Rocco Castellano

Rocco Castellano was born on January 2, 1902 in San Angelo Dei Lombardi, in the Provence of Avellino Italy. He died in America in 1986.

His parents were Carmine and Maria (Fuschetto).  Very little is known about his life in Italy. All we have are names of relatives and one document, Rocco's Italian passport, which is below.    

It is known definitively  that Rocco had a brother name Nicola who first traveled to America and was the listed family sponsor to Rocco's immigration to the US.  Family stories indicate that Rocco also had a brother Antonio, Vincenzo and a half brother Dominick as well as sisters, Anna and Maria.  

Rocco's passport issued in Italy is an amazing piece of our family history, it also includes the earliest known photograph of my great grandfather.

Written in Italian, the following is stated on this document.  

This passport was issued on May 7, 1921.  He is the son of Carmine Castellano and Maria Fuschetto.  Born in S. Angelo Lombardo., on January 31, 1902. You can see on the lower right his mother, Maria, authorized the form (I presume that may be her signature).  Rocco is listed as single, able to read and write in Italian (amazing considering his occupation is listed as farm laborer on the ship manifest).  And is traveling to New York.  Demographic information indicates he was 1.58 meters, has a 'regular' nose, mouth is 'right' and his color his listed as 'colorful'.  Centered under the photograph, you can see Rocco's signature.  

A very interesting piece of this document is that Rocco is listed as traveling with a minor, named Guiseppe Cetta, also from Sant Angelo Lombardi.  On Rocco's ship manifest, I did not find this child's name.  Why he was said to be traveling with the youth, and who he was, is unknown at this time. 

Below is Rocco's passport that I have transcribed in English.

Rocco left Italy, via a port in Naples aboard the Gugliemo Pierce. Photo is below.  Arriving at Ellis Island on June 8, 1921.

Built in 1907. 8,512 gross tons; 448 (bp) feet long; 55 feet wide

On the ship manifest Rocco is listed at line 26.  His closest relative in Italy is listed as his father Carmine Castellano from Lombardi and traveling to Brooklyn, NY. His Italian occupation is listed as Farm Lab(or).

Rocco is listed as traveling to America through the sponsorship of his brother, Nicolo Castellano, who resided at 333 2nd Street in Brooklyn, NY:

On November 29, 1925 Rocco married Lena (Angelina) Pepitone. Below is their original marriage certificate. Folded and taped together. I presume this is the original document they received in 1925.

Together they had 5 daughters:

Mary (October 8, 1926 - November 28, 1990)

Lilly (June 7, 1928 

Anna (September 28, 1930 - May 6, 1997)

Grace (February 7, 1932 - September 27, 2010)

Carmella (June 16, 1943 - March 24, 2000)

Nettie (November 30, 1945 - March 7, 2002)

One January 28, 1928 Rocco petitioned for Naturalization.  Below are the accompanying documents: 

At the time of this filing, the family resided at 2017 Pitkin Avenue in Brooklyn, NY.  Rocco's occupation is listed as Truck Driver.  He resides with his wife, Angelina and daughters "Maria" born 10/8/1926, "Nicolina" born 6/7/1928.  Both daughters were born and reside in Brooklyn.  The bottom of the document is Rocco's signature. 

Found among Rocco's papers is his official certificate of Citizenship, dated 1931. Such a great picture!

The 1930 census shown below finds the family still residing at 2017 Pitkin Avenue.  This time Rocco's wife is listed simply as "Lena" and their daughters are listed as "Mary" and "Lillian" - these names have clearly become "Americanized".  

Upon reviewing this document closely, I was thrilled to discover that Rocco and Lena rented their apartment from Lena's parents. They are listed as Anthony and Mary Pepiptone (the spelling of their last name reveals was why I couldn't find them in previous census searches).  The Pepitone's owned the house at 2017 Pitkin and reside with their children: Anthony, Jeannette, Joseph, Nettie, Samuel, Bella, and Josie.  This was my first clue regarding Lena's parents and siblings at this period.  Quite an exciting find!!

In the 1950's Rocco requested his birth certificate from Italy. It was found among his papers.

Below is that document.