hi!
I am very interested and looking for information about my great grandfather-Rocco GIUSSEPE STANCO and his family. My living grandfather was capable of providing me with some information but I would love to get deeper into the story. As far as I know, Rocco, who usually went by Giuseppe, says my grandpa, was born in Sturno, Italy in the province of Avellino, sometime around 1890. So I understand my descendants began back in Italy but to my knowledge, my great grandfather moved to Cuba sometime before 1925. I say sometime before because, in 1925 Giuseppe married my great grandmother MARIA VALERA in I believe right in the capital, Havana, Cuba.

Maria VARELA was born in Galicia, Spain on August, 27 1905. She too was born elsewhere then eventually moved to Cuba where she started and mothered a family. I am so intriguied with the Spanish heritage therefore I would appreciate any information regarding her and her life. However, I am also very interested in seeking information about my great grandfather because he died much earlier, in 1955 (my grandfather believes it was June) compared to Maria’s death in 1984. They both passed away in Bridgeport, CT, where they moved from Cuba somewhere in the 1940’s with their two children, Jose (my grandpa) and Rose. If it helps, my grandfather, her only son, Jose Nakens STANCO, born in Cuba on March 24, 1929 eventually married Jennie Estelle Pugh on September 22, 1956.

Beyond my great grandparents I have nothing to really help you out but if anything is found, please feel free to contact me; I would be fascinated with anything about Rocco Giuseppe STANCO and his wife, Maria Valera and their family (or should I say, my family.) I greatly appreciate your help and I will take anything, thank you!

Best,
Marissa Iassogna
University of Connecticut
Researching: STANCO, Valera, Iassogna