Category: 100 Years

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 9, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 2^nd Sunday of the New Year, we introduce the next family groups to be honored and celebrated February 6^th.  The first to recall were the members of the LaCortiglia family who left the town of Albanella, Italy located in the southwestern part of the country.  Luigi LaCortiglia (1890-1990) journeyed to America with his two sons, Joseph Angelo (1911-1977) and Carmen (1914-2010) after the passing of his wife and their Mama, Angela.  They arrived in New York on the ship Colombo on October 26, 1927, with $25.  Angelo was 16 and Carmen was 13 when they traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio after their uncle Michael Scorzziello and his wife Barbara settled here from Peru, Indiana to a little frame house at 1907 Biegler Street.  They settled at 1977 Harrison Avenue where they established their homestead for many years.  Luigi LaCortiglia’s (1890-1990) number one desire was to make it to his 100^th Birthday, as he recalled all the churches in the little towns throughout Italy ringing their Church bells to honor the milestone.  Luigi did and saw his two sons marry, have children and he felt blessed when grandchildren arrived.  His oldest son, Angelo married Mary Mazzaro (1918-1994) and was employed at the Frederick Schmidt Company at 5^th and Main Streets at the age of 29.  Years later, Angelo went on to work as a maintenance worker at Procter and Gamble until his retirement.  Angelo (Skee) and Mary welcomed daughters Mary Angela (LaCortiglia) Brock, Patricia (LaCortiglia) Lancaster, and son Louis LaCortiglia.  He was a member of San Antonio Church, the Holy Name, and the Contadini Italian Societies at the time of his passing. 

During World War II, youngest son, Carmen LaCortiglia joined the Army and served in the Pacific in Iwo Jima and Okinawa.  While stationed at those remote posts, servicemembers were assigned to different jobs and Carmen was chosen to cut hair and that is how he became a neighborhood barber through-out his life.  On his return from serving in the Army while attending San Antonio Church, Carmen met Anna Belfiore who had just arrived from Italy and was living on the east side of Cincinnati before moving to the Panaro home at 1998 Queen City Avenue.  Anna longed for a connection to others like herself and she found that in the community around the church.  After they married, Anna made a comfortable home for the couple on the second floor above the Barber Shop at 1937 Harrison Avenue where they welcomed daughter Angela and in 1958 added two brothers from Italy to their home.  She knew how important it was to young children to be part of a family as Anna (Belfiore’s) Father, Joseph was orphaned as well as her siblings after the death of her mother.  Carmen and Anna worked with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and after almost a 3 year wait, Sylvester and Pasquale joined the LaCortiglia Family.  Anna (Belfiore) LaCortiglia was known for her dressmaking and her cooking skills and Carmen was known for his magnificent garden in a vacant lot directly across the street from their home.  Carmen grew a variety of vegetables along with peppers and tomatoes for Anna’s kitchen.   Anna will always be remembered for her genuine kindness and how much fun the other quilters and Monday morning crafters had at the San Antonio Hall.  Carmen and Anna were married for 52 years at the time of her passing and witnessed Sylvester wed Mary Lou, Angie wed Bill Thesing and Pasquale wed Pasqualina and welcome 7 grandchildren.    

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 2, 2022

by Terrie Evans

Happy New Year to everyone!  On this Sunday we celebrate 3 more historic South Fairmount families who date back to the early days of our church.  The LaRosa, Fariello, and La Scalea/Scalia families who were with San Antonio National Italian Parish from the beginning in 1922.  This group of families along with the others we have honored since August are the numerous squares of the fabric that formed the neighborhood of Little Italy.  We appreciate their stories of sacrifice and dedication t and our church and each other; and we are very thankful to have their descendants visit us for Mass and a Reception on this morning.

The 1^st Family is the Sebastiano and Angela LaRosa Family who came to Cincinnati around 1905.  Their son Anthony LaRosa wed Mary Helena Panaro, and their marriage produced son Donald “Buddy” LaRosa who after marrying “Jo-Jo” Augustine at San Antonio Church never forgot the church on Queen City and White Streets.  Buddy knew how much the church meant to his Grandmother Josephine (Palmieri)  Panaro who was one of the ladies who showed up on Fridays, many years ago, with his Aunt Dena (Panaro) Minella to clean the church.  In honor of them, Buddy continued to offer any assistance that would be needed to keep the church up and running.  He never refused the many requests directed his way and we appreciate Buddy and his sons Mike and Mark for their continued support.

The next is the Rosario and Josephine “Giosina” Fariello family who some of our parishioners still remember.  Rosario was known for his garden in his yard on Biegler Street and Josephine was known for her baking skills; especially being the person who would be called on to make the popular wedding cookies for the neighborhood brides.  Their son, John and spouse, Mary Ellen “Mel”  Fariello continued to be a presence at San Antonio Church during those many uncertain years.  John served at Mass while Mel set up the Altar,  made the announcements and was a member of the Bereavement Team.  As a couple they both were members of the Men’s and Ladies Club and attended every 1^st Friday of the month meeting.  John Fariello held the record for selling more ad spots than any other volunteer for our Spaghetti Dinner Placemat. He covered a lot of miles to approach the many contacts he had from the local auto parts businesses.  They were dedicated to San Antonio Church and when their young Grandson Roman became required a special treatment at St. Jude’s Hospital all their friends from church held a benefit to defray the costs.  They devoted many years for the good of our church and we will never forget them.            

The 3^rd Family are the two branches of the Scalia/ La Scalea family who lived in the Lick Run Area of South Fairmount since the turn of the Century when Antoinette Di Nardi and Nobile Scalea moved to the area and operated two grocery stores to serve the area.  They attended Mass and supported our church until the time Alvina Scalea sold the store and moved out of the area. Generations of Little Italy families have many good memories of Alvina Scalea when the neighborhood grocery was a welcoming place to shop.  

The other branch of the Scalia family is the Nicola and Antoinette (Ventre) Scalia.  Oldest daughter Antoinette(Scalia) Brockmeyer was so inspired by Sr. Blandina, Servant of God, that her stories about the Sister of Charity inspired her daughter, Carol Brockmeyer to join the Order and become Sr. Anthony Brockmeyer who celebrated 65 years of service in 2019.  Sr, Anthony started the Vine Street Neighborhood Service 27 years ago to serve the poor and assist them in meeting the basic needs of daily life.  Sr.  Anthony would pick up donations from different organizations and those generous individuals to deliver to the center.  She is now retired but those she served will never forget her compassion and generous spirit. Another Scalia relative is Pete Scalia, one-time WLWT-TV traffic reporter who is now part of the WCPO-TV’s Cincy Lifestyle Team.  Pete Scalia is the son of musician Tony Scalia who played at all the Felitto Club events and his grandfather was the late Pete “The Pirate” Scalia (as Mussie Minella called him) from the old neighborhood. 

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 26, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday after Christmas, we introduce the last of the January 2^nd families that will be celebrated at mass and a reception on that day.  There are two branches of the La Scalia or Scalea Families.  The first is the Nicola (1890-1917) and the Antoinette (Ventre) Scalia Loffredo (1888-1933) family.  Her parents were Carmine Ventre and Caroline Sabetta.  Nicola and Antoinette arrived from Felitto, Italy with their infant daughter, Antoinette (Scalia) (1913-1964) who years later would marry Jerome Brockmeyer.  Nicloa and Antoinette welcomed daughter Grace Scalia (1916-2008) who married Ernest Palumbo (1910-1980 and son Peter Gus Scalia (1917-1974) who wed Doris Hill (1927-2011).  Nicola passed away after the birth of Peter in 1917; and 3 years later in 1920, Antoinette married Louis Loffredo (1874-1948).  Two more children were born, Josephine Loffredo (1921-1977) who married Anthony Cooper, and Nicholas Anthony Loffredo (1923-1979) who wed Elizabeth Ferris. 

Thirteen years after their marriage, Antoinette (Ventre) Scalia Loffredo died on December 2, 1933, six months after her brother Domenico Ventre (1876-1933) who died on June 24^th.  At the time of her passing, the oldest Antoinette was 20, Grace 17, Peter 16, and minor children Josephine 12, and the youngest, Nicholas 10.  Their family homestead was located at 1923 Montrose Street where Louis raised the children until passing away at 74 years of age.  The Scalia/Loffredo siblings grew up in Little Italy and during those early years of our church, two Sisters of Charity did much work with the youth in the neighborhood who needed extra care.  Antoinette Scalia Brockmeyer was taught by those Sisters of Charity, Blandina and Justina; and her daughter Carol Ann Brockmeyer was inspired by their dedication and joined their order, becoming Sr. Anthony Brockmeyer, S.C.   

The other branch of the La Scalea or Scalea Family were well known for the grocery they started around 1900.  Their family was established when Antoinette Di Nardi (1873-1953) married Noblie Scalea (1866-1930) in Salerno Italy on October 13, 1892.  They immigrated to the United States in 1903.  Nobile ‘s parents were Pasquale and Giuseppa (Schiavo) La Scalea.  Antoinette and Noblie’s family consisted of Nicholas “Scully “ Scalea (1896-1975) who married Amelia Bloemer; he served in the United States Marines, resided in Kentucky, and was employed by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.  Daughter Alvina, (1904-2000) worked with her mother, corresponded with Bing Crosby about racehorses, trainers, and the jockeys who rode them.  Son Joseph (1906-1969) married Bertha Mobley.  Son Anthony (1910-1977), lived at 2161 Queen City Avenue and was employed by Nash Tailors at Henry and Elm Streets.  Daughter Anna (Scalea) Dench married Joseph Fazio (1910-1998).  Daughter Josephine Scalea  (1913-1995) married Thomas W, Owen II. 

The Matriarch, Antoinette Di Nardi Scalea worked for a tailoring business while her husband worked for Union Gas and Electric until they opened two grocery stores located at 1957 and 2161 Queen City Avenues that she ran for 53 years until her death in 1953.   Alvina then ran the much-needed grocery and staple in the neighborhood.  The Scalea’s Grocery would hold your weekly bill until payday at the end of the week.  They worked with all the neighborhood families and really helped them survive through very tough times.  After Alvina passed away, Salvatore and Maria Petrillo saved enough money to buy the business in 1965 and kept it going for the next 35 years. 

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 19, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we introduce the Fariello family who will be honored for our January 2^nd Mass and Reception as we get closer to our 100^th Anniversary Celebration in 2022.   The Rosario Fariello (1890-1972) was born to parents Francesco and Sinfarosa Fariello, the oldest of 3 brothers, Giuseppe, Pasquale, and Vincenzo Fariello; traveled back to his home in Italy before coming back to America.  Josephine “Giosina”  Salerno (1901-1982) was born to Vincenzo Vito (1856-1911) and Virginia (Sabatella) Salerno in Old Forge Pennsylvania, the oldest with younger brothers, Gaetano,  Alfonso and Vincenzo Salerno.  At present, there are extended Salerno Family members living in the area of Old Forge, Pennsylvania.  When Rosario Fariello was 27, he enlisted in the Army during World War I and served from December 1917 to December 1918.  Rosario and Josephine married on November 29, 1924, in a ceremony performed by   Rev. J.B. Chiotti (1881-1925) Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Cincinnati, Ohio when the groom was 34 and the bride 23 with their address listed as 2330 Quebec Road in South Fairmount.   

As their family grew, they were proud to purchase their own home next to the Patrizio Bonaventura and Michael Scorziello families at 1897 Biegler Street.  In the 1940 census, their household consisted of Rosario age 49, Josephine age 39, children Rose 14, Frank 13, Vincent 10, John 3 and Margaret, the youngest less than 2 years old with Rosario supporting his family by working for the City of Cincinnati.  Their oldest daughter Rose Fariello (1925-2013) married a local boy from the neighborhood, Noble Cupito (1920-1991) parents Antonio (1891-1939) and Maria Grazia (Di Stasi) Cupito (1885-1947).  Noble proudly served in the Marine Corps during World War II and welcomed daughter Linda Brock and son Paul Cupito. 

Frank Fariello (1926-2015) served in the U. S. Navy during World War II,  married Lorraine Thomas (1928-2009) family, the late Becky Hoover (1954-2012) Debby Vanoy, Dave Fariello, and the late Theresa Dollenmeyer (1958-2002). 

Rosario and Josephine’s son Vincent Fariello (1930-2014) owned the Cedars Café in Covington in the late 1950’s, wed Helen Stirnkorb (1933-2020) and moved to their new home in the Whittaker and Hayman’s subdivision in Kentucky in 1961 with children Connie, Tony and the late Patrick and Joseph Fariello, lived in De Mossville, Kentucky, 35 miles south of Cincinnati throughout their married life. 

The youngest son of Rosario and Josephine, John Fariello (1936-2012) wed Mary Helen “Mel” Heitfeld (1938-2017) having sons Steve, Andy, and Mike.  Mel and John were faithful dedicated servants to San Antonio Church throughout their lives.  They were with us during the turbulent times in the 1980’s and supported every event as members of the Men’s and Ladies Sodality. 

Youngest daughter of Rosario and Josephine, Margaret (1939- 2021) was a staunch supporter of our church until she took residence in assisted living.  She was a member of the St. Ann’s Ladies Sodality which later became the Men’s and Ladies Sodality and she kept up with the ladies from San Antonio Church and visits from her good friends from St. Bonaventure School days, Linda Panaro, Mary Lee Lutz, and Lorraine Pieper.  

Rosario and Josephine (Salerno) Fariello passed away ten years apart at the same age of 82 and their funerals were held at San Antonio Church.  Members from the Contadini and San Antonio Men’s Societies were present for Rosario’s funeral on May 27, 1972, and the St. Ann’s Ladies Sodality and Little Flower Auxiliary were in attendance for Josephine’s  “Giosina’s” funeral Mass on December 18, 1982.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 12, 2021

by Terrie Evans

During the month of December, we will introduce 3 more South Fairmount Families from the early years of San Antonio Church. The first family group will be the Sebastiano LaRosa (1873-1959) and Angela Frescione (1873-1940) their children, Maria LaRosa Munafo (1897-1956), Frieda LaRosa Manocchi (1900-1968), Elizabeth Coletta LaRosa Berger (1904-2011), Louis P. LaRosa (1905-1960), Anthony LaRosa (1909-1993), Carmelo LaRosa (1911-1920), and Anna LaRosa (1914-1976).

Sebastiano and Angela were born in Reggio, Calabria, the largest and oldest city in Calabria, Italy.  They journeyed from Palermo on the SS Anna in 1905 through New York on their way to Cincinnati. Three years after their arrival, an earthquake and a 30-foot Tsunami hit Messina and the surrounding area in 1908 killing 25,000 residents and some of their family members.  In the 1940 census, the Sebastiano LaRosa Family was listed at 2110 Freeman Ave. when Sebastiano worked as a Produce Merchant. Their oldest daughter Maria LaRosa Munafo (1897-1956) would marry Placido Munafo (1889-1973) and their daughter Angela Frances Munafo Denicola (1923-2007) was the mother of our parishioner, Al Denicola.  Another Denicola family member belonging to San Antonio Church was the late Carmella Marie (Denicola) Rosiello (1929-2017), the mother of Tony Rosiello.  Sabastiano and Angela’s oldest son and brother of Anthony, Louis P. LaRosa (1905-1960) wed Jeanette Magazzu (1906-1975) sons Joseph LaRosa (1946-1982), and Sebastian John LaRosa (1927-2014), daughters Angela LaRosa Hall (1930-2014), and Rose LaRosa Zehnder (1934-2010).  They lived at the original homestead at 2084 Queen City and were members of San Antonio Church up until the death of Sebastian John in 2014.

            Sebastiano and Angela’s son, Anthony T. LaRosa (1909-1993) became a professional boxer by the early 1920’s and by 1926, won a regional lightweight boxing title. After marrying   Mary Helena Panaro, he joined the family’s wholesale produce business. Their only son, Sebastian Donald “Buddy” LaRosa was born on August 25, 1930, when they lived on Fairmount Avenue. In the 1930’s the Depression hit, and their marriage fell apart. Buddy and his mother Mary moved back to the Panaro homestead at 1998 Queen City Avenue where they shared the two-story home with Buddy’s grandparents Josephine and Lorenzo and Uncles Bill, Larry, Tony, and Frank Panaro.  While living at 1998 Queen City Avenue, Buddy attended Roger Bacon High School and worked with mom Mary and Uncle Bill on Saturdays at Uncle Larry Panaro’s Fruit Market in Hartwell where he learned everything about the produce business. 

During those years living in Little Italy, Buddy will always remember how he got the inspiration for a Pizzeria by watching his Grandmother Panaro and Aunt Dena make their delicious sheet pizzas and going to the San Antonio Church Festivals where those Ladies of the Lot Pizzas were the big draw.  In the 1940’s and 1950’s Anthony LaRosa was also working in the Fruit Business and   had six more children before passing away at the age of 84 years old in 1993.  During his high school years, Sebastian Donald “Buddy” LaRosa became friends with Jo Ann Augustine “Jo Jo” who would visit her grandparents at the Minella home at 1986 Queen City Avenue with her mom, Ann Minella Augustine. They became a couple when Buddy was crowned Prom King at Roger Bacon with his date, Jo Ann Augustine. They were a true South Fairmount love story when on the July 4^th weekend in 1952, they married at San Antonio Church with Ralph Minella as best man and Dorothy “Dottie” Macaluso as the maid of honor. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before Jo Ann “Jo Jo” passed away in 2011. During their marriage, they welcomed four children.  Denise, who wed Joe Ciambarella – daughters Nicole and the late Jenna Ciambarella Spell; oldest son, Michael wed Mary Beth Odell – sons Nick and Ryan, wed 2^nd , Lisa Voss’s – daughters Olivia and Erika; Mark who wed his high school sweetheart, Cara Robb at San Antonio Church – daughters Christina and Marissa; and youngest Tommy who wed Maria D’Andrea on Valentine’s Day in 1992 children – Maria, Sebastian, Josephine, Angelina, and Angelo.  San Antonio parishioners will never forget the dedication of the many generations of the LaRosa family throughout the history of San Antonio Church.

When the church was first established in 1922, the LaRosa family purchased Angel statues to grace the altar for our first temporary church. They have donated countless items for every Fundraiser, Spaghetti Dinner, Lunch on the House, and Pizza Events. When the church was showing signs of disrepair and on a downward spiral, Buddy LaRosa enlisted Pete Langenbrunner, Dick Linnemann, Pat Romelli, Will Feldman, and Joseph Seta to revive the building and the spirit within our church. These men designed and built the new Marque Sign and were there with us until the last brick was laid for our biggest fundraiser, the Brick Memorial Garden in 2007 for the dedication, on our 85^th Anniversary. There is no possible way we could have accomplished all these tasks without all of you, as we look forward to our 100^th anniversary in 2022. The LaRosa family moved away from the neighborhood many years ago, but never left San Antonio Church behind.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 5, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday, San Antonio Church and its parishioners welcome many generations of the Andriacco, Scriveri, Lucia and Soldano families for a Mass and Celebration to commemorate those family members who were present when the 1^st San Antonio Italian Parish was founded.  These families settled in the Little Italy section of South Fairmount after arriving from towns throughout Southern Italy.  They made the journey to find a better way of life and raise their children who would go on to become the new generation of Italian Americans.  They never looked back to the “Old Country” but forward in their new home country.  Today we remember and honor the memories of those who are no longer with us and celebrate those family members who grace our church on this festive day as we anticipate our 100^th Anniversary in the fall of 2022. 

One of those families, the large Andriacco Family have been members of San Antonio Church since they resided at their 14-room family homestead at 1890 Queen City Avenue, two doors north of the St. Francis Hospital.  Their multi-family home became a much-needed residence   for the Andriacco and Scriveri families and to the many cousins who grew up there. The Sebastiano Andriaccco family relocated to 1870 Queen City Avenue when   their family farm located in Blanchester, Ohio was lost during the Depression.  They had many acres in the country with a large farmhouse to accommodate generations of Andriacco’s.   When they moved to Queen City Avenue, the men took on tedious jobs and worked hard to support their families and in their spare planted beautiful gardens located at the end of Montrose Street.  James,  Joseph and Donato Andriacco grew tomatoes corn, green beans, and potatoes.  After their many daily jobs were done, they got together and made wine.  When Mary Andriacco wed Vincent Scriveri, they moved on the lower right side of 1890 Queen City while Helen Andriacco Walsh and her husband Joseph, lived on the lower left side of the large multi -family home.  The cousins of the Andriacco/ Scriver have held their Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals at San Antonio Church and have been there to support us.   When Jewell (Patterson) Andriacco passed away, her spouse   Donato, and sons Dan and Tony Andriacco planted a tree in honor of their Matriarch, on the ramp side of our church and years later when San Antonio Church was in need, their grandson Daniel Andriacco purchased vestments for the priests in honor of his grandparents the late Donato and Jewell. 

            The Lucia family, Pasquale and his wife Grace Tedesco Lucia were active members since the start of our church in 1922. Grace was a member of the St. Ann’s Married Ladies Sodality until her passing in 1939.   After the marriage of Sam Lucia and Lucia Soldano in 1940, the blended family also took part in many activities and fundraisers   and supported San Antonio throughout their lives.  The oldest sibling, Bap Soldano worked the many festivals and fundraisers.  He would cross the street to Yeager’s Bakery to use their mixer to prepare the dough for the Pan pizzas San Antonio became known for.  After marrying Josephine Ciccone  (who was one of the 1^st Choir members)  Bap too joined the choir and the St. Anthony Men’s Society while Josephine became a member of the St. Ann’s Married Ladies Sodality.   Josephine Ciccone Soldano will   always be remembered as a kind, welcoming person to new members of the neighborhood.  Josephine “Jo”  became a trusted friend to many and especially to new brides like Umbertina Carla Crozzoletto Lucia who she helped settle in after her marriage to Herman “Muscle” Lucia.  After the death of Sam Soldano, widow Lucia Soldano wed Pasquale Lucia and the two families were forever united.  When Pasquale died, Lucia carried on as Matriarch for both sets of siblings. 

There are many good memories of Lucia Soldano Lucia in her upstairs sunny kitchen preparing a big breakfast for all those family members who attended Sunday Mass at San Antonio Church all those years ago.  Those mornings would become a way for everyone to stay close.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin November 28, 2021

by Terrie Evans

The 4^th historic San Antonio Church Family for our December 5^th celebration will be the Severio “Sam” and Lucia (Ciasullo)  Soldano Family.  Lucia Ciasullo (1894-1976) married Severio “Sam” Soldano (1891-1930) on June 23, 1913, in Savignano, Italy.  Sam might have journeyed to the United States through New York on April 1, 1922, with Lucia arriving later.  Their son,  John Baptista “Bap” Soldano named for St. John the Baptist,  was born in 1918 in Italy and came to the United States with Lucia on March 30, 1924, at the age of 6 on the ship Conte Rosso.  John later changed his name taking the “Baptista” out as it was too much like the name of the dictator in Cuba.  In the next few years, Sam, and Lucia both made Declarations of Intent to become U.S. Citizens.  Soon after arriving, they welcomed daughter Carmella (Soldano) Kohlsdorf Hoffman (1924-1984), followed by Anthony Soldano (1927-1928) then Sam Soldano (1930-1981).   Their oldest son, “ Bap” would marry a girl from the neighborhood, Josephine Ciccone (1917-2019) who also had Italian born parents, Anthony (1887-1984) and Carmella (Di Domenico) (1891-1969) Ciccone.  The Ciccone’s would establish their homestead at 1821 Forbus Street where Anthony worked as a foreman on the railroad when William “Woody” Ciccone (1914-1979) was 3 and Josephine (1917-2019) was born.   While still single, Josephine was employed at Jergens on Spring Grove Ave. after graduating from Western Hills High School. 

The Ciccone Family became active member of San Antonio Church and lived to see the efforts of all those new Italian Americans who were able to worship in a new church building.  Sam and Lucia’s oldest son John “Bap” at the age of 22 was on the U. S. Maritime Service Training Ship, “American Seaman” as one of 250 trainees.  In 1941” Bap “ became an Army Warrant Officer in the Infantry and served 2 years and 11 months during World War II.  During that time, the women of San Antonio Church asked the single girls to write the soldiers and sailors, and this is how Josephine met John ”Bap” Soldano.  While corresponding with him, Josephine learned of Bap becoming injured and his transfer to a World War II Hospital for 4 months suffering from malaria, parasites, and bleeding ulcers.  He survived and married his pen pal Josephine supporting his family as a mailman for the USPS. 

            Bap and Josephine were members of San Antonio Church and supported every fundraiser until the end of their lives.  Josephine at one time was Treasurer of the St. Ann’s Married Ladies Sodality and with Bap, both were members of the San Antonio Choir.  John “ Bap” and Josephine welcomed sons, Nick, John Jr., Daniel, and daughter Mary Ann Soldano (1948-1950) who died at 2 years old from a sudden illness.  After the passing of John “Bap” Soldano at the age of 87, his spouse Josephine “Jo”  became the most cherished member of San Antonio.  When the church celebrated her 100^th birthday, family members and good friends were present along with Linda and Mike Kelsey who Jo considered part of her family. 

The next sibling born to Sam and Lucia Soldano six years after Bap was Carmella Soldano (1924-1984) who wed Wilbur Kohlsdorf (1915-1977).  After Wilbur passed away, Carmella wed Albert Hoffman and their family consisted of daughter, Sandra and son, Dennis.  Three years later, Sam and Lucia would welcome son, Anthony Soldano born on June13, 1927 who died at 7 months old on January 14, 1928 .  The next year, son Mike Soldano (1929-2002) was born.  He graduated from Central Vocational School and joined the Navy serving on the Aircraft Carrier, USS Wright.  When Mike returned from serving in the Navy, his mother, Lucia Soldano knew of a family in Philadelphia who had an eligible daughter, Nikki Impagliazzo.   Lucia and Nikki’s mother, Antoinette made the Machade, and the rest is part of their family history.   

Mike went on to open Papa Gino’s with Buddy LaRosa and partners on Boudinot Avenue before opening a Pizza Carry out on the corner of Race and Harrison Avenues.  Years later he moved to Florida then relocating back to Cincinnati with Mike becoming active volunteer doing work in the Catholic Church.  Mike sometimes accompanied Jolene (Ebertz) Lecture on the organ at Sunday Mass at Holy Family.  Mike and Nikki’s family consisted of sons Joe, and Mike and their daughter,  Maria  K. Soldano (1963-1988).  The youngest sibling of Sam and Lucia Soldano was Sam Soldano (1930-1981) who was born the same year his father passed away.  Sam grew up under the guidance of his stepfather Pasquale Lucia after Lucia Soldano married the widower in 1940 with their families supporting and looking out for each other throughout their lives.  Sam grew up around the church with many neighbors looking out for him.  He served in the Army from 1951-1952 in Korea and married Barbara (Becky) Schmidt their children were Tina, Barbara, and Sam, Jr.  After his divorce he married Marilyn Pittinger adopting her children Roger and Steve. Together they had sons Tony and Matt.  Sam and Marilyn moved to Michigan until his passing.  His funeral Mass was held on June 19, 1981, at San Antonio Church his home parish.  

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin November 21, 2021

by Terrie Evans

The next San Antonio Family to introduce and honor on Sunday, December 5^th will be the Lucia family.  Pasquale Lucia (1883-1953) came to the United States from the Province of Salerno, Italy.  Pasquale and Grace Tedesco Lucia (1887-1939) were married in 1905, and had their first son, Anthony J. Lucia in Italy on Oct. 25, 1906.    It is thought Pasquale booked passage on the SS Neckar with $29.00 in his pocket and arrived in New York in 1907.    In 1910, Pasquale was living as a boarder in the Dominick and Mary Morra home along with their daughters Angela and Palma Morra, their uncle Silvano Minella and Donato Tedesco, a relative of Grace Tedesco Lucia.  He then moved to Lucerne County,  Pennsylvania to live with Helen (Tedesco) and Tony Marsico, Grace’s sister, and husband,  at #4 Teasdale and to work as a miner at the Delaware and Hudson Coal Company. 

In 1930, the Lucia family was living on Queen City Avenue when Pasquale was employed as a Streetcar Repair Man.  In 1930, son Anthony (1906-1987) was 23, daughter Angela Mary (1912-1984) was 17, son Herman Anthony “Muscle”  (1913-1980) was 16, daughter, Rose Mary “Deet” (1915-1995) was 15, son, Noble “Buck” (1916-1973) was 14, and daughters Mary Constantine (1918-1984) who was 12 and Anna (1920-2004) who was 10.  Sadly, on August 3, 1939, Grace (Tedesco ) Lucia died at the age of 52.   Her Requiem High Mass was held at the 2^nd San Antonio Italian Church with many members of the Little Flower Auxiliary No. 244 and the Knights of St. John in attendance.  In the neighborhood of Little Italy in South Fairmount, there was a widow with young siblings in need of a father to guide them.  Mama to four, Lucia (Ciasullo) Soldano  (1894-1976) at the age of 45 and Pasquale (1883-1953) who was 54 married in 1940 with the Soldano siblings, John 22, Carmella 14, Michael 12, and Samuel 10 joining the Lucia Family at their 1970 Queen City Avenue Homestead, a large brick home built in 1872.  At that time, Pasquale was working at the Dixie Terminal Building.  The Lucia and Soldano sons and daughters went on to marry and have families with many of the weddings and baptisms taking place at San Antonio Church.  Before his passing in 1953, Pasquale and Lucia would spend the next 13 years enjoying their blended family.      

The Lucia siblings:  Anthony Lucia (1906-1987) married Lillian Griffith (1916-1998) children the late Patricia (Griffith) Newsome and Carolyn (Grrifith) Young .  Daughter, Angela Mary Lucia (1912-1984) wed John DeSalvo (1909-1972) children Mary (1934-1935) JoAnn, Frank (1936-2018) who wed his German bride Elisabeth Probst he met during the War, and they welcomed 7 daughters, and Grace Ann (DeSalvo) Rusk (1938-1998).  Son, Herman Anthony “Muscle” Lucia (1913-1980) wed his World War II Italian bride, Umbertina Carla Crozzoletto from Bologna, Italy on June 7, 1947, at San Antonio Church and their family consisted of Grace,Tony, Carol Ann, and Tim Lucia.   “Muscle” worked as a mechanic before serving in the Signal Operations Company during the war and played in the American Softball Championship tournament at Camp Livingston, Louisiana.  

Over the years, Herman “ Muscle” set up all the booths and wiring for the many festivals held at San Antonio along with Anthony Schiesz and Carmen “Ski”  La Coritglia.  Daughter, Rose Mary (Lucia) Hohlt (1915-1995) wed William F. Hohlt (1908-1985) in 1940, their Children Marcia Phillips and Leslie Drake.  Son, Noble John “Buck” Lucia (1916-1973) wed Ruth Marion Eisenecker (1922-1992) children Dottie Dorsch, Patrick Lucia, and Lou Lucia.  Ruth Marion Eisenscker Lucia helped raise her brothers Earl and Gus and her younger sister, Helen after their mother passed away at the age of 23.  Gus was the youngest and he was welcomed as a member of the Lucia family.  The youngest daughters, Mary Ann Lucia (1918-1984) wed Robert Koetters (1915-1947) in 1940 and he was employed by the Queen City Printing Company before the war.  They lived at 1958 Queen City Avenue before he passed away at the VA Hospital in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky.  Mary Ann Lucia Koetters then married Daniel Weigel (1929-1967).  Youngest daughter,  Anna Lucia   (1920-2004) married truck driver Benjamin Harrison Weber, Jr. (1922- 1990) and had son Benjamin Harrison Weber, III before marrying Joseph Rector, a jockey at the Hazel Park racecourse in Michigan who started riding when he was 15 years old.