Category: News

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 November 14, 2021

by Terrie Evans

In the next few weeks of November,  we will introduce  the Andriacco, Scriveri, Lucia and Soldano families to honor more of the early  families of the neighborhood and of San Antonio Church for their celebration on  Sunday, December 3.  The first family to recall  is  Sebastian Andriacco (1861-1934) a widower,  who came to this country  with son Antonio Angelo Andriacco (1881-1961).  They left  Potenza, Italy and arrived in America  around 1897 when Antonio Angelo, was 16  years old. 

By 1910 Sebastian was now living at 1890 Queen City Avenue (a 14 room house)  with other family members and working as a contract laborer.   Years later, his son, Antonio Angelo (1881-1961) would marry  Lucy Guerra (1880-1940 and add children:  1^st daughter Marie (1905- 1979) who married Vincent Scriveri (1896-1973); raising a family at 1955 Fairmount Avenue and  then moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  Antonio Angelo and Lucy, while on the Andriacco Farm in Blanchester, Ohio  lost their son, Sebastian (1907-1924) named after his grandfather, from a hunting accident when he was just 17.  Their daughter Rose (1908-1935) died of tuberculosis  at age 27 and was buried from San Antonio Church.   In 1910, son  William Andriacco (1910-1975) served in the  Army during World War II, married  Sadie Hamblin had  children Rose Mary (1936-2017) Vera, and William Andriacco (1942-2018).   Daughter, Antoinette Andriacco (1911-1999) wed Frederick Romeo Tallarigo (1913-1996), children – son Fred Tallarigo.  Joseph Andriacco  (1916-2002) worked as a pipefitter with CG&E before serving joining the Army Air Force in 1942.  In 1942, Joseph  married Mildred Eisert (1918-2006) children David, John, Joseph (1951-2015)  Diane and Mary Jo.  Helen (Andriacco) Walsh (1918-1963)  wed  Joseph Walsh (1910-1987) who managed his family’s Grocery Store in the East End before serving as a Tech Sgt. in the Army during World War II.  Helen and Joseph welcomed 8 children:  Michael (1949-1966), Karen (Walsh) Reagan (1951-2013)  Stephen (1953-1970),  Anthony, Patty Ann, Mary Helen, Timothy and Margaret.  Donato Andriacco (1920-2006) one of the” Fairmount Guys” joined the Navy at 17  wed Jewell Patterson (1922-2001) when she was 18,  Sons Dan and spouse Ann (Brauer) Andriacco, and Anthony and spouse Martha( King) Andriacco.  The last sibling was Angelo Andriacco (1922-1926)  died of pneumonia at age 4 had his Angel Mass  at San Antonio Church.   

When Sebastian Andriacco, was 69,  he lived with grand-daughter, Mary (1905-1979) and  her spouse, Vincent Scriveri  (1896-1973) at 1890 Queen City Avenue with their children Frank, Anthony, Marion, Lucy, Pauline, Jo Ann and  Rosalie who died in infancy.  Head of the house, Vincent Scriveri  was born in Italy to Francesco and Marina Scriveri in 1896 and journeyed  to the United States at the age of 16.  Vincent served in the military in 1917 serving in World War I, became a United States citizen in 1918,  and married  Mary Andriacco in 1920.  Grandfather, Sebastian Andriacco  died  in 1934 after being struck by a bicyclist in front  of 1907 Queen city Avenue.  He was able to walk home from the accident but succumbed the next day at General Hospital.  As the  Scriveri family  grew, they moved to 1955 Fairmount  Avenue.  The Scriveri Siblings were:  Frank Scriveri (1922-1985), married to Audrey, children Pamela, Vincent, Carolyn and Frank and with 2^nd Spouse Connie, daughter Francine.  Anthony “Ice” Scriveri (1925-2013) in World War II participated in Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 went on to serve in the Merchant Marine and after moving to  Ft. Lauderdale,  Florida  joined the Lauderdale Fire Dept until retirement in 1975.  Marian Scriveri (1927-2009) married Paul Risch and they had one son Rick.  Lucy Scriveri (1928-2016) worked as a secretary with the City of Cincinnati and at Xavier University until retiring, Pauline Scriveri (1931-2020) married 1^st Robert James children Robert, Geri and Alice then married widower, Marvin Miller with sons, Glen, Gary and daughter Karen.  Jo Ann Scriveri  (1936-2010)  married Louis Schoepf, worked in marketing and management for Super X Drug Stores and for Hoeting Reality; had Steven, Chris and Sandra.  The last child born to Mary (Andriacco) and Vincent Scriveri was daughter, Rosalie Scriveri  who died as an infant in 1937.

Update: Our volunteers contribute a great deal of their personal time and energy to researching the original families of San Antonio, but these articles may omit info that is unknown to them from time to time. One such omission was recently brought to our attention. Frank Scriveri (1922-1985) had another daughter, Patricia Scriveri, who was not included above. She married James Gartner at San Antonio Church in 1968.

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 November 7, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday our church family welcomes the Romelli, Bonaventura, Acito and Di Stasi families as we continue to celebrate the early  founding families of San Antonio Church. We honor the past generations  from all these San Antonio Families  who were part of the early settlers who helped establish our church for the Italian Catholics in the Little Italy section of South Fairmount.  They  were connected not only by family ties, but by the region or town in Italy where they journeyed from.  Many of those families moving to Lick Run in the early 1900’s  lived around the little stone church, St. Peters on Queen City Avenue, built in 1844 when the area was a strong German enclave.  With more Italians coming to America either through  Old Forge or locating from  other cities to find work here  many chose to establish their families in South Fairmount.  During those years in our country’s history, many rules were in place for those risking their lives to make the journey to a new life.  Barely able to speak English, they all knew they would need a sponsor, a local  address where they would establish themselves, and a job when they located to this community; a valley that was close to factories for job opportunities, schools, transportation and a  welcoming tight knit community. 

Their new home  would be a great place to establish themselves and raise families around others  with the same work ethic, drive and values.  Generations later we honor those ancestors and celebrate their families who accomplished the many dreams of those who took a chance and journeyed to a new country to work and make their lives and give all of us a better way of life. 

On this Sunday we remember the Romelli family who established their homestead near the church and went on to volunteer since the church was founded.  Giacomo Romelli was part of  the Festival Committee  in 1932 on the 10^th Anniversary of the founding of parish.  The women of the Romelli family went on to be long time  members of the St.  Ann’s Ladies Sodality when Fern Romelli Roberto  was  President and Barbara Romelli  was elected Treasurer.  The Romelli family members dedicated many years to fundraisers, events and working at our monthly  Lunch on the House Program.   

The  Patrizio Bonaventure family were members of our church  for many generations and worked the many  Annual Spaghetti Dinners, festivals and church events.  They resided at 1911 Biegler Street and supported all the societies when Christos Dektas husband of Helen Bonaventure became President of the Men’s Club during the time of the big 50^th Anniversary Celebration of San Antonio Church.  They held all their family Baptisms here as well as all their families special events.  On June 26, 2021, San Antonio Church held the  celebration for the 50^th   Wedding   Anniversary Mass  of Mike and Linda Dektas, their children and grandchildren.  The  Dominic Acito family established their big family in the area with multiple generations  always supporting San Antonio Church. 

The Acito Family arrived  here in 1903 from Roccadaspide with Patriach, Dominic  working many jobs  as a laborer while raising his family.  Dominic Acito was present for the dedication of the San Anthony  Welfare Center and years later, our pastor, Fr. Aurelian Munch chose his son  Dan Acito and relative, Jerry Ventre to remodel the old sanctuary.  Dan became a renown  muralist who was inspired  by sights throughout Europe while serving  during World War II.  Years later, Peter and  Caroline( Ventre) Acito, along with daughter Pam and son Joe Acito  were members of the San Antonio Church Choir.  They were all members of the Men’s and Ladies Clubs and supported all the Monte Carlo Nights held every March in the Hall at San Antonio.      

The Di Stasi family came here around 1910 from Felitto, Italy  and settled at 1894 Montrose Street.  They have connections to all the families at San Antonio Church who came from the town of Felitto through many Di Stasi family members  marrying into those families. Rosario Di Stasi is in the dedication picture of the St Anthony Welfare Center  along with Tony ( Herman) Di Stasi while other family members  participated in the procession.  They have been with us throughout the years and continue to support us as Dino Di Stasi and his family did by delivering 80 meals  for our Lunch on the House program that helps our parishioners distribute a warm meal to anyone who comes to our Hall.  We appreciate and thank all the members of these families past and present  who have attended  Sunday Mass and celebrated  the Sacraments with us throughout the last 99 years!  We can never thank you enough for being here for us  throughout these uncertain times.

Other news!  During our Sunday celebrations, we will be selling our famous homemade meatballs and sauce after every Mass.  Meatballs are 10 for $10 and  a quart of sauce for $7.00.

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 October 31, 2021

by Terrie Evans

The last family scheduled  for our November 7^th monthly celebration is  Rosario (1877-1969)  and Grace Maria (Prinzo) DiStasi (1888-1970) and their children, Mary, Clementine, Angelina, Anthony and Herman.  Grace Maria Prinzo was born in 1888 to Clementina Tarallo (1851-1899)  and Antonio Prinzo (1845-1910)  with her sister, Josephine (Prinzo) 1890-1972) marrying Pasquale Galardo (1872-1949).  Both Grace Maria  (Prinzo ) DiStasi’s parents passed away before she journeyed to America.  Rosario Di Stasi was born in 1877 in Felitto, Italy  to parents Angelo DiStasi (1834-1911) and Maria Rosa Tedesco (1841-1910).  Rosario wed Grace before coming to America in 1910.  Their three daughters, Mary Di Stasi Kleinwaechter (1911-2007), Clementine DiStasi Gulino (1913-2006) and Angelina DiStasi Spencer (1915-1994) were born in Cincinnati.  The DiStasi  family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio  for a short time where son Anthony Di Stasi (1918-1999) was born.  In the fall of 1919, son Herman DiStasi was born (1919-1986) after moving back to  Cincinnati.   

In 1930, Rosario and Grace owned their own home located at 1894 Montrose Street when he was 53 years old, Grace was 42.  They were active San Antonio parishioners with Grace now a member of the St. Ann’s Ladies Society.  In that year,  Mary was 18, Clementine was 16, Angela was 14, Tony was 12 and Herman was 10 while Rosario worked as a machine operator in the upholstery factory.  By 1940, Rosario and Grace had the two youngest  residing with them  at 1894 Montrose Street, sons, Tony now 22 and Herman 20 years old. 

The oldest sibling, Mary A. DiStasi was a cashier (1911-2007) when she married truck driver, Paul Joseph Kleinwaechter (1911-1982 ) in June 1939.  Their address was listed at 1825 Forbus Street and later welcomed  daughters, Janis and Carol.  Clementine Di Stasi (1914-2006)  wed Frank Gulino (1906-1986) who served in the  U. S. Army during WWII and after his service became a District Manager at Kroger’s for 38 years.  Angela DiStasi (1915-1994) worked as an inspector when she married  Manning Spencer (1915-1987) who held a job as a clerk while living at 2308 Lehman Road and their family consisted of daughter Gail and son Bruce Spencer. 

Anthony DiStasi (1918-1999)  was a meter tester before marrying Helen Klump on October 25, 1941 at San Antonio Church and moving to 1246 ILiff  Avenue.  During WWII, Anthony was inducted into the military at Ft. Thomas, Kentucky  and sent on to St Petersburg, Florida for training with the Army Air Forces.  Anthony and Helen celebrated  57 years of marriage  at the time of his passing. Their daughter, Linda Ann DiStasi Evert ( 1942-2016) passed away in Tinley Park, Illinois at 73.  Their other children Deborah,Toni, and Lesa DiStasi.  Helen Klump DiStasi celebrated her 100^th Birthday in 2021!  

Rosario and Grace’s youngest son, Herman Di Stasi (1919-1986) wed Anne Mary Acito (1921-1996) on  April 30, 1946 at  San Antonio Church.  Their wedding was a milestone celebration as all of Anne’s  5 brothers safely returned  from World War II and were present.  During those years, Peter Acito served over 4 years, Frank  Acito served 3 years in the Pacific, Tony Acito served in the Army and Merchant Marine, Dan Acito  was a veteran of both theaters and Joe Acito was stationed in Europe. The groom, Herman “Nouch” Di Stasi enlisted in the Army on January 31, 1941 when he was 21 and  served four years with the 37^th Division in the Pacific before his marriage.  He went  on to serve  27 years as a patrolman, detective, and valued member of the vice squad within the Cincinnati Police Dept.   Anne and Herman’s family:  Mary Jo, Richard, Donna ,Danise, Dino and Mark.  In 1949, after their children  started their own families, Rosario and Grace sold their family home at 1894 Montrose Street to Ralph Ruwe.  Their 4 room frame home  that held  many family memories sat on a lot that was 30 by 50. They would move on  to 5846 Willow Oak Lane in the suburb of White Oak.  

 Other DiStasi Families who were parishioners and lived in South  Fairmount were  Giuseppe “Joseph” Antonio Di Stasi (1879-1929)  who married 1^st Giulia Amante Di Stasi in 1903.  After arriving in America, son Francesco Di Stasi  was born around 1909.  His  2^nd wife Elena (Minella) DiStasi (1890-1970) journeyed to America in 1920 to marry Giuseppe  in 1921.  After his mother Giulia passed away, son  Francesco “Frank” spent a few years at the St. Joseph Orphanage.  After Giuseppe DiStasi died in 1929, Francesco  “Frank”  resided with Elena (Minella)  DiStasi, his stepmother  on Montrose Street in the early 1930’s.   The other Di Stasi Family  Parish family  is the Antonio Di Stasi (1863-1938) and wife Rosa Pacente family.   Their daughter Maria Grazia Di Stasi  (1885-1947)  married Antonio Cupito (1891-1939).  Their children:  Joseph Cupito (1913-1984), Antonio Cupito (1915-1927), Russell Cupito (1916-1995), Victor John Cupito(1919-2002), John D. Cupito(1920-1921), Noble William Cupito (1920-1991), Rose Marie Cupito Young (1921-2011).  

Other news!  During our Sunday celebrations, we will be selling our famous homemade meatballs and sauce after every Mass.  Meatballs are 10 for $10 and  a quart of sauce for $7.00.

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 October 17, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday, we  introduce the next  historical San Antonio Parish Family  to be honored on November 7^th, the Bonaventure Family.  The Patriarch and Matriarch of this family is Patrizio Nicholas Bonaventura (1880-1943) and Estella Grace (Ventre) (1883-1947).  Patrizio started his life as a foundling taken in and adopted by members of the  Cerrullo Family  who are linked to the Minella, Pagnoto and Sabata Families.  He was given the name  Patrizio Nicolas with his last name, Bonaventura meaning  Good Fortune and came to America with members of the Cerullo Family at age 16.  When he arrived in New York at Ellis Island Patrizio was able to read and write as the Cerullo Family took much time in schooling him.  Estella  came from the large  Ventre  family  also from Felitto and was the sister of Louis, Domenico, Vito, Rosario, Antoinetta, Maria Grazia, Theresa, and Luciano Ventre.  Patrizio and Estella  were married on January 8, 1905.  When they settled in the Little Italy section of South Fairmount, their family consisted of  Marie Bonaventura (1907-1976) who married Nicolas Musselli  (1900-1963); siblings Josephine, Patrick Nicholas, Anthony, Stella Marie and Carmen. 

Caroline “Carly” Bonaventura  (1908-1982) wed Joseph Romelli in 1951  siblings Fern Roberto, Roy and Patrick Romelli.  Herman Carmine “Nuch” Bonaventura (1912-1989) wed Carmella Smeraldo (1915-1984) in 1936 and lived at 2189 High Street and welcomed daughters Mrs. Thomas Ruehl and  Fern Webster.  Anna Rose Bonaventura (1914-1985) came next and then  son Joseph Patrizio Bonaventura (1917-2005) known as an excellent athlete who would train by running up White Street, qualified for the 1936 Olympics in Munich-wrestling team and was a Sgt. During World War II with the Rangers in the European Theatre.  Joe  married  Marie Elsa Cottman (1921-1958) and after her passing, 2^nd Florence Jones (1922-2020), siblings Joy Marie Niehaus-Jenkins (1950-2010) and Robin Lee Bonaventura.  Helen Marie Bonaventura (1920-1999) married Christos Dektas, who was President of the San Antonio Men’s Club around the 50^th Anniversary of San Antonio Church.  Their children were Tina (1952-2004) and Michael Dektas.  Rosemary  Bonaventura (1923-1996), married Edward Delph (1921-1978)  daughters Barbara Strasser, Teresa Hudson, son Prof. Edward Delp.  Estelle “Jennie” Bonaventura (1925-1993) married Clifford Walkenhorst (1925-1995) their family consisted of John and Steven.  Some of these siblings were part of the 1^st Communion, Confirmation and May Crowning’s held at San Antonio Church who were prepared to receive the Sacraments by Sister of Charity, Blandina Segale, Servant of God. 

In the 1930 Census, the Patrizio and Stella Bonaventura Family  resided at 2164 Queen City Avenue.  In the 1940 Census, Patrizio was working on the infrastructure within the city laying sewers while living  at 2144 Queen City Avenue. As their family grew, the Patrizio Bonaventure Family moved to 1911 Biegler Street closer to San Antonio Church where they volunteered  and made many friends. 

Another San Antonio Church Parishioner and neighbor of the Bonaventures was Michael and Barbara  Scorziello.  Michael (1880-1954)  from Roccoadaspiede, Italy  and Barbara( Venice) Scorziello  (1887-1963) from Cirigliano, Italy came solo to America and settled in Peru, Indiana.  Michael Scorziello had family connections and started working for the railroad as a Section Man.  When Barbara Venice arrived with her family, they  married the next year in Peru, Indiana.  They settled in Little Italy at 1907 Biegler Street when Michael worked at the  Lunkenheimer  Company.  Michael Scorziello is on the Santa Maria Welfare Center Dedication Picture with all the men from  San Antonio and is seated between Vito Gramaglia and Angelo Fariello.    Michael  was on the Festival Committee in 1932 while  Barbara was a member of the St. Ann’s Married Ladies Sodality; both worked  at many of the Spaghetti Dinners  during those years.  Barbara is one of the San Antonio Ladies in a photo with Mrs. Josephine (Palmieri) Panaro working at a Spaghetti Dinner in the 1950’s.   

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 October 10, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On November 7^th, San Antonio Church will honor the Romelli, Bonaventura, Acito, and  Di Stasi families at a Mass and Reception in our Hall.  The 1st family  to introduce is the Joseph Romelli  (1900-1990) and Caroline Bonaventura (1911-1982) Family.  Joseph was born in 1900  in  Italy and arrived in America as a young boy with his father Rocco.  Joseph’s siblings, Teresa, Grazia, Rocco, Mary, Carmela, Rose Mary from mother  Fortunata and father Rocco’s blended family.  In the 1920 Census, Joseph resided  in Butler County  working for the Railroad as a Section Man.  In 1930, Joseph married  Caroline Bonaventura with daughter Fernadina born in 1931, Roy in 1934, and Patrick in 1940.   On May 23, 1936  Fern  was a Flower Girl in the Wedding of her uncle Carmine Bonaventura to Joseph’s sibling, Carmella Smeraldo at San Antonio Church.  In 1936, Joseph’s mother Fortunata (1874-1936) passed away at  age 62 and in the 1940 census the Joseph  Romelli Family was living at 2164 Queen City Avenue (The St. Peter’s Lick Run Historic District) when Joseph was 39, Caroline was 29, Fern was 8, Roy was 5 and Patrick was 4 with Joseph’s Father, Rocco also living with them.  At that time Joseph was employed as a Coremaker with the  William Powell Company.  The Romelli family has connections to generations of San Antonio Parishioners and worked to promote our church and their Italian Heritage.  At one time, Joseph and daughter, Fern  Roberto took part in the United Nations Harvest Home Festival along with Vito Ventre  and Rose Cerullo performing folk dances of Italy.  Other Romelli  family members are the, Cucinotta, Lingardo, Ricci, Rullo, Scrimizzi and Smeraldo Families.

On April 4, 1951 Fernadina Caroline Romelli (1931-2010)  married a young man from the neighborhood, Louis Roberto (1928-2000) at San Antonio Church.  Louis’s parents were Louise (Di Stasi) (1891-1942) and Pasquale Roberto, (1892-1953) founder of Pasquale’s Pizza.   Louis’ siblings were Angela, Joseph, Rose, Anthony, Patrick, Alexander  and Vito.  While living on Beigler Street, Fern and Lou Roberto’s Family  consisted of LuAnn, Tony, Tina, Vincent and Gina.  Fern’s younger brother  Roy Romelli wed Barbara Lee Spicer (1936-2002) in 1956 and were married 47 years.  Barbara was the Treasurer of the St. Ann’s Married Lady’s Sodality and their family consisted of Angela, Lisa, Maria, Joseph, Louis and Nicole.  Fern and Roy’s  artistic brother, Patrick Romelli, became a commercial artist and illustrator and married Mary Ann Thomas with their family consisting of Jennifer, Caroline, Patrick and Thomas.  

Fern, Roy, Pat and their spouses and families have  served San Antonio Church for many years.  Fern was front and center at all the Spaghetti Dinners, Palm Sunday Bake Sales and all the fundraisers at San Antonio Church.  Fern was President of the St. Ann’s Ladies Sodality when the 1^st “Mangia” Cook Book was Published under the direction of then Pastor, Rev. Melvin Holtel  with the 72 pages  of fantastic recipes becoming a big success.  Fern remained as President of the new Men’s and Ladies Club and  revised the cook book  for a new publication of 84 pages from recipes of San Antonio parishioners.  Fern’s brother  Roy Romelli has been a volunteer at San Antonio throughout his life at  every fundraiser and a hands on volunteer who has tackled many tedious jobs and  has probably made one million meatballs for all our  annual Spaghetti Dinners.  He is a regular  at all the Lunch on the House Tuesdays as a part of our dedicated kitchen crew and his expertise as a sheet metal worker has come in handy many times.  Their youngest brother Pat  has used his  talents over the years at San Antonio for the design of the Memorial Brick Garden for our 85^th Anniversary on October 7, 2007.  Pat also helped design our new lighted Marquee for master bricklayer from G&G Masonry, the late Pete (Guy) Langenbrunner (1931-2018) and our master iron designer  from Sterling Industries, Dick Linnemann.   At present Pat has designed a beautiful rendering of San Antonio Church  with all proceeds going for the 100^th Anniversary Celebration.   

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 October 3, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday, October 3^rd, San Antonio Church will celebrate and honor the Delseno’s, Di Stefano’s (Stevens), Cerullo and Serraino Families.  These families are part of the history of our church and the settlement of southern Italian Families who came to Cincinnati for a better way of life.  The men from these four families (in the St. Anthony Welfare Center dedication picture) came to the America where they believed  that the streets where paved in gold but, upon their arrival, they found there were no golden streets, the streets were not even paved and many took jobs to pave them.  They worked as laborers; married and raised families while following the American dream so each generation would have a better future.  Angelo and Philomena Delseno , married for over 60 years hoped their children would get an education and move up to better jobs; and they did.  The Delseno siblings went on the have their own families and  achieve more as the son of Nelda Delseno and Edward Ekhardt did.  Dennis Ekhardt  grew up in South Fairmount and paid homage to his grandparents and parents in his  book, “Every Life is a Story and this is Mine”.  He wrote about growing up in the  Little Italy neighborhood of South Fairmount  with his group of friends  Joe (Frog) Stevens, Bob (Butch) Prinzo, Pat (Dubba Doy) Lucia, Wayne (Monk) Serraino,  Lenny (Lout) Lyons and his years in the Navy rising from a Seaman Recruit, to Naval Officer and Retirement.    

The Donato and Louise Di Stefano(Stevens) Family settled here after their arrival in 1906, with their oldest son, Dominic Stevens, born in Italy.  The other siblings became first generation  Americans with their son Noble Louis Stevens and his bride Evelyn Orem the first to wed in the new San Antonio Church  on April 14, 1941.  During the years of World War II many from these Italian Families served our country proudly as their son Dan Stevens did.  He became a POW held by Germans  for almost 3 years  as he conversed in Italian with his captors while working as a shoemaker in the camp.  His parents Donato and Louise (Roberto) Stevens along with  the San Antonio Church community said many prayers for his survival.  Dan did  survive; came home to marry, live a full family life and live to be 78. 

The were 2  Cerullo families who attended San Antonio Church. The  Antonio and Rose ( Stevens) Cerullo  Family along with daughter Marlene (Cerullo) Steers  served our church faithfully  for many years. The other early Cerullo Family, Carmine and Rose (Lingardo) Cerrullo   settled in  Old Forge, Pennsylvania  first where their son Joseph (1923-1924) and daughter Viola was born.  They came to Cincinnati for son Amedeo was born and  where  Carmine’s half-brother  Patrizio Bonaventura (1881-1943)  had settled. 

The  Anthony and Philomena  Serraino Family settled in South Fairmount twice, once for his work on the Western Hills Viaduct and the other was when they   relocated back here from Hartford Connecticut.  They became good friends with Anthony and Rose (Stevens) Cerullo , Godparents to their daughter, Carmella (Cumi) Serraino Berger.  Their son, Rev. Fred Serraino C.S.C. was born in Cincinnati in 1930 and grew up with life-long friends, the late Ralph Minella and Buddy LaRosa.  Rev. Fred Serraino C.S.C.  celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of his Ordination into the Holy Cross Order in 2018.   They Delseno, Stevens, Cerullo and Serraino Families brought many traditions with them to their new home country but they never lost the spirit of village closeness known as Campanilismo – their loyalty to those who live within  the sound of the village church bells. The sense of identity, of pride and belonging.   Decades later we still have that devotion to our church and  loyalty to each other.

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 September 26, 2021

by Terrie Evans

The fourth interesting San Antonio Church  family to honor and introduce on Sunday October 3^rd,  is the Antonio (Anthony) (1897-1970) and Philomena (Nania) Serraino (1900-1954) Family.  Anthony was a young man when he emigrated from  Filadelfia, (Greek for Philadelphia) located  in the Italian region of Calabria  in 1916.  Philomena Nania journeyed from Savelli, Italy when she was 20 years old.   According to the 1920 census, Anthony  was single and living as a lodger in a boarding house, Mining Camp #2, Brooklyn Road, in Hibbing, Minnesota working in the Iron Range Mines located in the northeastern part of the  state.  Since the 1880’s, mining companies were recruiting immigrants to work at the Mesabi Range Mines that would contribute  about sixty percent of the country’s total iron ore output during the years, 1900-1980.  It was a subsidiary  of United States Steel with the Mesabi iron ore mined both underground and in open pits above the ground.  Because few skills were required, many Finnish, Southern Slav’s and Italian immigrants were prominent as laborers in the logging and mining industries of Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin and these were the most dangerous and lowest paying jobs.  After working a few years  in the mines, Anthony married Philomena Nania  in Hibbing, Minnesota  in 1924. 

The couple had two children born in Minnesota, Louise Ann (Serraino) Jackson (1926-2003) and Frank Serraino (1928-2008).  The Serraino  family left Hibbing and moved across the country to Cincinnati, Ohio so Anthony could take a job constructing  the Western Hills Viaduct when their son, Fred Serraino was born in 1930 during the time he was working here.  Employment during this time was hard to find when the Serraino’s  settled in the growing Italian community of Hartford, Connecticut  where a niece of Anthony’s was living.  Later on, they  welcomed daughters, Rose Serraino (1933-1992), Carmella (Cumi) Serraino Berger in 1936 and son  Wayne Serraino in 1943.  In the mid 1940’s, Anthony  who was then 45, registered with the Draft Board in Cincinnati, Ohio  when  they resided in “Little Italy”, at 2008 then 1930 Queen City Avenue.    

Sadly, Philomena passed away in 1954 when Louise (1926-2003) was 28 years old and married to Robert Anthony Jackson (1918-2005), Frank  (Head) Serraino (1928-2008) was 26,  married Lois Honokomp and were married for 62 years when she died in 2018, Fred Serraino born in 1930 was 24 and on his way to being ordained into the Holy Cross Order, Rose Serraino was 21, Carmella( Serraino) Berger  was 18 and Wayne Serraino born in 1943 was only 11 years old.  

Anthony lived to be 73 years old and witnessed his son Rev.  Fred Serraino C.S.C.  ordained on December 21, 1968 and be present at his Mass of Thanksgiving at San Antonio Church on June 1, 1969.

            The late Louise (Serraino) and Robert Jackson had two children Randall and Douglas.  Frank and Loise (Honokomp) Serraino had Mike, the late Mary Elizabeth, Sally, Amy, Terri  and Jenny Serraino.  Cumi (Serraino) and the late  Bob Berger siblings, Rob and Christy and the Wayne {Monk} Serraino Family consisted of  Andy and Vince.