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RODIA NOT CHILD BUT PLACE TO HOLD NOTES
Notes
Thanks for attaching those pictures, that's amazing! I had my dad read your email and
he recognized a lot of people you had listed, many of whom I've never heard of
before. I really appreciate all the information and I should be getting those picture
postcards I mentioned before soon. I'll send along any info or pictures I get. I'm
guessing I'll have to have someone translate Italian for me though.
-Shawn
--- On Tue, 4/12/11, James Maule wrote:
From: James Maule
Subject: RE: Rodia/Rody family
To: "Shawn Rody"
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 4:58 PM
Hi Shawn,
First, before I forget, I've attached a jpg file into which I scanned the back of the
prayer card for Carlo Rodia, surely your great-grandfather. Also in the jpg file are the
Mass enrollment cards from Mr and Mrs George Rody and Mr and Mrs Sam Rody. The
handwriting is the same, and I think it's the handwriting of the person who issued the
cards.
Second, here is what I know about my mother's mother's family.
My mother's mother was Rosalina Rodia. She was born 7 Feb 1886 in Serino, Province
Avellino, Italy, and died 22 Oct 1942 in Philadelphia. She was buried 27 Oct 1942 in
Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon.
According to the 1920 census, she arrived in 1912, and was naturalized in 1913. The
Ellis Island records show she arrived in Dec 1912, from Serino, where she lived with
her father, and next to that is handwriting I cannot even begin to decipher. But
apparently she had arrived earlier, and then went back to Italy, because there is a
record of her arriving on Jun 15 1906, age 20, first time in US, going to the home of
her uncle Pasquale Agnes, 914 South 8th St. in Philadelphia. Now it makes sense that
she was naturalized in 1913, which is 7 years after her first arrival. In 1920, she was
living at 2920 Ringgold St. in Philadelphia.
Rosaline married, 6 Jun 1918, at St. Mary of the Eternal in Philadelphia, Antonio
(Anthony) Zappone. They had these children:
Nicholas Louis Zappone b 9 Oct 1918
Clementina J. Zappone b 16 Oct 1919
Louis Anthony Zappone b 15 Jan 1921
Peter Zappone b June or July 1922, d 3 Oct 1923
Carmina A Zappone b 3 Jul 1923
Jennie Elisabeth Zappone b 28 Jan 1925 (my mother)
Frank John Zappone b 2 Jul 1926 (d 21 Mar 1957) (he's the one whose funeral was
attended by M/M George and M/M Sam Rody, and in whose effects I found Carlo
Rodia's prayer card)
Peter Zappone b 1927/8, d at birth
Rosalina's parents, I've been told, were Luigi Rodia and Carmina Rodia. They had the
same surname. I'm also told they were not related. I'm sure they were distantly related.
Rosalina had a brother Luigi, who came to the U.S. and died as a young man,
unmarried. On 8 May 1911, according to Ellis Island records, there arrived Luigi Rodia,
24, a farmer, from Serino, where he lived with his mother Carmina. With him is Pietro
Rodia, his brother, age 21, a barber, who also is from Serino and had lived with his
mother Carmina.
She had another brother Pietro (Peter), who first arrived 27 Apr 1904 at the age of 15
(b c 1889). He was from Serino, was a barber (my mother remembers his barber shop),
and on the immigration record states he is going to the home of his uncle Pasquale
Agnesi, 1180 South ?? Street (can't read the writing). I found a passport application
for a Pietro Antonio Rodia, b 12 Jul 1889, Italy, arrived in US April 1904, gives the
name of his father as Antonio (and from what I can figure out, his father was Luigi
Antonio Rodia, deceased). He was naturalized 25 Apr 1918. Peter is going to Italy to
"settle up an estate and attend to some legal matters now pending in court." He gives
his address as 2868 North Bambrey St. He returned in 1921, and gave as his address
2920 N Ringgold St (where is sister and her family were living at the time of the 1920
census, see above). At some point, Peter changed his last name from Rodia to Rody.
This is something my mother told me years ago, and has repeated in later
conversations. In the 1910 census he shows up as Peter A. Roddy, age 20,
unmarried, a barber. According to my mother, Peter never married. On his
naturalization petition, he gives birth as 12 July 1889 Rivottoti, Italy, and one of his
witnesses is James Agnes (a son of Pasquale Agnesi?). I cannot find a Rivottoti in
Italy.
Rosalina had yet another brother Francesco. As best as we can tell, he never came to
the U.S. He was a musician in Italy, and I'm told he was rather well known. Years ago
I found something about him on google, but I cannot find it since. I am told that
Francesco never married.
And Rosalina had a sister Petronilla. She arrived on 8 Sep 1922, age 28 (bc 1894).
She later married Gabriele Clementone and had a daughter Lucy. I met Petronilla when
I was a child, maybe about age 7 or 8. I was too young to know to ask the questions
that I now have. In 1930, they are at 6503 Woodland Ave in Philadelphia, and Peter
Rody is with them.
According to the Ellis Island records for her brother Pietro (Peter), they have an uncle
Pasquale Agnesi (or Agnes), who in turn has a brother-in-law Raffaele Brescia, 1104
S. Franklin St. in Philadelphia. I do not know if Pasquale is married to a sister of my
grandmother's father or a sister of my grandmother's mother. On another Ellis Island
record for Peter (he made several trips back to Italy), there is a reference to a "cousin
Salvatore Rodia." On another arrival (1905) by Pasquale Agnesi (he, too, made
several trips back to Italy) is a cousin Michele Verderame, age 36 (so bc 1869). They
give an address for Salvatore Rodia, "30? Seventh St. 134" Michele was from Serino.
Pasquale's wife was Vittoria, and his father's name is given as Francesco.
On one of Pasquale Agnesi's trips to the US (1910), he was accompanied by a Mose
or Moie Rodia, age 16 (b c 1894), the son of Francesco Rodia. This Mose Rodia
shows up in the 1920 census, age 24 (so b c 1896), leather factory operator, arrive
1908, wife Lena, age 29, arrived 1908, children, b Pa: Frank, age 4, Rose, age 3,
Louis age 1 yr 10m, Margaret 4 mos. On his WW1 draft registration card, Mose states
he was b 7 Apr 1895 in Giffoni, Italy. There are so many little towns in Italy with the
name Giffoni that I cannot confirm that this is near Serino. On the naturalization record
for Mose Rodia, b 7 April 1895 in Giffoni, lived in Serino, wife's name Litigia, b 14 Apr
1897 in Sarno, Italy, children Frank b 18 Dec 1915, Rose b 21 Dec 1916, Louis b 25
Apr 1918, Margaret b 5 Sep 1919. One of the witnesses is Pellegrino Agnes (Agnesi)
who lives at 1821 S 8th St.
In the early 1950s my uncle Frank (the one who died in 1957) was stationed in
Germany (he was in the Army). On one of his leaves he went to Italy and met his uncle
Francesco Rodia. My mother and I have found a note to her brother, from Francesco,
mentioning that there were Rodias from the family who emigrated to Paterson, N.J. I
found some Rodia families in Paterson NJ in the census records but I'm not sure which
ones are relatives.
Among the many records of Rodia individuals who came through Ellis Island there is a
Rafaele Rodia, age 31 when arriving in 1902 (bc 1871), going to Philadelphia to the
home of his "brother Rodia" at 1104 S. Franklin Street (see above). This was one
block over, I think, from the 1141 S 8th St where Luigi Rodia and Peter Rodia,
brothers of my grandmother, were going when they arrived in 1911.
I have dozens of records of Rodia individuals who came through Ellis Island. Some
went to Bridgeport, Conn., some to Dunbar, Pa., a few to Seattle, one or two to
Chicago. These are like puzzle pieces, as there's no way, yet, to connect them to
each other.
Now, as for Carlo Rodia. On 29 Oct 1896, on the Werra, there arrived in New York,
giving as destination Philadelphia, a Luigi Rodia, age 23, and with him was Antonia de
Pellegrini Perua, age 33, Carolo Rodia, age 7, and Anna Rodia, age 4. This Carlo
would have been born c 1889, a bit too young to be your great grandfather.
The naturalization record for your great-grandfather dated 28 Mar 1922: Carl Rodia, a
hat sizer, 5'9", 189 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, born in Avellino, Italy on 24 April
1885, now lives 1115 McKean St., Philadelphia, arrived on the Ancona 12 June 1901,
married to Fannie, who was born in Avellino, child Joseph, b Aug 11 1911 in Phila.,
son Sam b 27 Jul 1913 in Phila. Witnesses Samuel Powell, a superintendent, and
William Clayton, a foreman. Probably managers at Stetson Hat Factory. I cannot find
any 1901 arrivals for the Ancona in the immigration records.
In the 1920 census, at 1945 South Jessup Street, live the following:
Rody, John age 38, immigration year 1903, naturalized, b Italy, laborer in steel mill
Rody, Mary, age 37, wife, immigration year 1902, naturalized, b Italy
Rody, Chatherin (Catherine?), dtr, age 16 b Pa.
Rody, Pasquale, son, age 15 b Pa
Rody, Jennie, dtr, age 10, b Pa
Rody, George, son, age 12mos, b Pa
Then, as another household but at same address
Rody, Carlo, age 35, immigration year 1902, b Italy, hatter in hat factory
Rody, Fanney, age 27, immigration year 1902, b Italy
Rody, Joseph, son, age 8, b Pa
Rody, Samuel, son age 6, b Pa
Pinto, Charles, boarder.
WW1 draft registration card: Carlo Rody, 1945 S Jessup, Phila, b 24 Apr 1883, b Italy,
works for Stetson as a hatter, wife Fannie Rody, same address. Described as medium
height, medium build, brown eyes, black hair
In 1930, this family shows up at 1857 19th St:
Rody, Mary, age 47, widow, was age 20 when married, b Italy
Rody, Carrie, dtr, age 25, b Pa, works as a wrapper in a cigar factory
Rody, Pasquale, son, age 23, b Pa
Rody, Jennie, dtr, age 20, b Pa
Rody, George, son, age 12, b Pa
Rody, Carmela, dtr, age 8, b Pa
My guess is that John and Carlo are brothers.
Here is John's naturalization record dated 6 Feb 1922: John Rodia, age 37, barber,
5'3" 160 lbs, b Ribbottolo, Italy [is that the same as the Rivototti birthplace for my
mother's uncle???], 24 Apr 1882, now resides 1115 McKean St, Phila. [same as
Carlo], arrived on the Sontora something Line (cannot read) on 8 May 1900, wife
Maria, b Italy, states he desires a name change from John Rodia to John Rody, also
says he is an olive oil dealer, says he left Italy on 4 May 1889, arrived in NY 23 May
1889 on the Torlora, wife Maria b 20 mar 1882, children Caterina b 10 Jan 1905 in
Phila, Pasquale, b Jan 16 1905 Phila., Vincenza, b 21 Mar 1910 Phila, George b 24
Nov 1918, Carmela Phila., b 21 Jan 1922 Phila. One of the witnesses is Carmine
Rodia, a barber, at 1924 E Passyunk Ave (which is where John also had his barber
business). Recall my mother's uncle Pietro (Peter) Rodia (Rody) was a barber. The
other witness was Antonio Capuano.
My guess - and it's only a guess - is that John and Carlo were first cousins of my
mother's mother. If I can find, somehow, the immigration records for them they might
include the names of relatives in Italy. There are all sorts of circumstantial evidence
that persuade me that the connection is there. Surely the fact that someone in my
family (most likely my uncle Frank or my mother's oldest sister Clementine who we
called Denay) went to Carlo's viewing/funeral, and that Sam and George sent Mass
enrollment cards when Frank died tells me that there was a close connection.
Anyhow, please feel free to share this with your father. It may trigger some memories.
My mom is still with us, so I can ask her more questions if anything you or your father
turn up or remember might help her to remember things, though she was one of the
younger ones in her family.
Thanks for getting back to me,
Jim
From: Shawn Rody [mailto:rody1069@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 10:59 PM
To: James Maule
Subject:
Hello Mr. Maule
Wow, you are correct, it seems we are connected in some way! My great-grandfather
was Carlo; born in 1883. Who was your mother's youngest brother? Sam and Mary
were my grandparents and that was they're address where they lived until they
passed. I remember meeting George, but I'm unclear of how he was related to my
grandparents. My father remembers visiting the Kimball street address. My dad is in
possession of about 50 or 60 picture postcards from my great grandfather to various
family members back in Italy and elsewhere from the early 1900's that I will be looking
through next time I stop by my parents. I'm hoping to discover more connections and I
will be looking for Rosalina, I'll keep you posted. If it's not too much trouble I would
be thrilled to see any copies of the mass card or card my grandparents sent if you
wouldn't mind sending something either e-mail or through the mail. Thank you for all
the information, I really appriciate it!
-Shawn Rody
Hello. I think we may have a connection. My grandmother, Rosalina Rodia, came from
Serino in Avellino. Her brother Pietro (Peter) also came to the US. He changed his
name to Rody. In papers and things handed down to me from my mother's sister, there
is a prayer card from the funeral of Carlo Rodia, died 21 Jan 1947. The funeral
director is listed as Louis E. Ingenito, 700-04 N. 63rd St. and 820 Christian St in
Philadelphia. The card does not provide a date of birth. I think it is a good guess that
this card was picked up by someone who went to the funeral (or the viewing). And I
think it is a good guess because there was a relation. I'm guessing that Carlo was the
cousin of my grandmother (as I know the names of her brothers and they don't include
Carlo). Also in what was given to me are Mass Cards sent at the time of the death of
my mother's youngest brother, in 1957. There is a card from a Mr and Mrs Samuel
Rody, 2223 Disston St in Philadelphia, and a card from a Mr and Mrs George Rody,
822 Kimball St in Philadelphia. Could this be your Samuel? You can email me direct at
maule@law.villanova.edu. Thanks, Jim Maule
email to Mom 18 June 2014
You were born at 2529 South Sartain Street, where your family was living at the time.
Street. That's five doors down from where you lived, though 17 years later. In the car
with her are Catherina Wynor, Felice Rocco, Dominico Rodia, and Michael Di Longo.
In the 1940 census, at 2539 South Sartain Street:
Rodia, Mary head age 58 (b 1881/2) born Italy
Rodia, George age 21 (b 1918/9) born Pa. laborer building construction
Rodia, Jennie age 27 (b 1912/3) born Pa. no occ
Rodia, Pasquale age 37 (b 1902/3) born Pa. laborer, clothing
Rodia, Carmella age 18 (b 1921/2) born Pa. operator, dresses
This George and his wife, using the name Rody, sent a Mass card when your brother
Frank died. In the Pantarelli Family tree, he appears as George Rodia, b 24 Nov 1919
in Philadelphia, died 24 Nov 2009, wife Josephine. In the Philadelphia Marriage Index
there is a George Rodia married to Josephine Cimino in 1946.
Another Pantarelli tree shows George's death 23 Nov 2007 in Atlantic City. He and his
wife had at least one daughter, who is listed as "Private" on both trees.
AHA! In findagrave I track down Jennie Rodia, and there is a picture of the stone.
On the stone:
Carlo Rodia 1888 - 1947 [Your brother Frank had a prayer card from Carlo's funeral; he
d. 21 Jan 1947]
Raffaella Rodia 1891 - 1953
Samuel Rody 1913 - 1985 [he and his wife also sent a Mass card when your brother
Frank died]
Mary Rody 1914 - 1991
Jennie V. Rodia 1910 - 1943
Maria Rodia 1884 - 1913
Pat Rody 1905 - 1992 [Pat is a nickname for Pasquale]
John M. Woyner 1943 - 1943
see above, with the name misspelled]
From the Philadelphia Marriage Index, in 1909 Carlo Rodia married Raffaele Pente
According to immigration records, Carlo arrived on 29 Oct 1896 at the age of 7, with
Anna Rodia, age 4, presumably his sister, Luigi Rodia, 23 (his father? Might the age
be wrong? See next entry), and after Luigi's name and before the children's names is
Teresa Antonia di Pellegrini, age 33 (b 1862/3). Is Luigi age 33 and not 23 (either b
1862/3 or 1872/3)?
According to the Rody Family Tree on ancestry, Carlo and Raffaele Pente had two
children: Joseph and Samuel. Raffaelle b 27 Apr 1892 in Avellino, died in 1953.
Joseph (Joseph Rody) b 7 Oct 1911 in Philadelphia, died 21 Oct 1991 in Moorestown,
NJ, married Katherine Orlando (1911-1990), no children listed. Samuel (Samuel Rody)
born 26 July 1913, died Nov 1985 in Philadelphia, married Mary DiMarino (1914-1991),
had a son, no name provided. They sent a Mass card when your brother Frank died.
Mrs. Carlo Rody and her sons sent flowers to your mother's funeral.
This family group, on which I had previously gathered some information, definitely is
related.
I'm now going to try to figure out Luigi Rodia who arrived with Teresa, Carlo, and
Anna. I have found all sorts of information but I cannot yet piece the various groups
together.
Parents
RODIA Antonio ()
RODIA Carmina ()
Siblings
RODIA NOT CHILD BUT PLACE TO HOLD NOTES ()
RODIA Luigi (20 Jun 1882 - 7 Jul 1882)
RODIA Luigi Antonio (20 Apr 1884 - 1918)
RODIA Rosalina (25 Feb 1886 - 22 Oct 1942)
RODIA [ CHG TO RODY] Pietro Antonio (Peter) (12 Jul 1889 - 6 Oct 1946)
RODIA Antonio (18 Apr 1891 - 27 Feb 1895)
RODIA Mario (16 Jan 1893 - 16 Jan 1893)
RODIA Petronilla (14 Sep 1894 - 1964)
RODIA Antonio (14 Dec 1896 - 2 Oct 1899)
RODIA Francesco (6 Oct 1898 - 1959)
Produced by Fzip 1.7 10/10/2022