In the photo is a very young Christina Lamonica (my grandmother). She is the second from the left. The location of the photo is unknown. I believe the photo is from the late 1920s.
One of the truly fun things about research and genealogy is the people you meet along the way. This past week was a great week for me. I received an email from Rome, Italy from Carlo Cicone. We found that both parties are researching the village of Pettorano sul Gizio, Italy. While Carlo was asking for some assistance, which I plan to provide, he was the hero of the day. I gave him some details from the Ciccolella side of the family and he was able to provide me with three more generations which I did not have. How about that! Once again, I am very appreciative to get this information - thank you very much Carlo. This is encouragement for all researchers-assisting your fellow man is honorable and the right thing to do! I will add the details shortly.
Who are these guys? The photo was included in the family group, so I assume someone once knew them. Anyone??
Well, it is my first mother's day without my mom - Maria "Gigi" Ciccolella Bennett. We all miss her, but it is the fun times, the great support and all the other joys she brought into our lives that I will think about today. Mom was born in Follansbee, West Virginia, married Chuck Bennett, Sr., raised two kids, help run the family business for a bunch of years and died in June, 2010 living in Fairmont, West Virginia. She is a first generation "Ciccolella", both of her parents emigrating from Italy to the US. So, here's to all our mother's who have left this earth to join their heavenly family. One day we will all be reunited into one very large genealogical society.
My grandmother, Christina Lamonica Ciccolella, had a brother - Dan Lamonica - Uncle Dan to us kids back then. My Uncle Dan was born February 17, 1908 in Steubenville, Ohio. He was the son of two immigrant Italians, however, unlike his two sisters who were born in Forenza, Italy, Dan was born in America. He went on to follow in his father's footsteps and became a barber. He later married Mary Lupinetti and they had a daughter Mary Louise. Uncle Dan died on October 16, 1983.
The attached photo is dated April 1939. I do not have a lot of information or details. My assumption is that it is from the Ladies of the Garibaldi. I found my grandmother, Christina Lamonica Ciccolella included. (She is on the lower edge, table furthest to the right, on the left side, looking up towards the camera. I also found my Aunt Margaret Ciccolella Trotta. It is a great feel for the times. I love the dresses, mostly dark and very conservative. You can see a photo of the Italian war hero Guiseppe Garibadli on the wall.
My grandfather, John Ciccolella was the son of Panfilo Ciccolella and Margherita Ferrelli Ciccolella. I am researching the Ferrelli side of the family. Margherita was the daughter of Panfilo Ferrelli and Gaetana Salvarore. I have found many Ferrelli's from the Pettorano sul Gizio, Italy area. Chow!!!
