Saia - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Fertitta and Saia marriage, pre-1890s, seeking info

leggiera — 2012-09-06 20:01:55Z

Hi Lauren -

Fertitta and Saia are fairly common names in the town of Cefalu, and perhaps other parts of the Palermo region.

My great-grandmother was born in Cefalu and surname was "Saia," pronounced as you described in your email. I've looked at the civil records for Cefalu, and I visited the Cefalu cemetery in 2006. For both of these sources, the surname is written as both "Saia" and "Saja."

I looked through my records, and I don't see a connection between your family and mine. That's not surprising since as of the late 1700's there were various Saia family lines in Cefalu that were unrelated, as far as I could tell.

The Church of Latter Day Saints is currently transcribing vital records from around the world and placing the information on their website. I'm not sure if they've gotten around to Cefalu yet. Nonetheless, you can actually view a portion of the Cefalu vital records online (1862-1910). Going through the records is tedious and time consuming, but at least you can use the years of birth for your relatives as a starting point.

Link: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-27325-14302-48...

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at la_sin_ventura@yahoo.com.

Christine Comella

Fertitta and Saia marriage, pre-1890s, seeking info

lauren_m_talbott — 2012-09-06 19:04:07Z

Hi All,

I'm trying to track down any information I can about my maternal great great grandparents. I have a male Fertitta who married a female Saia in Cefalú, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

I've been told that those are very common surnames in Palermo, plus I'm not even sure about the exact spelling of 'Saia'. The info has been passed down verbally through the generations and no one's ever seen the name written. It's pronounced sɪ-EE-ah (with a long I in the first syllable).

I know that they had three daughters; Giovannina (b. 1892), Santina (b. 1897) and Salvatrice (b. 1900) and probably a son named Samuel (year of birth unknown). All were born in Cefalú and emigrated to the US, ultimately ending up in Baltimore, MD.

Giovannina Fertitta married Antonio DiBartolomeo and they had 6 kids.
Santina Fertitta married Giovanni Livolsi and they had 11 kids.
Salvatrice Fertitta married James Tanzella (originally Tanzello) and they had 2 kids.

I have passenger manifests and naturalization documents for Antonio DiBartolomeo and Giovanni Livolsi but not their wives, or for the other siblings/spouse(s).

I know this is a long shot, but I also figure there's no harm in asking just in case anyone with relatives with any of these names stubmles onto this.

Cross posting to the Fertitta message board just to cover all bases. Apologies if that's not appropriate. Any info or resources for additional ways to research this would be very much appreciated. Thanks very much for taking the time to read.

Lauren Talbott
laurentalbott@hotmail.com

Re: Paul Saija

a_beck1 — 2012-02-26 05:52:18Z

The name Saya is derived from the middle east. As many of you would know thousands of years ago Sicily was invaded by the Arabs and many other countries. There are a couple of different versions of Saya but over the years it has been spelt differently due to incorrect registration at the Council for registration of births, issuing of passports and all types of legal documenation. Many people in Sicily did not have knowhow or persistence to insist their legal documents such as birth certicates, passports be issued with the correct spelling. There are brothers who both spell their surname differently - Saya and Saija. When it comes to getting this right you cannot rely on any Italian.

Re: Paul & Victoria Saia

josephmurphy68 — 2012-01-21 02:10:20Z

Hi..very strange, my mothers family came from Messina also,oddly enough their last name was spelled saija, and my mothers name was lucy/lucille also. some of the family members changed spelling to saeea as well.I think my grandmothers maiden name was Runci..( not certain)possible related ? Joe

Re: Sarah Saia m. Joseph Ardizzone, Rometta Sicily > Syracuse NY

w3jmg — 2011-11-28 01:06:51Z

Hi I am Jim Giunta, my father's father's mother was Antonia Saija
She was born in Monforte San Giorgio around 1857 and died in Monforte in 1895 at the ripe old age of 37.

She was married to Giuseppe Giunta in 1883 and my grandfather Rosario was born in 1885.

Her parents were Pasquale Saija From Rometta(1822 to 1905)and Flavia Rizzo

Pasquale Saija's Father was Filippo and his mother was Angela Visalli. They lived in Rometta.

I suppose by now you have checked out Monforte and Roccavaldina.... Best Jim

Re: Giuseppa Saia, Cefalù, Sicily

annettepicconi — 2010-12-05 19:41:01Z

My great grandmother was Giuseppa Saia. She was born in Cefalù on 20 February 1870. She died in Cefalù on 31 March 1951. Her father was Vincenzo Saia and her mother was Rosa Carnaggio. She married Giovanni Battalia in Cefalù on September 6, 1890. My grandfather Santo Battaglia was the only one of her children who camed to the U.S. in 1912. He came through Ellis Island and went to his uncle Frank D'Antoni in Brookhaven, MS. I would love to hear from anyone who may be related to Saia's or Battaglia's from Cefalù.

Re: Pronouncing Saia

jamboa2003 — 2010-11-30 01:18:36Z

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Saia is pronouned Say ah
Houma/Lockport Louisiana Saia is pronouced Si ah

Re: Saias from Cassio, Parma

marcib — 2010-11-03 00:35:03Z

Thank you for responding, but I only have some connection to the Saia's in Cassio, and that is by marriage. I was just trying to help Doreen with her search.
The Jewish heritage of Saia is interesting. My husband's mother's family are Montesinos, which family history says were Spanish jews who converted to Catholism during the Inquisistion. Montesinos = Mount Sinai.

Marci

Re: Saias from Cassio, Parma

merantej — 2010-11-01 00:12:05Z

Dear Marci,
Thank you for your response. I am doing extensive research on my Isaia/Saia/Saija line from Tropea,Calabria. I have full documentation for this line to 1620 and am working with a professional genealogist to take the line back further. Please feel free to contact me directly at merantej@hotmail.com
Regards,
joe Merante

Re: Saias from Cassio, Parma

marcib — 2010-10-31 02:10:30Z

I don't know if you are still interested, but here is some info. My father's parents, Antonio Ghillani and Maria Scanzaroli are from Cassio. My grandmother and most of her siblings moved to Barre Vermont about 1900-1910. One sister married a Saia from Cassio. One of my father's favorite cousins was Johnny Saia. I don't have my notes in front of me, but I can get you some facts, if I hear from you.

Marci Ghillani Bagnulo

Re: Giovanni & Concetta Saia

captgsaia — 2010-03-12 12:13:19Z

My grandfather Giovanni and grandmother Concetta were from Messina,Sicily. I have few relatives in Boston and somewere else in US. Some other relatives in Sicily are carring the surname Isaja but I was told that Isaja surname it is a Jewish surname therefore during last war,to hide from Germans they changed in Saia.

Isaia Family of Calabria

merantej — 2009-12-19 11:37:07Z

I am doing research on my Isaia line. I have full documentation back to 1580 in Tropea, Calabria. I am trying to connect the family to the Isaia family from S. Lucia di Mela (right across the Strait in Sicily)who left sometime in the mid 1500s. The focus of my research is the Jewish origin of the family. In my line, the surname has been written Saia, Saija, Saya, and Isaia. There are a few original documents which list the family as jewish, as well as some studies. I would like to hear from anyone doing similar research, or specifically on the family in calabria. Thanks you

Re: Sarah Saia m. Joseph Ardizzone, Rometta Sicily > Syracuse NY

nursestrom1 — 2009-12-19 02:11:13Z

Hmm...well most Saia/Saya's that come from Rometta (and other provinces) are usually related. I having been researching my famly history for years. I haven't came across the Ardizzone name, but I just hired a geanologist to track my family in Rometta. I will re-contact you if I get any updates!! Thanks :)

Re: Sarah Saia m. Joseph Ardizzone, Rometta Sicily > Syracuse NY

bvluciano — 2009-11-23 20:43:03Z

Hello,
My Name is Bonnie Vadala Luciano
I live in Syracuse, New York
My Great Grandmother was Sarah Saya from Rometta, Italy.
She Married Joseph Ardizzone from the same town of Rometta, they lived here in Syracuse and are buried in Assumption Cemetary.
Bonnie

Giuseppa Saia m. Giovanni Battaglia

annettepicconi — 2009-11-18 20:00:49Z

My great grandmother was Giuseppa Saia (Saja) she was born on 2/20/1870. She married Giovanni Battaglia in Cefalu. They had one son named Santo (my grandfather). There could have been other children but I don't really know. Anyway, Giuseppa was born in Cefalu, but never came to the U.S. She died in Cefalu in 1951. Her son Santo and father Giovanni came to the U.S. around 1912. Santo's father Giovanni went back to Cefalu and died there. I would like to get in contact with any possible relatives of Giuseppa Saia or Giovanni Battaglia.

Re: Giuseppa Saia m. Giovanni Battaglia

annettepicconi — 2009-10-21 10:56:54Z

Hi Christine,

My great-grand-mother's name was Giuseppa Saia. She married Giovanni Battaglia in Cefalu. They had my grand-father in 1891 and he came to live in New Orleans around the 1920's.

I know what you mean by the spelling variations on Saia, I just got a copy of my great-grand-mother's birth record from Cefalu and they are spelling it Saja.

I also have relatives in Brookhaven, MS.

Re: Pronouncing Saia

jmasaia1975 — 2009-07-11 23:23:13Z

we also pronounce it sayahh to my ancestors also came over from Sicily i am not sure when though

Re: Marion & Frank Saia, East Boston, MA

blueeyedbeautee — 2008-12-03 18:38:16Z

My grandparents are Marion and Frank Saia of East Boston, and my dad was Frank Saia also of East Boston....

Re: Guiseppe & Giuseppa Grosso

nursestrom1 — 2008-07-24 12:19:04Z

Search is slow! Just getting back into the saddle again with my research. I did just find out that my grandmother (Natale camerota/saia)'s parents were Guiseppe and Guiseppa Grosso. Is that name familiar?

God bless,
Michelle (nursestrom@yahoo.com).

Antonio Saia m. Natale Cammaroto

nursestrom1 — 2008-07-02 05:10:54Z

I am looking for living/deceased relatives in Rometta, Sicily. My grandfather and grandmother's names were Antonio Saia (Saya) and Natale (Cammaroto) Saia. My grandfather had 3 brothers; Rocco, Frank and Concetto. One sister, Catherine, stayed in Italy. My grandmother had two sisters, Maria and Nina Sorenti. They immigrated to Ellis Island and ended up in Syracuse, NY. Any help out there?

Re: Paolo & Caterina Saia

karen_parisi — 2008-05-10 22:01:49Z

Saja/Saia Remember the Siclian Language is not a dialect, but a language unlike Italian.

Re: Paolo & Caterina Saia

karen_parisi — 2008-05-10 21:56:49Z

I tried to attach document, but was unsuccessful ill try again

Re: Carmelo Isgro m. Maria Saija

ritanne_60 — 2008-05-08 00:41:10Z

Doesn't sound familiar, but I will ask another who is working on both the Saia and Isgro ancestry. Rita

Re: Carmelo Isgro m. Maria Saija

steve1tb4fj3suvb2e69tdbmjjgtu1unr1 — 2008-05-04 16:17:59Z

I have both Isaia(s) aka Saia(s) in my ancestry as well as Sgro(s). The Isaia side came from Sicily to Tropea. The Sgro were from Nicotera. My great grandfather Antonio maaried Vincenza Isaia and came to America. Both died in Tropea.

The Isaia's were a wealthy family in Tropea with a 20 room palace and a corner of the building markets.

If this rings a bell, pls reply to stevesora@rcn.com

Steve

Re: Saia from Cefalu, Sicily

jamherndon1 — 2008-04-12 04:33:44Z

MY FAMILY ARE SAIA'S FROM CEFALU. I STARTED THE SEARCH IN THE EARLY 1990'S AND HAVE SINCE MADE CONTACT WITH FAMILY.

Re: Paolo & Caterina Saia

saja155 — 2008-04-02 14:42:49Z

I got in this page and your request by googling for some other thing, but since I am at it, maybe I can help you out with your request.

As far as I know, Saja family came originally from Poland (Great Duchy of Lithuania a the time it originated as family); aparently saja and its related verisons -mainly in the slavic world- came from the polish name for hare. Last family seat I know about in Poland is a tomb in the cathedral of Cracow.

Branches of the family settled in Spain a few centuries ago where they did reasonably well as ruarla owners(specially from early 17th century on, where they were acknowledged as minor nobility) and even gave their name to a small hamlet -and later to a river and to a full valley and, most modernly, a hunting reserve- in the northern mountains of Spain. Nothing too remarkable about the family past, the only public documents I know of are usuallly related with land disputes and heritages more that with family heroic deeds.

From Spain they went to France (some doubts whether they might have done all the way around; they actually were then pretty active at licour smuggling between both countries)

As for other European nations, my data is imprecise at best; I believe they died out in France by early 20th century and last, I believe they also were present in Sicily and other parts of southern Italy (which were part of the Spanish monarchy form 14th century to 1714). Therefor and technically speaking, the name should probably be pronounced as in Spanish (more or less "saha"), but I think that is a personal choice.

A branch of the family -to which I myself belong- styles as last name the most aristocratic version of "de Saja". There is also a less "honourable branch" around, descending from a bastardic origin -with members who emigrated to the US around a century ago or less- that just uses "saja". Nothing wrong about about that, I once even met a member of the branch, I guess technically some kind of distant cousin

At least as far as Spanish main brach is concerned, we are pretty much dying out (wars have not treated us gently) like many other European families, with just a few of us left and mostly women even in the younger generations (I myself am the father of two little girls), so it will be for other branches to move on, that is, if we are indeed related.

Hope this helps you. Best regards,

Jorge de Saja

Re: Antonio Saiia

jsaiia — 2008-01-17 20:51:56Z

Our last name is "Saiia" and is also pronounced SIEEEAAA. My grandfather, Antonio came from Capo d'Orlando a north eastern coastline town. His entry papers, however, show the name as SAIJA. So we really don't know what's correct. I suspect that the variations SAIA, SAIIA and SAIJA all have the same root. I have seen the SAIJA used in Sicily. I also know that there are SAIIA's in Buffalo NY and in Birmingham AL. Our family is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where many persons from Capo d' Orlando settled in the 1920's.

Re: Paolo & Caterina Saia

cbdalton172 — 2008-01-17 20:59:35Z

I agree about the names. Interestingly enough, my mother's name is Caterina and her father's name is Antonino. It makes me think that somewhere along the line there was a connection. What's also fun is that my sister-in-law (a WASP through and through) lives in Milwaukee and we visit her frequently. She is always trying to get us to come out for the Italian Fest. So many coincidences.

Re: Paolo & Caterina Saia

cbdalton172 — 2008-01-15 18:52:06Z

My mother's maiden name is Saia (pronounced Saaeea)and there has been speculation throughout the years about the use of j instead of the i in the name. She seems to recall that as a young girl she spelled her name with a j, but the at some point it evolved into using the i. Although there is no j in the Italian alphabet, remember that Sicily wasn't Italian until the 19th century and that with all the outside influence, it's reasonable to assume the j was in fact used. My mother and father both claim that the called the j a "long i" (i lunga)and that it was changed to an i. There is confusion even in my family as to it's pronunciation. Americans tend to pronounce it as Saya, but my immediate family has always pronounced it saaeea (3 syllables). My family emigrated from Furnari Sicily, but my mother believes that her father's family came from another part of Sicily a few generations before.

Re: Sadie Saia

Spider_Havok — 2008-01-03 20:01:27Z

Hello, I'm not sure exactly sure where in Italy my grandfather was from. His birth name was Imberto Saia, it was changed to Albert Saia. He had 14 brothers and sisters also. I don't know many of their names, most passed away at a young age. He lived in Hammonton N.J. Went into the Army Airborn out of Philadelphia, and Passed away in North Carolina. If anyone has any information on him I would appreciate it. He didn't talk about his life often, so not much is known of him before he met my grandmother after he was discharged from World War 2. It may be possible that he could have been one of your grandmothers brothers.

Re: Saija's from Sicily

ROOTSINTHEBOOT — 2007-08-02 22:02:34Z

actually the normans were french. that's where we get the french influence in english as well- from the norman take over in england in 1066.

Re: Antonio & Natalie Saia

nursestrom — 2007-06-04 02:16:59Z

Steven,

My name is Michelle Saya. My grandparents came from Rometta, Sicily and resided in Syracuse, NY. Their names were Antonio & Natalie (Camerota) Saia/Saya. Ring any bells?

Antonio Saia m. Natalie Camerota, Rometta Sicily > Syracuse NY

nursestrom — 2007-06-04 02:12:36Z

Anyone with these surnames I would love to hear from you. My grandparents were Antonio and Natalie Camerota Saia/Saya. They came from Rometta, Sicily and resided in Syracuse, New York. I am looking for any relatives in the U.S or Italy.

Thank you!
nursestrom@yahoo.com (email address changed).

Re: Antonio & Natalie Saia

nursestrom — 2007-06-04 02:09:57Z

Not sure is related, but I know from my research that my name is saya (saia). I have found records of my family w/ the j in it. My grandparents were Antonio and Natalie Saia from Rometta, Sicily.

Re: Antonio & Natalie Saia

nursestrom — 2007-06-04 02:06:47Z

My family are Saia's out of Rometta, Antonio and Natalie. They immigrated to New York in 1902. Not sure if we're connected?

Re: Antonio Saya m. Natalie Camerota

nursestrom — 2007-06-04 02:04:12Z

Matt,

I just got your post. My maiden name was saya (saia). My grandparents were Antonio & Natalie (Camerota) Saya. They came over from Rometta, Sicily in 1902 and immigrated through Ellis Island; residing in Syracuse, New York, where I now live. Let me know if any rings a bell.

Re: Antonio Saia

nursestrom — 2007-06-04 02:00:50Z

I am also looking for long lost relatives. My family is from Rometta, Sicily. My grandfather, Antonio Saia (Saya) immigrated to New York in 1902.

Re: Paolo & Caterina Saia

pablo1949 — 2007-05-21 04:43:10Z

my grandfather was paolo saia from spadafora messina sicily.his wife was caterina.6 kids 3 boys 3 girls all alive and all live in sydney australia.my dad said the same about the spelling so they changed it to saia somehow.i remember this cause my bracelet was spelt saja.he had a distinctive birth mark under one of his eyes.we pronounce it as sa-i-a but people pronounce it saya.i live in sydney australia,and still have contact with all.

Re: Elizabeth "Ann" Saia of Kansas

pearlaking — 2006-12-02 06:23:25Z

No, unfortunately, Elizabeth is deceased and I don't have enought info to search on. I just knew that she had searched and thought I might keep my eyes and ears open if anything ever came up as it was important to her.

Re: Bonanno / Saia link

2006-10-30 13:04:28Z

Hi Michelle: How goes your search. Bonanno's are cousins of my father's side who are Princiotta's. My grandmother who died at 96 in Jan'06 was a Pino. They owned Farm land in Rometta. Lemons, etc. She gave her land away years ago to a niece who lived there. The name Saija comes up as middle name at some point. I'm thinking since Rometta is so small that there has to be a relation between lots of all our families from there. Take care.........Jance

Mrs. Frances Saia (c 1902-1963)

sunnybeaches4me — 2006-08-31 23:16:14Z

Saia Family, Corfinio dei L'Aquila, Italy > Boston, MA

2006-08-31 23:13:40Z

Hello Board

I am currently researching some ancestral lines that originate in Corfinio dei L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. Some of the surnames I am currently tracing are Cipriani/Colella/Saia/Spadafora. These families frequently intermarried. Most of the descendants of these families that I am familiar with settled in the greater Boston area during the first world war. I am interested in knowing if anybody on this board is currently searching any of these lines. I would the chance to share information if anybody is interested. Please feel free to email me off the board at: Matt10261982@yahoo.com. I hope you all are well.

Matt O'Brien
Boston, Massachusetts

Re: Elizabeth "Ann" Saia of Kansas

2006-04-21 16:22:06Z

THERE ARE LOTS OF SAIA'S IN FRONTENAC KANSAS. MAYBE THEY ARE RELATIVES. FRONTENAC IS A SMALL TOWN CONNECTED TO PITTSBURG, KS. THE SAIA FAMILY WERE FROM ITALY. "SICILIAN"

Re: Antionio Saia

2006-01-24 11:59:11Z

Janice,

I have not heard of your relatives names, unfortunately. Although my search has been long, there is still a ways to go. Maybe those names will come up.

I don't have a geanelogist, I just do research online and at the library.

I will keep you abreast of any new info!

Michelle

Re: Antionio Saia

2006-01-15 19:26:59Z

Michele: An addendum to the prior message...........I'm also related to the Bonnanos as well......Janice

Re: Antionio Saia

2006-01-15 19:26:27Z

Hi Michele: I have family in Rometta where they have I believe lemon and orange farms etc. They are Pino, Princiotta, Lombardo(though I believe they just summered there from Northern Italy). My gr. grandmothers name was on a letter as Saija Maria Raffaela Pino(but I only knew her to be called Raffaela) so I'm wondering if it wasn't Raffaela Maria (Saija-being her mother's maiden name) Pino(being her married name). Any connection thru any of these names as my family is also from Rometta would be great to know. Could you share the name of the geneaologist as well.......Thanks....Janice

Re: Martha Saia & husband Dominic

Smhunter49 — 2005-10-11 17:08:33Z

Yes, I know of Martha and Dominic Saia. They did change their name to Mitchell. Most of the Mitchells live in Fredricksburg, Va. There was a fued but none remaining know about what. It has just been in last few years, the two sides, Saia and Mitchell found each other again. No one knew what happened and Dominic and Salvatore (Sam)never said. The Mitchells and Saias now have a family reunion each year.
Hope this helps.

Re: Grace Saia Silvaggi

mariasted — 2005-07-13 00:07:59Z

I am trying to research the Saia family from Sicily. My great grandfather is from Sicily. My grandmother Grace Saia Silvaggi was born in Pa.

Re: Elizabeth "Ann" Saia of Kansas

bethinmo — 2005-02-18 15:48:48Z

Did they make a connection yet?

Re: Carmelo Isgro m. Maria Saija

ritanne54 — 2005-01-08 21:20:20Z

My grandfather Carmelo Isgro(Sgro) m.Maria Saija July 28,1908 in Messina, Italy.They came to the US on the SS Europa July 13, 1913 and settled in Hamilton,Ohio. Maria was the daughter of Felice and Rosa ( Marchetta) Saija . The great granddaughter of Salvatore and Domenica( Isgro) Saija. Maria b.Sept 25, 1884 in Barcelona,Messina, Sicily. d. 22 Oct.,1959 in Hamilton,Ohio. Any relation to your Saija's
-Tom Isgro