, Clementina Volpe. They became the parents of three children; 1. Concezio; 2. Nata- lina; 3. Jennie.
DANTONE, Margaret M. A.
Teacher; born in Providence, the daughter of Leonardo and Gaetana (De Marco) Dantone, who were born respectively, at Rodi Garganico, and Campolieto, Italy.
Following her preliminary education in the public schools of Rehoboth and Johnston, she attended the Classi- cal High School, graduating in 1929, Summa Cum Laude. She then entered Pembroke College in Brown Universi- ty, graduating with the degree of Bach- elor of Arts in 1933. While at Brown she was awarded a second entrance premium in Greek in 1929-30. She also received a scholarship from the R. I. Women's League in 1930. After graduating from Pembroke College she became a teacher in Americanization and citizenship. She afterwards enrolled at Rhode Island College of Educa- tion, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Education in 1936.
After completion of her studies, Miss Dantone worked as a junior statistician. She began teaching as an unassigned teacher of auditorium dra- matics at Bridgham Jr. High School in 1936, and became a teacher of Ital- ian and French of the school in 1938.
Miss Dantone's professional affilia- tions include Modern Language Teach- ers Association of New England.
DELMONICO, Marco
Businessman; born in Sulmona, Province of Aquila, Italy, December 12, 1888, the son of Domenico and Angelina Delmonico, both natives of the same town.
This rugged and industrious son of Abruzzi immigrated to the United States as a young man of eighteen, set- tling in Providence. Upon his arrival in Providence he engaged in various minor business ventures until he became a pioneer in the sale of fuel oil. His business, which includes ice, coal and oil, is carried on under the name of M. Delmonico & Sons.
On September 20, 1914, Mr. Del- monico married Luisa Castaldi, a native of the island of Ischia. They are the parents of eight children ; 1. Edmund ;. 2. Vito; 3. Frank; 4. Angelina; 5. Armando; 6. Ernest; 7. Gloria; 8. Evelyn.
Mr. Delmonico's business address is at 8 Belknap Street, Providence, R. I.
DONATELLI, Henry
Teacher ; born in Portland, Maine, May 28, 1914, the son of Frank Rocco and Grazia (Ventura) Dona- telli, who were born respectively, at Lettomanopello, and Roccamorice, in the former Province of Cheti, now Province of Pescara, Italy.
Following the removal of his par- ents to Providence in 1920, he attend- ed the local public schools and Hope High School, from which he gradu- ated in 1932. Subsequently he attend- ed Providence College, completing there a pre-medical course. He after- wards entered Rhode Island College of Education, from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Educa- tion in 1938. While at R. I. College of Education he was active on the baseball, basketball, golf and track teams.
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On his graduation from R. I. Col- lege of Education, he was appointed a teacher and athletic director at Ly- mansville Junior High School.
Selected as a youngster by Tim O'Neil from a group of Junior League managers for a recreational post at a meeting in the Journal Building, young Donatelli rapidly gained popu- larity among the younger boys. He had been actively connected with the Tim O'Neil Baseball League up until the middle of the summer. He acted as umpire for Melrose League games and also for softball circuits. At his con- firmation at St. Ann's Church, young Donatelli requested that Tim O'Neil act as his sponsor. He was always proud of the fact that the "Sandlot King" was his godfather.
In the latter months prior to his illness he was preparing at Providence College to receive his degree of Master of Education.
Mr. Donatelli died in Providence, on October 9, 1939, after an illness of several weeks.
Popular as a teacher and as an athlete, he stood among the foremost in his expert knowledge of all that pertains to youthful sports. Loved by his pupils and friends, his untimely death was a cause of grief to men and women in practically every walk of life. The element of the tragic was greatly accentuated in his death by the fact that he was so potent a factor for good in the community, and by his youth.
De CESARE, Francis Armand, M.D.
Born in Providence, November 15, 1910, the son of Pasquale and An- tonietta (Caldarone) DeCesare, both natives of Marzano Appio, in the Province of Naples, Italy.
He went through the Providence public schools. He completed the
Cranston High School in 1928. He thereafter attended Providence Col- lege, where he completed his pre- medical course. Continuing his studies there he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1932. He then matriculated in the Medical School of the Royal University of Rome, where he spent one year. He later transferred to the Royal Uni- versity of Naples, from which he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery in 1936.
After his return to the United States, he served six months interne- ship at Charles V. Chapin Hospital ; he then served one year interneship at St. John Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota, and rose subsequently to the position of resident physician. At present Dr. DeCesare is connected with maternity hospitals in Chicago, Ill. Dr. DeCesare is a member of the Providence Medical Society.
D'ADAMO, Vincenzo Pasquale
Registered pharmacist; born in Castelforte, Province of Littoria, Italy, December 5, 1893, the son of Raf- faele and Carmela (Coviello) D'Ada- mo, both natives of the same town.
He attended the public schools and gymnasium of his native town. In 1910 he immigrated to the United States, settling in Fall River, Mass., in which city he attended the public evening schools, and thereafter at- tended East Greenwich Academy, from which he graduated in 1921. Later, he entered the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy from which he graduated with the degree of Ph.G., in 1925. He then entered actively into the drug business, becoming the owner of a very popular pharmacy.
Mr. D'Adamo is a member of Lodge Vittoria, Order Sons of Italy ; Saint' Antonio Society ; D'Annunzio Society and other organizations.
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On September 5, 1927, Mr. D'Adamo married Santina Falso. They became the parents of three children: 1. Carmela; 2. Vincenzo; 3. Roberto.
Mr. D'Adamo's pharmacy is at 614 Charles Street, Providence, R. I.
DEL VECCHIO, Crescenzo
Businessman ; born in Roccamonfina, Province of Naples, Italy, August 1, 1886, the son of Pasquale and Ange- lina (Di Nufio) Del Vecchio, who were born respectively, at Roccamon- fina, and Tuoro Di Sessa, Italy.
He attended the public schools of his native town, and at the age of seventeen immigrated to the United States, settling first at Lawrence, Mass., where he was employed in the woolen mills. After three years he went back to Italy. In 1907 he returned to the United States, settling in Providence. Upon arriving here he immediately started a grocery and meat market. After eight years he went into the wholesale meat business and has suc- cessfully continued since then.
In 1910 Mr. Del Vecchio married Gaetana Buonanno, a native of Rocca- monfina, Italy. They are the parents of seven children: 1. Angelina ; 2. Pas- quale; 3. Salvatore; 4. Assunta ; 5. Caterina; 6. Giuseppina; 7. Maria. Home: 1377 Chalkstone avenue, Prov- idence, R. I.
DEL SIGNORE, Mario
Missionary ; born in Sulmona, Pro- vince of Aquila, Italy, September 20, 1915. He attended the public schools, the Institute of the Missionaries for Africa and the Gymnasium, at Sulmo- na; then he attended the Institute Com- boni for missionaries for Africa at Bres- cia ; finally he enrolled at the Novice of Sacred Heart at Venegono, wearing there for the first time his priestly vest-
ments; thence he went to the Institute of Missions at Verona.
Brother Mario Del Signore's father, Filippo, immigrated to Rhode Island in 1901, and has visited Italy many times since then. His mother, Maria (Ficorilli) Del Signore, came to Prov- idence in 1910. She died in December, 1939. In addition to his four brothers, Francesco, Giovanni, Giuseppe and Al- fredo, Brother Mario Del Signore has one sister, Rosina, deeply interested in religious and educational activities in the Eagle Park district.
Di NAPOLI, Domenico
Architect and public official; born in Roccamonfina, Province of Naples, Italy, December 8, 1903, the son of Antonio and Teresa (D'Attore) Di Napoli, both natives of the same town.
He was brought here as a child by his parents. He attended the Providence public schools and the old English High School and, after taking a two year course in architecture at the R. I. School of Design, he went to New York City. While there he continued in this type of work in the offices of leading architectural firms, in the mean- time taking an extension course in archi- tecture at Columbia University. There- after he studied for three years at the Beaux Art Institute of Design in New York.
In the fall of 1930 he returned to Providence, where he established an office as an architect at 69 Brayton avenue. In June, 1935, he was appoint- ed to the position of Assistant Inspector of Buildings of the City of Providence. In 1938 he was re-appointed member of the State Planning Board for a term of three years.
Most recent of his many designs, is the new building of the Italo-American Club, East Greenwich, R. I. He also designed the new home of Lodge ยท Ro-
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ma, Order Sons of Italy, Pawtucket, R. I., and other buildings scattered throughout Rhode Island.
Mr. Di Napoli is prominently iden- tified with many patriotic, fraternal, civic and social organizations. In 1939 he was elected to the office of Grand Orator of the Order Sons of Italy in Rhode Island. He is a member and orator of Lodge Dante Alighieri, Order Sons of Italy ; member of Young Ital- ian Imperial Club, Federal Hill Busi- ness Men's Association and Italo-Am- erican Club. He is an honorary mem- ber of the Italo-American Club of East Greenwich, R. I.
On September 4, 1933, Mr. Di Napoli married Elsie Perrotta. They are the parents of two children: 1. An- thony Robert; 2. Theresa Elvira.
D'AGOSTINO, Nicola
Businessman and one of the early settlers of the Italian colony ; born in Marzano Appio, Province of Naples, Italy, July 2, 1866, the son of Paolo and Concetta (De Cesare) D'Agosti- no, both natives of the same town.
After attending school in his native town, he assisted his father with the latter's business until 1890, at which time he immigrated to the United States, settling in Providence. For a short time he became a wage earner, beginning as a baker. Later he started his own bakery business on Charles street, a venture which he has been successfully operating for more than forty years. At the present time his bakery business is one of the most important concerns of its kind in the neighborhood.
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