Edited by Giovanni Schiavo
The Vigo Press, 2 Rector Street, NYC
The Passaic County residents listed below have been extracted from the 1943 Edition (Volume VIII) of the “Italian-American Who’s Who,” published by Vigo Press, NYC. This large volume is a “biographical dictionary of Italian-American leaders and distinguished Italian residents across the United States and the Dominion of Canada.”
The directory can be a very valuable genealogical tool, as in most cases it contains occupation, date and place of birth, parents (with mothers maiden name), year immigrated and naturalized (if applicable), spouse (with maiden name and year married), religion, political affiliation, memberships, and business and home addresses. My maternal grandfather Joseph DAMATO, a self-made Paterson businessman, was listed in this 1943 edition. ~ Maryjane Proctor ~
BELLOMO, Joseph. Architect. Born in San Cataldo, Caltanisetta, Italy, May 28, 1884. In America since 1906. US citizen, 1919. Married Grace DE ROSA, 1920. Catholic. Democrat. Admitted to practice architecture in New Jersey, 1921. Member: NJ Society of Architects: Dante Alighieri Society; etc. Designed St. Michael’s Church and the Armenian Catholic Church of Paterson, the Orphan Asylum and Church of the Salesians at Haledon, NJ, etc. Address: 6 Park Ave., Paterson NJ
BERTONI, Louis P. Judge and lawyer. Born in Clifton, NJ, February 6, 1909. Catholic. Republican. Married Esther GIACOMINI, 1938. Educated at Seton Hall Preparatory School, So. Orange, NJ; McKenzie Prep School, Monroe NY (gr. 1928); Lafayette College, 1928; Catholic Univ. B.A. 1932; John Marshall College of Law, L.L.B, 1935. Judge of the Police Court since 1942. Member of NJ House of Assembly 1940; Member of Clifton City Council since 1938; Director East Clifton Building and Loan Assn. Solicitor for American Building and Loan Assn, Garfield NJ. Member: Clifton Passaic County and NJ State Bar Assoc.; Elks; Moose; Passaic County Republican League, etc. Sponsored the Weasel Brook Flood Project, Clifton NJ. Home: 61 E. 9th Street; Office: 239 Parker Ave., Clifton NJ
CANGER, Thomas. General contractor. Born in Paterson, NJ, February 21, 1903, the son of Michael and Chiara (CORTESE) CANGER from Sala Consilina, Salerno, Italy. Catholic. Married Marguerite THOMPSON, 1941. Educated at Paterson High School, (gr. 1921); Lafayette College, Easton, Pa (Civil Engineering) 1922, and Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pa. 1923. Of a family of contractors (his father who came to America in 1899 was the first Italian excavating contractor in the City of Paterson and the first to use a steam shovel). Mr. Canger in 1925 joined the Canger Construction Company of which he became president later. In 1937, however, he established his present firm, The Canger Contracting Co., Excavators. Associate member of the Passaic County Engineering Society. Member of the Manufacturers Association of NJ; Paterson Panthers, etc. Active in civic affairs and charitable movements. Home: 239 Straight Street. Office: 1 Hill Street, Paterson NJ.
CIANCI, Right Rev. Mons. Carlo. Catholic priest. Born in Castelgrande, Potenza, Italy, Dec. 2, 1881. In American since 1909. US citizen, 1914. Educated at Seminary of Muro Luucano, 1896-05. Ordained, Sept. 23, 1905. Pastor St. Michael’s Church, Paterson, NJ since 1919. Domestic Prelate of H.H. Pius XII, August 10, 1941. Consultor of the Diocese of Paterson. Examiner of the Clergy, Pro-synodal Judge of the Diocese, President of the Commission for the Sacraments and Divine Worship, 1943. Member of the Commission Promoter of the First Synod of the Diocese of Paterson. Member of the Diocesan School Board. Formerly; Assistant Pastor, St. Michael’s Church, 1909-10 and Our Lady of Lourdes, Paterson, 1910-11. Founder and Pastor Blessed Sacrament Church, Paterson, 1911-19. Knight of the Order of the Crown of Italy, 1925. Address: 70 Cross Street, Paterson, NJ.
CIMMINO, Nicholas F. Lawyer. Born in Paterson, NJ, Dec. 4, 1907, the son of Pietro and Franceschina (CAPPELLA) CIMMINO. Catholic. Republican. Married Ether Marie DUXBURY, 1932. One son, Nicholas, Jr. Educated at Fordham University and New Jersey Law School. Bachelor of Laws, 1931. Admitted to practice before US Treasury; Veterans Administration, Washington DC; and US Board of Tax Appeals. President, State Finance Corp.; Counsel, Mortgage Exchange and Service Co. (Processors of FHA Mortgages). Associate Counsel of the National Credit Corp., Second Federal Reserve District, 1932-33. Chairman of Resolutions Committee and past chairman of Relief Committee, Passaic County Bar Association, Past president Fidelians of America Service Club. Advisor to Selective Service System of State of NJ. Advisor to War Ration Board; Past Member, Executive Committee of Passaic County Bar Ass’n. Charter member of the Passaic County Rep. League. Active in Civilian defense. Home: 913 East 19th St. Office: 126 Market St., Paterson, NJ
CIMMINO, Pietro. Banker. Born in Sala di Caserta, Italy, Dec. 23, 1882, the son of Nicola and Cristina (LA PERUTA) CIMMINO. In America since 1892. US citizen, 1906. Married Franceschina CAPPELLA, 1906. Four children; N.F., a lawyer (see biography above), R.P., vice pres. Reinauer Transportation Corp., Dr. C.E. Lieutenant, Medical Corps. US Naval Reserve, Peter A, High School Instructor. Catholic. Republican. Started as messenger boy with German-American Trust Company, now US Trust Company of Paterson NJ, rising to his present position of Vice Pres. Health Commissioner, 1914-1920. Commissioner of Public Works, 1922-1924. President, Purchasing Comm City of Paterson, 1923-24. President, Paterson Clearing House Association, 1931-1933. Vice Pres, Peoples Park Bank, Siderside Trust Company, United Bankers Title and Mortgage Guarantee Co. President Beno Cooperation. Director of several other corporations. Secretary and Treas. National Credit Corporation, Second Federal Reserve District, No. 13; Past Vice-chairman NRA for Paterson and vicinity. Member: North Jersey Country Club, Italian Circle, Elks, etc. Past Grand Treasurer and Scr. of NJ Grand Lodge, order Sons of Italy. Past President Italian Chamber of Commerce of Paterson and Lions Club. President Columbus Monument Association. Officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy. Home: 476 17th Ave. Office: 126 Market Place, Paterson, NJ
CITRANO, James. Manufacturer of ladies garments. Born in Petralia Soprana, Palermo, Italy, May 13, 1887, the son of Leonardo and Antonietta (CIPOLLA) CITRANO. In American since 1892. United State citizen, 1917. Married Mary SILVESTRO, 1910. Five children; Leonard (associated with his father in business); Virginia; Evelyn; Vincent (First Lieutenant US Air Corps); Richard. In business since 1912 when at the age of 25, he began to manufacture men’s clothing in Newark. From 1923 to 1929 was manager for Men’s Clothing Contractors Association in New York. From 1930 to 1936 manufactured ladies garments. President, since its organization in 1936, Jersey Coat Company, of the largest firms of its kind in the country, specializing in ladies tailored garments, with more than 750 employees and an average production of 2000 garments a day. Now engaged in war work for the US Army (service coats, field jackets, etc). Member of the American Cloak and Suit Association and other organizations. Active in civic affaisr. Home: 17 Cliff Street, Verona, NJ. Office: 84 Fulton St., Paterson.
CONSERVA, Peter Victor. Physician and surgeon. Born in Clifton, NJ, January 20, 1913. Catholic. Bachelor of Arts, Univ. of Alabama, 1934. Doctor of Medicine, Univ of Chicago, Rush Medical College, 1938. Served internship at Cook County Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, both of Chicago, and internship at St. Mary’s Hospital, Passaic NJ. Medical advisor of summer camps of Hackensack YMCA and YWCA of NJ since 1936. Member: surgical staff St. Mary’s hospital Passaic NJ; Passaic County Med Society of Passaic NJ; American Medical Association. Office: 215 Dayton Ave., Clifton NJ
DALOISIO, Alfonso. Railroad Contractor. Born in Paterson, NJ, Nov. 19, 1913, the son of Giuseppe and Giovanna (LOBRAICO) DALOISIO from the province of Chieti, Italy. Catholic. Democrat. Married Grace CAPORASO, 1936. Educated at Paterson East Side High School, gr. 1934; New York University engineering, 1936-37; State Teachers College, Paterson (engineering), 1937. At the age of 17 while still in school, he joined his father in the railroad construction business. After his father’s death in 1941, the firm was taken over by him and his brother Anthony, under a partnership. Chief contracts: RR tracks for the US Army Port of Embarkation at Caven Point, Jersey City NJ; RR siding for Wright Aeronautical Corp. at Woodridge NJ; other jobs for Todd Shipyard Corp at Brooklyn and Hoboken; etc. Chief clients: Owens Illinois Glass Co. Brighton NJ; Lone Star Cement Corp. Hudson NY; Letchworth Village State Hospital Thiells NY; Orangeburg NY State Hospital; etc etc. Past president, Fidelians of America, Member of: Paterson Chamber of Commerce; Sandy Hill Athletic Club; Elks; Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Church, Garfield NJ (past pres); etc. Home: 4-39 Lyncrest Ave., Fair Lawn NJ. Office: 479 Summer Street, Paterson NJ
DAMATO, Joseph. Wholesale dealer in waste paper. Born in Sassano, Salerno, Italy February 12, 1901, the son of Felice and Barbara (RUBINO) DAMATO. In America since 1922. United States citizen, 1928. Catholic. Educated in Italy. Married Domenica DI BELLA, 1921. Three children: Vincent, Rose, and Philip. In business since 1924 under the name Joe Damato, Inc. Average annual volume of business $200,000. President since 1940, Florida Realty Co., Real Estate operators. Established himself in business after working for two years for another concern and soon developed his firm, making it today one of the largest in Passaic County. Member of Passaic County Republican Club; Fair Social Club of Hackensack; Saint Michael’s Grove, etc. Active in civic affairs, he has always been among the very first in helping all good American causes. Home: 970 E. 28th St. Office: 69-85 Florida Ave., Paterson, NJ
DELLA PENNA, Joseph. General contractor. Born in Haskell, NJ, August 27, 1904, the son of Gaetano and Josephine (TOZZI) DELLA PENNA from Picarelli, Avellino, Italy. Married Nora May ROME, Nov. 29, 1938. Two children; Thomas George and Joseph Jr. Educated at the Butler NJ High school. Began to work in 1920 as carpet designer, remaining in that work for seven years until 1927 when he joined his father in the contracting business, in the town of Butler. Upon his father’s death in 1929, he took over the business which he has developed to a position of prominence in the state of New Jersey with about 60 men at work. Specialized in the construction of sewer systems, bridges, and similar work. Has been awarded many important contracts by various municipalities in NJ including one for a water system seven miles long in the town of Andover. President of the Fire Department of Haskell, Wanaque Boro. Charter member of the Local Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Member of the Wanaque Chamber of Commerce; St. Francis Holy Name Society; Elks; etc. Upon his fathers death, he took over the reins of his family and was responsible for the education of his brother Dr. Samuel DELLA PENNA, now a captain in the US Army Medical Corps. Very active in civic and charitable affairs. He has never missed an opportunity to be of service to his community and to his country. Address: 1263 Ringwood Ave., Haskell NJ
FEDERICI, Gaetano. Sculptor and Commissioner of Education. Born in Castelgrande, Potenza, Sept. 23, 1880. In America since 1881. US citizen. Catholic. Married Orsola ALOIS, 1908. Children: Antonio and Teresa. Educated at National Academy of Design and Art Students League. Commissioner of Education, Paterson NJ since 1932. Member NJ Sculpture and Water Color Society; Knights of Columbus; Cardinal Club; Manuscript Club; etc. Chief Works: Municipal War Memorial; Laughing Girl (Bologna Exposition 1931); Monument to Dean McNulty; Nathan Barnert; US William-Hughes Court Kazimierz Pulaski; Senator T. McCran; Monsignor JT Woods; Congressman James Stewart; bust of Jose Marti and Antonio Maceo, Havana, Cuba; sculptural decorations for the Church of Our Lady of Loreto, Brooklyn, etc. Address: 33 North 8th Street, Paterson, NJ
FERRANTE, Joseph. Pharmacist. Born in Vallelunga Pratameno, Caltanissetta, August 21, 1894. In America since 1911. United States citizen, 1917. Catholic. Educated at Technical School of Caltanissetta, 1911; Rutgers University, Graduate in Pharmacy, 1930. During the World War, served in the American Army, 34th Division Artillery. President, Ferrante Pharmacies, Inc. In business since 1922. Past President and Secretary, Circolo Letterario Dante of Clifton. Member: American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; NJ and Passaic County Pharmaceutical Associates; etc. Pharmacies: 282 Parker Ave and 233 Lakeview Ave., Clifton, NJ
GALLI, Joseph D. Silk Dyer. Born in Como, Italy, June 19, 1882. In American Since 1909. US citizen, 1917. Married Tersina MARELLI, 1908. Children: Edgard, Flora, and Mentana. Educated at the technical school and Liceo of Como. For three years studied industrial chemistry and silk dyeing in Italy, working as an interchange student in various plants in Como and vicinity. President since 1909 J. Galli Dyeing Co., Inc., one of the largest ribbon dyeing and finishing firms in the country, with more than 100 employees and an annual payroll of $90,000. On the average, dyes 2000 pounds of ribbons a day. Soon after his arrival in the US, was connected at first as dyer with DG Goering Dyeing and Co. In 1913, established his own plant but sold in the following year. From 1914 to 1919, was manager of the Ribbon Division of the National Silk and Dyeing Co., of Paterson. Member: Elks; Hamilton Club; National Republican Club of New York; Dyers Association of Paterson; etc. Office: 182-192 Putnam St., Paterson
MARINO, Thomas. Railroad contractor. Born in Fraine, Chieti, Italy, Nov. 1, 1873, the son of Pietro and Filomena (BRUNETTI) MARINO. In America since 1885. United States citizen, 1896. Catholic. Democrat. Married Margherita DONATELLO, 1900. Seven children; Regina (Mrs. Joseph STAMPONE); Rose; Peter; Anna (Mrs. S. NICOSIA); Filomena (Mrs. C. PINCO); Anthony (a civil engineer) and Mary (Mrs. John RENDE). President and Treasurer since 1927, Thos. Marino Co., Inc (Anthony Marino, Secr; Rose Marino, Treas; Peter Marino, Vice pres). The firm, which specialized in railroad and concrete construction, employs on the average 50 men. Mr. Marino has also been engaged in the coal business since 1924. Has been awarded many contracts in the state of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts by railroad lines such as Erie RR, Jersey Central RR, Lehigh Valley RR, and important industrial concerns like the Bridgeport Brass Co. Member of the Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy and of Societa Frainese. Address: 31 Grove Street, East Paterson NJ
MASTROBUONO, Vincenzo. Physician and surgeon. Born at Barrafranca, Enna, Italy, Sept. 20, 1873. In America since 1924. US citizen 1929. Catholic. Married Tina SCARPULLA, 1913. Children: Santina, Joseph (US Infantry), and John (with Television and Radio Signal Co.). Republican. Doctor of Medicine, Univ. of Catania, Italy, 1899. Past Health officer, City Physician, Director of Isolation, and Court Medical Expert. During the First World War served as a Captain in the Italian Army, Medical Corps. Knight, Order of the Crown of Italy. Author: Delitti e Delinquenti Politici; Stigmate Eredo-Sifilitiche; Dante e la Medicina. Address: 237 Lexington Ave., Passaic, NJ
MISSONELLIE, William. Physician and surgeon. Born in Hawthorne, NJ, March 15, 1905. Catholic. Married Barbara Maria MOONEY, 1939. Educated at Maryland University, 1923-25; George Washington University, 1925-1929, Doctor of Medicine, 1929. Interne St. Joseph’s Hospital, Paterson, 1929-1930. Postgraduate work in Gynecology Rutgers University and Polyclinic Hospital, NYC. Associate gynecologist, St Joseph Hospital. On courtesy staff Paterson General Hospital and Barnett Memorial Hospital. School Physician for Hawthorne Borough. Police and Fire surgeon for Hawthorne Borough. Health Officer, Hawthorne Boro, 1931-35. Member: NJ Medical Society; Greenwood Lake Boat Club; NJ Country Club; Passaic County Tuberculosis League; AK Frat., etc. Address: 404 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne NJ
MORICI, Theodore. Physician and surgeon. Born in Marsala, Trapani, Italy, March 10, 1898. In America since 1906. US citizen, 1912. Catholic. Republican. Married Josephine ZAFONTE, 1923. Children: Jerome and Vincenza. Bachelor of Arts, Johns Hopkins Unit, 1921. Doctor of Medicine, McGill Univ., Montreal Canada, 1926. During the World War served as sergeant in the Meteorological Division, US Army. Orthopaedic chief, since 1933, Beth Israel Hospital. On staff, St. Mary’s and General Hospital. Instructor in Industrial Safety and Industrial Hygiene, Center for Safety Education, NY University. Address: 80 Howe Ave, Passaic NJ
MOSCATI, Calcendonio James. Businessman and musician. Born in Vallelunga Pratameno, Caltansisetta, Italy, August 18, 1888, the son of Antonio MOSCATI, a pharmacist. In America since 1907. US citizen 1913. Catholic. Republican. Married Jennie OGNIBENE, 1921. Children: Juliet, Carmel, Anthony. Attended the ginnasio in Italy. Studied music under his uncle Prof. Giuseppe LA DUCA of the Conservatory of Music of Palermo. During the World War served with the AEF in France, with the 303rdEngineer, 78th Division. After the Armistice, he was transferred to the 21st Field Artillery. Proprietor, with his brother Rosario, of Moscati’s Music House, Distributors of Musical instruments, refrigerators, and electric appliances. Founder and director, Moscati Band and Moscati String Ensemble. Instructor and Director since 1942 Curtis Propeller Band, Caldwell, NJ. As instructor of music for many years past, he organized the Passaic Elks Lodge Band as well as the Clifton Police Band. Awarded many prizes. Honorary Captain, Clifton Police Department. Also organized the Clifton Fireman’s Band. Director for the last ten years of the Clifton Elks Band. Instructor Clifton High School Band and Orchestra. Orator, Dante Alighieri Lodge, Order sons of Italy. Member: American World War Veterans Post No 1, Columbus Ohio; American Legion; Elks, etc. Active in Italian-American affairs. Home: 64 Clifton Ave. Office: 266 Parker Ave., Clifton NJ
NAPLES, Frank (Francesco DI NAPOLI) Excavating contractor. Born in Battipaglia, Salerno, Italy, October 20, 1892, the son of Vincenzo and Giovanna (TURCO) DI NAPOLI. In America since 1906. US citizen, 1938. Catholic. Married Antoinette RUSSO, also from Battipaglia, 1918. Seven children: James (Corporal US Army); Dorothy; Alma; Francis; Marion; Lillian; Geraldine. In business since 1912 as excavating contractor under the name Frank Naples and Sons, Inc. until 1927. Under the name Globe trucking Co. from 1927 to 1931 and under the name Frank Naples and Sons since 1941. Specializes in the construction of roads, with as many as 150 people at work at one time. Now engaged in excavation work, chiefly for defense. Has been awarded many important contracts, including the construction for a road a Midvale. Office: 709 Market Street, Camden. NJ for at total of $500,000. Member of Manufactures and association of NJ and other organizations Active in Political and civic affairs. Address: 1 Dawson Ave, Passaic.
PALLERIA, Francesco. Grand Vernerable, for NJ Order Sons of Italy in America. Born in Squillance, Catanzaro, Italy, April 23, 1884. Son of Guisseppe and Rosina (MARINO) PALLERIA. In America since 1909. US citizen, 1918. Catholic. Republican. Married Anita TORALDO, 1908. Two children: Oscar (a graduate of Rutgers University) and Renato (Serving in the US Army). Educated at the Technical School of Catanzaro. Owner, Park Press Printers, since 1912. Grand Venerable for NJ Order Sons of Italy in America 1911-1915, 1917-1923, and 1929 to date. Assistant Supreme Venerable and acting Supreme Venerable, March 1916 to September 1917. Founder and President since its foundation in 192, Nutley Orphan Asylum. Organizer and first Grand Venerable of the NJ Grand Lodge. Past Noble Grand of the Mazzini Lodge of the Odd Fellows. Editor, 1913-1929 “Il Risveglio” a weekly newspaper. Editor, since 1934 “La Miamma” monthly bulletin of the New Jersey Grand Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy. Knight, Order of the Crown of Italy. Home: 784 East 24th St. Office: 43 Park Ave., Paterson, NJ
PARADISO, Vincent G. Piano and furniture dealer. Born in Petralia, Soprana, Palermo, Italy, September 18, 1871, the son of Pietro and Raimonda (MESSINEO) PARADISO. In American since 1896. US Citizen, 1914. Episcopalian. Married Lillian S. SPICKERS in 1913, and May Cadmus SIMMONS in 1941. In business since 1907. In 1899, he worked in Nashville Tenn as a piano tuner for about a year, returning in 1900 to New York where he worked for another year as a tuner for Lindeman and Sons, piano manufacturers. In 1901, he established himself in business in Paterson NJ where he remained until 1907 when he opened his first store in Passaic NJ, the only piano dealer in the city at that time. In 1925, he established the Paradiso Piano Company, dealers in pianos, household appliances, and furniture, of which he is president and treasurer. Associated with him is Mr. Joseph PARADISO, Vice president. Past member of the Elks; Kiawnis; and other organizations. Home: 152 Paulison Ave. Office: 639 Main Ave., Passaic NJ
SUSINO, James. General contractor. Born in Santa Croce Camerino, Syracuse, Italy. Born October 26, 1903, the son of Joseph and Teresa (CIRCIU) SUSINO, In America since 1905. US citizen through fathers naturalization. Catholic. Married Lucy LAMI, 1924. Two children: Theresa and Lucille. Associated with his father in the trucking business from 1919 to 1925 when he established his own business as general contractor, now one of the leading firms of its kind in the state with about 100 employees. Specialized in excavation work, road building, etc. Chief awards: all excavation work for Wrights Aeronautical Corp since 1932; many jobs for the US government, states of Virginia and NJ, city of Paterson, Hawthorne, Etc.; excavation for the US Naval supply depot at Bayonne, NJ; industrial building for radiance Piece Dye works: also sewers, water lines, etc. Received the E award by the US Army and Navy for efficiency in the excavating and equipment hired at the Woodbridge plant of the Wright Aeronautical Corp. Member of: Elks; Fidelians; Santa Croce di Camerina Society; and many other civic and charitable organizations. Home: 41 Union Ave. Office: 115-121 Pine St., Paterson, NJ
VALENTI, Rev. Modesto. Catholic priest. Born in Catania, Italy, Feb 12, 1887. In America since 1913. US citizen 1923. Educated at Collegio Salesiano Sacro Cuore, San Gregorio, Catania, Italy. Ordained Oct. 5, 1913, Rector of Transfiguration Church NY from 1931 to 1934. Rector of St. Anthony’s Church, Paterson, NJ since 1934. Address: 318 Beech Street, Paterson NJ
ZAFONTE, Charles. Importer and macaroni manufacturer. Born in Castellana, Palermo, Italy, Oct 6, 1892. In America since 1904. US citizen 1916. Catholic. Married Grace NICOLISI, 1922. Children: Charles, Pat, and Ronald. Educated in Italy. During the World War served with the AEF in France. Partner since 1920, B. Filippone & Co., Sole owners and distributors of “La Perla” macaroni. Office: 312 Oak Street, Passaic, NJ.
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