Spence Sacco Burton's Guestbook!
2001

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Hi there in America,
here is a "original" Bellanti writting to you.
My father came from Sicily (Near Agrigento) more then 35 years to Germany.
I know a lot of Bellantis over there and also about their history.
Greetings from Germany.
Bellanti Giovanni
bellanti@gmx.it Germany - Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 02:10:46 (PDT)

Salve, Spence. Mi Chiamo Sherrill Quartini. Sono Italiana di terza generazione vivo negli Stati Uniti. Le mia famiglia e di Torino in Piemonte. Abito a San Bruno in California e lavoro San Francisco.
Great website!
Sherrill Quartini
squar96494@aol.com
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, November 02, 2001 at 12:47:43 (PDT)

I'm a recently retired letter carrier, Labor Day, 2001, and a member of Branch 82 in Portland, Oregon. First time to your site and I enjoyed the visit.  I recently read a quote by Alan Alda which I feel exemplifies what the union is all about, "Here's my Golden Rule for a tarnished age: Be fair with others, but then keep after them until they're fair with you."
Keep up the good fightAl Ainsworth
chewah@teleport.com
Portland, OR USA - Friday, October 26, 2001 at 11:09:28 (PDT)

Hi, my name is Pina and along with my two sisters am first generation Italian-Americans. My entire family is from Sicilia. My father's family is originally from Francavilla di Sicilia (family name Lita) and my mother's from Randazzo, Sicilia (maiden name D'Aprile). My paternal grandparents are Giuseppa Tomaselli and Gennaro Lita and my maternal grandparents are Carmela Venezia and Carmelo D'Aprile. If anyone recognizes any of the family names, I'd like to hear from you. Thank you.
Giuseppina 'Pina' Lita
grlita3@aol.com
Carmel, NY USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 11:20:33 (PDT)

HI SPENCE MY GRANDPARENTS ARE FROM ITALY. MY GRANDMOTHER FROM SICILLY. MY GRANDFATHER WAS GREEK BUT ADOPTED BY AN ITALIAN FAMILY. I FORGOT MY GRANDMOTHERS MAIDEN NAME BUT MY FATHER TOLD HE CHANGED THE SPELLING OF OUT LAST NAME WHEN HE STRATED SCHOOL. HE SAID HE CHANGED THE O TO AN A.
THAT'S ABOUT ALL I KNOW ABOUT MY BACK GROUND ON MY FATHERS SIDE. MY MOTHERS PARENTS ARE FROM NAPLES, LUCIANO IS THE MAIDEN NAME OF MY MOTHER. ANY WAY I GOT TO YOUR WEB PAGE IS I AM GOING TO SICILLY IN NOVEMBER AND WAS TRY TO FIND THE TEMPERATURE FOR THAT TIME OF YEAR IN SICILLY. I ENJOYED YOUR HISTORY OF SICILY.
paul tramantana
tram181@YAHOO.COM
WESTBURY, NY USA - Monday, September 10, 2001 at 17:02:17 (PDT)

Hi Spence,
after a couple of years using your site, I realize we must be related. You have done an excellant job. Of course your a Sacco/ best wishes. rosalie
Rosalie sacco dragotta
rorocarl@aol.com
Marlboro, Ny USA - Friday, September 07, 2001 at 12:00:11 (PDT)

Great web site. Thank you for your response. You gave me more leads to follow when I find the time. God bless you and yours.
Richard Interrante
interrar@mail.bellsouth.net
Orlando, Fl USA - Sunday, September 02, 2001 at 16:49:51 (PDT)

I Am back. Just a little history, I Was born in Palermo, came here when I was a kid,my mom and dad are all from palermo. Most of my life was spent in the Ridgewood, Bushwick, hey remember Ebbets Field, in Brooklyn.-- my lines are from Calista, and Bruno!s, all from Palermo. My wife comes from Caltanissetta. I forget I, also worked for the post office, GPO, downtown Brooklyn. If anyone knows the names please keep in touch. Mamma mia aiuto, che bella pagina, saluti a tutti li Siciliani. Kiss the bambino!s for me. Arriverderche.
Giacomo (jACK( Calista
godfather2U@aol.com
Ontario, Ca. USA - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 23:03:11 (PDT)

HI SPENCE, OR SHOULD I SAY HELLO PAISANO. YOU HAVE A GREAT PAGE, ALSO PIGNATO. I AM GLAD TO KNOW YOU BOTH OF YOU. PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED, PLEASE--- ALSO REMEMBER SEMPER AVANTI SICILIANI. GOD BLESS THEM THATM IS WHY HE MADE SO MANY OF THEM. CON TANTI BACIO E AMORE, SALUTI
Giacomo (Jack) Calista
godfather2U@aol.com
Ontario, Ca.Hi USA - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 22:34:14 (PDT)
spence: nice web page and sound. have one (one) e-mail message showing; can't download it. out 8/7/01
ivars lauersons
ivarsandsarah@netzero.net
vallejoca, ca USAspence, nice web page - Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 17:34:13 (PDT)

Hi, my name is Antoinette Scorsone. My Dad was born in Palermo, Sicily in a small town called Cacamo. I was just fooling around on the computer just to see what kind of Italian stuff they have on here and I came across your pages w/your two beautiful new babies (Congratulations!) and I heard the wonderful song "On Eagle's Wings". It's one of my favorites, and I know God and His Angels are going to watch over you and your family. Who knows? Maybe my Dad is one of your children's Gaurdian Angels. He died 6 years ago. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I love your pages and I think you putting the Chicken Dance on one of your pages is HILARIOUS! It's one of my FAVORITE songs to dance to! Ttyl. Bye!
(Webmaster note: The 2 babies are not ours, but are our youngest cousins born on the same day,  within hours of each other in the same hospital, by two sisters!)
Antoinette Scorsone
USA - Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 15:56:09 (PDT)
found you're web site while looking under owcp. you have two adorable children. and your web site is great. take care from another californian
(Webmaster note: The 2 babies are not ours, but are our youngest cousins born on the same day,  within hours of each other in the same hospital, by two sisters!)
pam
wpb@aol.com
bakersfield, ca USA - Sunday, July 22, 2001 at 15:48:15 (PDT)
How do you feel about dogs running off leash unfenced?
Your site is very impressive, I wish aI had more time to explore it.
Maybe I'll come back.
A.J.
p.s. your children are very beautiful.
I'm sure you'll be a terrific dad for them.
(Webmaster note: The 2 babies are not ours, but are our youngest cousins born on the same day,  within hours of each other in the same hospital, by two sisters!)
aj levis
ecobuilder@home.com
petaluma, ca USA - Sunday, July 22, 2001 at 00:41:42 (PDT)
I am Angelo Papaianni and I work at the University of Calabria. I am concerned with constructing the web pages of our library.
In April I created a personal web site called ?Calabria On Line?, that has the following address:
http://members.xoom.it/papange/index.htm
the web site is still under construction and a lot of wirk has still to be done. Therefore, I should like to ask you some advise for the work I still have to do. It is an import and big work that is useful to Calabria people.
Please do have a look at the above home page and provide me your suggestions.
Thank you and best regards Mr Angelo Papaianni
PS: If you have a sample web page on the same subject, please furnish me the address.
I?m sorry if I have already sent you the same e-mail. I haven?t even revised my long addresses? list.
Angelo Papaianni
angelo.papaianni@unical.it
Calabria Italia - Monday, July 09, 2001 at 01:33:21 (PDT)
Nice site, very thorough.
Ro
spaziatrice@yahoo.com , PA USA - Friday, July 06, 2001 at 17:40:06 (PDT)
Hi, just came across your website on petaluma.net. Which seems to be different than petalumanet.org. My grandmother was from Northern Italy, maiden name Tallone. Found her listed on the Ellis Island.com website.
Bye from Linda (fellow Petaluma-person)
Linda
RLDT@aol.com
Petaluma, CA USA - Tuesday, July 03, 2001 at 18:49:45 (PDT)
I really enjoy your site Spence. This new one is great! I'm hopping around looking for a recipe for "s" cookies. Can you help? biddizza.
Barbara Valenti
bidizza@worldnet.att.net
Aloha, OR USA - Monday, June 25, 2001 at 11:42:52 (PDT)
Spence: Thanks for including me on your distribution. Wish I had paid attention to the chapter meetings last year. Just returned from 2 weeks in Siena, studying the charms of Tuscany (and sampling the wines) with an Elderhostel group. No genealogy this trip, as my family comes from the Napoli area (no surprise). Don Naples in Emeryville, CA
POINTer #2330
Don Naples
dnaples@msn.com
Emeryville, CA USA - Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at 19:55:27 (PDT) 
I love being Italian I am 20year old male.My last last name is Fulgoni.Peace
Richie
City Slciker2155@aol.com
Ca. USA - Sunday, June 03, 2001 at 08:19:35 (PDT) 
Hi. Boy do I envy you! I carry mail in New Jersey , but my father lives in Russian Hill, and I can tell you this:
I put San Fran over NJ any day.! One day I hope to transfer to CA. We'll see!!
Derek Kotter
 USA - Saturday, June 02, 2001 at 21:16:06 (PDT) 
HEY LOVE YOUR SITE . A LOT OF INFO. THANKS
MIKE
DEMARZO8@AOL.COM
QUEENS, NY USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 19:52:33 (PDT) 
Hi Spence,
Just stumbled on to your website, very interesting. My family is from Corleone and my Mom and Dad went back last year after 41 years in this country. My sister is there right now as I write to you. My middle name is Liliana, like your Mom's, but I know that it is not the translation for Calogera. I asked my Mom how I got the name Liliana and she said she just liked it and didn't want me to be called "Leboria"
Liliana
LEBORIA@MSN.COM
Valley Stream, NY USA - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 19:17:17 (PDT) 
Very Good. You keep doing it better every time...Enjoy exploring your site...Cari saluti Tony
Tony Mangiaracina
TonyGrapes@AOL.com
Princeton, NJ USA - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 08:56:52 (PDT) 
I am researching the family of Carlo B. Cecchini born 1863 in Barga, Italy (near Lucca)Also his wife Antionetta Giannetti born 1874 in Barga. I have found Antionettas arrival in the USA at Ellis Island in 1911 but cannot find anything further.
Carl A. Cecchini
ccecch8166@aol.com
Southwick, MA USA - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 06:02:55 (PDT) 
Born in Sciacca and in the fish business would like to hear from any one from Sciacca
Ignazio ( Iggy)
Iggy and Teresa @AOL.com
Staten Island, N.Y USA - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 08:49:54 (PDT) 
hi spence man do you have a lot of spare time or what make those casuals and ptfs work the spence has to go the web ha ha ha wish i had more time to chat back to GRIEVANCES the prez santa barbara
mike coyle
nalc290@aol
santa barbara USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 18:18:51 (PDT) 
HI Spence like your page a lot my parents were from Bordanro Messina they came over in the 1920s. MY mothers maiden was Crescenti,my grandparents were Nunzio and Grace.
John Raffa
Johnnycake1006@aol.com
Havertown Pa., Del. USA - Friday, April 06, 2001 at 14:28:11 (PDT) 
While looking for places to stay in Sciacca my wife stumbled upon your web site. Great, delightful music. My mother (100 years old this June 16) is from Sciacca; my dad was born in Menfi - about 7 miles from there. I'm 77, retired professor from California State University and will be going to Sciacca for the third time next year: this time with one of my sons who is also a "mixed breed?" He too is fascinated by his heritage. My mother's family are Liotta and my father's Callaci with Ramo as grandparents. Do you have any recommendations on where to stay in Sciacc? My wife a niece and nephew will accompany me.
Saluti Charlie Callaci
cacallaci@aol.com
Chino Hills, California USA - Saturday, March, 31, 2001 at 13:30:38 (PDT) 
Hi Spence. Just starting to research my genealogy with my mother's help. Paternal grandfather was SALVATORE SANTANGELO from Floridia, Sicily. His wife was CARMELA DEFEDE also from Floridia. My maternal grandparents were from Canacatina Bagna, Siciy. They immigrated to Hartford, Connecticut between 1905 to 1915. If any of your guests or you identify with any of this, I would appreciate an e-mail. Thanks. Going to go and explore your site some more!
Salvatore Santangelo
salsurg@aol.com
Camarillo, CA USA - Thursday, March, 22, 2001 at 22:11:40 (PDT) 
I am really impressed with the breadth and depth of your web page. You have learned to master this technology quite well, I appreciate the variety of music as I explored different choices available on your web site.
I orginally connected through "ask Jeeves" as I was looking for Italian Songs for a church promoting an Italian Night Dinner event. Your selection of songs provides me with a great selection to choose from. I'm a novice at the computer but will try to figure out if I can make a copy of one of the songs to we can use it on Sunday.
You obviosly have a great deal of pride in your heritage and your family.... good for you. Thanks for putting your website together.
Jim Lieto
JRLieto@aol.com
The Woodlands, Tx USA - Tuesday, March, 20, 2001 at 19:12:32 (PDT) 
Hello Spence, Your homepage is great and has helped with my own family research. I recently e-mailed you about St. Margherita near Messina, I hope you know something! By the way, my maternal grandparents lived in Ozone Park Queens too! Their last name was Alberga, John and Jenny. Cioa, and thank you for any help.
maria pasculli
MPasc3@aol.com USA - Saturday, March, 17, 2001 at 18:44:41 (PDT) 
Hi ,I think we are related. I think sent you an e-mail. My maternal grandfather was Joseph (Guisseppe) Balestrieri who moved to San Francisco in the 1900 from Sant'Elia. He had many sibblings. Two are left his youngest brother Frank and sister Dora, both living in San Francisco. Dora is in her 90s and Frank in his 80s. My mother is Josephine, in her 80s (don't tell her I told you her age). I have two sibblings and together we have three children.  Send me a note. I'd love to learn who you are.
Sandra Sanfilippo Ryan
sandra sanfilippo ryan@yahoo.com
Pleasanton, CA USA - Saturday, March, 17, 2001 at 10:07:21 (PDT) 
Just checking my wepbage ... if you click on my name you will go to the new Tomales High School - Sciacca, Sicily Student Exchange webpage! Ciao Spence
Spence F. Burton sfburton@home.com
USA - Sunday, March, 11, 2001 at 14:41:35 (PDT) 
Cool site...didnt find the calendar yet but ill keep digging hee hee.. wonder if you are related to me distantly? My aunt up on Maine (dad's sister is married to a Jim Bourton? who knows) haha would be funny hu? I dont have their geneology though...thanks take care, carol and buddy
carol christopherson buddynme@bellsouth.net
jacksonville, fl USA - Thursday, February 15, 2001 at 14:32:24 (PDT) 
Found your site and seen several surnames I have been trying to find. I just hope someone mails me back and I will be sure to come back here to look for up dayes on the surname list. Thank You Yvonne
yvonne bush soxx@blueriver.net USA - Monday, February 05, 2001 at 23:49:06 (PDT) 
My uncle started a family tree on my mothers side of the family "Morgia". I have been talking with him in starting a family tree on the Sacco side, so I have been looking at different sites. I really enjoyed yours!
Louis J. Sacco ltsacco@homercity.com
Homer City, PA USA - Monday, February 05, 2001 at 23:16:13 (PDT) 
New York in about 1881. They went back to Italy to Grumento Nova (Potenza), however some of their children returned to the USA when old enough. In the early 60's I meet some USA cousins from San Jose, California. I also remember seeing photos of my cousin James Legnante ( his real surname should have been Lognando) My Grandfathers real surname was Lognando, but for some reason the clerk wrote it as Legnante at Ellis Island. So the American side of my family were known as Legnante, while the Italian side remained Lognando. I would love to get in contact with any stem of the family of the Legnante / Lognando / Maiorio. My grandfather was born in Carbone (Potenza) and my Grandmother in Grumento Nova (Potenza). My grandmother (Egidio's wife) was Rosa Maiorino. My cousin, James Legnante lived in California. I also have family of my grandmother Rosa in USA. She had sisters who went with their widowed father from New York to to California. My grandmother Rosa stayed in New York with her husband Egidio. Some of their children's names were: Basilio, Guiseppe, Giannina (the youngest = my mother), Amelia, Caterina, Teresa, Biagio. Would love to hear from any one who can help.
Egidio Guarini jimdeb@ntlworld.com ,
Ke United Kingdom - Sunday, January 28, 2001 at 03:50:06 (PDT) 
Great home page, My grandparents, were from Palermo, Any info on the Virgadamo family would be appreciated.
Dennis Virgadamo dennis@harmonyelectric.com
Houston, TX USA - Saturday, January 27, 2001 at 09:44:04 (PDT) 
What a wonderful website. All these strangers that share one thing and that is nationality. I am looking for information about any family memebers still in Valledolmo Sicily. The name was spelled Pulvino and was changed when my great granparents came over. They left Sicily sometime before 1914. My Great grandfathers name was Vincenzo Polvino and great granmothers name was Rose Polvino. I do not know her madien name. Any information about either one of them or others family members would be awesome. This site is an excellent way to find people! Thank you
Chandra Polvino cpolvino@hotmail.com
Rochester, NY USA - Friday, January 26, 2001 at 12:09:10 (PDT) 
I may have information regarding the Mezzone family of Sora Italy (jeff higgs please get in touch) Please contact me in England at ggregory@pagham 19.freeserve.co.uk
Graham Gregory ggregory@pagham19.freeserve.co.uk
Sueesx England - Friday, January 19, 2001 at 14:53:33 (PDT) 
A wonderfully informative website. You've obviously spent lots of time on this project. Do you have any suggestions on doing research in Brooklyn, New York? It is so hard when you are so far away.
Catherine A. Haslett joshandcatherinehaslett@gci.net
Anchorage, AD USA - Thursday, January 18, 2001 at 16:19:40 (PDT) 
I am always looking for some information to do battle with these stupidvisors .
Jewel B Butler  jbutlr@prodigy.net
Houston, Tx USA - Sunday, January 07, 2001 at 21:59:51 (PDT) 
Hello Friends, I am a younger generation descendent of the Bruno and Trupia families and greatgrandson of former San Cataldo Society president John Bruno. I am primarily looking to see if any descendents of San Cataldo are interested in the survival of the San Cataldo society, specifically the yearly mass and feast/meeting. I am young and i do understand that the society must adapt to a significantly changed enviornment than the one it was formed in. Please contact me if you have interest in learning about the society and where we can take it.
Paul Bruno pbruno1000@yahoo.com
Hoboken, NJ USA - Sunday, January 07, 2001 at 20:03:54 (PDT) 
For those starting to do family history search: 1. Check local phone book for a state Genealogical society - or do general search for one in your state via internet. 2. Make a list of the towns where events occurred such as your birth town (information about your parents will be found there, including maiden name, etc.). Same is true of grandparents - on their birth records will be information about their parents. The place where events happen is where the records are held. Same with the marriage of your parents. Details on THEIR parents are there - and in the records of the churches where they married. In all circumstances, you need to know the Town where events occurred. 2. Look for the nearest LDS/Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church) family history centers (everywhere) Access to their microfilms is free. They have done what our USA government should have done - index millions of records. Also try the many volumes of the book series "Italians to America" The researchers have gone 'there' and e xtracted ship passenger lists from that side of the pond. The series begins with 1880 passengers but only for those who arrived in New York. This series (people from many countries) not found in local libraries. Check your state library or call a local Genealogic Society for their locations. Remember - immigrant Italians arrived in MANY ports along the eastern coast of USA. Please do not e-mail me for specific search questions. I am a beginner also, but am sharing the leads I found to be worthwhile. Good luck to all.
C. Burkem cburke@uconnvm.uconn.edu
Vernon, CT USA - Sunday, January 07, 2001 at 07:05:29 (PDT) 
I am trying to find information about my grandparents John Torchia and Dorthy Worphia.  I think they lived in a little town called Parma which may be part of Palermo.  Any information you can give me will be greatly apprciated. THANKS, This is a  GREAT SITE.
Carole Torchia Barankiewicz WCB@STATELINE-ISP.COM
DURAND, ILL. USA - Thursday, January 04, 2001 at 08:47:08 (PDT) 
I  just happened to browse into your site, and love it. All four of my grandparents came from Sicily, my paternal grandparents from Campabello di Licata. I will surely stop by again!
Charles Brunetto chasbrun@together.net
Cornwall, VT USA - Monday, January 01, 2001 at 18:50:14 (PDT) 
You are providing a great service to al of us jsut starting off!
I am just beginning a search on the Cannata/Picone families. My grandfather imagrated from Vicari Italy the early 1900's. (we think via ellis island) Antonio Cannatamoved to Chicago, (a letter carrier in chicago) married Maria Picone from milan.  4 daughters, Francesca, katalina, anna, Phillipa. I know my mother Phillipa (Patricia) had many cousin growing up on th near north side of chicago (she went to Waller High School) Any inf would be appreciated!
Cindy Olmstead cmomjo@pcisys.net
Colorado Springs, Colorado USA - Monday, January 01, 2001 at 17:58:35 (PDT)