2005 - - 2006 - - 2007 - - 2008 - - 2009 - - 2010 - - 2011- - 2012
Be sure to check out the short article on the Abruzzo region of Italy we just added to the Geography page!
If you happen to be in Dublin, Ireland, between January and May 2012, you might like to look up Matt Frost, son of Carolyn and Dick Frost of Boston and the grandson of Josephine and Paul DellaPietra. Matt is a student at Champlain College, Burlington, Vermont and spending his spring term in the Student Abroad Program. Matt is majoring in Computer Networking Security. We hope this experience is both enriching and enjoyable and we look forward to hearing about his time traveling the European Continent.
Word comes that T. J. Della Pietra , will assume a newly created role as Chief Operating Officer for Citibank Japan Ltd. T. J. currently serves as Citi’s general counsel for Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong, and previously held various senior roles in Citi Japan from 2004 through 2009. T.J., his wife Sayaka and their sons, Nico and Teo will return to live in Tokyo because of this new position. In his new role, T. J. will oversee the global functions and provide key leadership on governance and controls in Japan. We congratulate T.J. and wish him the best in this new position.
Among the many family and friends who gathered to wish Carmella DellaPietra a happy 98th birthday were members of the DellaPietra family. Here are pictured her nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. Carmella was the recipient of many birthday calls, cards and visits by family and friends acknowledging her zest for life and warm personality. Carmella is the widow of Joseph DellaPietra. We wish her well and will be with her when she celebrates 100 years! "a cent anni"!
Happy news comes from Chicago where Kristine Schmehil tells us of the birth of her son, Vincenzo Amidio Simione on the afternoon of September 17, 2011. Kristine's grandparents are Betty LaPietra (dec.) and Robert Schmehil(dec.) and her great-grandparents are Albina (Croce) and Joseph LaPietra, both also deceased, of the LaPietra Family of Fairport, New York. Kristine has sent pictures of herself with Vinny as well as a picture of her father, Robert Schmehil, Jr. holding his grandson. Congratulations to the entire family on the new addition to the family.
It was a cousins' visit this October when Mark Bodogh, son of Al and Grace Farro Bodogh, traveled from Niagara Falls, Ontario, with his son, Joseph, to East Rochester. It was an opportunity to connect with family as well as tour a small part of the City of Rochester.
Young Joseph had an enjoyable time at the Strong National Museum of Play where he is pictured here with his father in front of the house at Sesame Street.
Congratulations go out to Heather Sudano, daughter of Susan Petti Sudano of Reno, Nevada and granddaughter of Elizabeth LaPietra Petti of East Rochester. Heather stopped to see her grandmother, pictured here, on her way to London where she is studying at the Hult International Business School. The school has 5 locations around the world: San Francisco, Boston, London, Shanghai and Dubai. Heather is among more than 150 students from more than 50 countries in this very diverse student body. She is in a 1 year Masters program in International Business and will complete her studies in late 2012. We hope that Heather enjoys all the sights of London and its surroundings.
In Memoriam
It is with sad hearts that we learned of the death of Anthony (Tony) LaPietra on September 20, 2011 at the age of 78. "Lap", as he was known, was the son of Nicola and Victoria LaPietra of East Rochester. He is survived by his wife, Jan, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sisters. Our condolences to all who loved him.
click here to view a story on Tony's life, including the touching eulogy written by his son Todd
Cousins Linda Beauchamp Brongo (left) of Macedon, New York, daughter of Christine DellaPietra and Gerard Beauchamp and Carolyn DellaPietra Frost of Waltham, MA, daughter of Josephine and Paul DellaPietra had a happy reunion when they attended their joint Nazareth College reunion in June.
On Aug 5, 2011, Krishna Pacifici received his PhD in Wildlife Biology from the University of Georgia. Krishna, his wife Lara (Brongo) Pacifici, and son Sammy, have since moved to Raleigh NC, where Krishna and Lara are now both on the faculty of NC State University.
Condolences to the family of George Ciarelli who passed away on July 2, 2011 at age 85. George was a member of the LaPietra Family Tree, his mother being Anna LaPietra Ciarelli, sister of Francesco Paolo LaPietra of Fairport. In his lifetime, George was called on to be the photographer for many family events for both the LaPietra and DellaPietra families. Some of his photos are featured in the gallery section of this website. May he rest in peace.
On June 20, 2011, Katie Shanley, daughter of Patrick and Jeanne (Beauchamp) Shanley, and granddaughter of Gerard and the late Christine (Della Pietra) Beauchamp, married Justin Byrd. Katie's father Pat, is a deacon, so on Father's Day, he walked his daughter down the aisle, then went up to the altar, put on his vestments, and married Katie and Justin!
Their reception was held at the Della Pietra/Beauchamp homestead at 960 W. Linden Ave, East Rochester.
Florida residents, Tony and Margo DellaPietra, traveled to Hong Kong in April to visit Tony's son, TJ and family. Their time spent with TJ, Sayaka and grandsons, Nico and Teo, was most enjoyable. They reported that the boys are growing quickly and that the city of Hong Kong is spell-binding. A return visit is in the future.
There was a mini reunion of cousins recently when Tom Meleo, son of Rosemarie (DellaPietra) and Ralph Meleo and Steve DellaPietra, son of Pat and Dan DellaPietra, both of the New York City area attended a concert by the band, The Waiting Room. Rich DellaPietra, son of Monica and Gene DellaPietra and a resident of Fairport, NY, is a member of the band. Rich plays the keyboard and sings with this group that features the music of Genesis and Peter Gabriel. The Waiting Room's gig in New York City brought the three second cousins together after the performance.
(
A link to the group, The Waiting Room, can be found by clicking the "Links" tab to the left.)
On Friday May 13, 2011, Samson "Sammy" Brongo Pacifici was born. He is the son of Krishna and Lara (Brongo) Pacifici, grandson of Ralph and Linda (Beauchamp) Brongo, and great grandson of Gerard and the late Christine (Della Pietra) Beauchamp. Yes, he was born on Friday the 13th, just like his Grandpa Brongo!
Condolences to the family of Joseph Petti of East Rochester who passed away on April 7, 2011. Joseph was the husband of Liz (LaPietra) and the father to Gary of Florida, Susan of Nevada, Wayne of East Rochester and Jack of Penfield. He leaves behind grand children and great grand children and a family that will deeply miss him.
Frances Chiappetta-Maassen, daughter of Florence (Farro) and Joseph Chiappetta of Toronto and a member of the Sacco family tree is busy with the show Sister Act which opened in Hamburg, Germany in December, 2010. Frances began dancing as a young girl in Toronto and has followed this career since finishing dance school. Currently, she is the dance captain and swing in this production. The musical version of the movie, Sister Act, opened in London last year and opened on Broadway in New York City in April 2011. Two new productions of Sister Act will be opening this summer for 8 weeks in Vienna and 8 weeks in Milan and Frances will be dancing her way to these cities. Good luck, Frances, with these shows.
Nicole Petti Lewis traveled from Florida with her daughters Avery and Emma to visit with Grandparents Liz (LaPietra) and Joe Petti in East Rochester. The occasion was her grandfather's 88th birthday in March. Nicole is the daughter of Millie and Gary Petti. Also visiting at this time was Michelle Sudano.
Back: Jessica Petti, Nicole Lewis, Michelle Sudano, Jeanette Petti
Michelle Sudano, daughter of Susan Petti Sudano, completes her first year of law school at William and Mary in April. She will then participate in a 10 week internship in Cordoba, Argentina. While there, Michelle will be working for an environmental NGO called CEDHA that looks at environmental issues from a human rights perspective. (how does pollution from mining affect the water supply and agricultural land) Michelle expects to be researching international legislation and while working with other staff she will be using her Spanish skills. She is the granddaughter of Liz (LaPietra) Petti and Joseph Petti. We wish her loads of luck in this endeavor.
Front: Avery Lewis, Liz (LaPietra) Petti, Joe Petti and Emma Lewis
Many family members have been on the road since the year began.
Todd LaPietra, son of Jan and Tony (Lap) LaPietra and a resident of San Francisco, met his second cousin T.J. DellaPietra (son of Tony DellaPietra) while in Hong Kong on business for Apple Computers.
Patricia LaPietra Bowmer ( daughter of Victoria and Nick LaPietra) and her daughters made a quick trip from Tennessee to Rochester to visit with her brother and their uncle, Tony (Lap) LaPietra and sister and aunt, Joanne Bazinet.
Wintering in Florida allows cousins to meet and visit as is the case with Florence (daughter of Mary and Nucce Farro) and Joe Chiappetta of Toronto having dinner with Margo and Tony DellaPietra and Monica and Gene DellaPietra, the sons of Josephine and Paul DellaPietra.
A winter visit from sunny Florida found Millie and Gary Petti, and their son, Neil, returning to the home in East Rochester of Gary’s parents, Elizabeth LaPietra and Joseph Petti.
Here are Matteo ("Teo") DellaPietra and Nicola ("Nico") DellaPietra smiling for the camera. They are sons of T.J. DellaPietra and Sayaka Fujimoto, who reside in Hong Kong, China.
Bernie Beauchamp, son of Christina Della Pietra Beauchamp and Gerard Beauchamp is currently planning another cross country roadtrip performing with his marionette puppets. Just like his journey two years ago (see 2009 news below), he is booking shows across I-80 and I-90 between Reno, NV and Rochester NY before continuing south to the National Puppetry Festival in Atlanta, GA.
Having never before performed in Florida, Bernie would welcome the opportunity to reconnect with family members there either before or
after the Atlanta Festival July 12-17, 2011.
If you would like to learn more about Bernie's puppetry offerings check out his website: www.beaupromo.com.
Bernie is also an active participant on Facebook should you care to contact him there.
November 17, 2010 was a wonderful day for Sam Joseph Meleo and his parents Megan and Thomas Meleo (son of Rosemarie DellaPietra Meleo) when they welcomed a sister and daughter to the family. Ava Rosemarie Meleo joined her Brooklyn, NY family and is shown here with her big brother and father. Her great-grandmother is Carmella Crispo DellaPietra of East Rochester. Congratulations to the entire family!
CHECK OUT THE BIG IMPROVEMENTS WE'VE MADE TO THE FAMILY TREE!
We've graphically mapped out the DellaPietra and LaPietra families from the 1600's until present day...
including the two "early" trees, as well as a large selection of "MIni Trees" showing each little corner of our family.
Click here to check it out now!
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Amanda DellaPietra, daughter of Paul DellaPietra, and Leah Gensel has quite a budding modeling career in the works. After winning a small modeling competition last month, Amanda gained enough exposure to be a featured model during the first ever Rochester Fashion Week, an event that benefited a local charity. Amanda was the showcase model at a show held at The Four Walls Art Gallery, where she wore a wedding dress made entirely of balloons. It took a total of 14 hours to make (go to www.airigami.com to learn more about the dress' designer). Saturday night capped-off Fashion Week with a fantastic fashion gala at The Memorial Art Gallery. This sold-out show full of local VIP's got under-way with Amanda as the first model down the runway. She was clad in fur as the crowds and local media got another dose of her beauty and grace as she worked the runway. Amanda is having fun with this experience and it's possible it may go further. Congratulations to Amanda, and many thanks to her family, especially her mother, Leah for all of her hard work in support of Amanda's modeling career! |
Alton and Rose Dorazio (LaPietra) would like to announce the birth of their first great-grandson, Braeden Scott Burt, born to Todd and Tara Burt, Todd is the son of Robert and Diana Burt (Dorazio).
Kyle Duffy, grandson of Alton and Rose Dorazio (LaPietra) and son of Larry and Donna Duffy (Dorazio) has moved from Florida to Arizona to attend Midwestern University School of Dental Medicine.
Kory Duffy, grandson of Alton and Rose Dorazio (LaPietra) and son of Larry and Donna Duffy (Dorazio) has moved from Orlando to Tampa, Florida and is attending University of Tampa, studying for his Master's Degree in Business/International Business.
Nicholas Alton Dorazio, son of David and Tammy Dorazio, grandson of Al and Rose Dorazio, and great grandson of Nicola and Victoria La Pietra, is starting kindergarten this year! Here are two photos showing Nicholas and his proud father on his first day of school.
Congratulations, Nicholas!
We regret to note the recent passing of two members of our extended family.
Lucy Ciampini Zupo of Toronto passed away in August. She was the daughter of Grace Sacco Ciampini and Giuseppe Ciampini. Both her parents were born in Lanciano and emigrated to Canada in the early 1900's.
Anthony LaFarciola passed away in September. He was the son of Maria DellaPietra LaFarciola and Pietro LaFarciola of Lanciano. He resided in East Rochester, NY with his wife, Anna.
We extend our sympathy to their families.
It is "Back to School Time" for members of our extended family.
Michelle Sudano, daughter of Susan Petti Sudano and granddaughter of Joe and Liz LaPietra Petti, has moved east from Reno, Nevada to enroll in William and Mary School of Law in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Matt Frost, son of Dick and Carolyn DellaPietra Frost, is a second year student at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont where he is studying computer forensics.
Carina DellaPietra, daughter of Paul DellaPietra and granddaughter of Margo and Tony DellaPietra has started her college studies at Monroe Community College.
Lara Brongo Pacifici, who holds a Phd in Science Education, has begun her teaching career at Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
Ralph Brongo Jr. has accepted the position as Assistant Superintendant for Business in the Palmyra-Macedon School District. They are the children of Ralph and Linda Beauchamp Brongo and the grandchildren of Gerard and Christine DellaPietra Beauchamp.
We wish them all good luck in this academic year.
We are pleased to offer a new feature at DellaPietra.com... It's our MUSIC page!
Here you can enjoy the
The Accordion Stylings of Paul Della Pietra
recorded September 23, 1973
Click the MUSIC page link at left to check it out!
The month of July saw the gathering of members of the LaPietra family in East Rochester, New York with the visit of Jim LaPietra and his wife, Cathy, from Sacramento, California. They are pictured at the end of the table. Their nephew, Douglas LaPietra, traveled from Tampa, Florida to join the reunion. He is pictured second on the right of the table. Also seated at the table from left to right are Diane LaPietra, Lucy Molica, Gene DellaPietra, Wayne Petti and Liz Petti. Also from out of town joining this gathering at the Canandaigua Lake home of Gene and Monica DellaPietra were Carolyn (DellaPietra) Frost, her husband, Dick and son, Matt. This day's outing included other family members totaling 20. It was a memorable summer's reunion.
Adam Talmadge, the son of Marie DellaPietra Talmadge, is pictured here with Bishop Matthew Clark before his confirmation ceremony that was held on May 3, 2010. Adam took the confirmation name of "Peter" in acknowledgement of the translation of his family name DellaPietra (of the rock). Congratulations!
Congratulations go out to Sayaka and T.J. DellaPietra (son of Anthony DellaPietra) on the birth of their second son, Matteo Antonio, or as he will be called by his family, "Teo". His big brother Nico now has a playmate for the family that lives in Hong Kong.
We wish them all the best.
In Memoriam
Christine DellaPietra Beauchamp, daughter of Gaetano DellaPietra and Mary Rose D'Amelio, and wife of Gerard Beauchamp passed away on February 13, 2010 at the age of 87. This long time resident of East Rochester, NY, leaves behind seven children, their spouses, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Her family and many friends mourn the passing of this involved and energetic homemaker, gardener, volunteer and devout Christian.
In honor of Christine DellaPietra Beauchamp, we've created a new
"Mini" Family Tree of her immediate family.
click here to check it out now!
T.J. DellaPietra, son of Tony DellaPietra and grandson of Josephine (dec.) and Paul DellaPietra (dec.) left his post as Deputy President & Chief Investment Officer of Nikko Citi Holdings Corp., a division of Citi Group Japan Holdings Corp. to become General Counsel for Citi Asia Pacific. This promotion required that he move his family to Hong Kong where he now resides as of January 1, 2010 with his wife, Sayaka and son, Nico.
Don't miss our new article located in the History Section entitled
"Take a Walking Tour of Lanciano"
Complete with fascinating history and pictures of our city of origin!
Gene DellaPietra and his wife, Monica, traveled to the south of Africa in October for a three week Safari . He is the son of Josephine LaPietra and Paul DellaPietra. They are pictured here at Victoria Falls, one of the many sights they saw in their visit to four African countries.
Lara Brongo Pacifici and her husband, Krishna, traveled to Italy in September to attend a conference in Pescara. Lara, the daughter of Linda Beauchamp Brongo and the granddaughter of Christine DellaPietra Beauchamp spent a day in Lanciano, the birthplace of her maternal great-grandparents, Rose and Gaetano. Lara and Krishna are pictured here at the Colosseum.
Adam Talmadge, son of Marie DellaPietra Talmadge, broke his pinky finger in gym class and ended the school year in a cast. Hope this does not interfere with his activities, especially baseball, during his summer vacation.
Mary Beauchamp, the daughter of Gerard and Christine DellaPietra Beauchamp (pictured here)
married David Guadagnino on June 20th at Blessed Sacrament Church in Rochester, New York. We
congratulate them and wish them many years of happiness.
Richard DellaPietra, son of Monica and Eugene DellaPietra of Pittsford, New York, was married to Melanie Schneider on May 25, 2009, in a lovely wedding ceremony and reception held at the Ventosa Winery, Geneva, New York. Many relatives from all over came to celebrate, and a good time was had by all! Welcome to the family, Melanie!
Matthew Frost, son of Carolyn DellaPietra Frost and Richard Frost and grandson of Josephine DellaPietra has been accepted as a transfer student to Champlain College in Burlington, VT. He will start in the fall as a Computer Information Networking and Security major. Congratulations, Matt!
Bernie Beauchamp, son of Christina Della Pietra and Gerard Beauchamp of East Rochester, is planning a cross country tour with his puppetry act, Beaupromo Puppetry, during the month of July.
Click here for more details!
Our sympathy goes out to Marilyn Molica Bloomer on the death of her husband, Don. Marilyn is the daughter of Lucy LaPietra Molica. Don passed away in January and is also survived by step-daughters Tracy and Lorie.
A very special birthday was celebrated in December 2008 when Carmella Crispo DellaPietra reached the grand age of 95. A belated “Happy Birthday” to her. Carmella is the widow of Joseph DellaPietra.
We extend our sympathy to the family of Albina Croce LaPietra of Chicago who died at age 97 on November 14, 2008. Albina was the wife of Joseph LaPietra, the eldest son of Francesco Paolo and Angela LaPietra. She was known to her extended family in Rochester, New York as "Aunt Evelyn". She leaves 2 sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Joe and daughter, Betty.
Here's a photo of Nico DellaPietra (son of Sayaka and T.J. DellaPietra), who just celebrated his first birthday on November 10, 2008.
Congratulations go out to Thomas Meleo (son of Rosemarie DellaPietra Meleo ) and his wife, Megan, on the birth of their son, Sam Joseph on May 11, 2008 (Mother's Day). The family resides in Brooklyn, NY. Baby Sam has met his great-grandmother Carmella DellaPietra on visits back to Rochester.
Anthony P. DellaPietra Jr. has been appointed as Chief Investment Officer to oversee a newly established Investments Division for CitiCorp of Japan. He will assume senior oversight responsibility for Citi’s principal investment and alternative investment businesses in Japan.
Our condolences to the family of Doruccio Ciccocioppo of Lanciano, Italy, on his passing on September 8, 2008. He was the son of Teresa DellaPietra Ciccocioppo, daughter of Rosaria Sacco and Antonia DellaPietra. He is survived by his wife, Giovinella; daughter, Maria Teresa; son, Aldo and his wife, Paola and daughter, Chiara.
Congratulations to Richard DellaPietra (son of Gene DellaPietra and his wife, Monica) on his engagement to Melanie Schneider. A May 2009 wedding is planned.
Gary Petti (son of Elizabeth LaPietra Petti) retired in May, 2008 from his position as a meteorologist for the US Government and relocated with his wife, Millie, to Springhill, Florida. They are happy to be near their daughter, Nicola, and their granddaughters.
James LaPietra (son of Francisco Paul LaPietra and Angela Nasuti) and his wife, Cathy, traveled from their home in California to visit family and friends in the Fairport/East Rochester area in June. While here, Jim celebrated his 81st birthday.
Matthew Frost, son of Carolyn (DellaPietra) Frost and Richard Frost and grandson of Josephine DellaPietra graduated in June from Minute Man Technical School. He is now attending Middlesex Community College in the Boston area. Congratulations, Matt.
On November 10, 2007, Sayaka Fujimoto and T. J. DellaPietra became the proud parents of a son, Nicola Paolo DellaPietra. He will be called “Nico” by his family. T.J. and Sayaka live in Toyko, Japan where T.J. is the Chief Operating Officer in Japan for Citigroup. Nico’s family in the USA are eager to meet this new member of the family
.
This past October, Tony and Margo DellaPietra, Gene and Monica DellaPietra and Rosalyn DellaPietra traveled to Italy to see the sights in Tuscany, Umbria and the Amalfi coast. On their drive south, they stopped in Lanciano to visit the Ciccocioppo cousins and to walk the streets their ancestors walked
.
Albert LaPietra , the son of Francesco Paolo LaPietra and Angela Nasuti, passed away on April 28, 2007 at the age of 85 after a short illness. He is survived by his sisters, Anne Clement, Lucy Molica, Liz Petti and his brother, Jim. Albert was one of nine children who grew up in Fairport, New York. After serving in WWll, Albert attended Clarkson College through the GI Bill of Rights. He was an engineer, a faithful churchgoer and a quiet presence at family gatherings.
Paola and Aldo Ciccocioppo of Lanciano, Italy, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Chiara, on February 24, 2007. Aldo is the son of Doruccio and Giovinella Ciccocioppo and the grandson of Teresa DellaPietra. Teresa was one of five children of Rosaria Sacco and Antonio DellaPietra. Chiara is pictured here with her zia, Maria Teresa Ciccocioppo.
The 1st wedding anniversary of T.J. DellaPietra (son of Anthony, grandson of Paul) and Sayaka Fujimoto will be observed on March 11th. They were married in Tokyo, Japan in 2006. T.J. holds the position of Chief Investment Officer for Citigroup in Japan.
Bernard (Bernie) Beauchamp, the son of Christine (DellaPietra) and Gerard Beauchamp (of East Rochester) has launched a new business: BeauPromo Puppetry. If you are ever in Reno, Nevada, look him up.
Jeannette (Farro) and John DiFonzo of Toronto have welcomed their first great-grandchild, Connor. Philip and Sheila DiFonzo are the proud grandparents.
We pass along our sympathy to Joanne (LaPietra) Bazinet (daughter of Nicola LaPietra and Victoria Vecchiarelli) of Rochester, New York on the death of her husband, Richard (aka Dick) on January 2, 2007.
We remember Josephine (Giovina) DellaPietra.
November 20, 1914 - March 31, 2006
Josephine LaPietra married F. Paul DellaPietra in November, 1933. She was the daughter of Angela Nasuti and Francesco Paolo LaPietra. The LaPietra and DellaPietra families had a common ancestor in Lanciano, Italy. He was Gennaro DellaPietra, born 1736. The civil records of this time show that one of his sons was known as "DellaPietra" and the other as "LaPietra". The lines of these two sons were known by these two name variations. Thus, the two families were joined again when Josephine and Paul married many generations later.
Teresa DellaPietra Ciccocioppo
Born: March 31,1909 in Lanciano, Abruzzo
Died: September 5, 2005 at age 96 in Lanciano, Abruzzo
Daughter of Rosaria Sacco and Antonio DellaPietra. Survived by her son and his wife: Doruccio and Giovinella, Granddaughter: Maria Teresa and Grandson and wife: Aldo and Paola.
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