Where is your family from in Italy? We want to know! Leave a comment below.
Italy is divided into 20 regions as shown below. Each region has a capital city and is further divided into Provinces. The capital cities of the 20 regions are listed below:
Region:Capital
Abruzzo:L’Aquila
Basilicata:Potenza
Calabria:Catanzaro
Campania:Napoli
Emilia-Romagna:Bologna
Friuli-Venezia Giulia:Trieste
Lazio:Roma
Liguria:Genoa
Lombardia:Milano
Marche:Ancona
Molise:Campobasso
Piemonte:Torino
Puglia:Bari
Sardegna:Cagliari
Sicilia:Palermo
Toscana:Firenze
Trentino-Alto Adige:Trento
Umbria:Perugia
Valle d’Aosta:Aosta
Veneto:Venezia
I’ll start it off…My father is from a small town called San Michele,comune di Serrastretta,provincia di Catazaro,Calabria. My mother is from Feroleto Antico,which is also in provincia di Catanzaro in Calabria. Which makes me 100% Calabrese…now that’s hard headed!
Hi there! Great blog!
My parents and grandparents are from Catania,Sicily. My dad’s family is from Castiglione and my mom’s family is from Roccella and Taormina. All Sicilian here!
Like the new set up,Joe!
My dad was born in Montepaone,provincia di Catanzaro,Calabria and my mom is a first generation Siciliana whose parents were from Salemi,provincia di Trapani,Sicilia! So Joe,I have a hard head and bad temper apparently!
I am not Italian but my husband,his parents and as far down the line as we can tell were all born in Pratola Peligna in the region of Abruzzo.
My daughter married an Italian born in Calabria.
My mother and father are both from Delianuova in the Aspromonte of Reggio Calabria.
My husband is from Positano. His grandfather is from Sicily.
I was born and raised in Melbourne Australia and my four children were born in Luxembourg.
My grandmother was born in a small town called Farneta,outside Modena. So she is from Emilia-Romagna. I wish I was born in Italy,this whole citizenship issue would be much easier then. Hope you are well,Joe!
My Grandparents were from Sicily.
My father was born in Messina- but raised in Calabria.
My Mothers Parents were from Rome and Calabria.
Bari,in Puglia!
Love the new look,Joe
My dad’s parents were from Napoli and Bari. My father-in-law was from Torino. Was told my middle child looks just like the people from Torino. Great new look!
My father’s parents were from Cracco which is (I think) in Basilicata…
Napoli in Campania
Welcome back Joe,looks great!
My grandfather’s parents are from Campania,the Avellino region. My great-grandfather is from Montefalcione and m great-grandmother is from Lapio.
Great-great-grandfather from Badolato (CZ),Calabria;great-grandmother from Isca sull’Ionio (CZ),Calabria;great-grandfather from Pisciotta (SA),Campania
Both my maternal grandparents were from Calitri in the Avellino area of Campania.
My Mom was born in San Marco Argentano,in the province of Cosenza,Calabria. I’ve been blessed to have taken many trips to San Marco to visit my family that is there today…..and learn the skill of salumi making!!!!
Great Grandfather from Palmoli (CH),Abruzzo;Great Grandmother from Riccia (CB),Molise;Grandmother from Montella (AV),Campania
Related to the Ulissi and Scorranese families from Valle San Giovanni and Frondarola near Teramo in Abruzzo. Have started small English-language websites for both of of these small villages (e.g.,http://vallesangiovanni.com).
My mother’s family was from Calabria and my dad’s side from Abruzzo.
We are from Calabria too
but lived in Philadelphia (and now I live in Collingswood NJ). We have many of the same traditions –I do my tomatoes the same way for sauce,roast peppers en masse etc!
I was born in a small village named Careri in the Provincia Reggio Calabria now I live in Australia for 53years
My father was born in Serramonacesca near Pescara in Abruzzo. My mother’s family is from Santa Catarina in the Catanzaro region of Calabria. By 1930 both families had immigrated and settled in South Philadelphia.
Although my blog suggests otherwise,my father’s family is from Taranto. We have in the past few years ‘discovered’that the family has a vineyard in Ciro Marina. The wines have been a joy to find (Librandi) and now the olive oil too!
Love the site –can’t wait to visit more often.
My dad was born in a small village called Policastrello (Cosenza) which is in the northern mountains of Calabria. My mum was born in Australia,but her parents were both born in San Marco in Lamis (Foggia) a beautiful town in Puglia.
My boyfriend is from Malito a lovely little town in Calabria only a short drive from Cosenza.
I live and work in Italy:mostly Rome and Sicily and live in Malito between jobs!
Hello,
wonderful site! Im a fan already.
I am not Italian myself but my partner is- he was born in Genoa,Liguria. We now live here and I learn Italian and everything about Italy. Our daughter Gaia was born one month ago in Genoa as well and Im glad she’s got Italian roots
Both my grandparents are from Porticasa although they met in New York City. Decades of pinning down exactly where they came from (there are stories of farms) have met dead ends. The older I get,my Aunt (Philomena’s) Fay’s saying “Blood is thicker than water”has taken on more meaning. Wonderful site. Will be back!
Am I the first Lucana to post? My great-grandparents came from Basilicata,the provincia di Potenza.
My grandparents were from Valguarnera,Sicily. That town also went by the name of Caropepe. I grew up in Rochester,NY which was kind of a sister city to Valguarnera. What a great blog this is!
I am looking for anyone that is still alive in my family. My grandfather name is Nick Scintilla his wife was Mary and I believe they both came from Napoli I believe
My family is from Colobraro,a small hill village in Basilicata. My dad grew up in Brier Hill,Youngstown,Ohio. I went back and met my cousins and found that my grandmother had had a little sister who’d never left,so I also met my dad’s first cousin. Fabulous trip. Benedite,as the fam would say! The answer was Affascinate. Gets rid of the malocchio.
My father was from Falerna,Provincia di Catanzaro. Your site feels like home to me!
Actually,I am second generation Russian Jew and grew up in Florida and my husband is French,but we had the amazing great fortune to live in Milano for 7 glorious years and we fell in love. Our boys were 1 and 3 when we got there,so they think they are part Italian! We love Italy and love Italian food and it is a joy for us to share it. I love your blog! Bologna was a favorite city for my husband as well!
My great grandparents were from Grimaldi CS. When I went back to the village on a “roots”journey,I fell in love with the mountain village and ended up meeting my husband from the nearby village of Malito. Thought I had completed the circle of immigration,but we ended up moving back to California (where I am from) for employment reasons and to raise our sons. However we still have our home there and go back for summers!
I love your postings- they take me “home”!!!
Hi,
Both my parents were born in Delianuova,Reggio Calabria. My father Arcangelo Natale R. and my mother Garzia Maria Rechichi. Visited there when I was a child of five. Not too many memories of it.
Great site.
Larry
My grparents were from Campagna area. Grfa was Alberto Vincent Grimaldi from Naples and Grmo Nicolena Amodea was from Auletta. Can’t find any info on my grfa anywhere.
Hello! Just found your site and love it! My mother’s people were from Potenza and Bari,and my dad’s family from Abruzzi. I think my maternal grandmother was from a city called “Cinzano”and my grandfather from a city called “Gravina.”If anyone knows any Cilla’s or La Muraglia’s from either of these towns please contact me. I thank God every day I grew up Italian…what a blessing!
Hello! It’s nice to hear from other Italian American people. Both of my parents are from castrofillipo Sicily. They came to Cleveland Ohio in 1969. It was pretty lonely growing up at times,but i do have interesting memories! My father would make his wine every Fall…still does. My mother would can fruit and sauce too! I haven’t been to Italy in 15 yrs and I hope to go again soon as an adult and experience the modern version of the old country:) I enjoy hearing your stories!!
Hey Joe:Love the blog! My great grandmother was from Ripa Bittoni (not sure which province–somewhere up north),and the rest are from Calabria–Aiello Calabro and San Giorgio la Molara.
I was born in Campotosto,L’Aquila!! I was raised in Ohio with all the family traditions and cooking secrets…including the seven fishes. The worst part of being separated by miles from my family is that the less I use the Italian language the harder it is to remember words. I can understand it,but getting difficult to respond…suggestions?
Mi abuelo materno es de San Nicola Da Crissa y Se llamaba Domenico Lavecchia y mi abuela de Catanzara y se llamaba Ana María Polito. de la Comuna Di Pizzo.
Hi,
My dad is from Concessa in Reggio di Calabria. He has lived for many years in the UK but we visit every couple of years to Italy.
My grandfather is from San Pietro Avellana,Molise,Italy and my grandmother is from Caltabellotta,Agrigento,Sicily. I ventured to Caltabellotta in 2001 and found our family and everyone is so excited to see each other. We try go back every other year…will send photos. Thank you for the site…
My grandparents were from Frazzano’,Messina,Sicily
Hey Joe,Great blog. I’m a second generation Italian American. My Grandparents came from Reggio Di Calabria. I grew up in western Mass and now live on the coast of Maine. I’ve been to Italy only once but wow did I love it. We spend a couple of weeks on the Amalfi coast in Priano. Can’t wait to get back.
Hi:
My roots are in Sicily! My mother’s family is from Prizzi and Castrofillipo and my Dad’s s family is from Borgetto. I have not visitied Sicily yet and I am gathering information about my many relatives there. I want to feel the earth under my feet in celebration of my family! I long to get there soon.
My Mom’s family is from Abruzzi &Naples. My Dad’s family is from Siena &Sicily. I know –some mix!! The best gelato I ever had was in Siena right where they have the Palio horse race (my grandmother’s home town).
Hello my grandparents are from Montefalcione Italy…What a beautiful little town.
Hi –I’m second generation Italian-American (1/2). My mother’s father was born in Pirillo and her mother was born in Soveria Mannelli,both in the provence Catanzaro,Calabria. I’m just starting to do some family history,but I’m on warp speed since my mother turned 83 yesterday! I don’t eat meat anymore but am craving it –esp all the good stuff like soppresata and hard salami –since I’m doing this research and checking out Cucina di Calabria,the only English cookbook of Calabrian cooking! Unfortunately,I live in southern Oregon where there are no Italian delis!!
great work!!
italian cooking is one of most appreciate in the world.
I hope you will enjoin my ITALIAN MUSIC SITE!!. http://canzoniitaliane.blogspot.com where just to 3 years i write about italian music!!!
Ciao! I’m a 1st generation Calabrian Italian-Canadian. Both my parents and grandparents grew up near Cosenza;my Dad in Piane Crati and my Mom in Vico. They married in 1960,and shortly thereafter my Dad emigrated to Canada by himself so he could work until he could afford to send for my Mom so they could start a life together. My husband’s grandfather emigrated from Abruzzo as a young man back around 1910 when he arrived at Ellis Island only to find that his sponsor didn’t show up! Unfortunately he wasn’t allowed to stay,and had to make the long journey back to Italy. My husband’s determined grandfather tried again a few months later,and thankfully his new sponsor showed up. From New York he travelled to Canada via a very long train ride were he met his future wife. Even though my husband didn’t grow up with the Italian influence as I did,he is really connected to his “Italian side”,especially Italian cuisine. We hope to visit Italy again soon. Keep up your great blog!
My father immigrated with his sister,brother and widowed mother from Campobasso,in the Molise Region in 1912. They settled in the Seattle,Washington area. Both my paternal family (Faccone) and maternal family (Fiorito) were from the same area.
Grandmother from Zavattarello in Pavia Lombardy,Grandfather from Notaresco in Terami Abruzzo. As a young woman,she cooked for wealthy families in Northern Italy so our Italian holiday dinners in NJ had desserts like floating islands and bavarian cream.
My father,Nicola Aiello,was born in the village of Polinudo,town of Bianchi,Calabria,Italy. He emigrated when he was six years old. He lived in New York with an uncle repairing shoes and then moved to Farrell,PA. After marrying,he moved and resided in Youngstown,Ohio until his death. Relatives in Italy are still in this region of Italy,and my uncles visit there every few years.
Hi:
I am first generation Italian,my parents are both from Calabria. My dad is from Filidalfia,Cantazaro and my mother is from Biancha,Reggio de Calabria.
My father first moved to Chicago,then to Canada where he met my Mother. We live in Ontario. We used to do our tomatoes and red peppers as mentioned previously from other comments. Now I do them with my daughter and son-in-law (who is from Sardina) and it is similar to the way you do them,except we cook the tomatoes before jaring them in sterile hot bottles and seal. We also uses blankets.
What a wonderful site! I live in Des Moines Iowa,but my family (and my heart) is from Bianchi CZ.
Ciao Joe!! 1st generation Italiana here! My Papa was from San Guisto Canavese (Piemonte) and my Mama was from Venice (Veneto). Love your site!! Amen to keeping our heritage alive!!
Love the website. My parents were born in Baranello,provinca di Campobasso. I am first generation born in America. I have been to Italy 8 times and hope to go back with my children. My in-laws come from Bari and Calabria. Che testa tura!
My Grandfather,Saverio (Sam) Iallonardo came to Duluth,MN in the US in 1902 from Santo Stafano del Sole,Avellino,Campania,Italy when he was 15 years old. I am a second generation Italian/American.
Io vivo in Brasile e io sono di origine italiana dalla Calabria,la cittadina di San Lucido. Sono molto orgoglioso delle mie radici italiane e mi ha fatto piacere trovare un site come il vostro. Congratulazioni. Da ora in poi sarò sempre visitare il tuo site.
Hi!! I’m ariginally from Cuba. My grandfather Gennaro Pisciotta inmigrated there in 1800s. He was from Calabria’Italy and he passe the rest of his life in that beautiful country,were he builds a family. My mom ,she is still alive and I’m the 3rd generation.
I have some family there. If you know something,you can contact me. “m not living anymore in Cuba,but all my family is there!
Hi,both my parents are from Mammola,Reggio Calabria.
I’m a second generation Italian/Canadian.( Montreal)
Love your site!!!!
We are going to Calabria this summer,can’t wait !!!
Hi Joe –Love this page. My mom was from Emilia-Romagna (Fiorenzuola),my Dad’s parents from Calabria (San Pietro a Maida)and my husbands’s family was Abruzzesi (mother-Fresagrandinaria;father-Scerni)
NAPLES,Have been told grandparnets are from there but can’t ind any turellos,i’ve been told the spelling was changed when they arrived in New York City….Is there a way to find the name Turello in NAPLES….
Hi Joe,
My fathers family is from the Campania region of Italy,a small town called San Nicola Baronia. Population is about 900. My father is 1 of 8 kids and the only one in America. I have close to (30) 1st cousins there and unil recently my grandmother,who past away last year. My mothers family is from the Largo di Garda area in Verona.
I beleive my Grandfather was from Catanzaro. My grandfathers name was Giuseppe Raso. Are there any Raso’s
still living in that town. Love to hear form you.
My father was from a small town called Carpanzano (Cosenza). My grandmother and some other relatives still live there. I also have some family that originated from Marzi (Cosenza),which is situated near Carpanzano and my great-grandfather was from Abruzzo (I believe Lucoli in L’Aquila)
La parte paterna di Apice,provincia di Benevento,la parte materna di Sicilia,ma non so dov’e precisamente.
My parents and two of my siblings are from Termini Imerese,PA,Sicilia!
And I’m damn proud to be called Sicilian!
Ciao Joe:I am a Canadian-born,Abruzzese. My father (Giuseppe) was born in Brecciarola,Prov. di Chieti,and came to Canada in 1950. My mother (Maria Congeta) came a year later with my brother and sister. She was born in Villa Oliveti,Prov. Pescara. They met one day at the well where she would go daily to draw water for her family. The story conjures such romantic images for me to this day. What a wonderful site! Thanks Joe.
My mother’s family came from the beautiful village of Morolo in the province of Frosinone in Lazio. My father’s family came from Ariano Irpino in the province of Avellino in Campania.
What a wonderful site you have!
My roots are in Spain but Ale my fidanzato was born and raised in Milano however his mother is from Bari,Puglia and his father is from a little town called Aqua Viva delle Fonte,Puglia.
Hi
I am so glad to have found this site. Receipes that I never got from deceased family now I see here. I am first generation Italian. My father is from Cantanzaro region of Calabria. Like you very proud of my heritage. Warm people,great big hearts,putting family first,making wonderful simplistic foods. Preserving everything from the garden to eat during the winter. Curing our own olives,and eggplant to add with our homemade soppressata,&cappicola when the family came for a visit. Holidays were the bomb at our house. Large family always!
My great grandfather nickola concovia came from provincia di reggio di calabria. Entered into u.s. in 1904.
Iam a 2nd generation Italian-Irish American,married a 100% Italian. I have been looking for my father’s family in Italy/Sicily. I was told my grandfather Vicent Vincent (spelled both ways in early 1910 &30 census) was born in Palermo,sicily around 1880 &my grandmother Emmanvele (Emma) Diorenzo was born in Naples 1890. they both came here in 1905 I cant find anything about them or their parents before that can anyone help me maybe a link to italian records? the family lived in south phildelphia &southwest philadelphia all our growing up years. the family tree is on ancestry.com but no luck there. Thanks
June 16,2010 @ 11:32 PM
My mother was born in Provincia di Potenza 1913 (Basilicata). She came to the United States when she was a year and a half. She passed away Nov. 18,2010,age 96
My father was born in Albania 1907 and came to the United States when he was five years old. He passed away on June 25,1980,age 73.
My Grandparents Vincenzo James &Maria Rosa Iemma were born in Cittanova Reggio Calabria in 1880 &1881 respectively. Our last name was 1st changed to Yemma then later to Amie after the came to the US
Hi Joe,thanks for giving us Italyville!
Both my parents families are from prov Cosenza in Calabria. Mom is from Grimaldi and Dad’s family is from Bocchigliero (in Sila). I guess that makes me a testa dura too.
Through DNA tests,we found out my father’s paternal line is from Catazaro area. We are Jewish and my father and mother were both born in Poland. The family has been traced back to 1720 so far,and hopefully we will break the 1600 barrier soon. Family traits:stubbornness,very meticulous,genius,hard worker,mechanical,physically strong. Father survived Auschwitz,but rest of family didn’t. He escaped after being shot. Lived in the forest until 82nd Airborne found him. We were probably kicked out of Italy in the 1500′s,where we lived for maybe 2300 years. In Poland,we got kicked out and murdered after 400 years.
My dad was from Ciro Marina,Provinca di Crotone and my mom was from Vallelonga,Provinca di Catanzaro.
My dad was born in Giffone,calabria and my mum was born in santa cristina,calabria.
Ciao! Mamma came from San Pietro A Maida,provincia di Catanzaro (Calabria);dad’s family came from Cesenatico,provincia di Forli’-Cesena (Romagna). Very different dialects,cuisine,culture between the two –it made for an interesting experience growing up.
Hi Joe,mum and dad came to Australia in the 1950′s from Calabria. My mum is from Feroleto Antico and dad from Nicastro ( now called Lamezia Terme ).
Bianca
both my perent as you know are from calabria my dad is from Marcantoni a small village near jevoli and my mom is from san michele
joe
if you like i can see if my mom has any pictures from dan Mechele and if she does ill give them to you to post on your website if you want and i may have some pictures from my last trip to italy about 15 years ago
My father is from Reggio,(rustic) Calabria. Fossato Ionico to be exact;high up in the mountains. My mother is born in Canada and so were her parents. However,her family roots are in Campobasso in Molise.
Ciao! My family(Mercuri,Bellocco,and Chindamo)is from Giffone,Reggio Calabria ITALY and the island of Lipari,SICILY.
My father’s family came from Salerno my mother’s family came from Castllemarre di Stabia. As for me –I’m not as scrappy as that lineage might suggest…….
My mom was from Trieste,Friuli and my dad is from CEva,Piemonte. They moved us back to Italy in 1978 to Genova ,Liguria. I miss focaccia!
Both my parents and my husband are from Contrada Mercuri Tedesco in the commune di Platania. It is a small town in the hills of Lamezia Terme,Catanzaro. Gorgeous place &people.
I’ve got the best of the south in me;Nonno was from Vizzini,Prov. Catania,Sicilia and Nonna from Stignano prov. Reggio Calabria. The whole family moved to Monasterace Marina where my mother and uncles were born and now we live in Australia.
Wanted to know where the TORNO’s originated..
What a great idea this is! My father is from Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto in the province of Messina (Sicily) and my mother was from Celano,province of L’Aquila in Abruzzo –which happens to be the same town my husband is from. Now we live in Milano! Which makes my son an Abruzzese,Siciliano Milanese! I was born in Toronto!
I am not Italian (strictly speaking) but I did live there until just before my 12th birthday. I was born in Firenze (Florence) while my parents were doing language study in preparation for mission work. We then moved south to Roma and south again to Napoli! We just followed Italy’s beautiful West Coast. If you want to hear more about my life just click on my name up there.
My Mom’s mother and ancestors are from Borgia,CZ,and her father’s family in the hills above Sambiase,CZ,also in Calabria. My father’s parents and families are from Filiano,PZ,in Basilicata. I was lucky enough to visit all my ancestral villages about 4 years ago,which was an incredibly emotional experience. Through my maternal grandfather I was able to able my Italian citizenship. I hope to one day retire or at least spend some time living in Italy.
My moms from Licata (Agrigento- Sicily)
Dads from Lauropoli (Cassano- Calabria)
Mother-in-law from San Pietro in Guarano (Cassano-Calabria)
Father-in-law from Montorio nei Frentani (Termoli-Molise)
my kids are quite the little “misto”!!
I believe my grandparents were from
Foggia,Italy and spelled their name Montereale. Over in the U.S. they ended up with Montreal. I notice many more names in Italy with the Montreal spelling now. I wonder if we are related?
My mother is from Nicastro,which is partof Lamezia Terme,province in Catanzaro in Calabria and my dad is from Salemi,Province of Trapani in Sicily.
I may be related to some of the other who have roots in Salemi and Nicastro? I guess I do have a hard head and bad temper!!!
Love the site.
My mother Girolima Fardella,was born in Trabia,Sicily in 1899 to Angelina Rizzo and Antonio Fardella.They all immigrated to Canada in 1905 because of the many earthquakes and settled in Tillsonburg Ontario.Mom was five years old.
My Father,Salvatore Caruso was born in Santa Nickola four miles from Trabia He and three of his brothers immigrated to Canada and the US in 1910.My Father settled in Newmarket .He married my mother in 1916 and raised 10 children.He never got to go back to Sicily to see his parents…
Hi,I love this blog. My grandfather was from Catania,Sicily and my grandmother was from Catanzaro,Calabria.
Casalbordino,Abruzzo
I was born in Casalbordino,Abruzzo. Came to the US in 1957.
On my mother’s side,my grandpa’s parents left Reggio Calabria,and my grandma’s Palermo,Sicily. They settled in the Bronx,New York
Ciao,born and raised in Melbourne,Australia,however,Mum migrated from Ceglie del Campo which is a frazione of Bari,Puglia and Dad is from Vizzini,provincia di Catania.
Forza Italia
My parents were born in Molise,in the province of Campobasso. My father is from Casacalenda and my mother is from Provvidenti.
Ciao!
My family originated in Mammola,Reggio Calabria,a lovely medieval town. 10 minutes drive to the Ioian Sea. I am fortunate to have a place to stay there,so I return fairly often.
Love your site!!!
My great grandfather Nicola Maita was born in Santo Stefano Quinquina in 1892 and immigrated to the US at the turn of the century. If anyone knows of other Maitas in the region,please let me know. Id love to meet them. Thank You Breathinstephen@gmail.com
I was born in Crotone (Calabria),and right now im living in Upland (California).
Sono nato a Crotone (Calabria),e adesso vivo ad Upland (California):o)
My father came from a town called Settefrati,provine of Frosinone. my mother from Abruzzi.
We still keep up the tradition every year by making home-made sopresatta.
My nonno (Pasquale Bellocco)is from Giffone Calabria and nonna (Angelina Macedonio) is from Polissena Calabria
I was born in Cosenza,Calabria in 1950. We immagrated to America in 1958
I was born in Cosenza,Calabria in 1950. We immagrated to America in 1958.
Joe,where can I buy the netting for the salami.
My grandparents,Giovanni Furfaro and Katerina Serafino Raso Furfaro were both born in Cittanova,Reggio di Calabria. They were both a huge part of my upbringing.
In 2006 the family went there to visit and see the houses they were born in and the streets they walked. I can not wait to take my kids there too. I know it is cliche,but part of me is still there.
Just begning to research….appears my grandfather (Carmelo) was born in Trabia Sicily in 1879. Grandmother Rose DelSera also born in that area possibly Trabia or Montreale. Any information or Comments
Reggio Calabria in a small town call La Cuczzile (sp?) but we cant find on maps anywhere. anyone heard of this. Uncle recalls it was 15 min or so north west of the Airport or Down Town Calabria on the coast.
Thanks!
I’m born in Montreal,Quebec Canada but my parents both come from le Marche,my father is from Aquasanta,Ascoli piceno and my mom is from Pozza also in ascoli piceno. No matter where you come from in Italy,you have to admit….Italians are amazing people and definitely left there mark around the world. Amen
My mother,who is from Boveto,Reggio Calabria,arrived with her parents and family in 1956. My dad,who also is from Reggio Calabria arrived later that year,and they were married in 1957.
My Dad’s family all but one sister,moved to Valle D’Aosta. My parents have been in Montreal since 1957. My husaband,who also is from Reggio Calabria,immigrated to Montreal in 1971 at the age of 17. Our daughter who was born and raised in Montreal,visited her father homeland,fell in love and married in Reggio Calabria. I am Italo Canadese and proud..
great grandmother from ficarra great grandfather from sant’angelo di brolo
both Messina province of Sicily.
My mother’s family was from Calabria. I am not sure where,but I would love to meet my ancestors still living there. We hope to visit someday if possible. I was told our last name was Calabraz? (Hard headed,Big Hearted,and was changed to Carello at Ellis Island. We also have a Manfretes in the family,and I am not sure off the top of my head what my Great Grandmother’s maiden name was. I feel very connected to my Italian roots even though I have little knowledge of them. I would love to spend time there and learn about the past and the traditions that helped create those my family taught me.
My father’s people were from Liguria. My mother’s mother was from the Dolomites,just south of the Brenner Pass. My mother’s father was from Parma. I am married to a Sicilian!
My grandparents,Gregorio and Valenzia Cina,of blessed memory,were from San Nicola da Crissa. My grandmother’s maiden name was Malfara.
My moms parents Juilo and Teresa were from Verona. My dads family from Napoli….hope to get word from Verona via mail soon. I wrote to the only relative my mom has an address for. I wrote a letter at Christmas,no word yet. Fingers crossed,I either get a letter or an email. Julio DallaPegorara and Mary Teresa Savoie DallaPegorara they came through Ellis Island seven years apart. My Nono,Julio came first then my Nonni came with my Uncle Victor Albano DellaPegorara (he was nine yrs old). Oh how I love being 100% Italian!
Marla August 26,2010
Please contact me we must be related
I am from New York
Bellocco Family from Giffone
Both sets of grandparents on my father’s side were from the town of Frazzano in Sicily. The names are Gianguzzi and Sariti.
Both of my mother’s parents were from San Michele,comune di Serrastretta,provincia di Catazaro,Calabria. One side of the family were Maruca and the other were Cianflone. I sure would like to find out more about them.
My grandfather was from Fontana Liri,Frasinone(Lazio). He died there while visiting his family in January of 1956. I am trying to find out where he is buried so I could visit his grave when I get to Italy. Anyone have any ideas how to search it on the net?
My Father’s family is from Casabona Calabria and my Mother’s family is from Varapodio,Calabria
My grandmother was from San Michele Cantanzaro-Calabria,Looking for any relatives her maiden name was Petronill Maruca,her parents wer’e Carmella Torcia and Pietro Maruca..My grandmother married my grandfather Salvatore Nicollozzi. Looking for any relatives of either family or any information..
Thanks
My grandmother and great-grandparents were from Colobraro,Basilicata region. My great-grandfather made the trip to America at least four times,the last time for good. The surname was Gagliardi.
Most all the family is from Comune di Bella,Basilicata,(PZ) Italy.
I dont have a website. I am the daughter of a Caruso child,my great grandparents were both sirname Caruso,Nikolas Felieppe was adopted by the Caruso family and his wife was Mary Caruso,both came from Aveline,DiAvellino,Campania Italy so it says on your map,they had 15 children all born in Ashtabula,OH which I were I am now. My mother is the child or Peter Angelo Caruso who is passed away,my great grandparents became citizens in 1903-04 respectfully.
I am still researching the Felieppe side since my great grandmother is really a Felieppe,Nikolas’s father was Saverio Caruso,so Mary Caruso is really not my real great grandmother and I never met her,she moved to California before I was born. Peter Angelo Caruso revealed this secret on his death bed to my mother.
Joe I was born in Pianopoli whose city limits are 750 meters from Feroleto Antico. Therefore Pianopoli is in the province of Catanzaro and is in the Calabria region. When I was four and half years old,I emigrated to Montreal Canada with my mother. My father had emigrated two years before us. Joe we are probably related since the two cities are so close. I do not know if you have been back to Feroleto Antico but it has a beautiful square and is an original Calabrian town that was originally a walled city like a lot of other cities in the region. They were walled to protect the population from marauders from North Africa. They were called Sarazins or Saracini. It is a beaufiful area of the world and I am very fortunate that I am fluent in both the Calabrese and Italian language. They are both beautiful. You have a wonderful site. The recipes are phenomenal. I will try and send you a recipe for braciole. Thank you for this.
My paternal grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from Pomarico,MT in Basilicata.
My maternal grandparents emigrated from Potenza,PZ in Basilicata.
My paternal grandfather came from Monreale (Sicily) and my paternal grandmother came from Bisaquino.
My father is from Gela Sicily,(my mother is Swedish/American) some of my family still live in Gela,also in Palermo,&Milan. I’ve stayed with my Uncle,Aunt cousins in Milan,but we have yet to make it to Gela. We generally visit during the summer,but its so hot in Gela that my family who live there take holiday up north,lol. Anyone else from or been to Gela?
ecil
in may of 2009,camille chandler posted a comment that she thought her maternal grandmother was from a town near gravina called cinzano. also she wanted to know of any of the cilla family from that town.
i suspect your grandmother was from genzano which is near gravina. they sound almost exactly alike when pronounced properly. my name is everett cilla. i live in grand rapids,michigan,and my family is originally from genzano. i have visited the town. there are still many of the cilla family living in genzano. actually the name of the town is genzano di lucania. if you get this please free to contact me on this web site. if any other cilla family members would like to contact me please do so.
My grand parents came from San Marco,in Lamis,(Foggia). My family names are Giacobbe,Lombardozzi,Guiliani and Schiena. Please contact me if you are from the same place. djorsj@yahoo.com
My grandfather on my moms side came from a village called (phonetically pronounced) tzee-tzah. I belive my dads family is from Calabria.
I was born in Santa Cristina d’aspromonte in province of Reggio Calabria (south) as were both my parents. We came to Australia in 1964. Surname is VELONA…
My father Luigi (Gino) was born in Intra,Piemonte and he arrived in Australia in the late 1930′s. His father was Antonio Raso and his mother was Maria Condo. Dad’s siblings were Dominic,George,Francesco,Terazina,Maria Angela. My uncle Franco was a bank manager and when my dada wrote to him his address was Via Eleonora Duse,Novara. Francesco had three children Lella (dec) Sergio and Alberto who both were doctors. Alberto had a son named Alessandro. I have tried to locate Sergio (whom I believe lived and worked in Genoa) and Alberto in the Italian white pages but I have not been successful. Both Sergio and Alberto may have retired. I know that i have a female relative who was born on the same birthday as me 22nd February but I do not think her surname was Raso. My father loved his homeland and I would love to meet some of my relatives. Please contact me on mariannatrainor44@gmail.com if you believe that you are related to me.
Great information. I am impressed. M.T.
my family is from Calabria
MY GRANDFATHER (TOM CAVALLO) PARENTS FRANCISCO CAVALLO AND GRANDMOTHER ANTONINA AOISI BOTH FROM CORLEONE SICILY. MY GRANDMOTHER(LENA ANTONINA) FATHER NAME WAS VITO DEMICELLI (WORKED IN A POTTERY FACTORY IN SICILY) BUT WAS FROM CORLEONE SICILY. VITO WAS MARRIED TO MARIA MANCUSO AND THEY HAD 7 CHILDREN,LENA ANTONINA,JOE,GINNY,LAWRENCE,MIKE,CHARLIE AND VITA,THEY ALL LIVED IN LOUISIANA.
My grandfather is from Greci,Campania. MY grand mother is from Sorrento.His last name was Norcia,
her madian name was Crispi. They both settled in Philadephia Pa. if you have any info please contact regoloans@netzero.net
Any kind of way you or any one can email me the map along with the capitals.
At this time I do not want the comments.
Thanks
great blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
to josephine di meceli
My grandfather antonino romano alesci married my grandmother
maria aiello longo Jan 21 1884 in bisacquino.
I understand she was raised in a orphanage,do you,or any one else know of any orphanages in bisacquino? if so please email me at ajareunion@yahoo.com.
Thanks God Bless
Palena,Italy. My family made cheese.
my family is calabese,my grandparents were from Cutro,and Gimigliano on my fathers side ,and Nicastro (now known as Lemezia Terme)and Francavilla Agitola on my mothers side of the family.
Great blog! My mother was born in Borgile,Cosenza. I was born in Cleto (Cosenza).
I just visited Calabria and my hometown this summer would go back in a heartbeat!
My wife is second generation but her parents are from Ciro Marina,Crotone (mother) and her father San Giovanni in Fiore,CS. Proud to be Italian! Keep up the great blog Joe!
I love being Italian! My grandparents on my dad’s side were Calabrese,my maternal grandparents are from the Abruzzi region. I want to find everything I can about both families,any suggestions?
my grandfather is from reggio italy came through ellis island,now my delimma is they changed his name and he is no longer with us,and was vey young when the name change occured. Do you know anyone from the region of reggio italy that the name was changed to andy maybe this way we can look up some records.
my grandfather is from reggio italy came through ellis island,now my delimma is they changed his name and he is no longer with us,and was vey young when the name change occured. Do you know anyone from the region of reggio italy that the name was changed to andy maybe this way we can look up some records.
I AM LOOKING FOR MY GRANDPARENTS FROM SOLINGNO ,ITALY MY MOTHER MELANIA PETTENATI LIVED THERE AND CAME TO UNITED STATES TO MARRY MY FATHER ALESSANDRO GARDINI WHO ALSO LIVED IN SOLINGNO,ITALY. MY MOTHER’S PARENTS FROM ITALY ARE LOUIS AND CELESTA PETTENATI. COULD SOME ONE HELP WITH THIS INFORMATION.
Great blog! Our family is Calabrese. My father was from Benestare,Provincia Reggio Calabria. My mother was born in the U.S,but her father was from Cirella,Prov. Reggio Calabria and her mother from nearby Benestare,R.C. Still have family in the boot –have been several times to visit.
My grandfather was from Messina. My grandmother was from Syracuse. My wife and I will be in Taormina and would like to know if there are any Borgia or Isgro family members still in the area. My grandfather was Salvatore Borgia. Brothers were Joseph,Angelo,and Nicholas. My grandmother’s maiden name was Maria Isgro. Would love to have a little more family history.
I’m trying to figure out where my husband’s grandfather is from. His manifest coming into Ellis Island says Chinsano and Avellino. If Chinsano is Cinzano,isn’t that in a completely different part of the country than Avellino?
So great to come upon this website! I was born in Lamezia Terme (Pr. Catanzaro) in Calabria but came as a child with my parents and raised in Massachusetts. Both parents came from Platania.
Ciao,
From Reggio Calabria…San Giovanni Di Gerace
My fathers parents were born in Vasto,Chieti in Abruzzo. Mothers mother was born in Gallese,Viterbo in Lazio. We have a famous opera singer in our family who sang for Guiseppe Verdi in Milan. And a famous painter who was in France with Monet.
My grandfather Guiseppe Vigliarolo was born in Stignano,then went to Montreal Canada where he married and had six children.I am looking for more information about my great grandfather Franco Vigliarolo who also resided in Stignano. Hope someone can help.
Andre Vigliarolo
Teresa,do you anyone from Stignano? If so i would like to be able to find out more about my great grandparents.
My grandparents Vincenzo Iemma &Maria Rose Iemma were born in Cittanova Reggio Calabria in 1880 &1881 respectively After the came to the US they changed our family name to Yemma then to Amie
My grandfather,Vito Canio Bruscella,was born in Genzano di Lucania,which is in the Basilicata region,and my grandmother,Vita Maria Giordano Bruscella,was born in Bari,which is in Puglia. I am proud to be Lucani!
And to Everett Cilla,I believe that you are correct regarding the Genzano di Lucania connection. My paternal great-aunt,my grandfather’s sister,Maria Pasquale Bruscella (I don’t know her married name),had a daughter,Angela,who married Rocco Cilla;they had a son named Antonio “Tonino”Cilla,who lives in Genzano di Lucania –we communicate regularly.
On a side note,there are almost 100 Bruscellas living in Genzano today. My father was born Rocco Michael Bruscella,but the US Army changed his last name to Bruscell when he enlisted;that is why my last name is not the same as my cugini.
for megan andrewski
i think the town you aare looking for as the place your husband’s nonno was from is Genzano Di
lucania. the ellis island folks got it wrong.
Joe,I love your website! I live in Massachusetts and my grandparents were from Messina in Sicily. Regrettably I have not been able to visit Italy yet…..but I’m determined to get there very soon! I would love to see where my grandparents came from and to see the country itself. Keep up the good work on your website. It’s fun to read the familiar stories of all the wonderful food! Do you still live in MA?
Buon Natale!
I love your blog,Joe! My maternal grandfather,Vincent Caristo,emigrated from Stilo,Calabria around 1910. He passed away in 1978 but I remember stories he would tell us –especially during prohibition. I recently traveled to Roma for a couple of nights and then we rented a villa in Pian Di Sco in the Arrezzo region. It was fantastic! We traveled to Firenze,of course,and Pisa,Luca,Arrezzo and visited an amazing monastery from around 1100 AD that has an herbal farmacia (and gift shop) called Vallombrosa up in the mountains.
I am trying to find the lost information on Derafino Palermo,my great-great grandfather.
All that is known is that he was born in Calabria around 1873 then moved to Tortorella.
Any help will be much appreciated.
All the Best!
I was born in the village Mercuri,Commune di Platania. My last name is also Mercuri and still have distant relatives living there
Gday from Australia!
My dad was born in Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region (the duomo has a concrete phallus on the roof –interesting story!),and my mother is Australian-born of mostly English with a small (fairly invisible) amount of Chinese Mongolian.
I love the Italian and Chinese food culture of freshness and handmade. Track down the recipe of stuffed and fried olives popular in Ascoli if you’ve neger had them and you’re guaranteed a food-gasm!
Raffaella
January 27 2012
My maternal grandfather came to Australia from Ripa Alto (AQ) in the latet 1920s and my father arrived after WW2 from Sulmona (AQ) Anybody out there with connections to Sulmona?
My paternal grandparents came from Ascoli Piceno –grandmother Livia (Fiorvanti) and grandfather Ettore Camilli –anyone out there connected to them? By the way,we make the stuffed olives here –best thing on the planet!!!!