Stories

Italian Heritage Society is looking for stories for our next book: Italian Americans: "We Don't Just Fish!"  2 to 10 pages long; include photos This book is primarily about people who…Learn More..

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  P.O. Box 367, Monterey, CA 93942 Scholarship Application   Founded in 1975, the mission of the Italian Heritage Society is to honor and preserve the stories, traditions, and culture of the…Learn More..

Gasper Vincent Cardinale was born in Palermo, Sicily to Vincenzo and Nellina Cardinale on February 14, 1935. At the age of 3 Gasper moved to the United States with his mother and maternal grandfather,…Learn More..

Anthony Davi was the first-born son to Vita and Guido Davi on February 4, 1939.  He is a Monterey native lifetime resident and business owner on the Monterey Peninsula.  Growing up he lived…Learn More..

Julie Ann Lozano is a seriously committed community volunteer in Monterey County.  She was raised by her father who modeled civic awareness for her.  When he was diagnosed with ALS, Julie Ann…Learn More..

Mary Arancio Manuguerra grew up in the fishing community. She was born in Monterey on June 20, 1948 to Diego and Francesca (Chicchina) Arancio.  Her parents were born in Isola di Marettimo, Sicily.…Learn More..

  It all began in 1899 when my Nanu, Vincenzo Ferrante, immigrated to Black Diamond (Pittsburg) California. He arrived days apart with his half-brother, Pietro Ferrante, who was in Isola de Femmine…Learn More..

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  The life of Antonio Novo has its beginning on December 5, 1897, in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily.  His parents were Giovanni Novo and Caterina Alastra Novo. His siblings were brothers Francesco…Learn More..

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My grandfather was born Antonino Giammanco on December 4, 1886, the son of Filippo Giammanco and Vincenza Randazzo. We are unsure whether he was their actual son or if he had been dropped on their porch,…Learn More..

My parents, Joseph G. and Frances M. Crivello, were born in 1907 and 1912, respectively, in Pittsburg, California. Their parents immigrated around the turn of the century from small fishing villages…Learn More..

Our grandfather, Santo Scardina, was born on March 20, 1882, in San Nicola L’Arena, Trabia, Sicily.  He was the son of Pietro Scardina and Angelina Balistreri and the sixth child of ten. Grandmother…Learn More..

  Alberto Mangiapane was born January 7, 1910, in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily, to Pietro and Libornia Aiuto Mangiapane.  Alberto, who was called “Baetho”, began fishing in Sicily at…Learn More..

A pictorial history of Steinbeck's Cannery Row & Old Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf & Sardine Industry.Learn More..

The book covers the Ecology and Law in the California Fisheries from 1850 to 1980.Learn More..

This books covers the History of John Steinbeck's Old Ocean View Avenue, photography from the Pat Hathaway Historical Photo Collection.Learn More..

Focus on the children of the Italian fishermen.Learn More..

This book covers the Fisheries and Tourism of the Monterey Coast.Learn More..

Arcadia Publications format the book covers the following topics. 1. Italian Migrate to Monterey 2. Canneries and Wharves 3. Fishing Boats and Nets 4. Santa Rosalia Festival & Blessing of the…Learn More..

Arcadia Publications format covering the early days of Monterey's Waterfront.  Tim Thomas of the Monterey Maritime and History Museum and Dennis Copeland from the City of Monterey Historic Room…Learn More..

This book is a must for those who are doing genealogy of their family roots who migrate to Pittsburg to fish.  There are over 68 family genealogies listed, quite extensive, a must have.Learn More..

Arcadia Publications book format covering the town of Martinez, California.Learn More..

The booklet covers the early historical background of Pittsburg, Ca. and the fishing industry. The booklet is available from the Pittsburg Historical SocietyLearn More..

Arcadia Publications the story of Pittsburg, CaliforniaLearn More..

A History of Pittsburg, California and surrounding areas. 1.  The Land of the Coyote, the Bear and the Eagle 2. El Rancho Las Medanos 3.New York of the Pacific 4. Black Diamond 5. Cornwall 6. (Isola Delle Femmine II)…Learn More..

Nat's parents Frank and Mary Agliano moved to the United States in 1920 from Siracusa, Sicily. They settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Nat an only child, was born on February 18, 1932. He…Learn More..

Erasmo Aiello Erasmo Aiello, or as some know him, Orazio Aiello, is the owner of Palermo Bakery and a professional tenor. Erasmo got his start in the bakery business working in the family bakery…Learn More..

Gus Aiello Sr. was born in Monterey, California, to Erasimo Aiello and Mary Bruno Aiello on November 30, 1931. He is the seventh child of eight, three girls and five boys. Gus grew, up on Larkin Street…Learn More..

After more than 25 years in public service, Dan Albert retired as Mayor of Monterey in November 2006. He held the position of Mayor for 20 years, longer than anyone else in Monterey's 225-year history.…Learn More..

​The only child of Italian immigrants, Nancy was born and raised in Monterey where she graduated from San Carlos grammar school and Monterey High School. In 1985 Nancy helped establish the Friends of…Learn More..

Marietta Marcuzzo Bain Marietta was born in Monterey to Louie and Fay (Russo) Marcuzzo.  Along with her Sister, Joanne and brother Louie, the family was fortunate enough to be able to reside…Learn More..

TED J. BALESTRERI  In 1957, Ted moved with his family from Brooklyn, New York, to the Monterey Peninsula. A 1958 graduate of Carmel High School, he attended Monterey Peninsula College and graduated…Learn More..

Mary Melicia Benech, the daughter of Salvator and Angelina Melicia, was born on June 21, 1927 in Monterey, CA. She was one of five children, brother Ted (deceased), sister Rose, her twin sister Louise…Learn More..

Frank Brogno was born in the province of Cosenza in the region of Calabria in southern Italy to Maria Assunta and Pietro Maria Brogno on January 1, 1922.  At age seven, he and his mother were…Learn More..

Cosimo "Gus" Peter Bruno, Notes from Interview 6/19/02 Interviewed and written by Linda Bruno, Daughter-in-law Cosimo "Gus" Bruno was born in Pittsburg, California,…Learn More..

Frank Bruno was born in Monterey, CA on January 23, 1957 to Stoney and Anna Bruno. He grew up going to local schools and graduated from Monterey High School in 1975. He married his wife, Cindi in 1978…Learn More..

Michael Anthony Bruno, a 3rd generation Italian American, was born in Monterey on May 13, 1960 to Frank (Stoney) and Anna Bruno. He has two brothers, Frank and Steve and one sister Paula. Mike attended…Learn More..

Theresa Canepa is a native of Monterey. There are not too many of these left. She was born on April 1, 1936. Theresa attended local schools graduating from Monterey Union High School. Her roots are strongly…Learn More..

Joe was born Joseph Albert Cardinale, to parents Genevieve and Salvatore Cardinale, on June 20, 1951. Joe grew up with two brothers, the eldest, Vincent, and his younger brother, Thomas. Joe is a "local…Learn More..

Sal was born to Vince and Rosa Cardinale on December 8, 1932 at the El Adobe Hospital in Monterey (now the present site of the Pacheco Club) He has two brothers, Sam and Anthony and two sisters, Grace…Learn More..

John Cardinalli was born in Pittsburg, Ca., on August 4, 1921. He was the ninth child of twelve. Six boys and six girls. His family moved to Monterey when he was around six years old and lived first on…Learn More..

Peter was born on May 6, 1929 on Jefferson Street in Monterey, the second son of Horace and Mary Coniglio, and the grandson of Pietro Ferrante, a pioneer and founder of Monterey's sardine fishing…Learn More..

Francesco "Frank" Crivello, the son of Giuseppe and Providenza Crivello, was born on May 18, 1922 in Trapani, Sicily. Frank began work with his father fishing in the Mediterranean Sea at the…Learn More..

The Very Reverend Peter Anthony Crivello was born on July 1, 1960 in Monterey. He is the son of Frank and Mary Crivello and brother of Joseph and Providence Crivello. His Father Frank, a native of Trapani,…Learn More..

Buster Crivello is a hardworking, loud boisterous man with a thick accent and a yes, we can attitude. Born in Trapani, Sicily, he arrived in Monterey in 1961 with his father Fillipo Crivello, mother…Learn More..

James Joseph Culcasi was born in Pittsburg, California to Salvatore and Antonina Culcasi on May 10, 1933. Rosine Louise Costanza was born in Antioch, California to Horace and Mary Costanza on January…Learn More..

Gary Cursio was born in Chicago Illinois and is the older of two children. He had the good fortune of having his maternal grandparents, both born and raised in Sicily living with his family from a very…Learn More..

Bert was born in Monterey on August 7, 1939, to Paul and Rose Cutino. His father, born in Sicily, came to this country as a young man, settled in Monterey, joined the local fishing industry and married…Learn More..

Lina D' Aquanno was born in Trapani, Sicily on March 12, 1931 the daughter of a fisherman's family. As a young girl, she learned the strong Italian family values, and the way of Christian…Learn More..

December 6, 1938--June 24, 2010 My name is Giuseppe (Joe) Davi. I was born in Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, on December 6, 1938 to parents Guerina (Gina) Cardinale and Francesco Davi. I am the oldest of…Learn More..

Jeff Davi, a third-generation resident of Monterey County, was born in 1957 to Anthony and Anita Davi. He has two brothers Anthony and Guido and two sisters Tina and Kathy. He attended local grammar schools,…Learn More..

Charlie was born in New York on May 5, 1927. At the age of 3, he moved to Italy where he spent his childhood in Avellino, Fiorino, and Naples. He was educated by Salesian Priests in a school located outside…Learn More..

Chuck Della Sala was born in Monterey on September 2, 1955, one of five children of Charles Sr. and Monterey native Rose Marie (Bruno) Della Sala. He was raised in the Del Monte Grove and Old Town neighborhoods…Learn More..

Josephine was born May 26, 1931 in the Pacific Grove Hospital to Joseph and Hattie Billeci. Her father was born in Crocket, California, but his family came from Isola delle Femmine. She is the second…Learn More..

Anita Maiorana Ferrante was born in Marettimo, an island off the coast of Sicily, to Pietro and Giuseppa Maiorana. Her father left Marettimo for America before Anita was born to earn enough money to reunite…Learn More..

Mary Alice Cerrito-Fettis was born and raised in Monterey in a prominent local Italian family. Her parents, Sal and Alice Cerrito were pioneers in the restaurant industry, at one time owning seven restaurants…Learn More..

Jane "Anastasi" Gasperson, a 2nd generation Italian American, was born in 1951 to Joseph and Angelina Melicia Anastasi. She has one sister, Jodi Anastasi Duckett. Her Grandparents, Joseph and…Learn More..

Shirley Lavorato was born and raised in the Metz area of South Monterey County, one of eleven children. The dynamics of her family centered on love, affection and an emphasis on religion, honesty and…Learn More..

Antonina “Nina” Asaro Leavenworth was born in Monterey on April 15, 1966, to Salvatore and Antonietta Asaro. Her parents, both born in Sicily, came to Monterey in 1965, where her father joined…Learn More..

Ed and Bella Leonard And Family                            Edward (Ed) Leonard, the oldest of 7 children was born in Los Angeles and…Learn More..

Nick Lombardo: (posthumously) Nick was a warm, gracious, and like-able man and a wonderful storyteller. After relocating to California from Chicago, he built his first gold course in Kingsburg and later…Learn More..

Orazio “Horace” Lucido was born to Giuseppe Lucido and Francesca Cardinale on October 9, 1909 in the town of Isola delle Femmine, Sicily. Horace was a commercial fisherman and lived on the…Learn More..

Mike Marotta, Jr. was born in Monterey on September 19, 1951, to Michael and Phyllis Marotta. He grew up in New Monterey and attended San Carlos Elementary School, Junipero Memorial High School,…Learn More..

Mike Marotta is an entertainer, musician, businessman, civic leader and a person who is fun to be around. His stack of newspaper clippings is taller than he stands. His list of awards and achievements…Learn More..

Hailing from Canton, Ohio, David has been in the radio business since 1976. He graduated from the WXY School of Broadcasting in Cleveland and immediately went to work on the air starting in Canton, then…Learn More..

Bob Massaro owns and operates Bostrom Management, a local business that manages events, conferences and associations. Bob was born Robert Angelo Massaro on April 13, 1942, to Carmelo (Carl) and Angela…Learn More..

Francisco "Frank" Mineo was born in February, 1899 in a small fishing village on the island of Marettimo, in the Province of Trapani, Sicily.  In 1921, Francisco (Frank) left his home and…Learn More..

JOHN V. NARIGI General Manager, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa As Vice President and General Manager of the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa since October of 1993, John Narigi has drawn on over 37 years…Learn More..

Roseann Cardinale Orlebeck and her husband, Bruce, have been married for 35 years and enjoy living in Corral de Tierra. They have three children and have been blessed with four grandchildren and are excited…Learn More..

Born in Italy near Lake Coma in Lombardia. She is a gregarious creative person, conversant in four languages, who lives her life as an example of top-quality women of Italian American origin. Although…Learn More..

Waiting for program biography.Learn More..

Rowdy Pennisi--Still seeking answers for fisher's disappearance We found out the Coast Guard was looking for my brother Rowdy's boat, the Relentless, when a friend called. He was out fishing and…Learn More..

Giovanni “John” Pennisi was born in Monterey, California, on July 20, 1963, to Giuseppe and Elaine Pennisi. He was named after his Nonno, Giovanni Pennisi, who came to California as a fisherman…Learn More..

Giuseppe “Joe” Pennisi  Intro for Fisherman Buys Buyer Giuseppe “Joe” Pennisi was born to Giovanni and Giuseppa Vasta Pennisi in Catania, Sicily. Giuseppe Pennisi followed…Learn More..

Rich Pèpe “Io sono Italiano.” (I am Italian). Like any ethnic family, I am very proud of my heritage. All my grandparents emigrated from Napoli, in Southern Italy and came through Ellis…Learn More..

Luke Phillips grew up in Monterey. His grandparents, Antonio and Carlotta Turano were Italian immigrants who settled in Monterey in the late 1890's. They raised ten children, including Luke's…Learn More..

 Kathryn "Kitty" Catania Ragsdale: (92 and still going strong) Kitty's involvement in church, city and state activities are numerous. She has served as grand marshal for numerous parades,…Learn More..

Emilio Rossi was born in the small town of Piane Crati in Southern Italy on June 21, 1921. He was the youngest of four children. He learned love of his family, his culture and his country at…Learn More..

James, or as he is more affectionately known, Jim, is a native of Monterey. He was born at the Monterey Hospital on March 25, 1940 to Mr. and Mrs. Shedo "Buck" Russo. Jim has three brothers,…Learn More..

John Russo My fishing career started at the age of 13 in Pittsburg, California where I was born. During vacations from school I fished with my father, Anthony Russo, for salmon and shad on the San…Learn More..

Chris Shake was born and raised in Monterey, California where he resides with his wife Lisa and son Austin who recently graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson.  He is the son of Isabella…Learn More..

There are few locals who are not aware of whom the Shake family is. Most for that matter have a favorite story or memory of how a member of the family did something special for them or someone they know.…Learn More..

Vito Spadaro was born April 26, 1937 to John G. and Girolamo Spadaro. He has one sister Lena Spadaro. His parents came from Marettimo, Sicily to Monterey in 1930 where his father became a lifelong…Learn More..

Lucia "Lucy" Ventimiglia Gruwell was born February 10, 1915, in Martinez, CA, and arrived in Monterey at the age of three with her parents, Orazio and Maria Ventimiglia, and 9 brothers and sisters.…Learn More..

Mike Ventimiglia was born in Monterey Hospital in 1944 to parents Mike and Florence (Iannotta) Ventimiglia.  He was one of four children, two girls and two boys.  He attended Del Monte grammar…Learn More..

Is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Community Band of Central California which he helped organize in 1983. He views community involvement and leadership as personal responsibilities.…Learn More..

Rose Enea was born in Monterey, California, on November 14, 1929. Her mother Mary Balestrieri was born to Sicilian immigrants in Pittsburgh, California. Her father, Benny Enea was born in French…Learn More..

Salvatore Ventimiglia 1893-1975 The following is an autobiography of Salvatore Ventimiglia, which he wrote in 1920 in pencil, given to me by Cathy Gomez Ventimiglia, who's father was the son of Salvatore,…Learn More..

1910 – 1960 Frank was born on July 22,1910 in Pittsburg, California to Angelina Catania Ferrante and Antonio Ferrante. Frank one of five brothers and three sisters according to the 1940 census.…Learn More..

                            A Brief History of Festa Italia / Santa Rosalia Festival                                                         by…Learn More..

Early Monterey clipper hull being launched at the G. E. Siino boat shop and ramp in Pittsburg. In the background is the F. E. Booth Cannery. Siino's brother, Angelo, founded the Monterey Boat Works…Learn More..

Fishing in Monterey Bay was mainly for salmon and was done by the sail boat or what the Italians call felucca.   Salmon were caught with gill nets this net consists of one or more panels of webbing…Learn More..

Third-generation Monterey fisherman John Pennisi is preparing to relaunch his boat, The Irene’s Way, after eight years of keeping it docked. “It’s almost like starting all over again,"…Learn More..

The village of Torre Archirafi, Sicily, was shrinking.  It seemed that men and families were fleeing the country as fast as they could find a boat to take them across the Atlantic.  Most had…Learn More..

The mending and repair of fishing nets is an art form, a special skill which takes time to learn. We will take a look at three types of fishing nets that were used to fish the waters of Monterey Bay. Anthony…Learn More..

Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, became a Sister City to Monterey, California, on September 8, 2017.  Instrumental in getting this Sister City connection were Gasper Cardinale, Peter Coniglio and…Learn More..

Italians started migrating to the United States before 1850 with the discovery of gold in California at Sutter’s Mill around 1848.  Collinsville, California was a dropping off point for…Learn More..

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 November 1919's storm that hit Monterey Bay almost devastated the fishing fleet. The storms that came out of the north were very severe and the fishing fleet that was moored in the bay…Learn More..

There are those of us who believe in a higher power and have had the privilege to witness the taking place of the strength and the power of believing. As a man who has made my living on the ocean…Learn More..

I find this book very interesting in reading, it covers the culture of the Sicilian women who worked in the canneries in Monterey and the strength they showed in raising their families as the husbands…Learn More..