I am looking for any relatives of my g-grandparents, Maria (Mary) & Michele (Mike) Pignanelli. I am told they emigrated from in or near San Giovanni in Fiore, Calabria, Italia in the 1890s; before 1897. The first of their four children was born near Spokane, Wa. on December 29, 1897.

Maria was born November 2, 1871 and died March 28, 1948. Her father's name was Francesco Oliverio; mother was Rosa Capeto. For some reason she frequently used her mother's surname, but is listed as Maria or Mary Oliver/Oliverio in some records. Her father may have had a brother named John/Giusseppe.

Michele was born May 7, 1867 and died August 31, 1958. His father was Frank/Francesco Pignanelli.

I believe both of their father's came to the USA, but have no confirmation of this. John/Giusseppe Oliverio may have emigrated as well.

Maria's sister Caterine/Catherine came to Spokane, Wa., probably in 1891. She married Francesco Gerimonte in Italia.

According to a record in a book of genealogical records I have found: "Francesco Gerimonte was born in 1858 at San Giovanni Fiore, Italy. He came in 1886 to New York, removed to Kentucky, and in 1889 to Spokane, Wash., where he died 8 April 1941. ..."

I have digital photographs of Pignanelli and Gerimonte gravestones in Spokane, Wa. I am happy to make them available to relatives. A photograph of Maria and Michele can be found at http://www.users.bigpond.com/mywebhome/pignanelli.html .

If anyone has information on my family and/or believes we are related I would be excited to hear from you.

Regards, Debra Porter

I just found out that my gg grandmother was Mary Oliverio who was married to Vincenzo Nicastro. I believe he died in Algoma, WV. Their son, Giovanni Battista Nicastro, b 1887 and died 1934 was married to Rose Maglarise. Their son, James Vincent Nicastro, b. 1914 in PA was my grandfather.

Any connection so far?

Debra

Unfortunately not. I will keep your information and let you know if I come across a connection. Do you know where your gg-grandmother or her husband were born?

I believe that the gerimonte's that you know are my ancestors. They were buried in spokane Wash. Holy Rosary cemetary there. My g grandparents, grandmother and mother are all there to the best of my knowledge. Do you have any pic of the gerimonte family. Thanks Donna

hi im Astrophel oliverio from philippines im 15 years old now

Hello Donna,

I don't have many photos. 2 to be exact, and a few gravestones.

I'm just getting back to this after an absence. I hope you are well.

Deb