Caradonna - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

allisonmcavicchi — 2012-08-22 00:44:26Z

Hello. I know it has been ten years since this was posted, but my father is the grandson of Michael Caradonna. I was just trying to reach out and see if anyone has any information that i might not know or vice versa.

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

fx_caradonna — 2011-09-23 17:42:31Z

Caron,
I apologize for my confusion and the confusion I caused. I also was interested to know if you and Carol were in touch. As I had mentioned, I had been out of touch with most of the family for most of my life and there's a lot of people, connections and history that I don't know. A number of very rough things seem to have happened in the family history. Perhaps that's inevitable with such a large and struggling family. I never did learn what caused my mothers estrangement from the family, nobody ever talked about it. I only know of one terrible incident from first hand experience in which I saw a lot of damage done. This was damage to my own family, it was a long time ago and everyone concerned has passed away. But there was also genuine goodness too. More than anyone, I'm thinking especially of Uncle Nick and Aunt Gerry and it makes me feel warm just to think of them. My mother never could put all the hurt behind her and I think that may have hurt her as much as the original injury. I was more fortunate than you in that I never had such a stark decision presented to me - it seemed like I was more of an observer. So it was easy for me to just enjoy the great people I have recently come to know in the family - and to want to know more, like yourself. Carol is one of those who I have only gotten to know recently and I feel badly that she is now having a hard time with her health. Actually, I got to know Carol through her son Chris who was living in California at the time - and it was Uncle Nick and Aunt Gerry who put me in touch with Chris. Carol too has great kids and just adores her grandkids - the twins were born out here in California.
It's good that we have our own families to concentrate all our love and hopes on. We have two sons. One lives near us and has two spoiled kids of his own. The other is in Medical school in Chicago. Life is indeed good. It makes me sad that my parents had such a more difficult life than me. But, if they can see us now, I trust they will be happy that all their hard work was for something.
Concerning #6 Hermitage Lane. That was a long long time ago. But something in the haze tells me that we were on the second floor. For some reason I have a better memory of the trolley car that would let us off at the top of the street - I believe that was the end of the line, because I remember the conductor moving his controls from one end of the car to the other - interesting what little kids observe and remember. I also seem to remember some trees in the back of the house, and getting briefly lost in them - oh yes, and sledding on the hillside with my Daddy.
Once you get the hang of it you will enjoy scanning pictures and putting them together. For my son's wedding I scanned a whole bunch of pictures and put them together into a PowerPoint file together with a lot of narrative. It was a huge amount of work.
Also, Carol's email is CBPing@aol.com

have fun with the computer and best regards, Fran

p.s. you mentioned your mother's sister Dorothy. Was that Dot? I didn't know her well, but I recalled she would visit my mother at her place in Shrewsbury. I last met her at Aunt Gerry's bedside at the hospice. As I recall, she was fighting pancreatic cancer herself at the time.

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

CaronaMac — 2011-09-23 04:23:05Z

Fran, Hope the knee is improving and that you are feeling better as the week progresses.
When I got home this evening I had a long and confusing message from Carol on my answer machine apologizing for not letting me know about the funeral, but as you know from our conversations, I was aware of his death and had been notified by Nick of the service. Unfortunately I have no way of contacting Carol as her number is private and I don't have her email, so if you talk with her again, please thank her for thinking of me and let her know that I immediately notified my sister when I got the email from Nick early in the week.

I am happy for you that the you have enjoyed the reconnection with your family and that it has brought you joy. Maybe what you say about Italian women not forgetting has some truth, but I have seen too much cruelty and small mindedness over the years towards my mother and her illness to disincline any reconnection. I feel my mother's illness was just that, an illness, not unlike a cancer, and certainly not of her choice or under her control and the remarks and obnoxious behavior towards her, either from ignorance or fear or just plain ugliness have left a hole in my heart and little desire to reconnect, which at this point in my life is really ok. Most sadly, my mother's sister, Dorothy, made it quite clear way back when my mother's illness was becoming an issue when she told me I would have to make a choice, my mother or her, that I could not have both in my life, and for a 12 yr old not knowing what, but understanding something was really wrong with my mom, I had no real choice, and that cruel decision was the most difficult loss and it set the tone for our disconnections with the family for the years to come. Of course, I don't know any old histories of what may have transpired before my time, and I certainly did learn how hard it is to live with someone with schizophrenia, but I can only base my choices on what I experienced.

Hey, on another note, I have had a good life, married to a wonderful man, and together we raised three great young adults, all well educated. living good lives and beginning their careers, so I have many blessings to count.

I will dig out those old pictures and some from the party in '92 and send them onto you. I don't know how to use a scanner, so be patient and I will attempt to figure it out! I may have to wait until one of our kids comes home and can help their old mom!

Best Regards,
Caron

PS I cannot believe you lived at #6, Minnie and Joe's! Do you remember which apt you lived in? 2nd floor?

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

fx_caradonna — 2011-09-22 03:01:03Z

Caron, we lived in no. 6 - small world,eh! I'm sorry that you haven't been close to the family. That, in fact, was my experience also. My mother had some kind of problem with the family when they were married (uncle Vinny was the only Caradonna there - he was the best man). The problem never went away. I think Italian women have long memories (at least my mother did). The only two ladies of the family that my mother just simply loved were Helen (Joe's wife) and Aunt Gerry. Many years later when my mother was dying and I flew in from California on the first possible flight, when I arrived at the hospital there was Uncle Nick and Aunt Gerry waiting for me. Later, they reintroduced me to much of my family and we were all very sad about all those lost years. But the important thing was that we did reconnect and it has been a huge source of happiness. I've reconnected with several. It's getting hard to do as the family is scattering all over - very few left in Worcester - do you live in Worcester? The only one I know there now is Carol, who I only got to know late in life. She loves to write short stories usually centered about the family. Anyway I look forward to seeing those pictures and possibly identifying some significant ones. All the best, Fran

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

fx_caradonna — 2011-09-22 03:00:46Z

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

CaronaMac — 2011-09-22 02:09:14Z

Frank, Unfortunately my son, Nick, and his new bride are moving this weekend and we are helping them, so I will not be attending the funeral. Mom's illness put a terrible strain on most relationships and even though my sister and I greatly desired more of a connection to our family, it just didn't happen. Uncle Nick, Aunt Rose and Aunt Millie were without a doubt the kindest to my mom, and when Mom died a few years back the only one of the CaraDonnas we heard from was young Nick, and he said a mass for her. I could say more, but it is best to let it go.

I didn't know you had lived on Hermitage Lane! Which number, Uncle Nick's at #4 or our house at #6? I was born about 5 yrs after you moved to Eastern Avenue, which I knew well walking to E Kendall Street School for grades K-6. I have a very vague memory of you, or maybe it is of your brother. Quiet, skinny and with glasses and wearing a plaid shirt? And a reputation of being brilliant!

Cindy was a sweetheart and it was such a blow to Uncle Nick to loose Aunt Gerry and Cindy within 6 weeks. I still miss her. So sad.

I will send the photos along in the next few weeks and we can see if between the two of us we can figure out who the ppl all are! I recognize quite a few, but not all and wouldn't it be nice if your dad and mom are among the faces you find?

Kind Regards
Caron

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

fx_caradonna — 2011-09-22 00:59:03Z

Caron, we lived on Hermitage Lane also, in the same house, but we moved to Eastern Ave. - that must have been no later than early 1945, since that's where we were when my brother was born and then on VJ day. I'd very much like to see what pictures you have, I have hardly any from the 20's and 30's. I've heard that there were a lot, but haven't seen them - it's a mystery. Joyce had some (which I scanned over at Leo's house), but I've seen nothing like a family picture from those years. Of course, I've been looking for something of my father, but there's nothing there. There was a partial group picture at the beach, but it was in poor condition. (I actually tried restoring it with photoshop, but I had a disc crash which destroyed my work). You should scan your photos so some of us can see what you have. It's amazing how easily pictures get lost. I recall that at uncle Nick's birthday party, Nick (the younger) had borrowed a bunch of pictures from various sources. Among them was really nice picture of a young uncle Vinnie on a fishing trip. Later when I asked Nick about it, he couldn't recall it and it got lost in the hullabaloo. I had hoped to send that to Vinnie's kids. Anyway, if you do manage to scan them, my address is fx.caradonna@gmail.com. So you grew up with Cindy - how sad that she left us so soon. What a terrible year that was, especially for dear uncle Nick. He seemed to be the strongest magnet holding us all together. You'll have a chance to touch bases this week at Leo's funeral - wish I could be there. Best wishes, Fran

p.s. I'm not usually so long winded, but right now I have the time - too much time!

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

CaronaMac — 2011-09-21 22:48:25Z

Hello Frank, I am so pleased to hear from you! It was around 1959 into the early 60s that I can remember Uncle Frank coming up to Hermitage Lane to visit. We lived next door to Uncle Nick and Aunt Gerry and Cindy and I often played together. My memories of Great Grandma are somewhat vague, as I was 6 or 7 when she died, but I do remember her smile and her beautiful soft skin. Nana (your Aunt Minnie) and I would often go to visit Great Aunt Laura and she was a gentle soul, and Nana loved her dearly. I have clear memories of Aunt Mary, Aunt Ida, Aunt Anna, Aunt Mille and Nana singing old favorites, often trying to out do each other reaching high notes, and dancing together like a chorus line, kicking their legs and embracing each other in gales of laughter. Their wonderful stories of growing up in such a huge family always were intriguing and I loved listening to them when they visited or over the dinner table. Stories of the wagon that took them from Lyon Street in Worcester, out to the house nearly in W Boylston for the summer where they grew a large garden, stories of the sisters and their shared bedroom and shenanigans, of the homemade wine that Great Grampa made and the sad stories of their siblings that died.
Over the years, sadly my mother became ill with schizophrenia and needless to say that distanced our family from the extended family, so after sometime in the 60s we really were disconnected but stayed in touch with Uncle Nick and Cindy and sometimes saw Aunt Rose, Uncle Joe, and Donna over the years. Nana kept a journal, so I do have stories of her growing up years. When cleaning out my mother's house we found a small collection of old photos that probably date to the 1920s and 1930's that I would be happy to share with you and for Nana's 90th birthday in 1992 we had a party here and have some great photos of Nana and her siblings and cousins I would also be happy to share.
I wish you a speedy recovery,
All the best,
Caron

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

fx_caradonna — 2011-09-21 19:35:01Z

Hello Caron, thank you for the remembrance of my father. I suspect that the time period you are referring to is around 1960 or thereabouts when he was working at a bakery/restaurant near the corner of Franklin and Main (Scano's, I think). He loved his family and would visit whenever he had the chance. Sadly, I didn't get to see them enough to know all of them (there were so many) - and then I lost touch completely when I went to school in California (and never returned except for visits). I re-established some contacts many years later through Uncle Nick and Aunt Gerry, whom I miss very much. Without them it is difficult to stay in touch. And now Leo has left us. I would come to the funeral except that I have had knee surgery this week and am not mobile. I notice that you have been exchanging messages with Loretta - whom I do not know. However, I remember her gramdmother Loretta very well, because she lived two blocks away from us at the corner of Eastern Ave. and Reservoir Streets. Their old house was still there the last time I was there. Aunt Loretta was a very kind and gentle lady. More than anything I remember her smile, which had that Caradonna quality about it that I haven't seen anywhere else. Grandma Rose and uncle Nick had the same smile. Anyway, it was through uncle Nick that I became re-aquainted with Leo, and Ernie Gerbasi, Carol Beeso, and, of course his son, Nick and his grandson, Joe. Also, I made contact with Uncle Vinnie and visited him a couple of times before he passed away. Uncle Nick was the last of Rose and Leopold's children to pass away. And now their grandchildren are next in line, but it's a very long line. I would like very much to know of any family history, stories or pictures that may be around. There don't seem to be many pictures of the original 15. Anyway, thanks for the message and pass on my interest to whomever. Best wishes
Francis (AKA Frank)

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

Lorgra — 2011-09-20 17:29:29Z

Caron, I just got your email - oh, how exciting! I will be traveling in Michigan and Ohio for the week and email access will be limited. However, if you want to call me my cell number is (714) 342-3948 and my email is Lorgra@aol.com. Looking forward to sharing our family information.

Loretta Palermo Graham

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

CaronaMac — 2011-09-20 14:31:58Z

Hi Frank, My younger sister and I fondly remember your dad! My sister, who at 2 yrs old, called Uncle Frank, Uncle Doughnut, because of the bag of freshly made warm doughnuts he always made and brought to share with a cup of coffee and a bit of gossip. My grandmother was your Aunt Minnie, otherwise known as Amelia CaraDonna , my papa was Joe or Mandy and my folks were Dolly and John. I vaguely remember you and your brother, Richard (?), as your were older and as I also remember, brilliant! Your dad was so proud of both of you, he would beam while talking about his boys. The memory of your mom is that she was gentle eyes and a kind way about her.
Warm Regards,
Caron

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

CaronaMac — 2011-09-20 14:18:10Z

Hi Loretta,
I remember your grandparents in Worcester. I visited them w my grandmother, Amelia CaraDonna Mandella, your grandmother's sister. Laura, as she was called, and Salvatore, lived off of Shrewsbury Street, right behind Damico's and Argento's Italian markets. We have some great old pictures of the entire family, but I couldnt tell you which one is your grandmother, but would be willing to share them with you, if you are interested.
Caron

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

Lorgra — 2011-08-08 19:32:07Z

Hi Frank, my name is Loretta Palermo Graham. My grandmother was Loretta Caradonna. She married Salvatore Gianfriddo in 1918. Her father was Leopold Caradonna, a cabinet maker from Bari, Italy. Her mother's name was Rosa Peppina. They came to New York in 1895. Later they moved to Worcester, Mass. I am looking for cousins who would like to share family stories or photos. My email is Lorgra@aol.com
Regards,
Loretta

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

Lorgra — 2011-08-08 18:58:33Z

Hello, my name is Loretta Palermo Graham. My grandmother was Loretta Caradonna Gianfriddo. She was the first born child in a family of about 20 children. Her father's name was Leopold Caradonna and her mother's name was Rose Peppina. The came from Bari, Italy. Leo was a carpenter. I would love to know more about this side of my family, and perhaps even get a photo.

Regards,
Loretta

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

amandacavicchi — 2010-05-30 03:17:56Z

Hi Frank,
I recently traveled home to Maine to attend my grandfather's funeral. His name was George J. Cavicchi, Jr. While I was back there, we looked through old pictures and tried to put together our family history. This is what I know: my great grandfather is Michaeld Caradonna (who is the same I one mentioned in your post, I beleive. He had a brother named Frank, and emigrated from Italy.) He married Irene Rancourt, and they had my grandmother, Shirley Caradonna, who married my granfather, George. They adopted my father and named him George, also. He has 3 girls, myself: Amanda Cavicchi, Allison Cavicchi, and Theresa. I know my dad has cousins: Bret, Martha, and Michelle, but I am unsure of their connection. I will try to find out more.

Re: Caradonna Family History

RSteutermann — 2009-05-03 01:34:44Z

I am looking for information on Antonio Caradonna and his mother Vincenza Caradonna. They are from Alcamo and came to New York in 1902. If you have any information I would be grateful.

Thanks,
Roberta

Caradonna from Acquaformosa, Consenza, Calabria

NatalieBell97 — 2008-10-11 02:23:21Z

I am reasearching Maria Caradonna who married Angelo Balsamo. If this name sounds familiar please drop me a line. I'd love to compare notes. partyrose@yahoo.com
Thanks!

Re: Caradonna Family History

kvhsun — 2003-09-05 20:44:15Z

The only info I have on the Caradonna family is that my ggrandmother was an Anna Caradonna from Sicily, Italy who was married to a Paolino Vella also from Sicily.

Doris M (Abate) Caradonna obituary

dactackm — 2003-08-25 17:44:04Z

Source: The Sun Gazette, Williamsport, PA March 18, 2003
Deceased: Caradonna, Doris M (Abate)
Age: 67
Born:
Birth place: Williamsport, PA
Death date: March 16, 2003
Place of death: Ocean Pines, MD

For a copy of full obit send email to:
dactackm@jlink.net

No relation to the deceased

Doris M (Abate) Caradonna obituary

dactackm — 2003-08-25 17:43:15Z

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

SVanEssende3482 — 2003-02-06 13:26:48Z

I am doing a little research for a friend of mine on a Nicolo D'Ignoti Ponzo. On his Social Security Application in 1938 he listed his parents as Nicolo Caradonna and Mary Marrone. The spellings might not be accurate as the form is not very clear. Nicolo D'Ignoti Ponzo was born on April 8,1897 and lived in Brooklyn (Kings County) in New York. When the 1930 census was done his name is listed as Nicholas....not Nicolo. I was just wondering if there is any connection between Nicolo Caradonna and Nicholas Caradonna. From what I know, Nicolo Caradonna was from Sicily but we are not sure where in Sicily makes researching a little hard.

Re: Caradonna Family History

2002-12-10 04:57:18Z

Dear Ross: I apologize for letting so much time go by without following up on our original contact. I am still very interested in comparing notes on the Caradonna family history. My son has become very interested in his family history, now that he is a father of a son, and assured that the family name will be carried on. Please e-mail me at Penny666@aol.com at your earliest convenience and let me know how to reach you. I will give you my phone number and you are most welcome to call Collect. I trust all is well with you, and send you best wishes from chilly, rainy California.

Penny Caradonna
San Jose, CA

Re: THE CARADONNA FAMILY

2002-03-21 18:37:40Z

Hi Patricia, I happened to catch your brief family story. It sounds like you are a cousin of mine. It also sounds like you may possibly be a little confused on your history - I suspect your family comes from Bari rather than Sicily - either that or there are remarkable coincidences. Let me tell you what I know and then you decide for yourself. My Grandfather Leopoldo came to Manhatten from Bari in 1895. The next year he was followed by his wife Rosa Pepino and first two children (Maria and Loretta), accompanied by his brother Joseph. That same year brothers Mike and Frank also emigrated. A few years later they moved to Massachusetts, all except for Joseph, who stayed in New York. Family history say that Leopoldo and Rosa had 22 children in all, of whom 18 survived to adulthood. I can't list all the children's names, but they include a Victor, William, Frank (my Dad), Nicholas, Vinnie, Anna, Rose, Joseph, Charles, Elvira, Minnie, etc. Of these Nicholas and Vinnie are the sole survivors. They are well into their 80's. Do these names sound familiar to you? If so your great grandfather is probably Leopoldo, from Bari. As far as I can tell, there seem to be two main Caradonna centers, one in Bari and one in Sicily (maybe in the Caltanisetta region), but the names you mention (and the number 22) makes me think you come from the Bari line. I hope this helps. Regards Frank

Caradona

SVanEssende3482 — 2002-01-10 20:29:13Z

Also looking for any information on Caradonna's from Sicily, Italy. Especially Nicolo who was married to a Mary Marrone. They had a son also named Nicolo who was born April, 8, 1897, but not sure what last name he went by. Also believe Believe there was also another son named Joseph. If you have any information either Nicolo please let me know

Caradonna Family

Penny16|MA171529 — 2001-11-11 10:59:51Z

Dear Ross: Thank you for responding. Please e-mail me at Penny666@aol.com when you return. I would be very appreciative of any information you might have and I'm certainly happy to share what little I know. I would like very much to be able to share our family tree with my son and his wife when their first baby (a boy, incidentally) arrives at Christmas. As far as our immediate family knows, my son is the last one to carry the name. And that was very important to my husband. Will look forward to hearing from you.

Penny Caradonna

Re: Caradonna Family History

2001-11-01 03:13:55Z

Penny,
Thanks for your message.
I am going out of town for a few days. When I return, I give you what little information that I have.
Ross Caradonna

Re: Caradonna Family History

2001-10-30 19:53:24Z

I am the widow of Vito Caradonna, son of Rosario and Josephine Caradonna, who I know came from Vita, Sicily. I have no other details about when they arrived through Ellis Island. I am trying to assemble some sort of family history for my son, Joseph, and found your name and post only today. Please contact me and maybe we can help each other. I am in San Jose, California. I knew there were relatives in Canada because many years ago we were visiting my husband's parents in Arizona and a cousin was visiting from Canada. Do not remember any other details.

searching family history

2000-11-25 15:22:49Z

Hello, My name is Rich I was born a Caradonna here in St.Louis. I was adopted at the age of seven. The only info I have on my grandfather is that his name is Sam. If anybody knows of him i would appreciate a reply. I have a twin brother a older sister and younger brother. Our fathers' name was Robert Caradonna

Joseph Caradonna

2000-11-24 20:51:19Z

I had the Honor of being a friend of Joseph Charles Caradonna,Who had 3 children Martha, Charles, and Joseph. They lived in Florence Al. I would like to contact Charles if any one knows where he is.

caradonna

2000-08-09 10:08:20Z

Hi, my name is desiree. I am doing a family tree for my fiance nick caradonna. His parents are from mofetta, Italy. Perhaps you are related. Please e-mail me so that we might compare family trees. holzlein@pegasus.rutgers.edu

CaraDonna Name

2000-07-12 03:10:32Z

Correction on last entry:both CaraDonna great grandparents originated from Bari,Italy

THE CARADONNA FAMILY

2000-06-24 17:41:25Z

HI,

MY MAIDEN NAME WAS CARADONNA. MY GREAT GRANDPARENTS CAME FROM SICILY AND MY GRANDPARENTS WERE RAISED IN NY. MY DAD IS LEOPOLD CARADONNA AND MY UNCLE IS JOSEPH G. CARADONNA JR. MY AUNTS ARE ROSE AND ANN.MY GRANDFATHER, JOSEPH CARADONNA CAME FROM A FAMILY OF 22 CHILDREN. HE WAS THE 11TH.

Caradonna name

2000-03-17 15:39:28Z

I am a Caradonna, my Grandfather was born in Italy, and eventally moved to North Tonawanda, New York. There is John Caradonna, and his 4 sons, John, Brian, Robert Gary, who also have sons (5) more Caradonna boys in CA. Please write back

Caradonna Family History

1999-09-04 21:46:36Z

Anyone knowing any infor about the Caradonna family who lived in Vita, Tropani, Sicily, Italy in the 1800 and came to New York and Ontario in the late 1800s early 1900s please contact me