Bob and Linda Match
I’ve made several cousin connections using ancestry.com. With many of them we will simply exchange an email here and there on ancestry.com and compare some notes. I find that most people go to ancestry.com mainly to have a DNA test, an aren’t that interested in building a family tree, making connections, or sharing information.
Occasionally, you hit the jackpot like I did with Linda. Linda, who was researching her Piromallo grandmother came across my tree and sent me a message. I always suspected that my grandmother’s aunt had come to the US in 1905, but I could never really make a firm connection.
Over the course of the next 18 months, we would message back and forth with some known or new information and share storied and photos. I invited Linda to our Family Facebook group as well as some of her immediate family. While I had a lot of information from Italy, from both my own research and from a local research specialist, Linda did not.
Recently, Linda hired a researcher also, that turned up a lot of information that started to prove the theory. I was 100% certain, however, Linda still had some doubts. Earlier this year she did her first DNA test and BINGO 3rd cousins once removed. In the last few days Linda has been sending some photos. Her Great Grandmother and my Grandmother were 1st cousins, so this is very exciting to see.
For more on the Piromallo Family check these posts.
1st Cousins
Maria Luisa Piromallo
Maria Pergamo
I am still working on verifying the photo below, but I am now leaning towards that these are the 2 cousins above with their grandmother. Update: I think we confirmed based on photos.
My Great Grand Aunt ( My great grandfather's sister ) Maria Piromallo
Update Research Cousins Meet
After 18 months of comparing notes and collaborating on email and phone. Bob and Linda meet for first time. Linda came over with her first cousin Gene. What was truly amazing to learn was that Gene and I lived only about 3 blocks from each other in Flushing NY for 4 years. Gene and Linda’s grandmother had a two family home there. Their grandmother was my dad’s second cousin.
Researching Porticello Sicily
In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Carlo Treviso delve into the rich history and culture of Sicily, exploring Carlo’s personal journey of discovering his Sicilian roots and the inspiration behind his novel, Siciliana. They discuss the process of writing historical fiction, the significance of female protagonists, and the importance of preserving Italian culture and traditions in America. Takeaways • Carlo’s journey to Sicily sparked his interest in writing. • Sicilian culture was not fully
Do You Have Toritto Ancestors?
In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino hosts Ted Lucarelli and Cindy Lombardo, who share their experiences and insights into their Italian heritage, family history, and the journey of discovering their roots. They discuss the challenges of researching family ancestry, the significance of name changes among immigrants, and their personal stories of connecting with their ancestral town of Torito, Italy. The conversation also touches on their travels to Italy, cultural differences, and the importance of family
Little Italys Around The World
The conversation revolves around an upcoming Italian festival in Connecticut, focusing on cultural heritage, community involvement, and the importance of preserving Italian traditions. Participants share their family roots, experiences, and the significance of uniting various Italian communities across the U.S. The discussion highlights the festival’s logistics, including entertainment, food, and opportunities for sponsorship, aiming to create a vibrant celebration of Italian culture. #italianancestry #italianfood #italianmusic #italian The first Italian festival of its kind is set
The Best Of 2025
In Italy, buying and wearing red underwear for New Year’s is a popular tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. This custom is deeply rooted in Italian culture and is associated with the color red, which symbolizes fertility, love, and good fortune. The practice is thought to date back to ancient times when red was considered a powerful color capable of warding off evil spirits and misfortune. As New Year’s
Roots and Reflections – Buon Natale
In this conversation, the hosts and guests share their unique Christmas traditions from their respective cultures, focusing on the differences and similarities between Italian, English, and American customs. They discuss the significance of food, particularly the Italian-American tradition of the ‘seven fishes,’ and reminisce about their childhood memories of Christmas celebrations, including midnight mass and family gatherings. The conversation also touches on the impact of cultural identity and language on their holiday experiences. In this
Rediscovering Italian Roots: Montescaglioso Basilicata
Join us on a heartfelt exploration as George Gingerelli takes us on his remarkable journey of rediscovering his Italian heritage. Picture the scene: George and his sister, motivated by family lore and childhood stories, find themselves piecing together a family puzzle that spans continents and generations. Their emotional voyage led them back to Montescaglioso, Italy, where a century of lost connections was rekindled with newfound relatives. George’s narrative is not just about genealogy; it’s about
