News from San Antonio Church – Jan. 23, 2022

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Weekly Bulletin January 23, 2022

by Terrie Evans

The last of the three families for our Sunday, February 6th celebration will be the Guiseppe “Joseph” Gorrasi Family.  Joseph was born in Italy to parents Grazia (Urti) and Raffaele Gorrasi who journeyed to New York on March 15, 1905, on the ship, Cretic.  Joseph might have lived in New York for a brief time, then in Massachusetts until becoming a naturalized citizen on June 13, 1924.  Joseph married Carmella (Aurichio) on February 7,  1925 in Cincinnati, Ohio her parents were Mary (D’Angelo) and Joseph Aurichio.  After their marriage in 1925, Joseph and Carmella Gorrasi started their family with the birth of daughter,  Grazia  on January 7, 1926, and sons, George Ralph born on February 22, 1927, Frank Anthony born on May 6, 1929, Carl born in 1935, Charles born on May 8, 1937,  Donald J. born on August 28, 1938, and David born in the 1940’s.   

In the 1940 census, Joseph and Carmella Gorrasi established their family homestead at 1845 Westwood Avenue with children Grazia 14, Ralph 13, Frank 10, carl 4, Charles 2, and Donald 1.  Their home was in the J F Forbus Subdivision on a 30 X 144 lot between Forbus Street and Westwood Avenue.  During those years, other family members living in Little Italy were 3 brothers, Joe, Leo, and James.  They were Uncles to the Gorrasi siblings from the D’Angelo’s, Carmella’s mothers, Mary ‘s side.  Living with Guiseppe and Carmella Gorrasi Family at that time was Uncle Emidio “Joe” Damico, (1911-1999).   Joe worked for Crosley Radio on Colerain Avenue as a Radio Repair Man.  The oldest brother, Uncle Leo Damico (1912-1998) lived at 2800 Queen City Avenue until he joined the Army during World War II.  During that time, Leo met his future wife Gene Fae,  (1923-2010) while she was a volunteer at the USO.  They wed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas and established their home in Garland, Texas.  Youngest Damico brother, Uncle James Damico (1903-1984) resided at 1897 Montrose Street with wife Roxie and their daughter Betty.  The Damico family members were church parishioners while living in South Fairmount.

The Gorrasi siblings married and moved out of Little Italy to establish their own families throughout Western Hills.   The oldest, Grace Gorrasi married Lawrence Manz (1931-1972) welcomed 3 daughters:  Deborah, Lari Ann, and Kristine. After Lawrences death at the age of 41, Grace wed Ronald King. Grace Gorrasi Manz King just celebrated her 96th Birthday on January 7, 2022.  George Ralph Gorrasi (1927-2017) wed Mary McCulley (1932-2006) children:  Beverly, Carmen (1953-2012), Carlos, Rocky, Cheryl and Michelle.  Frank Anthony (1929-2010) married Irma Beerman (1930-2018) were wed for 61 years at the time of his passing, children Pauline, Nancy, Rita, Frank, and Joe.  Carl Gorrasi (1935-2021) antique store owner married Patricia Burnett (1943-2019) named the Garlic Queen in 1986 at the Garlic Fest in Covington, Kentucky.  Pat wowed the judges with her knowledge of garlic as Carl always had the smell of garlic on him.  Carl and Pat’s children Rick, Mark Greg, Kevin,  and Lisa.  Charles Gorrasi (1937-2020) remained a bachelor who was a beloved uncle to the Gorrasi grandchildren.  Donald Gorrasi (1938-1978) married Charlotte Pangallo (1939-2004) a girl from the neighborhood with 7 brothers welcomed daughters, Diana Lynn, Gina Marie, and Rachelle Ann.  David Gorrasi married Priscilla  (Surgener) welcomed Angela Marie Gorrasi Katzelis (1966-2013).  David wed 2nd Donna Downard and welcomed 2 sons, Matt, and David.

            The Gorrasi Family located to South Fairmount in the early years as church members and active participants and were present at all the milestone events over the years.  Their family members were with the San Antonio parishioners as they celebrated the 50th Anniversary in 1972 and have been supportive of all our fundraisers.  Over the years, the men from the Gorrasi Family have attended all the Mussie Fest’s and Men’s Nights held in our Hall.  

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