Thankful Thursday

The one question that people always ask me, in regards to genealogy, is

How did you get started?

Today I will answer that question -

My maternal grandmother, Helen had a book in her home and it was her father's.  When I was about thirteen years old - I started to read this book and I found it very interesting (probably because it was in Italian and there was a very important list on Page 1)  It was like a register book to keep track of business receipts. My great grandfather owned a grocery store, so that made sense.
In this book, on Page 1,  written in Italian script was a list of all his children and birth dates and birth times.

We called it - "Grandpa's book" or the "Family Tree book" - It was very neat and precise... This is the "Book" that caused me to have an interest in my family heritage and it's what started it all for me! I am now the proud owner of this book! It's very old and falling apart but I am so thankful that my great grandfather, Domenico Giammaria wrote in this book and my Grandma Helen was the one child  that ended up with it!!

He continued to write about all his children's marriages and all his grandchildren too.  This is how I started my family tree, with his information. I'm sure he would be very happy to know that I continued his tradition of keeping track of his family!!

Treasure Chest Thursday

Tombstone Tuesday

My Great Grandparents - both born in Rionero Sannitico, Molise, Italy and died in Cleveland, Ohio. This grave is at Lakeview Cemetery. "Riposa in Pace"

Tombstone Tuesday

My "Step" Great Grandfather, Antonio Gennarro D'Amore and his first wife Rosina. He was the second husband of my Great Grandmother, Filomena Sinibaldi Pinto.  They were both widowed from their first marriages. These graves are at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio. "Riposa in Pace"

My Grandpa Tony

My maternal grandfather was born in Busso, Campobasso, Italy in December of 1905.  He was baptised in 1906 in the same town.   When he was 14 years old, he arrived at Ellis Island with his family. He departed Italy from Naples and arrived in America on October 19, 1920. According to the New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, he was traveling with his mother, Filomena and two brothers Mario and Angelo.  They were in route to Cleveland, OH to see their Aunt. His parents had another son named Richard after they were in Ohio.  Therefore, my grandpa was the oldest of the four boys. In November 1929, he married my grandmother - Helen.  They were married at Saint Marian Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio. My grandfather was a bricklayer and eventually owned his own business called "Pinto Chimneys and Incinerators." He and Helen raised three children - my mother being the youngest.  I spent lots of time with my grandfather. My best memories were when we were sharing a meal that my grandma had prepared and we would sit at the kitchen table together and talk. He would always make me and my sister laugh! In his older years, after retirement, he would walk to the Racetrack and when he would win - he would give us both money!!  He also loved to sit in his white leather lounge chair in the living room and watch Golf! He was a very good looking guy and always dressed sharp.  He was very sociable and had many friends.  

My Grandma Helen

Anthony & Tony Pinto November 16, 1929

My maternal Grandmother, Helen Louise Giammaria

My Grandma Rose

When my Grandmother Rose Marie Francis was born on November 8, 1915, (98 years ago today) in South Amherst, Ohio, her father, Carmine, was 31 and her mother, Angela, was 24.  
When she was 7 years old, her parents moved the family from a South Amherst farm to Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood, and she lived there the rest of her life! 
She had three sisters, and one brother.
She married John DiFrancesco on November 26, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio.  They had three sons in 11 years, and her occupation was a typist.

In April 1945, my Grandfather was drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II and left my Grandma to care for my father and his younger brother. While he was in the Navy, he wrote "Love" letters to my Grandma and I am lucky enough to have all of them! They wrote back and forth to each other for 10 months! The first letter was dated April 16, 1945 and the last one was dated February 8, 1946. He was totally in love with my Grandmother and his children. 
My Grandma bought both boys sailor outfits so they could be like their Daddy...

She went on to have one more son and raise her three boys in Little Italy, an Italian neighborhood in Cleveland.  
Unfortunately, my Grandfather passed away in May 1964 and left her a young widow at the age of 48. She never remarried.
Her sons all married and she had six grandchildren (me being the oldest).  We spent many, many Sundays at our Grandma's home eating pasta dinners and her delicious pizza and cookies! She was always baking... 
We also celebrated the Feast of Assumption every single year at her house until she passed away. This was a family tradition. She died one day after the Feast Day on August 16, 1995.