Tag: Family Reunion

Hi Joey, Here is he Piscitello Family in 1934

Back row: Sons: John, Charles, Joseph and Augustine

Middle Row: Mary Frontiero, Rose Lucido, Salvatore, Rosalia and Ida Piscitello

Front Row: Mildred Gentile, Peter and Frances Piscitello and Florence Doucette

Virginia mcKinnon Frontiero submits-

Piscitello Family Reunion- July 14, 2013

Out of the blue, I received an e-mail from my cousin Nancy, inviting me to a Piscitello Family Reunion. She stated our cousin, Joe “the barber” Lucido was organizing this event and looking for all the relatives interested in attending. The space had been reserved at Stage Fort Park, last space available by Tablet Rock near Cressey’s Beach. The date was set for July 14, 2013 at 11 am.  Spread the word she said, we do not have names or contact information.
My first response was ‘What a coincidence, this was our Grandfather, Salvatore’s Birthday. Our “Nano” would have been 130 years old.”
My grandparents Salvatore and Rosalia Piscitello immigrated from Sicily in 1910 with my four month old mother. After many moves thought-out Massachusetts they settled in Gloucester. My grandfather was a fisherman. His livelihood was the sea, so Gloucester was the perfect choice. The F/V “American Eagle” was his legacy to his sons. Our “Nana” was the heart of our family together raising 11 children.
I had an idea to make a tally of my grandparent’s blood decedents. The daughters, my mother, Mary Frontiero had 53 decedents,  Rose Lucido won with 65, Frances Piscitello 21, Ida never married, Mildred  Gentile 20 , Florence  Doucette 6  Total for daughters 165.  Sons, John 12 , Charles 4,  Joseph 38+, Augustine 14 , and Peter 9. Making total of 77 for sons  and Grand Total of 242. What a family!!
Family celebrations were wonderful and often, when my grandparents were alive. But now family seems only to get together mostly at funerals. Family too large to invite everyone to weddings or other events.
My contribution was the Birthday Cake, the centerpiece, as I had a family portrait  of my grandparents and their 11 children’s photograph laminated and put on  top of the cake, which was decorated in the Italian colors of red, green and white. My Aunt Frances and Aunt Millie, cut the cake. The only remaining children.
Everyone brought their own food and drinks. A charcoal grill was there for cooking. Lots of good cooks and delicious food. Tents were set up. Many games were played. We sang the old Italian songs. What a wonderful occasion to renew acquaintance with our relatives. I was introducing my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to relatives they had never met. Many traveled from all over the state to attend. Well over one hundred attended. A tremendous success. This must be an annual event. I requested Nancy to please reserve a space at the park for next year.  Next time closer to the rest house.    Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon    July 2013