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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 7th, 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, 2nd 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 50th 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 1st 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.