If you search your ancestors in Bisacquino, in the province of Palermo, Sicilia region, the documents about your Italian family are stored in the City Office archives and in the parishes in the town.
Civil Records in Bisacquino
In towns and villages of Sicilia and in Palermo province registry offices were established in 1809: it means that you could find your ancestors records in Bisacquino town hall archives as of that date.
(If your goal is to claim your Italian Dual Citizenship in Bisacquino follow this link).
So, if your ancestors lived in Bisacquino during the past centuries, then you should start your family research from the City Office of Bisacquino to know more: our local expert is ready to help you in your research!
Otherwise, if you think to contact the town hall by yourself, we suggest you to read our tips for your search. They are useful to search in Sicilia and of course in Bisacquino too!
Next picture shows the demographic trends in Bisacquino from the Italian Unification(1861).
This is a necessary info to understand how many people lived in the town in the past.
To proceed faster with your research is important to know if the last name you are investigating is a frequent surname in Bisacquino. As more your surname is common, as more it could be difficult to find the right branch of your ancestors family in Bisacquino archives, expecially if you have not exact dates.
It could be useful for you to know that some of the most common surnames in Palermo province are:
Aiello, Amato, Barone, Battaglia, Bruno, Caruso, Catalano, Costa, Cusimano, D’Amico, D’Angelo, Di Maggio, Di Salvo, Ferrante, Ferrara, Gambino, Geraci, Giordano, Greco, La Barbera, La Rosa, Lo Cascio, Lombardo, Macaluso, Mancuso, Maniscalco, Mannino, Marchese, Marino, Martorana, Mazzola, Messina, Mineo, Orlando, Palazzolo, Parisi, Pecoraro, Piazza, Randazzo, Rizzo, Romano, Russo, Sciortino, Siragusa, Taormina, Tarantino, Vassallo, Vitale.
Church Records in Bisacquino
Church archives in Palermo province may store even older information. You will find religious records of the same events (births, marriages and deaths) but, most important, you could go further back in time!
So in case you would like to go back in centuries, it’s good for you to know that the parish registers in Palermo started during 1500!
They are far less accessible from abroad (and even not easy to browse and to read if you are not used and skilled) but our local genealogist can research the church archives of Bisacquino on your behalf.
In case you want to visit churches, these are the addresses of parishes active today in Bisacquino:
MARIA SS. DEL ROSARIO – Viale XXIV Maggio
Anyway for our experience, even if you plan to come here, we always suggest to start the research months before the arrival: in this way you will avoid to waste time in the offices or in the churches dealing with italian bureaucracy and you will have more free time to visit the town and surroundings on your ancestors footsteps, starting from the info gathered by our genealogists.
Another important source of information are the notary documents available to expert researchers in the National archive in Palermo.
If you are in Sicily and you are able to decipher old italian handwritten documents you can reach the archive here:
Archivio di Stato di Palermo
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 31 – Palermo
Phone: +39 0912704001 .002 .003
Days and opening hours: monday – friday 08:00 – 18:00 saturday 08:00 – 13:30 weekly closing: Sunday and holidays; no reservation
If you need a professional help from our local genealogists write to bisacquino@italianside.com or follow this link.
Our expert in Bisacquino area will study your request and will reply to you with a plan and a quote for your family research.
Here below you can read the messages received from other visitors in Bisacquino forum:
if you only want to discuss with other people interested in genealogy in Bisacquino feel free to leave a message below.
My grandmother was one of 5 girls born in Bisacquino. Her maiden name was Guarino. She was Rosalie and had only 1 other sister that came to America. I know her family had olive orchards. My Grandmother married Frank Zito in New Orleans. I believe my grandfather had duel citizenship and I have paper where he was deported because he would not join Mussolini army.
I have been searching for my Grandfather, Albino Gioia son of Giacomo Gioia for many many years and just recently he has appeared on My Heritage with his birth as 1888 in Bisacquino, but I do not know how correct this is. He Married my Grandmother Florence Taplin in Dorking England in 1914 but all other records of him are just not available. Can anyone throw some light on this family please?
Hi,
My great great grandparents were Francesco Colca & Francesca Lanza. Originally from Bisacquino, they traveled to New Orleans around 1890. We are very interested to find out if there any Colcas left in Bisacquino. My sister, nephew and I are traveling to Sicily May 4 of this year (2022). We will be going to Bisacquino and are very excited. 🙂
Hi, My great (x2) grandparents are from Bisacquino. Vincenzo Tombrello (b. 1884) and Concetta Zito (b. 1887). They settled in Birmingham after sailing to New Orleans between 1907 and 1910. Their son (my great grandfather), Benjamin Tombrello, married Josephine Triola. Josephine’s parents (Vincenzo triola b. 1877 and Louisa LaRussa b. 1888) were from Lucca Sicula, though her mother may have also been from Bisacquino. I’m pretty sure Tombrello was originally Tamburello. Likewise, Triola might have been Triolo.
My grandfather was Gaetono “Tom” Zito. Born 1885 . He came to America about 1897. To New Orleans area, but did make several trips back to Bisacqino. Settled in Chicago until 1929 then moved to Bloomingdale, Michigan.
Todd: Elmwood Cemetery is a great resource to help you determine spelling of last names. Being of Sicilian descent on both both sides and residing in Bham, you are correct…. You will see many spellings of Tamburello. PS- I have Tamburello lineage through my paternal great grandmother and LaRussa lineage through my mama… I think we may be long lost “cugini”, lol. Best of luck!
– Maria
Hello,
I have a charcoal portrait from the late 1800s.
On the back, it reads, “Lucy Sorce’s Grandmother, was Sam Streva’s niece. Joe Streva’s cousin.
I am Kevin, Joe Streva’s son.
It is a beautiful portrait, and have one of her husband.
I would like to give these to who they actually belong to.
Can you help.
Kevin
Hi Joseph,
Is it Guiseppi Digiorgio ? he was my Great (x3) Grandfather.
My great grandfather and grandfathers name was Leonardo Digiovanni, he lived in Bisacquino. I see there is a beautiful winery there named Di Giovanna which is cool. I believe my great grandfather came over around 1910 to Brooklyn, NY and eventually opened up a farm/hotel in upstate NY.
My great grandfather was Luigi Montalbano who was born in 1871 and raised in Bisacquino until 1880. His father was Rosario Montalbano who moved family to New Orleans 1880. I am trying to find out more about our family from Bisacquino.
Jay: Many Montalbano’s came through New Orleans, LA from Sicily and settled in Ensley (Bham, AL). Many Montalbano’s still reside in and around Bham, AL. Perhaps a reverse search would help in this situation. FYI: Check out Elmwood Cemetery in Bham, AL… there is an “Italian”/ Sicilian section where you will see the surname Montalbano and this may aid in the reverse search as it has name, DOB, DOD, and spouse on many headstones.
Best of luck!
– Maria
Has anyone that has pursued getting records required for dual citizenship run into any dead ends? Is it easy to get Birth Certificates for someone born in Bisacquino in 1896?
I got my grandparents birth records and marriage from the church in Bisacquino, It had my great grandparents,my grandfathers godparents, and the date they got married and who stood up for them. My great grandmother was a NARO, my grandmother was a Lucia.
looking for relatives of Guiseppe and Leonarda Cinquemani of Bisacquino, (palmero) Sicily
I am looking for info in my great grandfather Salvatore Monti or Monte. What i am looking for most is his mothers name and names of possibel siblings. His father was Giovanni and his mothers first name was Maria. Salvatore was born on October 3, 1888. I believe he had a brother named Luigi but not sure. Any info would be helpful. Salvatore served in the Italian infantry and moved to the U.S. twice. He was married in Bisacquino in 1910-1911 to Giuseppa or Giuseppina Bondi.
Nick, I think we are long list cousins… My paternal great grandfather was Saverio Monte. He was born in Bisacquino, Sicily in 1897. He immigrated to the US through Philadelphia, PA and settled in Birmingham, AL. His father was Giovanni Monte and his mother was Maria Giacolone, both from Bisacquino. I think this is who you are looking for. Salvatore was a brother to with Saverio or his dad Giovanni. Hope this helps!
– Maria
My name is Maria Licata Scott. I just learned my maternal grand mother is from Biascquino. The name would be Last name would be Teri, aka Terry. Does anyone n
Know these names
Maria, I am researching Libonio Bivetto who was born in Bisacquino on 16 March 1886. He immigrated to New York on 24 October 1904 and married Fortunata “Fanny” Lacasio who was born in Baucino, Palermo, Sicily. His passenger list record mentioned that his brother-in-law, Rosario Cannazzio living at either Chrystie St or 339 E 11th St in Manhattan picked him up. I am looking for the name of his sister. I am pretty confident that he lived with his sister and brother-in-law on Chrystie Street from 1904 to sometime between the birth of his first son on 11 Feb 1911 and the birth of his second son on 24 Oct 1912 who was born in Brooklyn. I just came across his Petition for Naturalization and it gave his name as Liborio Bivetto formerly know as Salvatore Licata. There person I am researching for mentioned that he may have been an orphan. Bivetto seems to have been a made up name as there are not many in either Italy or USA. I am hopeful we can find him in Italian records under his Licata name,
Anthony, in Alabama, there are many many Tamburello and tamburella’s. Some retained the original spelling but many changed to Tombrello ( my name), tombrella, Tamburello etc etc. Yes, you have many relatives here from that side of your family. We came from Bisacquino to Birmingham in 1880-90’s. The grandfather through whom I received itslian citizenship came in 1893 as a 22 year old. Write me if you are interested.
Tamburello is in my family tree to
From Bisacquino
I have a huge family book
To much to type
My family history is tied to Narisi, Caldarera, Ciulla and many more my immediate family resided in ft Smith AR
There is a Italian Resturant there that’s my family’s
My family is in Fort Smith, AR & I know all of the same families you named.
My closest Italian relatives are Lovoi/Costa from Bisacquino & Caldarera/Sansone.
Is your mother Mary Alane?
Stacy, we have the same families in common! I am also from Fort Smith, AR. My closest Italian relatives are Lovoi/Caldarera.
The restaurant you mentioned is Taliano’s & I think your mother must be Mary Alane Ciulla? I don’t know where you live now. I hope this message reaches you.
I live in louisiana and believe you are talking about my great great grand mother Mary. Was she married to geatano Lovoi now Lavoi???
Hello, my name is Helen. I live in Naples, Florida and we are related. I, too am related to all the names mentioned. I would love to know about our ancestors. Thank you. Helen
I have Vita/Ouida Tamburello in my family. She was born 1842 & married Joseph Caldarera in 1860 (assuming this was in Bisacquino.) They are the parents of my great-grandfather, Salvatore Caldarera, born in Bisacquino in 1863. His wife was Agostina Sansone, born 1873. They came to USA & lived in Fort Smith, AR.
Any information about the family will be appreciated. Some family members would love to know about your process to receive Italian citizenship.
My family on both sides originate on Bisacquino .
My mother’s family Gallina and DiGirogio settled in NYC but we had relatives in Texas and I remember my mother telling me that we had a relationship with Jack Valenti .
My father’s family LoGrande and Tamburella emigrated to New Orleans and then ended up near Houston ,Texas.
I believe we had some other family in Texas , Alabama and Louisiana.
I am just interested to see if we can connect .
Thanks
my grandmother was a Gallina from bisaquino married to francesco colella also of bisaquino. my father immigrated here in 1968.
Hi Anthony,
I am Bernardo DiGorge’s great great grand-daughter. He was the brother of Michele DiGorgio. My grand-father was Bernard J. DeGeorge who was one of Bernardo’s son’s. My mother is Carol De George.
I would love to meet you!! We have done a ton of research of our families history. I live in Texas!
Hi Laura
I just saw this post from you and would love to chat more about our family’s connection .
Best regards
Anthony
Joseph James DeGeorge was son of Bernardo DeGeorge. Bernard J DeGeorge Sr was son of Joseph James DeGeorge. Bernard J DeGeorge Jr was son of Bernard J DeGeorge Sr. Bernard J DeGeorge Iii is son of Bernard J DeGeorge Jr. Laura Is daughter of Carol Jan DeGeorge daughter of Bernard J DeGeorge Sr.
Hi Laura, Just came across this. You are CJ’s daughter. Bernardo was my Great Grandfather, my Grandmother was Rosalie DeGeorge Danna, married to Sam Danna
I am looking for possible current living relatives in Bisacquino. My great great grandfather was Antonino Ciulla born in 1862 and migrated to the U.S. in 1882. His parents were Gaspare Ciulla and Antonina Maniscalco.
Hi trying to track down my family from basaquino sicily my grandmother was josephine miranda and my great grandmothers were maria cuilla and
inoccnza cuilla my grandfather was Severio tamburello and my great grandfathers were vincent miranda and michael tamburello my great aunt belonged to the paletine order and came to the us as secretary of the mother superior her name was sister mary silivia miranda
I’m not sure if this helps but I had a great aunt Maria Ciulla that’d arrived at Ellis Island in 1923. She was born in 1847 and was traveling with Pietro Tamburello and the person she was looking to meet upon arrival was Giuseppa Miranda. By the way the name Ciulla was commonly misspelled by clerical error here in the states. My great great grandfather started as Antonino Ciulla, then it became Anthony Cuilla and the last name was Tony Cuilla. If those names ring any bells let me know and we can exchange information as I’ve got a lot of information and currently gathering documents.
My grand mother maiden name was anna cuilla daughter of anthony cuilla she married ignazio tamburello from bisaquino. She was born in Birmingham al, i was born in bisaquino along with my siblings and migrated to NY in 1966. That makes Anthony Cuilla my great grand father my grand mother had a sister named rose and a brother I can remember his name.
My great great grandfather Anthony Cuilla didn’t stay in New York long. Shortly after he made his way to New Orleans for a short period, married Anna Artale and they settled in Houston. He had a twin sister Francesca and their parents were Gaspare and Maria Maniscalco. Their siblings were Rosalia, Dorotea, Giuseppe, Maria, and Maria Teresa. Maria came to New York in 1923 and her nephew Pietro Tamburello picked her up upon arrival. While not direct I’m sure we’re related given that Bisacquino is such a small town.
My name is Vito Tamburello and I am the grand son of Anna Cuilla that married Ignazio Tamburello. I am wondering if we’re related?
I am looking for information on my relatives from Bisaquino. Their names were Plaia And Gati.
I have a great grandma Santa Plaia who married Phillip Martino, formerly Filippo Mororana, in Bisaquino in 1899 I believe.
Santo Plaia 1785-1851 married Vita Bacile 1790-1860, they had Giuseppe Joseph Plaia b)1807 married Francesca Maria Lucia b)1816 they had Rosa Plaia b)1854 which Married Rocco Difilippo b) 1850. thats all i have on the Plaia family. Rizzello Name from Calbria shows up.
I am looking for any information on the family names Scro and Ippolito and Falsone.
What is your Ippolito’s last name? My Ippolito’s are first names with last name Catalano.
Nancy: There are some Ippolito’s and Falcone’s in Birmingham, AL that immigrated from Sicily. Perhaps a backwards search from Birmingham may lead to the info you seek. Good luck.
Hi. Searching for ancestors from Bisacquino. My grandmother was Gaetana Maniscalco, born 1901. She had one sister I am aware of, Maria Maniscalco, born 1897.
Their parents were Ignazio Maniscalco, born 1870. Mother was Giovanna Gulotta, born around 1872. All came to NYC shortly after Gaetana was born, probably around 1905.
Thank you.
I’m looking for more information on my great grandfather his name is Tommasa Rumore born in 1890 , his mothers name was Rosalie Calca born in 1860 or 1861. I also know of his sister, Anna born in 1885 or 1886. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time. Aileen
My wife and I are will be in Bisacquino on Sunday, 26 March 2017. His (nonno) Antonio Colca was born March 1871 and his (nonna) Rosa Maenza Feb 1881. Antonio sailed to America @1901. The oldest son Roy (Zugole) Colca was born in Bisacquino 1902. We want to find records and the cemeteries where their parents (and ancestors ) were born and buried. We hope to talk with a priest at Santa Maria del Bosco.
I am looking for any informatin of Francisco Perricone who left Bisacquino and went to New Orleans, Louisiana (USA) That’s all I have. Thank you.
Salvador, there was a ship called The Entella that left Palermo on 10/2/1890 with 841 immigrants on it and landed in New Orleans on 10/30. It is quite possible that your ancestor was on broad. I have a copy of the manifest, passengers 1-114 because my ancestors were listed within those two pages. I’ve looked for you and he was not listed in the first two pages. So, it might still be possible. If you look up the information on the internet on the ship perhaps it would direct you to the manifest.
Looking for any relatives who’s grandparents , great grandparents were Giuseppe and Leonarda Cinquemani of Bisaquino.
I have been looking for quite some time for the following person…
Louis Proisy or Prosey or Proizi or Proizzi. He was born around 1866 in Italy. His father may have been “Mazano” and his mother “Teresa”.
I’am looking for any information on my Grandfather Anthony Bondi Paleramo, Italy. came over to the United States with his 2nd Wife my Grandmother Francisca.
Hi, My name is Christy Romano and I believe that Anthony Bondi and my great-grandfather, Francesco (Frank) Bondi were brothers. There were 4 brothers to my knowledge, and Anthony and another brother ended up in Salt Lake City, while Frank ended up in Birmingham, AL. They also had a cousin Anthony that lived and ran a grocery in Birmingham. I do believe we are researching the same people and look forward to connecting with you. Thanks.
My great grandmother was a Bondi. Her name was Giuseppa (Josephine) Bondi. She was married in Bisacquino to Salvatore Monti (Monte). When she and her family came to Birmingham they settled in Ensley and lived with her brother Giuseppe (Joe) Bondi and his wife. Their parents were Pietro and Giuseppa Bondi née Carona. My great grandfather died young and my great grandmother remarried to a man named Anthony Giangrosso who was also from Bisacquino. Any relation to your family?
Como: I’m 99% sure we are related, lol…. My great grandfather was Saverio Monte, the brother of Salvatore…. All of my family started out in Ensley once they arrived in the US. In fact, most of us are still in Bham… I would love to connect to share info and learn more about my Monte side. Thanks, Maria ☺️
My great uncle was Anthony Miranda… my grandfather is Joe Miranda… they’re father my great grandfather was Jake Miranda.
My great grandfather was Benedetto (Beneditto) Miranda born 1/1863 or 7 and came to America thru New Orleans in 1890 on a passenger ship called the Entella. This was a Maria Miranda on the same ship unknown if they were related. She was 28yrs old at the time. He was listed as 27yrs old at the time. I know nothing about my Great-Grandfather’s family. If he had any siblings or any information about this parents, my Great,great, grandparents. Would love to know if there is any information about them.
Hello!
What was the last name of your grandmother? I have a great aunt whose name is Francisca Salvaggio and came to the US during ww2.
My mother’s mother and father were born in Bizaquino circa 1880s. My mother’s father, Salvatore Occhipinti’s father was supposedly the mayor of Bizaquino and owned fruit orchards. Do we have documentation of this claim?
Hi Larry i am geom Bisacquino. My grandfather was Giuseppe Occhipinti, son of Salvatore Occhipinti. I remember that Salvatore had only one daughter, Genoveffa that was married with mr. Caronna. I search my American parents. Do you know anyone? Sorry for my english!
I am looking for information about my grandfather, such as a residence or birthplace of him or his family. His name was Arcangelo Tamburello born on March 17, 1908. His parents were Francesco Tamburello and Vincensa D’Ales. They came to the United States in April or May,1910 on the ship Liguria from Palermo to New Orleans, LA. He also had a baby brother, Pietro that made the trip. I will be visiting Palermo via a cruise trip in April 2016. I would just be thrilled if I could just see where he might have lived. I do know he was born in Bisacquino and he did receive his citizenship to US. Thank you for any info!
I am looking for information on my grandparents Luigi DiChiara and his wife Giovanna Giangrosso. They immigrated to Birmingham, AL probably late 1800’s or early 1900’s. They had 3 children here in the states then went back to Biscaquino and had my father in 1913 and re entered the U.S. when my father was an infant.
Hi Mary Jo my last name is Giangrosso and we are from Palermo. My grandma was Rosalia Piliteri and my grandpa was Saverio Giangrosso. I wonder if we are related in any way.
Looking for information on my Aunt’s ancestors. He changed his name to Frank Rose sometime before 1910. He was born Mar 27, 1889, arrived in the U.S. before 1909, marrying in Alabama, moving to Illinois. His family has been told his surname was Milotzie (verbally passed down). I’m led to believe the actual name is Milazzo. Can anyone help direct me in the correct direction?
There are Rose family members in Birmingham, AL as well as many members of the Milazzo family.
Erin: The surname you mentioned through word of mouth was most likely spelled “Millazzi, Malazzi, or Melazzi”…. Many of these families are in Bham, AL but the spellings you see around here are Milazzo/ Melazzo/ Malazzo… Many of these beautiful Sicilian surnames were mutilated or misspelled due to the language barrier as they came over. Unfortunately, many surnames were never corrected and therefore, you see so many variations. Good luck and hope this helps.
-Maria
Looking for Esposito family members from Bisacquino. My grandfather was Vincenzo Esposito, born on Sept. 18, 1880. He married Anna Campo, from Villafranca in 1904, but we do not have a marriage certificate, and are interested in finding one. He immigrated to the U.S in 1905. Also looking for records on my grandmother, Anna Campo, born in Villafranca in 1880. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1911. Any family ties – or information would be greatly appreciated. I am not very savvy on the computer and really don’t know how to begin, or where to look (or how to look) to find records. Thank you!
My wife and I recently travelled to Sicily to explore our ancestry. We drove out to Bisacquino, which is a suburb of Palermo (about a 1.5 hour drive from Palermo, unless you follow GPS, which can lead you through almost impassible farm roads, in which case it can take more like 2.5 hours to get there). It is best to take the main road through Corleone, of which Bisacquino is a prefect. We were exploring Bisacquino to find more information on my Great Grandfather Guiseppe Antonio LaRusso, who was born in 1881 in Bisacquino (his wife was Ignazia Tumasella). He emigrated from Sicily to New York via Naples on a ship called “The Sicilia”. We talked to a few people in the town of Bisacquina (about 5000 population), and we also visited the cemetery, but it was closed when we got there (closes at 1 PM). The people we talked with remarked that there are many LaRussos currently living in Bisacquino. My goal is to find out more information about my Sicilian ancestry so that we can travel back to Bisacquino with more info when we arrive. Any info anyone has would be great! Thank you!!
Lori
My wife grandfather Antonio LaRussa b.14 May 1876 Bisacquino. married Antonina Saladino there on 28 Sep 1902. went to USA 14 May 1903 NYC then to Birmingham AL. We think his parents were Angelo LaRussa and Arcuri Grosolia. In 1923 the family all moved to Enfield Connecticut.
Lori: There are many La RussA’s that came to Bham, AL… originally from Corleone and then to Bisacquino in the early 1700s, which came to the US (Ensley, AL) from the 1880’s to 1920’s…. wondering if the spelling of the last name you gave is correct on Sicilian documents bc last names were mutilated upon arrival to the US. Anyway, check Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham AL … many, many Sicilians from Bisacquino were buried there. There is an “Italian”/ Sicilian section of Elmwood. Almost all of my Sicilian family, on both sides, were buried there. In recent years, my family members opted for cremation and had their remains interred at local Catholic Churches in niches, where they were parishioners, around the Birmingham Diocese like Our Lady of the Valley. Many Sicilians that initially settled in Ensley, just outside of Bham, AL, almost entirely relocated to suburbs. Of course many still live within Bham city limits but it is no longer “Little Sicily” as it was back then. Years ago, many Sicilians from Bisacquino all ended up in Ensley, AL, which is why I see so many last names in all of these posts that have ties to Bham, all related to me. It’s amazing that so many of us are still in and around Bham after our ascendents settled here during the Great Migration. It’s the steel mills that brought them here initially and it’s the close family ties that kept them all connecting and relocating for years to come in Ensley, hence, “Little Sicily”.
I’m looking for information about Severio Salvaggio, a native of Bisacquino, that emigrated in the late 1800’s to New Orleans.
Many of the Italian families that initially came to New Orleans made their way to Birmingham, AL. they were lured there to work in the steel mills. There are many Salvagio’s in this area today.
My grandmother’s uncles were in the group that emigrated on that time to the US, some of them to New Orleans. An of these names rings a bell: Filippo, Giuseppe, Antonio (or Nino), Francesco (or Franco), Margherita Salvaggio. Thank you.
My great grandmothers name was Margherita Salvaggio. She married Giuseppe Cassenti (changed to Cassenta) and had 3 children: Onofria Lorena, Nicholas Anthony, and Santo Louis. Santo was my grandfather.
My mother told me her italian family,rubino,from bitsqueno,came through nw orleans,i would like to reach out to any of my relatives,my name is,natalie
Here’s info on tomb; Matteo Tortomasi 1861-1931…. Rosa Salvagio 1872-1943….
Dennis:
Many Salvaggio’s and Tortomasi’s settled in Ensley, just outside of Bham, AL once they left Sicily… Many descendants of these two lines still reside in and around Bham, AL.
– Maria
My grandfather, Joseph Platanella, was born in Bisacquino oct 9th,1885. He came to the U.S. about 1888 or 1889 through the port of New Orleans, then somehow made his way to Hammonton,New Jersey. His parents were Vincenzo and Natala Varca, so I’m assuming his mother remarried. I’ve tried searching ship manifests with no luck to see who he came with at such a young age. Any information or advice on on his family history in sicily would be helpful-
Thanks,
John
Buon Giorno!
My great grand mother, Louisa Costa was born in Bisaquino on 18 October 1884. She was married to Nick Costa who was born in Palazzo Adriano on 1 August, 1882. I believe they both immigrated to the USA in the early 1900’s and had 8 children in the USA. We plan to visit Bisacqueno and Palazzo Adriano to see where the family lived and were baptized. I would to obtain copies of their birth certificates and know the names of their parents, when they were born and where they lived? I would like to know where I can request documents and what the fees will be to obtain them through the mail. If we visit the town, what is the best place for me to go to locate and view local documents? Any advice for obtaining documents through the mail and while we visit Bisaquino would be greatly appreciated.
Grazie,
Stefano
Buon Giorno!
I am planning a family trip to Sicily next May 2015. While there I would like to try to get some genealogy information. The family heritage is of Bisacqueno according to death certificate and obituary although other things suggest possibly Contessa Entellina. The immigrant was Giuseppe Romano, born 14 Jul 1855 (father Pascale Romano)and married to Maria Bruno (father Anthony Bruno). Giuseppe and Maria had three of their children in Sicily before immigrating to the USA. Giuseppe also had a brother Pietro, born Nov 1855. Both surnames appear on your “most common surnames” list 🙁 . We plan to visit Bisacqueno to see where the family lived and I would like to know, since I am visiting the town, what is the best place for me to go for local documents. Also, I am expecting there to be little to no English speakers there, is this the case? If I bring a decent translation of what I am looking for will they be able to help me? Any advice to make the most of my time while there would be greatly appreciated.
Grazie,
Charlotte
My father, Guiseppe Salvatore Tamborello (Joseph Samuel Tamborello), was born in Bisaquino
(Province of Palermo and Circondario of Corleone), Sicily on February 28, 1878 to Salvatore Tamborello and Genoeffa Lucia. He came to America in 1889 with his widowed mother and his brother to live in Houston, Texas with his uncle Vincente Lucia (his mother’s brother). I’d like to find information about his father, Salvatore Tamborello, and Salvatore’s father (Giuseppe Tamborello).
My sister will be traveling to Bisacquino in spring of 2015.
Thank you for the informative web site.
Lolly
Hi, I’m trying to connect the relations of two people, one of which I know was my Great-Grandmother, and the other, a victim of the New York City Triangle Shirtwaist fire of 1911. My Great-Grandmother’s maiden name was Colletti, first name Guiseppa. Her last known address was in Ribera, Sicily before she immigrated to the United States around 1904. She was born in 1870. However, a person named Annie Colletti, born 1881, who also immigrated to the United States, supposedly was born in Bisacquino. In New York, they just happened to live across the street from each other on east 13th street, Manhattan. It is also family folklore that Annie was in fact related to Guiseppa, however, I can’t seem to place the locations of their origins together and get documented proof. Both of their Father’s name was Joseph, but Mother’s names are different, but it doesn’t mean they weren’t related. How can I obtain documented proof of their relationship?
My Grandmother’s name was Mary Oddo, born on 1/3/1889 and came to America from Campofiorito, Bisacquino, Corelone, sailing from Palermo Sicily on 4/7/1897. Married George Elferis(Elpheris, Elftheris, Eleuoepis)from Epidavros Greece 12/17/1916 in Baltimore Md. and lived in NYC in the 30ies- until she passed in 1978 ish. They had 4 children, 1 boy and 3 girls. Had a brother Vincent Oddo, a physician in Rhode Island. If anyone knows of any information of the Oddo’s in Sicily or the Oddo’s in Rhode Island, it would be appreciated.
Have you found more information on Mary Oddo and her family tree? My great great grandfather, Giuseppe Bruno married Francesca Oddo (born 1819). They had a son Paolo born in 1850 and it was his son Frank that settled in Bristol, Rhode Island and was my grandfather. Francesa Oddo’s father was Gregorio Oddo born in 1789. Happy to share additional information if any of these Oddos show up on your family tree.
John:
Not sure if a backwards search would help to find out more but there are many Bruno’s and Oddo’s from Sicily that settled in Ensley, AL and many of those descendants still live around the Birmingham, AL area. Not sure if this is a branch off your tree if if these guys relocated after time in RI.
– Maria
I am researching my wife’s family. Her Grandfather died when her mother was 6mths old and therefore lost his lineage. His father’s name was Frank Costa born: 8 Oct 1882, Bisacquino, Palermo, Sicily, Italy. He left Italy on the vessel: Aucha Line, 20 May 1898 and arrived in New York 4 June 1898. If anyone knows his parents that would be wonderful and if you know all history that would be fantastic!!!
My great grandfather was Giuseppi Tamborello [or possibly Carlo Giuseppi] and he married Anna Tortorice in the early 1900’s. They left Biscaquino by way of Palermo; he went first to New Orleans, LA and then she came to New Orleans with the oldest of 10 children, Mike Tamborello. They eventually settled in the coastal town of Dickinson, Texas.
The spelling of the last name is the one we have all grown up with but could have been different originally. I will be traveling to Italy in May 2015 with my sister and we will be looking for family ties at the church in Biscaquino.
Thanks in advance!
Terry
My great great grandmother was born there in 1866 and married Joseph Guseman. Lena Guseman (before Gusemano or Cusimano??). I am trying to find her maiden name (I think it might be Papa?). The other side would be DeGeorge (maybe DiGeorgio before change) and his name was Michele DeGeorge. All of them ended up in Houston, TX for generations.
Jordan, see my response below Rose.
Greg DeGeorge
I’m looking for my grandfather and grandmother on my father’s side
His name was Peter Contorno and her name was Rosa Maria Tumbrello.
We don’t know when he left Sicily but my grandmother was 2yrs old when they landed in New Orleans not New York and settled in Birmingham,AL.
There is a Mary Rose and Frank Contorno in the Birmingham area. There are many aberrations of the Tumbrello name here as well, Tombrello, Tombrella, Timbrello etc. Perhaps a relative?
These are my relatives also. Rosa left on those ship Ligeura in 1910 out of Palermo. Peter left with his parents at a very early age. I don’t know ship but I have much information on both.
Hello:
I am trying to locate both of my maternal grandparents. They were both born in Bisacquino, Italy. My grandfather’s name was Giuseppi Tombrello, born on July 23, 1885. My grandmother (Giuseppi’s wife) was Maria Tumbrello, born on 12/17/1888. I do not know my grandfather’s parents names. My grandmother’s father’s name was Paul Tumbrello and his wife’s name was Filippa. I do not have a last name for her. There isn’t anyone left in the family I could ask. I have a copy of my grandmother’s death certificate, but there is no last name for Filippa. Pls help, I’ve been searching for 7 years without any luck.
Thank you,
Rosalie
Jordan, my name is Greg DeGeorge and I have your
answers. The maiden name of Lena Guseman ( born 1884 in
Beaumont, but lived her life in Houston)
was Lena DeGeorge. She was a sister of my
grandfather Gasper DeGeorge (born 1888).
Their father was Michele DeGeorge (born 1850)
who emigrated from Bisacquino, Sicily in 1882
with his brother Bernardo. The brothers changed
the last name from “di Giorgio” to “DeGeorge”
about 1900 to Americanize the name which
they probably felt would be helpful in business
due to discrimination against recent immigrants in the
early 1900’s.
Lena Guseman married Tanny Guseman about
1920 and worked along with Gasper and father-in-law
Michele in the hotel business. Lena and Tanny
Guseman built the house on the northwest corner
of San Felipe and River Oaks Blvd. in Houston.
Lena’s sister Rosalie also lived in a seperate wing
of this large mansion.
Tanny and Lena had three daughters: Lenora Guseman (Smith)
Ursula Guseman ( Lusk ) and Michaeline
Guseman (Toomey)
Hope this helps.
Greg, thank you for your response! My last name is Smith and my grandmother is Lenora. I am sure you know the rest of the family fairly well (my father is Mike which I believe is your generation). I know the Lusk’s have done some extensive genealogy over the years so I could probably dig through that to get some more answers. I meant to originally ask for Lenora’s (Michele’s wife) maiden name. It appears to be Papa, but I wasn’t 100% sure. Thanks again for responding to my post and I hope to formally meet you and the rest of the family one day.
Jordan, Lenora’s maiden name was Lenora Guseman,
like her sisters Ursula Guseman (Lusk–deceased),
and Michaeline Guseman Toomey. Their mother Lena
DeGeorge (your grandmother) married Tanny Guseman in 1920.
Your great grandfather (lena’s father) was Michele DeGeorge
who built the DeGeorge Hotel in 1913 and the Auditorium Hotel
(Now the Lancaster Hotel) in 1926. My family continues the original
family business of commercial real estate building shopping centers in Houston.
I have lots of information if you are interested. I met you father
at The Houstonian Club a couple of years ago.
Please tell Mike hello.
Ciao!!
Greg-
I am helping a client with some research who is related to Bernardo De George (Di Giorgio). He is traveling to Sicily this week and asked if I could help him find any relatives that still may be there. Do you know of any? The current mayor is a Di Giorgio so I am reaching out to him for more information.
My Grandfather’s name was Joseph (Giuseppi) LaRusso. His father was Salvatore LaRusso and his mother’s maiden name was Nunzia Caniella. My Grandfather was born in Bisaquino March 9, 1881. My Grandfather’s wife’s name was Ignazia (Genevieve) Tumasella, born in 1885. Any information you can find would be of great help to me as these facts are all I have of my family. Thank you, Dianne
Dianne, did they settle near Bham, AL?