Tracking down my family; Castagnola, Italy
by starchaholic
The view from Castagnola
Saturday I went to Castagnola, Italy. This is the town that the Cassellas, my mother’s family, is originally from before immigrating to New York City around the turn of the 20th century. I have always wanted to visit this town and had been trying to plan this trip for quite some time now. My great uncle, August Cassella, had visited the town roughly 15 years ago. He gave me some information about where the town is, some pictures, and a T-shirt that he had made when he went there. He said he brought 12 T-shirts for the town.
The T-shirt that my great uncle had made and some pictures he took
Castagnola is a tiny mountain town in the region of Emilia-Romagna between Piacenza and Genova. From Parma, I traveled to Piacenza by train and then took a bus to Bobbio, which is basically the closest civilization. Bobbio is a beautiful town and it is famous for a very old monastery and bridge, amazing hearty food, and there is a rumor that the Mona Lisa was painted there. It was great bonus to the trip to visit it.
Bobbio
What do you do on a Saturday in Bobbio? Stand around at the market talking soccer of course!
Tagliolini with deer ragu and parmigiano reggiano cheese. Apparently, a Bobbio staple!
I previously arranged for a driver to take me from Bobbio to Castagnola. I am glad I did not rent a car, the road was as windy as I have ever seen one. There was definitely some white-knuckle moments on the way there. The driver seemed to know the town as he did not need a map. He told me that the town is called Castagnola because of the abundance of Castagna (chesnut) trees in the area.
almost there
I arrived there and found the church from the picture. Castagnola has 3 families that live in it; Casella, Calamari, Cervini; all their names were on the church. A mans name was on the front, Giuseppe Cervini.
The church, same from the picture!
Casella! they are here!
Translated text below name, “Fighter in the U.S. Army fell to the Florentine castle”
I walked down the road and saw an old man walking slowly towards me, when he spotted my blond, blue eyed and 6’3” self, he approached with a bit of apprehension but some curiosity. I yelled “Buongiorno! Sei Casella?” Good Morning, are you a Casella? I pointed the name on the T-shirt to reinforce my point. I introduced myself and said I was a Cassella (not really wanting to explain how I am a Mitsch but my mom is a Cassella) from America and I am a student in Parma. He said he is not a Casella, but a Cervini. He pointed to a man down the hill who was working in his yard next to an old lady and said that man is a Casella.
Castagnola
Another view
I walked down a muddy path to the man and introduced myself, told him I am a Casella from America, I am a student now in Italy, my mother and grandfather are cassellas. My uncle visited 15 years ago and brought these T-shirts. He introduced himself and said his name is Giovanni, which was exciting because that is John in Italian. He didn’t share the same excitement. He introduced me to his mother, whose name I could not fully understand even though she repeated it. It began with a “D”.
I asked him what he was doing today, he said he was chopping firewood. He also said that there are not many people in the town currently, only about 30; but in the warmer months there are 300 inhabitants. I couldn’t fully understand when he explained why everyone left, but he said something about Milan and Piacenza. Also, it is the older people who stay in the town. I imagine it is difficult to live there in the winter.
Giovanni Casella and his mother
In the warmer months they raise Mucca (cows). When I asked Giovanni what they eat regularly, he said, “tutto!” (everything!). They make cheese from the cows when they have them. Grocery shopping is done close by in larger towns or in Bobbio.
I asked him why he thought the Casellas came to America. The answer was simple, “lavorare” or work. He said he thinks America is a beautiful place, I agreed and told him I think Italy is very beautiful. He said there is a lot of Casellas in America but I am not sure if he meant descendants or recent immigrants. Giovanni told me that Casella is spelt with one “S” and I told him I think it was changed in America, which is what I remember my mom saying.
It seemed Giovanni knew the shirt I had and he said something about him or someone else receiving a letter from my great uncle, August. I think he remembered his visit. We talked a little more and after some pictures, I asked him to write down his address for me to write him. I then thanked him and walked back up the hill to the church.
Casa di Giovanni
Myself and Nonna, she is camera shy or very scared of this tall foreigner.
Past the church is a cemetery where I saw many Casella, Calamari, and Cervini names. I took some photos and looked around at the amazing mountain valley that Castagnola happens to be in. I then left and went back to Bobbio.
The small Cemetery
What is so amazing to me that over 100 years ago ancestors of mine stood in the same place, and made a decision to go to America. The allure of this “land of gold” must have been pretty strong for them to leave this comfortable mountain village and make a trek, by boat, across the Atlantic Ocean to a completely foreign place. And what if they had not done this? What if they stayed in this village raising the Mucca? Generations of the Casellas would not even exist in America. I would not exist! What would you be reading right now! What is even more amazing is that so many others made this journey from all parts of Europe and the world from similar small towns such as this, the story is not uncommon at all.
What an experience this was, I will have to return in the summer to check how the Formaggio di Mucca production goes!
starchaholic 
John, What a fabulous job you’ve done in recording your visit to Castagnola!
Marnie & I are so pleased you could find the town from our directions. When we saw your photos, we were taken right back to our visit to Castignola. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your stay in Italy.
Love,
Uncle Augie & Marnie
John, what a terrific story! Your journey to find your relatives is a wonderful family connection. Loved your great uncle’s shirt. The pictures really are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed this article. I visited Castagnola 15 years ago I am descended from the Calamari family. Our relatives from Genoa drove us there otherwise we would never have found itcthey still have a home there. The church was locked when we were there.
Thanks for the photos
Claire Connors
John, I am so proud of you ! Thank you for making the long journey to see the village where we originally came from. I still can’t believe the beautiful pictures of that mountain town. It’s gorgeous ! Love uncle Augie,s tee-shirt.
Have a wonderful trip on Thursday down to Naples!
Love you, Mom and Dad
John, what an awesome summary of your trip and where we all came from! I’m Michael Casella (one s). I’m son of August Joseph Casella Jr and grandson of August Casella Sr. From New York City and my great grandmother Margaret Casella lived to be 100 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery in queens along with Cervinis and Calamaris. The cemetery plots are all right next to one and other.
My brother sister and our families, 14 of us, are headed to Italy for the first time this coming July and August. We have planned sometime in Nerano (almafi region), Rome, Florence and Venice. We would love to try and venture out but I am not sure of the feasibility from where we will be. Where abouts are you living John? Maybe we can talk sometime? My brother and I work in New York City in financial services and all three of us live in Bergen County NJ.
Loved all the pictures and I know my dads cousin Lorraine mad the visit to the church with the plaque probably 30/40 years ago. Anyway let me know if anyone happens to be in the area NYC, NJ, or Italy and we can have some good Italian wine! Safe travels !
Dear Michael,
I am so glad I could share the experience with everyone! I am living in Parma and this week I am going to Sorrento near Naples until May so I am afraid I will miss you here, but it sounds like you have a great itinerary! Castagnola is halfway between Piacenza and Genova. I will be probably be in NYC when I am back, so lets keep in touch. My email is johnm0123@gmail.com. thanks for reaching out!
Best regards,
John Mitsch
Hi. I am not sure if we have spoken but your story sounds very familiar. My grandfather and his father, both born in Castagnola, are, too, buried in Queens….My great grandfather began making trips to NY in 1875….he returned to Castagnola, a village in the town of Ferriere (il comune di Ferriere) to marry the woman, my gr8 grandmother, his parents arranged and though he returned to NY, she remained in Ferriere, in a different frazione, much closer to Ferriere. My gr8 grandfather, Luigi, made a trip back to Italy every 2 years and my grandfather, also Luigi (Ferriere and Castagnola are full of ‘Luigi’s’) was the 2nd, and first male. After producing 6 children, my gr8 aunts and uncles, he brought my grandfather back to NY with him and, sadly, died within the year, leaving my grandfather alone at 12 yo. He was taken in by a Neapolitan family in the “real Little Italy”, on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, a block away from Fordham University, where I, coincidentally, went. He began working for a man who sold fruits and nuts outside the gates of the university, selling to the Jesuit priests, mostly. He eventually bought the horse drawn cart from the man whom he worked for. Anyway, that is how this grandfather “came to America”…! My other 3 grandparents, too, were born in Italy and all met in NYC….my other grandfather, who was also called “Casella”, though from the Cinque Terre” in Liguria in the Province of La Spezia, and no relation to my other grandfather, Luigi….then Luigi married my grandmother who was from Bolzano or Bozen, then a part of the Austrian Empire but now, after WWI, in Italy. I never knew that pair of grandparents, my dad’s parents. My grandfather from Liguria, Eugenio Casella, married my dear and wonderful grandmother, Anna, from Salerno. So, I am from all over Italy but have been coming here (I live here, now) since I was 3 and have seen more of Italy than most Italians. I know that all the Casellas from Castagnola are related….and you don’t need to go back that far to find the connection. I find it fascinating. Anyway, just thought I would make contact. I left a message, too long of a message, below, the last one written, I believe. BTW….I grew up, initially, in Manhattan, then in Bergen County, where you wrote you live. I grew up in Wyckoff, a very quiet town so close to NYC, yet so far. I hope you and yours are all well and dealing with what is happening as best you can. Be cautious. Sending you “cousinly hugs”…..from the Val Nure, (where Ferriere-Castagnola, is. – GaryPeter Casella PS..if you would like to write, it would be very nice…! Pax omnia.
Amazing to read this. I didn’t know much about our ancestors. Thanks for posting this is really awesome to see where we came from.
I am so glad you enjoyed it! It was a great experience.
I just read your wonderful experience again! Please email me any time you can. I have picture I will send to you of the inside of the church and their out door rosary procession from 2012.
God bless you!
Diane calamari pizza
THIS IS SO AWESOME. what a journey. I’m so glad you ventured out and did this. you are becoming quite the traveler!! #expatsunite
John,
My name is Tim Murphy and believe it or not, I’m a first cousin of your great Uncle August. (My mother was Dorothy Calamari, who was Auggie’s mother Julia’s sister). Thanks for sharing your photos and experiences. I was trying to locate the correct Castagnola and your site zeroed me right in.
Cheers,
Tim
Well Casella’s, Cassella’s, Calamari ‘s and Cirvini’s. All 14 of us made our journey to Italy last month and had a crazy awesome time! We didn’t get to Castagnola this trip but we are planning something in the future for that journey.
I’m the great grandson of Margaret and Agostino Cassella. I cannot believe how great the food and wine was on our journey. And each region starting in Amalfi was different as we headed north. I pan on putting up some photos and a lil more details in the future but wanted to thank all of you for your comments, feedback, and good wishes for our journey. More to come….
Michael,
Sounds like fun, I’m going to get there at some point.
Thanks again for the site.
Cheers,
Tim
Hello John:
Loved reading your article. My Cousin (John Casella) and some cousins and I are going to Piacenza and then to Castagnola to see the history of our Grandmother and family in the early fall. Grandma was a Cervini but I have cousins that are Casella’s, Calamari’s and Bernardi’s.
Amazing there are so many of us that come from such a small village.
Any suggestions or tips. Somewhere, we are related.
Regards
Carol
Hey carol!
I am glad to hear you are going to visit castagnola. It is quite an experience. I think the only tips I can give is on getting there, which I went to Bobbio from piacenza by bus first and then hired a driver I found through the chamber of commerce there. Best of luck to you!!
Hi John,
That was a wonderful story. My mother and I visited in 2010 and also went to Ferriere, where family records were kept in the 1800s for Castagnola. There are Cervini, Calamari and Casella in my ancestry as well.
We are taking my family to Italy in July, and are meeting cousins there. I’d love to catch up with you.
Eric
Buonasera, Eric. I am your cousin lontana lontana 😉 I am in the process of applying for Italian dual citizenship, and am looking to find the birth records for my great-grandfather, Joseph John Cervini, who was born in Castagnola in 1892. Are you saying the records would be in a town called Ferriere?
Yes. All the records for births and marriages in Castagnola are found in Ferriere. They have a records office there that goes back to the early 1800s. I was able to get records as far back as 1830s.
Thank you, Eric! 🙂
Eric, i too am trying to obtain dual citizenship where abouts are you from maybe we can connect and figure it all out?
Im in nnj about 30 miles outside of nyc
Mike Casella here 🙂
Really enjoyed looking at your pictures and reading about your trip. My name is Mark Casella son of Dominick and grandson of Rocco and Jeni Casella who immigrated over
from Calabria.
Can we all connect on Facebook? Mine is Matthew J Casella from Queens NY
I am Rosemarie Cervini Lippman I visited and saw family members from Castagnola I am also a
calamari and Casella descendent My grandparents are also buried in Calvary Cemetery they came at the turn of the last century and lived in Manhattan we have lost all contact with the family would love to know where you all went
Wow! My family is buried in Calvary Cemetery, too, including my dad.
I am the granddaughter of Ceasa Cervini and the daughter of Louis, when my grandparents came to this country they spent most of there yrs. living and raising there family Manhattan upper east side around 86 st. later. I alookifor moved to the Bronx. I am lookin for my grandfathers sister grand children her name was Domenica Cervini Bernardi
Carol my Grandfather Cesar Cervini was your Grandmother brother Domenica Cervini Bernardi we met in your house in Queens
Rosemarie Lippman
Hi John,
My name is Eugena Calamari from Woodside New York. I am now Eugena Sarro and live in Floral Park NY. Like Tim Murphy (my cousin) I too am a first cousin of August Cassella. My father was Eugene Calamari son of Andrew and Catherine Calamari. Not sure if you know it but my nephew Anthony Calamari is a chef in California. I am shaking with excitement to think of the possibilities of exploring our family. Thank you for a peak into who and where I come from. I hope to explore the possibilities some day soon.
Ciao,
Gina
John,
Forgot to ask if I can buy 7 of those tee shirts from someone?
Gina
Glad you enjoyed it Gina! I’m sorry I don’t have any more shirts
Hello John,
I will be traveling to Rome and Tuscany in August and I’m trying to figure out how far we might be from where we are staying in Tuscany. Is it possible to talk to you about your trip? I’m not on Facebook, I don’t really do social media. Maybe you would call me? 516-328-3112.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Ciao,
Eugena Calamari (Gina)
Hi John,
My name is Jaquelina Calamari of the offspring of Giovanni Calamari, born in Castagnola on March 26, 1852. I am making the genealogical tree of my ancestors. I would appreciate if you help me
Plaque on the church wall with the wall is my uncle Joe he died fighting the Germans in Northern Italy 1944 Rosemarie Cervini Lippman
Hello John,
Still wondering what to do on my trip to Castagnola. Would love to hear from you for a few tips . You have been very fortunate to visit and I’m hoping for the same experience.
I can be reached at 516-328-3112 or 516-375-6008.
Thank you,
Gina ( Calamari) Sarro
Buonasera! Io sono la tua cuggina! 😉 My name is Elyssa Marie Serrilli, and my great-grandfather Joseph John Cervini married Virginia Casella in NYC, but their families were from Pizzanza Castagnola.
My husband’s grandparents are named Dominica Calamari (born 1885) and Francesco Casella (born 1880). They came to New York City and started their branch of the family. I would love to get more details on their life in Italy. I don’t know for sure they came from Castagnola. Thanks! PS: Loved your story about your trip.
My great grandparents, Antonio Joseph Casella & Caterina Casella (maiden name same as married) were both born in Castgnola. Most of their children wer4e born there, but my grandfather Adolph & his twin Peter were born in 1899 in New York. We have both Casellas & Cervinis in our line.
Hello Diane! I am Elizabeth Cervini Manvell, your first cousin twice removed, youngest daughter of Mary and Andy Cervini from Toms River. My Cervini grandmother, Maria Rosa Casella, was your grandfather’s/my great Uncle Duff-‘s oldest sister! I’ve been doing family research for many years and applied for and was granted Italian citizenship in 2012. I hope to go to Castagnola the fall of 2020 and especially want to get hold of the names of everyone buried in the cemetery of the Castagnola church of San Policarpo di Martire.
Please go to my Facebook page and make a friend request!
– Liz
Hi John,
My grandparents came from Castagnola. My grandfather was a Calamari and my grandmother was a Cervini. That was on my dad’s side. On my mothers side my grandmother was a Cervini. The three Calamari brothers came over to New York but after awhile bought a farm in Connecticut. My grandmother came over once my grandfather was in Connecticut. I enjoyed reading about your trip to the town.
Rita Calamari
Hi Rita my grandmother was Calamari and my grandfather was a Cervini.Grandmother came to America 1911 and grandfather came in 12 many family members lived around 86st Manhattan N.Y. Also Bernardi,s are relatives. since the passing of parents lost all contact with family Rosemarie Cervini Lippman
Hello Rosemarie; Domenica Cervini Bernardi was my grandmother. She came here in 1913 with my father, Servino (Joe) who was 2 years old. She went on to have Louise, Mary, Margaret, Rose and Catherine. Also a son, who died in an auto accident I believe. His name was Fred. How many siblings did Domenica have, besides your grandfather? Yes, they lived on East 86th st. Have you been to Castagnola? I would love to chat with you, Judith Bernardi Loria
Judith you can reach me on my husband cell phone 904 402 4033. my name is Ro I knew his sister Domenica family, but have lost contact with all.My grandfather had 10 or 11 children in his family, three that I know of came to the u.s.please call
Please call me on my husband cell 904 402 4033 Nonno had 10 or 11 siblings three came to America that I know of
Rita: Just happened to be reading your comment this evening, 6/29/22. I am going out on a limb here but are you the Rita Calamari on knew from Wig Hill, in Chester? I separate my Calamari relatives as the Wig Hill Calamaris and the NOLA (New Orlean, LA) Calamaris. My grandfather Giuseppe Cuneo’s mother was a Calamari and he was born in NOLA. He went to Italy in 1912, married my grandmother Santina Calamari in 1913 and they came back to the US and settled in Chester with her family, the Wig Hill Calamaris.
Lee Cuneo
Oh my goodness. I am Rita Calamari from Wig Hill Rd. Early post from Claire is also from the Wig Hill Clan.
Wow. Just found this as I was googling where my family was from in Italy. Great to review this and learn from it. Rita is my 1st Cousin and we all lived on Wig Hill Road in Chester CT
This is amazing. I think Jackie Calamari, and Clare ( my cousins are also writing on here. Lou Calamari
I have been to Castagnola several times. My grandparents came to NYC from Castagnolia. Grandfather Louis (Luigi) Casella and grandmother Mary (Maria) Calamari. Grandfather had mother & 2 brothers in U.S. – one was named August.
Hi! Descendant of the Casellas as well, from the long line of Charles’. I saw your picture and boy do you look like my cousins!
Hi Sarah My great grandmother was Santa Casela she married Joseph Cervini I visited Castaganola in 2017 met family who still lives there. the picture of the American soldier on the church is my uncle Joe
My mother also comes from this family line and we were so excited to just find this blog. We have found it difficult to find information about the family. My mother’s aunt (lLouise Balletto) was actually married to the soldier whose name is on the church. They were a young married couple when he got killed in Italy and his name is in your picture at the church. My mother knew him as Joe. My mother’s father was Giovanni Luigi Balletto (John Louis). His mother was Giovannina Calamari his father Giuseppi Balletto. They lived on 104th street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan
Hi Barbara the soldier plaque on the church is my uncle Joe he was my father’s brother he was married to Louise Calamari I am Rosemarie Cervini Lippman I moved to TX a yr ago My grand parents are Rosa Calamari and Cesar Casella Cervini would love to hear from you
HI Barbara the plaque on the church is my uncle Joe he was my father’s brother and he was married to Louise I met her on many occasions,I know she remarried yrs. later and had two daughters. I have lost contact with all Rosemarie Cervini Lippman
Rosemarie,
It is wonderful to make connections. My Aunt Louise’s mother was certainly Calamari. Louise was younger than my grandfather, her brother. When she remarried years later to George Gallagher, they had two children. One is Susan (my age (born 1955), and another Paul (born 1957). He died from a throat cancer quite young – in his 50s. Louise died about 10 years ago now. She was always a lovely, very smart woman. Her generation has all died now. She had two sisters, Norma and Catherine and my grandfather, John Louis (or Giovanni Luigi). We used to go up to Connecticut to see some of the relatives who lived near Cedar Lake and had some cabins for rent. Some of the older people did not speak English. I will see if I can get my mother connected here. She is 89 but her memory is perfect and she uses an ipad all the time.
Barbara, I lived in Chester right near Cedar Lake. The cottages are no longer there. My grandparents house was the big stone house. Not sure if that sounds familiar. There were many visitors from NYC in the summer.
Yes Barbara , thanks for reminding me that Louise married a Gallagher I always knew she had two daughters, they lived in the Bronx not far from where we lived. My Nonna loved Louise like a daughter only had nice things to say about her. she did not marry till 10yrs after my Uncle Joe was killed in the war. she kept in touch with my Nonna and Nonno till there deathI would love to talk to you 904 352 7191 feel free to call
Salve. I, too, am a Casella, born in NYC…but have been coming to Italy since I was 3. I now live here and have a house in the town, Ferriere, of which Castagnola is a “frazione” (section), of. Though Ferriere is in the “Alta Val Nure”, Castagnola is in the “Val D’Aveto” and Bobbio, which is truly a fascinating town given its rather detached location, in the “Val Trebbia”…known for its wine and due to a comment made by Ernest Hemingway made when here, saying the Val Trebbia was to him, the most beautiful place on earth, and when up above, looking down on it, one can understand why, even city dwellers like me. It is, in truth all beautiful and in the winter, through a bit treacherous with all the roads being like the one you took, which goes from the town of Marsaglia to Castagnola, and others, more or less. That particular road, which you have to take once you exit the more modern road from Bobbio, to the left, which goes from Marsaglia to Ferriere, is awful and frightening and if you are unlucky enough to be behind a tractor or ox drawn cart, incredibly frustrating…but in the winter, exquisite. Castagnola was at one time much more populated than it is, now. Most everyone has left…100 years ago, the majority left for France and some to the USA, like my grandfather…but more recently, to Milan or any city where work is more easily found. Sadly, some years before your visit, the original cemetery was covered up to build something else and a new one created. When I went, I was terribly disappointed not to find ancestors resting in peace, there. Oddly, both my grandfathers were named Casella. One from Castagnola and one from Lerici, in Liguria…in the Province of La Spezia, a few miles from the 5 Terre. They were no relation, though and I have since found that there are 3 hotspots for people named Casella. In the Province of Piacenza, as we know..in the Province of La Spezia (and actually, the line that connects the 2 places is full of Casellas. The 3rd is in Sicily, in the Province of Messina in a town called “Capo d’orlando”…on the sea across the Strait of Messina from Reggio Calabria. All my grandparents were born here and I am the last to carry the name on both grandfather’s sides. There is a festival every year in the Fall/Winter….to celebrate the “castagne”, walnutS, and they come from the town, itself. In the summer, all the tinf “frazioni” grow in size as people from Piacenza and Milano, usually with familial connections to the area, return to escape the heat. This past year, it was filled from the re-opening of the Province, in May, until last month and I’d never seen so many people there, ever. All the fairs and markets and festivals that take place, though, have been called off due to the virus. I keep my house in Ferriere, in another frazione called “Sarmadasco” on the other side of the valley from Castagnola and much closer to the town of Ferriere, but have moved to be closer to Piacenza, a city I can give or take, to be honest, for various reasons, as my husband is a professor at the university, there. I have access to lots of info, and have met someone online, on FB, I believe, as there are a couple of “Casella” groups…who also spoke of a Zi’Augusto, or Uncle Augusto. The groups show how far our people have gone searching for “Lavoro”, work, as we are in Australia, the USA (not that many, though), lots, however, in Spanish speaking countries as the name is also a Spanish one, as so many Italian surnames are….given the Bourbon and Hapsburg influences in Italy through the centuries. I am glad you enjoyed your trip and I have racking by brain to think of the name of the woman in the photo whose name begins with a “d”! I know the name but it is so rare, it is not coming to me. Frustrated. Am glad you posted your story about time spent here as at times it can feel like a rather “ghostly” or “otherworldly” place. If you wish to chat or write…just tell me..and I shall provide you with the info needed. Sorry for being so long winded…I get it from my mom, whose mother, my maternal grandmother, was from Salerno. Peace out! – GaryPeter Eugenio-Luigi Casella
My relatives in Calvary nyc
Sent from my iPhone
I think I remember the name of the “nonna”…..whose name begins with a “d”……’Desolina’….which is a very rare name, indeed my husband had never heard of the name before…..as it means “little desolate one”…..so it is not commonly used. Sorry for the adjunct post, to the one I left above. Hope you’re well.
Hello Rosemarie; Domenica Cervini Bernardi was my grandmother. She came here in 1913 with my father, Servino (Joe) who was 2 years old. She went on to have Louise, Mary, Margaret, Rose and Catherine. Also a son, who died in an auto accident I believe. His name was Fred. How many siblings did Domenica have, besides your grandfather? Yes, they lived on East 86th st. Have you been to Castagnola? I would love to chat with you, Judith Bernardi Loria
I am so glad I found this website and read all of these comments! There sure are a lot of us interested in our Castagnola heritage. I’m a Cervini with both Casella and Calamari ancestors, some of whom emigrated to NYC in the late 1880s/ early 1900s. I applied for and was granted Italian dual citizenship in 2012 and want to trace back the Cervinis as far as I can. Maybe you can help.
First, I hope to obtain a list of everyone who was/is buried in the cemetery of the Castagnola church, S. Policarpo di Martire, likely from church records although I contacted the Ferriere communel when I was collecting documentation for citizenship and they were a fantastic help. The church records should go back further than civil, but I’ll happily accept anything that’s available. Lists, pictures…
I also wonder if any of your relatives ever said we were related to Pope Marcellus II, Marcello Cervini of Montepulciano, in Tuscany near Siena. My Cervini family did, I’ve done a lot of research on Marcello and he was a highly trusted, intelligent and well-educated Renaissance scholar and part of the Vatican leadership for many years before he was elected Pope in 1555. I am trying to connect what I have learned about him with what I can find out going backwards from my great grandfather Pellegrino Cervini born in Castagnola in1852 who married Margherita Calamari and is buried in the church cemetery. I’ve traced Marcello’s family to the 1600’s but the trail died.
I’m especially interested in what Gary knows, as he shared that he lives in the Ferriere/Piacenza area, which I hope to visit next fall.
One more thing…did any of you receive gifts of dried porcini mushrooms from your Castagnola relatives? They collected them in the mountains and my Great Aunt Carmela sent them to us in NY around Christmas time for many years. We also received a knitted wool sweater from their own sheep.
Hope to hear from you!
Liz
Hello Liz; I am the granddaughter of Domenica Bernardi (nee Cervini) I am wondering if she is the daughter of Pellegrino Cervini and Margherita Calamari. Do you know any of their children. My father, was born in Castagnola and came here in 1913 with Domenica through Ellis Island.
Thanks,
Judith Bernardi
Judith: My name is Lee Cuneo and I was from Chester, CT. I have a great grandmother named Margherita Calamari but she was married to Giuseppe Calamari and they settled in Chester in the early 1900s. These Calamaris were my grandmother Santina’s parents.
Now from my grandfather Giuseppe Cuneo (NOLA) side of the family, my great great grandmother was Luigia Bernardi Calamari. She and her husband Antonio Calamari came over in 1875 and settled in New Orleans. Antonio and Luigia’s daughter, Maria-Terese Calamari is my great grandmother.
Lee Cuneo
Hi Liz!
My grandmother was a Cervini (who’s mother was a Casella, who’s mother was a Calamari, and so on!). I am also related to Pellegrino and Margherita, and was wondering if you have been able to access any of their birth or marriage records? I cant seem to find anything other than their immigration to the US in 1884.
Thanks!
Maya
Been reading many of the comments that span nine years or so. I am a late bloomer to this ancestry science and it is fascinating. What ignited my commenting were some comments from last year. (that is about the time I started my quest to find out my great grandparents on my grandfather Cuneo side). My great grandmother was Maria-Terese Calamari Cuneo born in 1860 to Antonio & Luigia Bernardi Calamari. This Calamari family came to the US in 1875 and settled in New Orleans (NOLA). Maria & my GGfather Antonio Cuneo were married in 1883 and my grandfather Giuseppe Cuneo was born in 1884. Not much info on the Cuneo side and some of what’s going on with Maria and her mother Luigia. Both are buried in Italy in Tuna di Gazzola.
Now my Grandfather Giuseppe, with the help of Calamari uncles, traveled to Castagnola in 1912, married my grandmother Santina Calamari, and returned to the US in 1913. They lived the rest of their lives in Chester, Ct. where my grandmother’s family were incl. parents Giuseppe & Margherita Calamari.
So I have two separate Calamari families the I am related with, though separate but equally related. For all the readers of this “comment” at the Catholic cemetery in Chester, there are headstones and markers for Calamaris, Cervinis and Casellas. In case you are ready to ask, they left NYC for the cleaner air and open hilly countryside. (1895 – 1905).
Thanks For Your Patience
Lee Cuneo
Calamari, Cervini and Casella are buried in Calvary cemetery in queens New York there is a long history of family there.
We heard that there were relatives in New Orleans but we thought they might be Ballettos (my grandfather’s name), but now I realize that it was my grandfather’s mother’s family. Great to learn this. We visited Chester when I was young and my mother has great pictures of Chester spending time with family there. My mom’s family lived in the Bronx. Barbara Jacobs
I recall that it was said that there may have been relatives in the Bronx. But I was thinking Carini. I am now on a two part ancestry journey. 1) the story of my great grandfather Antonio Cuneo, I know zero about him and 2) how are we related to a Carini living in Chester but not the other Carini families that were in town. And so it continues.
Lee Cuneo
Is there an address of some kind to direct the driver?
Gina Calamari
Bgsarro7@gmail.com
We were going through old pictures today and we found a picture that I thought might interest some people. It is a picture of my Aunt Louise’s first marriage to Joe Cervini. My mother tells me that the other young man in the picture is Joe’s brother. My Aunt Louise is the woman on the right and Joe stands next to her on the right. The other young woman in the photo is Aunt Norma, Louise’s youngest sister. If anyone is interested in a copy of this photo, please let me know.