Category: Bulletins and Newsletters

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin February 27, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we mention the last of the 4 families to be honored on Sunday March 6^th at Mass and a Reception in our Hall.  Today we introduce the Prinzo family who were members from the early days of San Antonio.  These San Antonio Church parishioners were active in the Men’s Society, St. Ann’s Married Ladies Sodality, and the Felitto Club.  The Prinzo family history dates to matriarch, Josephine (Scairato) Prinzo (1849-1913) coming to America after the death of her husband, Angelo Prinzo (1839-1899) in Felitto, Italy.  They had 12 children between the years 1869-1895.  One of their sons, Carmine Prinzo(1887-1977) moved to Akron, Ohio married and worked for the Mohawk Tire and Rubber Company.  His brother, Vito Antonio Prinzo came to America in 1907 (1890-1968) married Virginia Schiavo (1899-1978) on September 27, 1914.  Virginia( Schiavo’s) Prinzo’s sister Giovanna “Joan “ Schiavo  (1901-1967) wed youngest brother Rosario Prinzo (1893-1923) on June 19, 1919, after he was Honorably Discharged from serving in World War I (Sept. 1918-April 1919).  They established their home at 1937 Queen City Avenue.  

Sadly, Rosario died on October 14, 1923, at the age of 29 while working for the Cincinnati Traction Company.   Widow, Giovanna “Joan” Prinzo would later marry Edward Feldkamp (1899-1953) and have a family.  Virginia “Virgie’s”  parents were Nobile Schiavo and Mathilda Rosa (Minella) (1871-1938) who married in Italy on November 22, 1890.  Besides Virginia Schiavo Prinzo and Joan Schiavo Prinzo Feldkamp, Nobile, and Mathilda Rosa (Minella) Schiavo’s  other children were Maria Rosaria (Schiavo) Gnazzo (1891-1965), Antoinette (Schiavo) Neighbors (1907-1978), Bridget (Schiavo) Bowler (1909-1998) and Samuel Frank Schiavo (1912-1969).   

Vito and Virginia (Schiavo) Prinzo resided at 1916 Queen City Avenue while he held a job as a welder for the Street Railway Co.  Vito is pictured in the St. Anthony’s Welfare Center’s dedication picture in the front row with his son Robert” Robbie”  Prinzo  between Gennaro Palmieri and Pat Gallardo.  Vito and Virgie’s children were Joseph (1915-2002), Patricia Angelina (1917-1995) and Robert (1920-1991).  Joseph Prinzo wed Lorraine “Bit” White (1918-2000) on September 25, 1937, in a ceremony performed by Rev. Edwin J. Anweilier after they met crossing the Western Hills Viaduct.  Joseph Prinzo was called up for military service on March 20, 1945, at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio while a married man with young children.  Lorraine was working as a tailoress at the time while Joseph was employed as a skilled lineman and servicemen with the telegraph, telephone, and power (CG&E).  They had son Robert “Butch” Prinzo  (1939-2021) who wed Gladys (Hetzer) children Robert, Pam, Tony, Cyndi, Vince, and Debbie.  Joseph’s and Lorraine’s Daughters, the late Joyce Prinzo  (1943-2008),  children Mary, Sherry, Tony Joe, and Jason.   Audrey Prinzo wed Denny Davis, children Shelly, Denny, and Jerry.  Teresa Prinzo wed John Baker’s younger brother of our parishioner, Jack Baker,  children Gina, the late Angie, and Keith Baker.  Vito and Virginia’s “Virgie” daughter Patricia “Sis” Prinzo (1917-1995) wed Donald Hasenohr (1920-1987) who served as a Cincinnati Firefighter for 29 years with ladder Company 13 until his retirement.  Their children Nancy Yankoviak,  Denise Sierra and the late Mark Hasenohr, a Cincinnati Police Officer.  Nancy (Hasenohr) Bocklet Yankoviak married Robert “Toby”  Yankoviak and were continually active volunteers at San Antonio until his passing in 2105.  Nancy and Toby donated a new bird bath for our Memorial Brick Garden.  Youngest son, son Robert (1920-1991) wed Marian Eisert (1922-2010) and with their family relocated to Dade County, Florida with children the late Patricia “Pat-Pat” Ann Prinzo Lezaca (1943-2010 , Sandy, Rick, and Michael Robert Prinzo.   

The Prinzo family is connected to the many families who left Felitto, Italy to journey to Old Forge, Pennsylvania, Akron or Cincinnati, Ohio to establish themselves as American citizens and live to see their families grow.  Our San Antonio Church Community was sad to lose one of our last Prinzo church members, Butch Prinzo in 2021.  On Sunday, March 6^th we hope to welcome members of Butch and Gladys Prinzo’s family and the next generation of this historical family for our Mass and Celebration along with members of the Esposito, Gargano, and Moore Families. 

           

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin February 20, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we recall the Morra/Moore Families and their connections to many other families within the San Antonio Church community.  There were two brothers, Dominic Antonio (1877-1959) and younger brother Louis Morra (1896-1980).  Dominic married Mary Minella on April 30, 1905 and resided at 1937 Queen City Avenue.  Their children Angelina (1906-1984), Pauline “Palma” (1907-2001), twins Jeanette (1911-2002) and Joseph (1911-1986) and Rose (1926-1993).  Before World War I, Mary traveled back to Italy with her young children Angelina, Palma, Jeanette, and Joseph to visit her parents, Vito, and Palma Minella.  Their travel plans changed when Italy entered the war in 1915 with the United States following in 1917.  They finally returned to America on May 18, 1921, on the Ship San Giovanni when the children were older. 

When Mary and the children were in Italy, husband Dominic was living at 1937 Queen City Avenue, with Mary (Minella) Morra’s brother, Silvano Minella age 22, Donato Tedesco 20 years old, and Pasquale Lucia age 22.  Their homestead was on the corner directly across from Haynay’s Grocery that dated back to the mid 1800’s and was said to be a blacksmith and livery stable.  During Mary’s absence Dominic was working for Union Gas & Electric (CG&E) and in 1920,  Dominic  relocated to 2326 Symmes Street to live with his brother Louis‘s family while Mary and their children were delayed in Italy.  

In the 1930 census, Dominic and Mary were residing at 2326 Symmes with the twins (Jeanette and Joseph) now 19 and the youngest, Rose age 4.  Dominic and Mary built a home at 6610 Coffey Street in Mt. Washington where they became parishioners at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.  Their children:  daughter Angeline (Morra) (1905-1984) married Joseph Bonavita (1902-1972) in 1928 with children: Rafilia (Lee) Frank, Dominic, and Angelo.  Palma (Morra) (1907-2001) married Anthony Del Vecchio (1900-1962) in 1924.  To support his family, Anthony worked as a Machinist at P&G.  They had Ciro “Jerry” Del Vecchio (1927-1996), Kay Gibbons (1930-2018), and Mary Jo Parrott (1925-2003).  Palma (Morra) Del Vecchio relocated to Boynton Beach, Florida after Anthony’s death.  Jeanette Morra  (1911-2002) married Joseph Henkenberens (1911-1982) they had daughter, the late Sandra (1947-1949).  Joseph Morra (1911-1986) married Catherine Mangano (1912-1987) having daughter, the late Mary Kay Combs and son, Donald J. Morra.  Rose Morra (1926-2009 ) married Paul Bennet in December 1943 in Covington, Kentucky with two sons born to them, the late Michael and Randy Bennett.    

            Dominic’s younger brother Louis (1895-1980) came to America in 1913 at the age of 17 on the ship Santa Anna.  Louis wed Josephine Roberto (1901-1986) in 1919 and resided at 2206 Champlain Street with Grandpa,  Antonio Roberto with neighbors, Carmen Bonaventure at 2189 High Street, Pasquale Galardo 2212 Champlain, and Frank Roberto at 2208 Champlain Street. Louis and Josephine had seven children – Joseph, Anthony, John, Louis, Frank, Donald, and Rosemary.  The oldest son was Joseph Moore (1920-1988) who served in the Army before marrying Betty (Kidd) Moore (1933-2007) having a son, the late Timothy Joseph (1947-2012).  Son Anthony Moore (1922-1997) served in the Army WWII and received the French Croix de Guerre “Cross of War”  Medal with Palm for Heroism from the French Government,  5 Bronze stars and a Purple Heart for his service.  Anthony married twice,  1^st Angela M. Rocchio (1925-1977) then 2^nd,  Jane  Stapleton in 1982 in Clermont County, Ohio.  After raising their blended family Anthony and Jane moved to central Florida in 1993 having children Robert, Bonnie Jean, Scott, and Deborah.  Son John Moore (1924-1995) married Glenna Sylvania( Wittkamp ) (1925-2014) having daughter Linda.   Son Louis Moore (1928-1928) died shortly after birth.  Son Frank (Mousie) Moore married Arlene( Garthaus) having children Nancy and Connie.   Son Donald Moore (1932-2020) married Rosemary (Schweppe) in 1959 after serving in the Marines during the Korean War.  They welcomed children Barb, Donnie, Carol, Paul, and Gary.  Don along with Rosemary supported our church for many years with Don dedicating many years of service to San Antonio Church.  Louis and Josephine’s daughter, Rosemary (Moore) married Ken Carrier on the July 4^th weekend in 1952.  Their ceremony was the 2^nd wedding of the day celebrated at San Antonio Church as the 1^st was the JoAnn Augustine and Buddy LaRosa wedding.  They have one son Michael Carrier.   Rosemary and Ken relocated to Cumming, Georgia where they will be celebrating their 70^th Anniversary in 2022.        

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin February 13, 2022

by Terrie Evans

The next family to introduce to our San Antonio Church Community will be Sebastian (1888-1959) who came to America in 1909 and Rosa (Esposito) Gargano (1893-1924) who were married on March 15, 1914, in Hamilton County.  They resided at 2008 Queen City Avenue as their family grew, they welcomed Anthony who only lived for 2 days and died from a heart defect (1915-1915) Carmella (1916-2000), Pasquale (1917-1998), Thomas (1918-2004), Mary (1920-1986), Anthony Sando (1921-2005), and Rose Elizabeth (1923-2001).  Sebastian Gargano was present at the St. Anthony’s Welfare Center Dedication picture and is in the 3^rd row next to Herman Di Stasi.  Sadly, Rosa (Esposito) Gargano passed away at the age of 31 leaving six young children, 3 staying with Sebastian and the younger ones placed in St. Joseph’s Orphanage.  Sebastian found steady work in the Sewer Department digging ditches to support his family and while at work, was hit by a truck in front of the Proctor & Gamble Company Plant on Spring Grove Avenue in 1929.   He survived the hit and run accident with deep cuts to his head and a possible skull fracture and was treated at General Hospital.  In 1935, Sebastian finally became a Naturalized Citizen while raising his children who were able to come back from St. Joseph’s Orphanage as young teens. 

The oldest daughter Carmella Gargano (1916-2000) wed William Galarde children:  Rose Angela, Janet. Michael and the late Thomas (1946-2004).  Pasquale “Pat” (1917-1998) left St. Joseph’s Orphanage at the age of 12 and at 17 joined the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) a work program designed to supply jobs aid families during the Great Depression.  The program was available for single men from age 17 to 28 and provided them with shelter, clothing, food and $30 per month with $25 that had to be sent home to their family.  Pasquale would then serve in the U.S. Navy from 1938-1945 and upon his return, would meet his future wife on a visit to Bradford, Pennsylvania.   Almerinda Piazza, serving as a WAC during WWII would marry Pasquale Gargano in a Double Ring Ceremony on June 27, 1946, while he was a machine operator.  Years later they became owners of the Lackner Sign Company and welcomed son Richard “Dick”  Gargano.  Thomas Joseph Gargano (1918-2004) would also be released from St. Joseph Orphanage to serve in the Civil Conservation Corps working in West Virginia.   He would also join the U. S. Navy before his marriage to Mildred Irene (Wolford ) (1919-2005) and sign on for 21 more years until his retirement in 1957 as a Chief Warrant Officer.  Thomas was a World War II and Korean War Veteran serving on 5 War Ships and 2 Support Vessels.  When Thomas retired from the Navy, he went on to establish himself in a career in Engineering and Manufacturing Field.  Thomas and Mildred had one son Timothy “Tim” Gargano.  Daughter, Mary Gargano (1920-1986) married Jack Woodhouse and moved to Florida had children Benjamin, Donna and Steve.  Anthony Sando Gargano (1921-2005) served during World War II as a Gunner on a Navy Liberator search plane attached to the “ Blue Raiders”, a patrol bombing squadron.  Anthony was an Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3/c who went on to wed Mary Ellen Martin (1924-2021) who also served in the Army in World War II.  After the war, he established himself as a much sought out neighborhood Barber in South Fairmount for many years until he opened his new shop next to the Bella Napoli Italian Restaurant on Glenway Avenue in Price Hill.  Anthony and Mary’s family consisted of children, Anthony, Mary Rose, Pasquale “ Pat”, and Angeline.  The youngest daughter of Sebastian and Rosa was Rose Elizabeth Gargano (1923-2001) married Robert Lowe (1920-2002) on July 14, 1948, in Los Angeles, California while he was serving in World War II and Korea from 1947-1952.  Children Dennis, Thomas (T.C.), Phyliss and Bob.  They moved to the area around Dayton, Ohio and are buried there.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin February 6, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 1^st Sunday in February, San Antonio Church welcomes and salutes 3 more historical church families for a Mass and reception in our Hall.  Today we honor the LaCortiglia, Belfiore and Gorrasi family members as we recall their dedication to our church.  These families were connected to everyone from the “old neighborhood” and have provided a lot of good memories that are still shared among our parishioners today.  Luigi La Coritglia (pictured in St. Anthony Welfare Dedication picture)  with  sons Carmen, (on the military Honor Roll in our Hall) and Angelo settled at 1977 Harrison Avenue.   They had family close by, an uncle who was here at that time, Michael Scorziello and wife Barbara who resided at 1907 Biegler Street.   Carmen would meet and marry a young woman from Italy. Anna Belfiore who was living at 1998 Queen City Avenue with widow Josephine (Palmieri) Panaro and young couple,  George and Rosie (Cupito) Young.    After serving during World War II Carmen would become the neighborhood Barber and welcome daughter Angela and sons Pasquale and Sylvester.  They were present at all events with Anna volunteering at the Bingo Booth for many of the festivals held in our church lot.  When Carmen and Anna welcomed grandchildren, the Baptisms were held at San Antonio Church.  Carmen’s brother, Angelo also married a girl from the area, Mary Margaret Mazzaro from the Antonio Mazzaro family who lived at 1695 Montrose Street and their children, Mary Angela, Patricia, and Louis. 

The Belfiore’s, Joseph, Teresa, Anna, and Lina came to Cincinnati in the 1950’s and were welcomed by his sister, Anna (Belfiore) La Cortiglia, to South Fairmount and San Antonio Church.  They would locate to an apartment at the corner of Harrison and Fairmount Avenues near their Aunt Anna and Uncle Carmen and the new family to our community became members of our church.  Aunt Anna and Uncle Carmen helped their niece,  Anna enroll at St. Bonnies School and were there for their youngest Lina.  The Belfiore family looked forward to Saturday nights at the LaCortiglia’s home above the Barber Shop for a delicious meal and spending time with their cousins.  After dinner, the men would play a game of Italian cards on a specially built round table that included Papa Luigi, Carmen, Angelo, Joseph Belfiore and Salvatore Petrillo, the new owner of Scalea’s Grocery.  The Belfiore’s had their first memories in their new homeland around the families of South Fairmount and the little Italian Church that they would support for many years.  They would welcome their son Astride (Reese) open a business and move to a new house and years later, son-in-law Dolphus” Boyd”  (1948-2021) and Anna (Belfiore) Davis would become parishioners with sons, the late Doug and Jeff.

The 3^rd family we honor this Sunday is Joseph and Carmella Gorrasi family who settled at 1845 Westwood Avenue with children, Grace, George Ralph, Frank Anthony, Carl Charles, Donald, and David.  The Gorrasi family also had 3 uncles who were also parishioners, James who resided at 1897 Montrose Street , Leo who lived at 2800 Queen City Avenue and Emilio who resided at the Gorrasi household on Westwood Avenue.  The Gorrasi family is also related to the D’Angelo Family through Carmella Aurichio Gorrai’s mother whose maiden name was D’Angelo.  All the Gorrasi men were part of the Men’s Society, the Contadini Society and were present at many April Men’s Nights over the years.  We welcome the descendants of the Gorrasi siblings who are no longer with us and those two surviving siblings,  the oldest Grace Gorrasi Manz King and the youngest, David Gorrasi.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 9, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 2^nd Sunday of the New Year, we introduce the next family groups to be honored and celebrated February 6^th.  The first to recall were the members of the LaCortiglia family who left the town of Albanella, Italy located in the southwestern part of the country.  Luigi LaCortiglia (1890-1990) journeyed to America with his two sons, Joseph Angelo (1911-1977) and Carmen (1914-2010) after the passing of his wife and their Mama, Angela.  They arrived in New York on the ship Colombo on October 26, 1927, with $25.  Angelo was 16 and Carmen was 13 when they traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio after their uncle Michael Scorzziello and his wife Barbara settled here from Peru, Indiana to a little frame house at 1907 Biegler Street.  They settled at 1977 Harrison Avenue where they established their homestead for many years.  Luigi LaCortiglia’s (1890-1990) number one desire was to make it to his 100^th Birthday, as he recalled all the churches in the little towns throughout Italy ringing their Church bells to honor the milestone.  Luigi did and saw his two sons marry, have children and he felt blessed when grandchildren arrived.  His oldest son, Angelo married Mary Mazzaro (1918-1994) and was employed at the Frederick Schmidt Company at 5^th and Main Streets at the age of 29.  Years later, Angelo went on to work as a maintenance worker at Procter and Gamble until his retirement.  Angelo (Skee) and Mary welcomed daughters Mary Angela (LaCortiglia) Brock, Patricia (LaCortiglia) Lancaster, and son Louis LaCortiglia.  He was a member of San Antonio Church, the Holy Name, and the Contadini Italian Societies at the time of his passing. 

During World War II, youngest son, Carmen LaCortiglia joined the Army and served in the Pacific in Iwo Jima and Okinawa.  While stationed at those remote posts, servicemembers were assigned to different jobs and Carmen was chosen to cut hair and that is how he became a neighborhood barber through-out his life.  On his return from serving in the Army while attending San Antonio Church, Carmen met Anna Belfiore who had just arrived from Italy and was living on the east side of Cincinnati before moving to the Panaro home at 1998 Queen City Avenue.  Anna longed for a connection to others like herself and she found that in the community around the church.  After they married, Anna made a comfortable home for the couple on the second floor above the Barber Shop at 1937 Harrison Avenue where they welcomed daughter Angela and in 1958 added two brothers from Italy to their home.  She knew how important it was to young children to be part of a family as Anna (Belfiore’s) Father, Joseph was orphaned as well as her siblings after the death of her mother.  Carmen and Anna worked with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and after almost a 3 year wait, Sylvester and Pasquale joined the LaCortiglia Family.  Anna (Belfiore) LaCortiglia was known for her dressmaking and her cooking skills and Carmen was known for his magnificent garden in a vacant lot directly across the street from their home.  Carmen grew a variety of vegetables along with peppers and tomatoes for Anna’s kitchen.   Anna will always be remembered for her genuine kindness and how much fun the other quilters and Monday morning crafters had at the San Antonio Hall.  Carmen and Anna were married for 52 years at the time of her passing and witnessed Sylvester wed Mary Lou, Angie wed Bill Thesing and Pasquale wed Pasqualina and welcome 7 grandchildren.    

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 2, 2022

by Terrie Evans

Happy New Year to everyone!  On this Sunday we celebrate 3 more historic South Fairmount families who date back to the early days of our church.  The LaRosa, Fariello, and La Scalea/Scalia families who were with San Antonio National Italian Parish from the beginning in 1922.  This group of families along with the others we have honored since August are the numerous squares of the fabric that formed the neighborhood of Little Italy.  We appreciate their stories of sacrifice and dedication t and our church and each other; and we are very thankful to have their descendants visit us for Mass and a Reception on this morning.

The 1^st Family is the Sebastiano and Angela LaRosa Family who came to Cincinnati around 1905.  Their son Anthony LaRosa wed Mary Helena Panaro, and their marriage produced son Donald “Buddy” LaRosa who after marrying “Jo-Jo” Augustine at San Antonio Church never forgot the church on Queen City and White Streets.  Buddy knew how much the church meant to his Grandmother Josephine (Palmieri)  Panaro who was one of the ladies who showed up on Fridays, many years ago, with his Aunt Dena (Panaro) Minella to clean the church.  In honor of them, Buddy continued to offer any assistance that would be needed to keep the church up and running.  He never refused the many requests directed his way and we appreciate Buddy and his sons Mike and Mark for their continued support.

The next is the Rosario and Josephine “Giosina” Fariello family who some of our parishioners still remember.  Rosario was known for his garden in his yard on Biegler Street and Josephine was known for her baking skills; especially being the person who would be called on to make the popular wedding cookies for the neighborhood brides.  Their son, John and spouse, Mary Ellen “Mel”  Fariello continued to be a presence at San Antonio Church during those many uncertain years.  John served at Mass while Mel set up the Altar,  made the announcements and was a member of the Bereavement Team.  As a couple they both were members of the Men’s and Ladies Club and attended every 1^st Friday of the month meeting.  John Fariello held the record for selling more ad spots than any other volunteer for our Spaghetti Dinner Placemat. He covered a lot of miles to approach the many contacts he had from the local auto parts businesses.  They were dedicated to San Antonio Church and when their young Grandson Roman became required a special treatment at St. Jude’s Hospital all their friends from church held a benefit to defray the costs.  They devoted many years for the good of our church and we will never forget them.            

The 3^rd Family are the two branches of the Scalia/ La Scalea family who lived in the Lick Run Area of South Fairmount since the turn of the Century when Antoinette Di Nardi and Nobile Scalea moved to the area and operated two grocery stores to serve the area.  They attended Mass and supported our church until the time Alvina Scalea sold the store and moved out of the area. Generations of Little Italy families have many good memories of Alvina Scalea when the neighborhood grocery was a welcoming place to shop.  

The other branch of the Scalia family is the Nicola and Antoinette (Ventre) Scalia.  Oldest daughter Antoinette(Scalia) Brockmeyer was so inspired by Sr. Blandina, Servant of God, that her stories about the Sister of Charity inspired her daughter, Carol Brockmeyer to join the Order and become Sr. Anthony Brockmeyer who celebrated 65 years of service in 2019.  Sr, Anthony started the Vine Street Neighborhood Service 27 years ago to serve the poor and assist them in meeting the basic needs of daily life.  Sr.  Anthony would pick up donations from different organizations and those generous individuals to deliver to the center.  She is now retired but those she served will never forget her compassion and generous spirit. Another Scalia relative is Pete Scalia, one-time WLWT-TV traffic reporter who is now part of the WCPO-TV’s Cincy Lifestyle Team.  Pete Scalia is the son of musician Tony Scalia who played at all the Felitto Club events and his grandfather was the late Pete “The Pirate” Scalia (as Mussie Minella called him) from the old neighborhood. 

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 26, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday after Christmas, we introduce the last of the January 2^nd families that will be celebrated at mass and a reception on that day.  There are two branches of the La Scalia or Scalea Families.  The first is the Nicola (1890-1917) and the Antoinette (Ventre) Scalia Loffredo (1888-1933) family.  Her parents were Carmine Ventre and Caroline Sabetta.  Nicola and Antoinette arrived from Felitto, Italy with their infant daughter, Antoinette (Scalia) (1913-1964) who years later would marry Jerome Brockmeyer.  Nicloa and Antoinette welcomed daughter Grace Scalia (1916-2008) who married Ernest Palumbo (1910-1980 and son Peter Gus Scalia (1917-1974) who wed Doris Hill (1927-2011).  Nicola passed away after the birth of Peter in 1917; and 3 years later in 1920, Antoinette married Louis Loffredo (1874-1948).  Two more children were born, Josephine Loffredo (1921-1977) who married Anthony Cooper, and Nicholas Anthony Loffredo (1923-1979) who wed Elizabeth Ferris. 

Thirteen years after their marriage, Antoinette (Ventre) Scalia Loffredo died on December 2, 1933, six months after her brother Domenico Ventre (1876-1933) who died on June 24^th.  At the time of her passing, the oldest Antoinette was 20, Grace 17, Peter 16, and minor children Josephine 12, and the youngest, Nicholas 10.  Their family homestead was located at 1923 Montrose Street where Louis raised the children until passing away at 74 years of age.  The Scalia/Loffredo siblings grew up in Little Italy and during those early years of our church, two Sisters of Charity did much work with the youth in the neighborhood who needed extra care.  Antoinette Scalia Brockmeyer was taught by those Sisters of Charity, Blandina and Justina; and her daughter Carol Ann Brockmeyer was inspired by their dedication and joined their order, becoming Sr. Anthony Brockmeyer, S.C.   

The other branch of the La Scalea or Scalea Family were well known for the grocery they started around 1900.  Their family was established when Antoinette Di Nardi (1873-1953) married Noblie Scalea (1866-1930) in Salerno Italy on October 13, 1892.  They immigrated to the United States in 1903.  Nobile ‘s parents were Pasquale and Giuseppa (Schiavo) La Scalea.  Antoinette and Noblie’s family consisted of Nicholas “Scully “ Scalea (1896-1975) who married Amelia Bloemer; he served in the United States Marines, resided in Kentucky, and was employed by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.  Daughter Alvina, (1904-2000) worked with her mother, corresponded with Bing Crosby about racehorses, trainers, and the jockeys who rode them.  Son Joseph (1906-1969) married Bertha Mobley.  Son Anthony (1910-1977), lived at 2161 Queen City Avenue and was employed by Nash Tailors at Henry and Elm Streets.  Daughter Anna (Scalea) Dench married Joseph Fazio (1910-1998).  Daughter Josephine Scalea  (1913-1995) married Thomas W, Owen II. 

The Matriarch, Antoinette Di Nardi Scalea worked for a tailoring business while her husband worked for Union Gas and Electric until they opened two grocery stores located at 1957 and 2161 Queen City Avenues that she ran for 53 years until her death in 1953.   Alvina then ran the much-needed grocery and staple in the neighborhood.  The Scalea’s Grocery would hold your weekly bill until payday at the end of the week.  They worked with all the neighborhood families and really helped them survive through very tough times.  After Alvina passed away, Salvatore and Maria Petrillo saved enough money to buy the business in 1965 and kept it going for the next 35 years.