Roseto Milestones

Lena Cherkis (1922 - 2011)

2011-03-03T15:18:00.000+01:00

Elmira: Age 88, died at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center on Tuesday, March 1, 2011. Lena was born May 3, 1922, a daughter of Thomas and Maryanna (Carrescia) Caroscio. She was predeceased by her husband John P. Cherkis on January 2, 2011. Lena is also predeceased by her son John T. Cherkis, daughters-in-law, Kim Rudy Cherkis and Terry Nist Cherkis Doud, brother William Caroscio, brother and sister-in-law, Victor and Mary (Lockern) Caroscio, brothers-in-law, Anthony Maio and Henry Novick. She is survived by her children, Ann Cherkis, Mary Cherkis Donahue, and Joseph Cherkis (Jennifer Corrao), all of Elmira; grandchildren, Christopher Cherkis, Christin (Eric) Bresett; great grandson Caleb Bresett; sisters, Mary Maio, Dorene Novick; sister-in-law Edith Caroscio; along with several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Lee was a homemaker and a retiree of the Elmira City School District where she worked as a library aide. She enjoyed being outside, working in her garden and filling the bird feeder, then watching the birds come and feed. Lee took great joy in her time spent with her grandchildren and great grandson. She was a faithful communicant of Blessed Sacrament Parish, where she was a member of the Sacred Heart Society
View Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/star-gazette/obituary.aspx?n=lena-cherkis&pid=149053450&eid=sp_shareobit

Joseph A. Ruggiero, 85, of Roseto died Friday, January 28, 2011

2011-01-31T16:57:00.004+01:00

Joseph (far left)

Joseph A. Ruggiero, 85, of Roseto died Friday, January 28, 2011 in his residence. Born: February 20, 1925 in Roseto, he was a son of the late Fausto and Mary D. Goffredo Ruggiero. Personal: He owned and operated Ruggiero's Market since 1963, retiring in 2002. He was a 1943 graduate of Bangor High School. Joe and his wife the former Kathryn M. Falcone were married in 1966. His first wife the former Lucy Romano died in 1962. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Memberships: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and Martocci-Capobianco Post 750 both of Roseto, and Knights of Columbus Council 3862 of West Bangor.

Full obit: http://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/obituaries/etpa/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-a-ruggiero&pid=148239650

Fedele Antonio Trigiani

2010-10-24T20:01:00.003+02:00

TRIGIANI, Fedele Antonio - ( Veteran, World War II) 1918 - 2010 Passed away at The McCall Centre, Toronto on October 24, 2010 at the age of 92. Finally reunited in eternity with Domenica, his beloved spouse of 62 years. Dear father of Maria, Michelina (Frank Mazzolin) and Dana (Gord Best). Proud nonno of Michael, Marisa, Gemma and Gordon. A quiet, gentle, unassuming, hard working man, Fedele will be sadly missed by siblings Costanza, Giuseppe, Filippo and Rocco. Predeceased by sister Filomena and brothers Antonio and Michele. Lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews in Canada, Italy and the United States. Visitation will be held at the Scott Funeral Home (420 Dundas Street East, Mississauga, 1 block west of Cawthra) on Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held in Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church (65 Jutland Road, Toronto) on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Woodbridge, Ontario. Memorial donations in Fedele's name may be made to ErinoakKids Foundation or the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Joseph Marino

2010-10-11T18:58:00.000+02:00

MARINO, Joseph Anthony 75, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, in Clearwater, of complications from late-stage adrenal-cortical cancer. Mr. Marino, Joe to his friends and family, was born in Washington, DC, in 1935, the elder son of Italian-American immigrants Nick and Lucia Marino. After spending much of his childhood in World War II in Italy, Marino returned to the Washington, DC area, attended, and graduated from St. John's College High School. He then attended the University of Notre Dame and the Notre Dame Law School. While there, he wrote for the Law Review.
He graduated with a law degree in 1960, and went to work for the Federal Communications Commission. Mr. Marino's early work for the FCC included writing opinions, working as a Broadcast Bureau trial attorney, and serving as an appellate lawyer in the General Counsel's office. He took a year-long sabbatical for graduate studies in administrative law at the University of Chicago Law School in 1968. During this time, he represented a number of indigent defendants in criminal appeals before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. He then returned to the Commission, where he was appointed head of the Litigation division by then-Chairman Dean Burch. He is remembered fondly by the junior litigators of the time for the monthly dinner parties held at his home, where he would invite a guest speaker to discuss one aspect of the law or another. Later, he served in other high profile positions such as Deputy Chief, and then Chief of the Common Carrier Bureau which oversaw the licensing and regulation of telephone and cellular telephone carriers, and Chairman of the FCC Review Board, which heard and judged appeals of all decisions made by the Administrative Law Judges at the FCC. Joseph's highest profile work for the FCC came in 1978, when he successfully argued the FCC's side of FCC v. Pacifica Foundation, commonly referred to as the George Carlin seven dirty words case, before the United States Supreme Court. In their decision, the Court upheld the FCC's right to regulate "indecent" speech broadcast over radio waves. Active in his parish of Ascension Catholic Church in Bowie, MD, Mr. Marino met his wife, Marian Lucille Mack, while serving as the director of the church's Catholic Christian Doctrine program. They were married in 1970 and moved to their home in Glenn Dale, MD. Their only child, Nicholas, was born in 1974. He remained active in the church throughout his years in Maryland. He retired from the FCC in June of 1997 and moved to Clearwater, where he was able to enjoy his life-long hobby of golf year-round. A family-oriented man, Mr. Marino cared for his mother until her death in 2002, at age 99. Always a charitable man, Joe donated his time to a soup kitchen in downtown Clearwater, and was active in All Saints Catholic Church's St. Vincent de Paul Society. A friend once dubbed him "a Christian thinker" to which others have added "he was a Christian doer." Mr. Marino is survived by his wife Marian Lucille (Lucy) and son Nicholas of Clearwater, and his brother Fausto of St. Leonard, MD. Mr. Marino's family would like to thank Suncoast Hospice for making Mr. Marino's final days comfortable and filled with dignity. A visitation will held from 5-7 pm at Curlew Hills Funeral Home on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010. Funeral mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church 2801 Curlew Rd. Clearwater, FL 33761 on Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to either of the following organizations: Suncoast Hospice Foundation 5771 Roosevelt Blvd. Clearwater, FL 33760, St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o All Saints Catholic Church 2801 Curlew Rd. Clearwater, FL 33761

Published in St. Petersburg Times on October 9, 2010

Clara Amy; 92, of Roseto, September 21, 2010

2010-09-23T15:14:00.005+02:00

Clara Amy, 92, of Roseto, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2010 in Gracedale, Upper Nazareth Township, PA. Born: at home in Roseto, PA, she was a daughter of the late Domenic and Antonette LeDonne Finelli. Personal: Her beloved husband Arthur "Lefty" Amy died in 1990. Clara was a seamstress in various garment factories in the Slate Belt Area for many years. She enjoyed gardening and especially her roses. Memberships: She was a life long practicing Jehovah Witness belonging to the Bangor-Roseto Congregation of Jehovah Witness. Survivors: a sister, Antonette McCabe of West Bangor; and many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. Her sisters, Rose Carrescia, Celia DeCesare, and Lucy Renna, and brothers, Pasquale and Matthew all died earlier. Services: will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Fiore Funeral Home, 230 Market St. Bangor. Call on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 till time of services. Burial will be in the Roseto Presbyterian Cemetery, Roseto, PA.

2010-09-10T22:28:00.002+02:00

MATTHEWS, W. Craig It is with much sadness that our family announces Craig's passing on September 4, 2010, in his 82nd year. Loving husband and soulmate to his wife Lynda for 26 wonderful years. Dear father of Peter (Deb) and Paula. Cherished granddad of Tarra and Kyle. Survived by his brother Murray (Joyce) and his sister Carol (Doug); he is now at peace and has joined his brother Grant (Helen), his sister Margaret and brother-in-law, Bev, as well as his mom and dad. Will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews and many close friends. Craig's life spanned a 40 year career with The Mutual Life of Canada, where he touched many lives and inspired their success. Once retired, he lived life to the fullest spending time with family and friends and travelling to all of his favourite places. Our thanks to Dr. Angelo Zizzo for his many years of treating and caring for Craig and especially to the staff and nurses at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice for their tender care and compassion in his final days. A celebration of his life will be held at The Clubhouse, Garth Trails Village, Garth and Twenty Road in Hamilton on Thursday, September 9th at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice would be greatly appreciated. "Always in our Hearts"

Arthur Jiannine Feb 5, 1919 Aug 25, 2010

2010-08-31T15:36:00.000+02:00

ARDEN -Arthur Donato Jiannine, age 91, died August 25, 2010 at Memorial Mission Hospital, Asheville, N.C. following a brief illness.

Mr. Jiannine was born February 5, 1919 in Red Bank, NJ., the son of Phillip and Minnie Thorne Jiannine. He graduated from Red Bank High School and was a active member of the First Baptist Church of Red Bank. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1942, with a degree in chemical engineering. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy, during World War II. Following his discharge, he was employed by Merck , Sharp and Dome, in Rahway, NJ and later in Riverside, PA. He moved to Florida in 1964, first to North Palm Beach and later Indiatlantic, where he was employed by Harris Semiconductors.

Full Obit - http://andersrice.com/memorial.mgi?id=2455434.57302083

Matthew Anthony Schiavone, (82 years), Thursday, March 25, 2010

2010-04-27T15:07:00.001+02:00

MATTHEW ANTHONY SCHIAVONE, (82 years) passed away. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vera and his cherished daughter Elizabeth. He is survived by his loving sons, Angelo (Elizabeth) and Anthony (Kathleen).
He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. He is also survived by his sisters Carmella Joy and Lucia Capitello and a host of nieces and nephews. He is the uncle of Maria Capitello, who is a member here. Visitation will take place at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, on Monday, March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 30 at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 595 3rd St. NW, Washington DC. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvert Hospice, Prince Frederick, MD or Tepeyac Family Center, Fairfax, VA.

Lucia R Falcone; 95 on March 3, 2010

2010-04-27T15:06:00.001+02:00

LUCIA R. FALCONE (Age 95) On March 3, 2010, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved wife of the late Vito Falcone and mother of the late Maria Griffith. She is survived by her daughter, Lucy Hamachek and grandson, Matthew Hamachek.
On Friday, March 5, visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m, at HINES-RINALDI FUNERAL HOME, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. On Saturday, March 6, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 12319 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: Saint Ann''s Infant and Maternity Home, 4901 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 or the Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, DC 20017.

Pompeo Romano; February 28, 1956 - February 28, 2010

2010-04-27T15:04:00.000+02:00

March 27, 2010

I want to thank the person that purchased the Guest book to be viewed for one year. You are wonderful. I also want to than all the family and friends that posted wonderful words of Pompeo. This is such a sad moment in my life. All of you have made this terrible event a little better to manage. Thank you all again for your support.

~ Rosemary Romano

John (Jack) L. DeLuca, January 2, 2010 at 66

2010-04-27T14:49:00.001+02:00

John L. DeLuca, 66, of Nazareth, passed away at his residence on Saturday, January 2, 2010. Born: In Pen Argyl on December 17, 1943, he was a son of the late Louis C. DeLuca, Sr., and the late h Ann Jensen. Personal: John was a graduate of Easton High School and later honorably served in the Navy.
Prior to retiring, John worked as an insurance salesman for the John Hancock Insurance Co. for many years. Memberships: He was a member of the Roseto Rod & Gun Club. Survivors: loving daughter, Erica J. DeLuca of El Paso, Texas; former wife, Lynda L. Holgate DeLuca of El Paso, Texas; brother, David DeLuca and his wife Robin of Allentown; sister, Debra DeLuca of Easton; three nephews, Nicholas DeLuca of Allentown, Louis C. DeLuca, III of Phillipsburg and Zachary Fehr of Easton. He was predeceased by a brother, Louis C. DeLuca, Jr. in 2004. Services: Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Roseto Presbyterian Cemetery, Liberty Avenue, Roseto, PA.

Beth Falcone Wins 2009 Kleban Award

2010-04-27T14:45:00.001+02:00

Winner of the 2009 Kleban Award For Most Promising Lyricist In American Musical Theatre

"Falcone's score is cheerful and inventive, filled with jokes for the tweens and wit for the adults." ~Variety
"... a catchy score ... pop-rock melodies and smart lyrics" ~Backstage
"Falcone's tuneful score delivers one terrific song after another..." ~Theatermania
"one attractive, literate, witty and/or emotional number after another..." ~Aisle Say
"Beth Falcone's music and lyrics are not only catchy and fun for the tweens, but also amusing and entertaining for the adults." ~Show Business
"a clever score with contagious tunes that appeal to adults and tweens alike." ~offoff online
"Beth Falcone's rock and pop-inspired tunes...tug the ear, delight the eye, and yank you through the story in spite of yourself." ~Blogcritics.org

Maria Giovanna (Falcone) Griffith passed away October 31, 2009

2010-04-27T14:41:00.000+02:00

Washington D.C. - Holy Rosary Church Roseto Social Club - Sad to report that we lost another member of our Rosetani Community. Maria Giovanna (Falcone) Griffith passed away on Saturday. The wake will be held on Thursday, 5 November, from 6:00 to 9:00 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. The funeral Mass will take place on Friday morning, 6 November, at 10:00. St. Elizabeth is located at 917 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland. More information will be listed in the Washington Post on Wednesday and Thursday. Please pass along this information to family and friends. Thank you.

Tony Falcone

Antonio (Tony) Menecola 1932 -2009

2010-04-27T14:40:00.000+02:00

Passed away suddenly on Saturday June 6, 2009 at age 77. Loving husband of the late Matilda Tudino. Dear father of Michael (Pina), Fausto (Carolynn) and Francesco. Nonno of Anthony, Stephanie, Michael Jr., Nicholas, C.J. and Chance. He will always be remembered by his many family and friends. Friends will be received at the G.H. Hogle Funeral Home’s “ Mimico Chapel”, 63 Mimico Ave., Etobicoke on Sunday 7-9 p.m. and Monday 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass Tuesday 10 am in Holy Angels Church (61 Jutland Rd., Etobicoke). Interment Mount Peace Cemetery , Mississauga .

Nick Rosato 1913 - 2009

2010-04-27T14:38:00.000+02:00

Posted by Ken Rosato on June 10, 2009

Nick Rosato, grandson and namesake of Roseto PA cofounder Nicola Rosato, died on June 8, 2009, at the age of 96. Dad was born in Roseto on Valentine's Day in 1913, and lived in the area his entire life. He served his country in World War II, and received the Purple Heart after being seriously injured in battle. Self employed as a carpenter into his late eighties, he had many friends, and almost as many relatives, in and around Bangor and Roseto. We will all miss him.

Vito Falcone, 1930-2009

2010-04-27T14:33:00.000+02:00

VITO FALCONE On Sunday, June 21, 2009, of Hyattsville, MD, born in Roseto Valfortore, Italy. Beloved husband of Anna Falcone; father of Anthony F. Falcone, Maria Pia (nee Falcone) Doyle and Giuliana (nee Falcone) Benson; grandfather of Kiani, Matthew, Alexander, Thomas Stone and John Zachary; brother of Filomena Falcone. Relatives and friends may call at Holy Rosary Church, 595 Third Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20001, Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m., where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. Entombment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Uncle Michele Marcantonio's death....he'll be missed!

2010-04-27T14:28:00.003+02:00

Posted by Donato Antonio Marcantonio on May 23, 2009

It is with great sorrow that I am announcing the death of my uncle Michele Marcantonio. He left us this morning with respiratory failure. Great reverend, school principal, writer and historian, he will be missed by the whole family. The funeral will be at the "Chiesa Madre" in Roseto tomorrow may 24th at 4 pm.

Rev. Don Michele Marcantonio (second from left)

Reply by Enid Macken on May 25, 2009 - I have wonderful memories of a priest who helped me identify the places where my old family photos were taken when I visited Roseto Valfortore in 2006. As I read this death notice, I wondered if Don Michele Marcantonio was the priest I remembered. I've just looked through my photos and found one of his house with a beaded curtain saying "Don Michele." I'm sorry to hear of his death. I'm sure he helped many others like me who were trying to place their relatives in the town's history.

Reply by Dominic and Aileen Goduto on May 24, 2009 - Dear Donato Antonio, Our condolences to your family. We have just returned from a trip abroad and so are just learning of this news about your uncle. Dom's mother knew him and has a couple of his books which she thoroughly enjoys. Our son also, with his limited Italian, pored through these books because of his university studies and more so because of his personal interest in the area. He thus had a great interest in meeting your uncle and did so in the summer of 2007. Of course language was a barrier, but he enjoyed the visit nonetheless. He was hoping to visit with him again. We are sure that both Bibiana and our son, Don Carlo, will be saddened to hear of his death. We will be passing this information along to them. Thank you for sharing your uncle's death information with the site. We would not have known otherwise. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. - Dominic and Aileen

Reply by Lynda Matthews on May 27, 2009 - Donato Antonio, I am truly sorry to hear this news about your uncle Michele Marcantonio. While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I will always be grateful to him for the wealth of information that he passed along to me with regards to my Lanza family. So many lost pieces of a puzzle have now been found because of him. He must have been a remarkable man who loved his Roseto Valfortore and all of the history that it had to offer. - Lynda Matthews

Reply by matteo de cesare on June 19, 2009 - con grandissimo dolore e in enorme ritardo ho appreso la morte di don Michele, al quale da sempre mi ha legato sentita e sincera amicizia, derivata dal fatto che per intere generazioni egli ha rappresentato un caposaldo di riferimento e di formazione culturale: tra queste generazioni c'è anche la mia! Mi piace ricordarlo con un insegnamento di Blaise Pascal, che spesso ci citava, e che forse mai appieno ne abbiamo percepito il senso: "non dimenticatevi che la dignità dell'uomo risiede nel pensiero". Ed era forse proprio lo spirito critico quello che egli voleva sviluppare di più in noi: di questo, ritengo, gliene saremo sempre grati.
Ma come rosetani gli dobbiamo gratitudine per aver portato alla storia paese pagine buie e non conosciute, come di aver stutturato, dopo un attento studio filologico, l'intero dialetto rosetano.
Caro don Michele, anche adesso che stai tra le braccia del Padre Nostro, sono sicuro che non farai mancare a noi il tuo sguardo, sperando di non meritare ancora una volta un brutto voto, come quelli che meritavamo da tuoi scolari.
U n abbraccio fraterno ai parenti che mi hanno onorato della loro amicizia, e un saluto di partecipazione sincera a tutti - matteo de cesare

Frank Longiotti, 84, of Meadville, died Saturday, May 30, 2009

2010-04-27T14:15:00.001+02:00

in Meadville at the home and in the care of his sister, Rose Brockelhurst, and his niece, Pam Brockelhurst.Born Jan. 1, 1925, in Shenango Township, he was a son of Allessandro and Mary Sbrocchi Longiotti. On July 2, 1949, he married Leona Horn; she preceded him in death Dec. 3, 2006.
He was a 1942 graduate of Shenango-Jamestown High School.He retired after 47 years at Talon, and owned and operated Frank's TV Repair Shop.He served with the U.S. Army 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, participating in two combat jumps in Normandy and Holland and then receiving the Purple Heart medal.He enjoyed bowling, golfing and computers.He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the 82nd Airborne.Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Noreen Lee of Saegertown; two sons, Jon Lee and his wife, Carol, of Huntsville, Ala., and Frank Longiotti and his wife, Mary, of Titusville; three grandchildren, Robert Lee, Gina Lee-Whitmer and Mara Bailey; three great-grandchildren, Alex Lee, Mat Bailey and Lily Bailey; five sisters, Josephine Wilson of Comanche, Texas, Ruthie Brown and her husband, Wendall, of Evansville, Minn., Theresa Longiotti of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Natalie Knop and her husband, Fred, of Aurora, Ohio, and Rose Brockelhurst of Meadville; two brothers, John Longiotti and his wife, Peg, of Greenville, and Pete Longiotti and his wife, Carmel, of Greenville; and many nieces and nephews.In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by one stepson, Robert J. Lee; and two sisters, Florence Girardeau and her husband, Jerry, and Mary Radicella and her husband, James.A memorial service is Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home, 614 Baldwin St., Meadville, with Pastor David Brumagin of Trinity United Methodist Church of Conneaut Lake officiating.Interment will be in Beechwood Cemetery.

Elisa Falcone Tutolo - 30Mar1925-11Jun2007

2010-04-27T14:12:00.002+02:00

Posted by Phil Falcone - Site Admin on March 28, 2008

My First Cousin (Once Removed)
Article clipped from Fortore Magazine

This is the obit for Elisa, best known in the village as "Lisuccia". Married to Antonio Tutolo, survived by her son Giovanni. It also mentions her Falcone siblings Filomena, Antonio, and Giuseppe who are no longer alive but moved to Foggia long ago. I got a lot of information from our resident expert, Cesare, who can help with great information. If I can make the image appear here, it is where Elisa lived and where her son, Giovanni does now.

Mary Ann Catino - 76; February 21, 1932 - December 20, 2008

2010-04-27T14:05:00.003+02:00

Mary Anne Catino, 76, of Bangor, passed away, Saturday, December 20, 2008, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Twp. Born: In Bangor, February 21, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Torquato A. Catino and Grace Falcone Catino. Personal: She was a retired educator from the Bangor Area School District with more than 31 years as a classroom teacher and school librarian. She was one of the first teachers of special education when it was mandated in 1957 and later she was the first elementary librarian when it was mandated in 1967.
A graduate of Bangor High School, Class of 1950, she received degrees from East Stroudsburg State College, Temple University, and Villanova University. She completed additional courses at Penn State, Lehigh and Kutztown Universities. She also graduated from Empire Beauty School as a cosmetologist and completed requirements for real estate salesperson from N.C.A.C.C. She began her teaching career at Bridgewater-Raritan, NJ, schools and following a 6 week Study Abroad Temple University European comparative educational tour, she became a member of the Bangor Area School faculty. She was a active leader in both civic and educational organizations. She served as 4th Ward representative on the Bangor Borough Council. She was a member of the Bangor Centennial Committee serving as Special Events chairperson. She was also chairperson of the Bi-Centennial Celebration Committee. She served a 12 year term on the Bangor Public Library Board of Directors and a 17 year term on the advisory board of the Library Technical Program at NCACC. She was elected to a term on the board of the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association. She was the first elected vice president of the P.S.E.A.-Retired Board of Directors. She served as President of the following organizations, Bangor Education Association, Bangor Business and Professional Women's Club, Lehigh Valley School of Librarians, Delta Kappa Gamma-Alpha Alpha Chapter, Northampton County Area on Aging Advisory Board, and East Stroudsburg Alumni Association. She received the following awards and recognitions: Life time membership in the P.T. A., The Pennsylvania Delta Kappa Gamma Blanche Foster Award for graduate study, The Pennsylvania Delta Kappa Gamma Album of Distinction Recognition Award, The Pennsylvania G.F. Women's Club Star Women of 2000 Award and a nominee for the 2006 Jennie Award for outstanding volunteer service. A special Honor Recognition Award was presented by the Bangor Area School District in 2005 and her portrait was hung in the Washington School Library. In 2006, the Bangor Alumni Association inducted her into the 1885 Club. She enjoyed reading and knitting. She was best known for the hundreds of mittens and caps she completed for hospitals, Indian tribes, homeless and school children. She also enjoyed teaching English as a Second Language. She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Roseto. She served a term on the Board of the Allentown Diocese Catholic Social Agency. She also was a volunteer librarian at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School. Survivors: She is survived by an aunt, Lucia Falcone DeSante of Bangor, and many cousins. Services: Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Guerro & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 126 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Pen Argyl. There will be a visitation Saturday from 9 AM till time of services at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Bangor. Memorials: Donations may be offered to the Slate Family Network, 363 Five Points Richmond Road, Bangor, PA 18013-5228 or to the Bangor Alumni Association, P.O. Box 673, Bangor, PA 18013

Attribution: LeHigh Valley Express Times

50th Wedding Anniversary -

2010-04-27T14:04:00.001+02:00

Posted by Lynda Matthews on January 4, 2009

We gathered recently at the home of my cousin Mary Ann's son and daughter-in-law in the Buffalo, NY area to celebrate her's and Larry's 50th Wedding Anniversary. They are pictured at the left corner of the coffee table - with the hosts immediately left of Larry. It is a great mixed group of Italian and British Ancestry with a German and Croat thrown in for good measure.
Italian descendants of Lanza/Sabatino and Ercoli/Mancini. Mary Ann's mother, Ida - who just recently celebrated 95 in the navy cardigan middle right in photo, my mother Adele - age 87 in red sweater middle left in photo. It was a wonderful party put on by Steve and Linda Morris, in their beautiful home, and a great time was had by all. Added is Wedding photo, my sister Nanci and yours truly kneeling down in front.

Passing of Dear Father-In-Law - November 2008

2010-04-27T13:57:00.000+02:00

Posted by Maria Ruggiero-Magri on December 27, 2008

Please keep my loving father-in-law in your prayers. Andrea Magri passed away November 18, 2008. He leaves behind his wife, Carmela, three sons he adored: Frank, Tony and Robert and 3 daughter-in-laws, as well as 6 grandchildren.

Ida Ercoli - Celebrates Age 95! - December 8, 2008

2010-04-27T13:55:00.000+02:00

Posted by Lynda Matthews on December 7, 2008

My Aunt - Ida Ercoli turns 95 tomorrow - December 8th. Today we celebrated this great Milestone at Carmen's Banquet Centre - Piazza Amici Room in Hamilton. A lovely lunch was hosted by her daughter Mary Ann Morris, her son Ray Ercoli and their spouses. Joining in this great celebration was her sister - my mother Adele Wetherall, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, along with many of her cousins and friends. A wonderful tribute to a very lovely lady!

Ronca, Michele P. on October 11, 2008

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Friends, Sadly I report that we lost another member this past weekend, Michele Ronca. I have the Washington Post notice listed below. There will be a viewing tomorrow, Tuesday, 14 October at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will take part on Wednesday at Holy Rosary Church, 10:00.

Tony Falcone

RONCA Michele P. RONCA "Mike" On October 11, 2008 of Washington, DC, formerly of Roseto Valfortore, Italy. Beloved husband of Lucia Ronca. Loving father of Anna Maria (Alan) Francis and Alfonso (Katie) Ronca. Cherished grandfather of Zachary, Nicholas, and Aaron Francis and Annabella and John Michele Ronca. Friends may call at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland on Tuesday October 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Rosary Catholic Church 595 Third Street NW, Washington D.C. on Wednesday October 15 at 10 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Nick Rosato turns 95! - February 2008

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Posted by Ken Rosato on February 18, 2008

Nick Rosato, formerly of Bangor, PA, celebrated his 95th birthday with a family dinner attended by his children, several grandchildren, and a great granddaughter. Great food and drink, lively discussion, balloons, cake, presents, and a slide show were all part of the fun. Many thanks to the staff of the Galley Restaurant in Wind Gap, PA, and to Nick's daughter Sheila, who did the lion's share of the planning and baked the cake.

Estelle Getty of 'Golden Girls' dies at 84 - July 2008

2010-04-27T13:44:00.000+02:00

The best Jewish actress ever to play a Sicilian grandmother on TV!
Photo: scrapetv.com

Estelle Getty, the diminutive actress who spent 40 years struggling for success before landing a role of a lifetime in 1985 as the sarcastic octogenarian Sophia on TV's "The Golden Girls," has died. She was 84.

Getty, who suffered from advanced dementia, died at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday at her Hollywood Boulevard home, said her son, Carl Gettleman of Santa Monica. Audiences particularly loved the verbal zingers Getty would hurl at the other three. When McClanahan's libidinous character Blanche once complained that her life was an open book, Sophia shot back, "Your life's an open blouse."

Attribution: Associated Press

Rest In Peace- Zita, Giuseppe (Joe) - August 31st, 2007

2010-04-27T13:37:00.000+02:00

Posted by Annette zita-Policelli on April 22, 2008

Joe passed peacefully at home with his family at his side on Friday August 31st, 2007 at age 44. Cherished son of Maria and the late Michelle Zita. Lovingly remembered by sons Joey and Justin Zita as well as Agnes. Dear brother of Mary and Nick Policelli, Tony and Maggie Zita, and Annette and Carmen Policelli. Uncle of Amanda and Andrew Policelli, TJ and Michael Zita and Chris and Alicia Policelli.

Joe died of Lymphoma Cancer.

In memory of Maria Annina Lanza - August 4, 2007

2010-04-27T13:34:00.001+02:00

Posted by Lynda Matthews on March 30, 2008

Following is the English version of an obit that I sent in to the Fortore magazine in memory of my aunt. It was featured in the December 2007 edition. Aunt Mary took my sister Nanci and I on our very first trip to Italy back in 1995. I miss her very much.

In Memory of Mary Mastroluisi (Lanza) 1919-2007

My beloved Auntie Mary passed away on August 4 of this year. She was born Maria Annina Lanza on January 26, 1919 in Hamilton, Ontario to Luigi Lanza and Maria Giovanna Sabatino, and lived all of her life in Hamilton.
As a young girl - and then again as a young teenager she was fortunate enough to be able to visit Roseto Valfortore -the birthplace of both of her parents. She loved to travel and indeed we had visited Italy many times, but she always said she wanted to get back to Roseto Valfortore “one more time”. About three years ago my husband Craig and I asked her if she would like to hop a plane with us and do just that - Visit Roseto “one more time” . Unfortunately, at that time - for health reasons, it was not meant to be, and the opportunity never seemed to present itself again. She was so very happy that I had shown an interest in our ancestral roots and that through this interest I had made a connection with Roseto. She looked forward to the times that I would receive the Fortore Magazine and then pass it on to her to read. There are no regrets. She had a wonderful life and I would like to dedicate this to her. Please accept an offering toward “la festa della Madonna della Consolazione” in her name - Maria Annina Lanza. She would be so pleased!

Rosaria Vespa - 100 years young - March 2008

2010-04-27T13:30:00.001+02:00

So, have you ever wondered what the key to living until a ripe old age is? Well maybe you'd like to have a word with Rosaria Vespa!
Rosaria celebrated her 100th birthday, here in Roseto with her close family and friends on the 16th February 2008.
Born in Roseto Valfortore on the 16th February 1908 Rosaria went on to marry Nicola Cistone and they had three children: Giovanni, Maria and Antonietta. She has ten grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
The mayoress and other members of the town hall, presented Rosaria with a silver engraved plaque to mark her birthday and Don Michele Marcantonio gave her a special blessing. We wish her many more happy years and see if any of us manage to reach a century!

Buon Compleanno Rosaria Vespa - Vi siete mai chiesto come fare per vivere il più a lungo possibile? Forse dovreste parlare con Rosaria Vespa ! Rosaria ha festeggiato i 100 anni a Roseto Valfortore Con i suoi famigliari e amici il 16 Febbraio 2008. nata a Roseto V. il 16 Febbraio 1908 sposata con Nicola Cistone hanno avuto 3 figli: Giovanni, Maria e Antonietta. Rosaria ha 10 nipoti e 12 pronipoti. Il sindaco e altri membri della giunta comunale per l’occasione hanno presentato a Rosaria una targa in argento, era presente anche Don Michele Marcantonio che gli ha dato una speciale benedizione. Anche noi gli auguriamo altri e 100 di questi giorni, chissà se anche noi arriveremo al 100 !!

REST IN PEACE - Grace Marie (Falcone) Lesica - February 2008

2010-04-27T13:25:00.001+02:00

Grace Marie (Falcone) Lesica passed away on January 8th two days after her 90th birthday. Her Father was Carmine Falcone, son of Lorenzo Falcone,one of the town"s founders. Her Mother, Nicoletta, was my Mother's Sister. She was the only surviving sibling with her brothers and sister prdeceasing her. After living in New York for many years she moved to Wind Gap Penna for several years and retired to Aviedo, Florida.

Anna R Ficcadenti