Italian Family Pictures

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Home News From Italy Italian Art Italian Cuisine Genealogy Featured Author Featured Organization Featured Restaurant IA Links Databases		Joseph Borsa, born September 8th 1900 in Philadelphia, is my mothers brother. He served in WW1 He initially tried to enlist when he was just about 17, but my Grandmother refused to let him do it. He was anxious to see the world and enlisted either right before the war ended, or just after. This picture was taken in Coblens (I assume Koblenz) Germany 1919. Joe loved boxing and fought under the name Joe Moran. Joe, it appears, led a very "colorful" life and to this day is somewhat of a mystery. Was he married 1 time, or was it 3? We haven't been able to figure it out. Are there any children we don't know about?
		Joseph Borsa is pictured here with Joe Connerton and a few French Soldiers. Any relatives of Joe Connerton out there? They spelled my Uncles name as Barsa, it should be Borsa. In fact, the original spelling was Borza
		Story about Joseph Borsa (they spelled name as Barsa). The original spelling was Borza. Joe Connerton tells a story about them on a 5 day pass. The book came out in about 1971. The title of the chapter where he is mentioned is: " A South Philadelphia Gift to the Boxing Trade". The last line reads, a 5 day pass was shot. WOW! Sounds like they had a great time! My Uncle Joe was a member of Ring 1, a life member of Ring 6 - Camden New Jersey, and a promoter of 6 fights at the Penn-Jersey Athletic Club in Camden New Jersey. His record as a pro-fighter was W21 L12 D4. A call out to Joe Connerton descendents - would love to talk to you!
		Domenico Marsella (born 1888) married my mothers sister, Victoria (born 1906). The Marsella's, Macari's and Borza's are very entwined. The picture below is of Domenico Marsella in Belfast Ireland. The family story is that Domenic was visiting relatives. It seems that no one in our family now remembers who those relatives were. Anyone out there recognize the older man and teenager?
		My Mom, Rita Borsa (Born 1922). I've already mentioned her a couple of times. Here is a picture of when she received her first Communion / Confirmation. My mom told me that they did both at the same time during that time period. I'm not sure about that, but she is my mom and what she says goes without question - until I figure it out. The woman pictured is Viola (relatives say she was always a "fashion plate" - I can easily see why." Viola was my Aunt Victoria's best friend for many many many years. We can't remember Viola's last name - anyone out there recognize her? I had some fun enlarging the original image. I keyed in on Viola's watch. The watch read about 12:15 PM. FUN STUFF!
		Here is my mom, Rita Borsa about 12 years later, as a Bridesmaid. My mom was about 20 - which would place this at about 1942. Somewhere I have the name of the person that was getting married and will add it when I find it.
		This is a picture of my GG-Blood Uncle Donato Macari (born 1863 in Casalattico). His parents were AngelAntonio Macari and Maria Vincenza Macari. Donato spent time in Scotland and Ireland before immigrating to Philadelphia in 1894. We don't know where the picture was taken. When I blow up the original photo, it says "Pure Ice Cream" on the cart.
		Donato in the early 1920's
		Letter to Donato Macari from Borza's, residing in Craigneuch Wishau Scotland Carfin Road. I'm never good at the "Nipote" thing. Is it niece, Grand-daughter, what? What is Peppionella (sp?) Surname or term of endearment? I don't know.
		Here is a picture of my mom, Rita Borsa, with Alice Marble (Tennis Champ) and Eleanor Roosevelt. Mom had something to do with the YWCA AT the time and was selected to meet the Presidents wife. What a thrill for my mom!
		Marsella Family in Philadelphia Back Row, left to right is Domenico Marsella (1888), Tommaso Marsella (1886), Valentino Marsella (1884) and Antonio Marsella - their 1st cousin. Front Row, left to right is Rose Marsella (1892) and Maria Antonia Marsella (1859). Not pictured is Benedetto Marsella (her husband, born in 1855) Domenic married my mothers sister, Victoria. Anthony, the 1st cousin married my GG-Uncle Donato Macari's (born 1863)daughter Jenny.
		Benedetto Marsella Benedetto (born 1855) is Maria Antonia Marsella's (1859) husband (pictured above). Benedetto's sister, Filomena married my Grandfathers Uncle, Francesco Borza
		Antonio Marsella & Jenny Macari Antonio Marsella, pictured on far right in the Marsella Family Portrait above, married my GG-Uncle Donato Macari's daughter Jenny.
		Domenico Marsella (1888) & Victoria Borsa (1906) Wedding Date Aug 4th 1931 - Philadelphia
		Letter P1 Of 2 from Luiga Aprile to the Borsa Family in Philadelphia Her address in Scotland 1971 was 101 Queensferry Road - Rosyth - Dunfermline Fife - Scotland Luiga's brother Joseph married my one of my GG-Uncle Donato's daughters Milly. Luiga's sister Pace married a Francesco Marsella. Any info on the Aprile family in Scotland would be appreciated. It is my guess that this Aprile family is also a blood relation in several ways.
		Letter P2 Of 2 from Luiga Aprile to the Borsa Family in Philadelphia Her address in Scotland 1971 was 101 Queensferry Road - Rosyth - Dunfermline Fife - Scotland Luiga's brother Joseph married my one of my GG-Uncle Donato's daughters Milly. Luiga's sister Pace married a Francesco Marsella. Any info on the Aprile family in Scotland would be appreciated. It is my guess that this Aprile family is also a blood relation in several ways.
		Montattico Chiesa della Madonna della Pace Kimberly and I visited this church in 2005. I understand that it previously went through a renovation, so even though the interior isn't exactly as it looked like when my Grandparents Berardino Borza and Maria Pace Macari were married there - it was still a thrill. The local Priest gave us a tour of the area. It is something we will never forget. I grabbed this picture off the Internet, but don't know who to give credit to.
		Montattico Chiesa della Madonna della Pace My picture, interior of Church
		Montattico Maria SS. Della Pace 1 of 2 My Grandfather Berardino Borza died in 1926, He wrote notes in a journal, starting in 1897. The last entry was in 1924. Tucked away in the journal was this card. The front and back are pictured below. Take note that they spelled it as Casalittico! Printing error?
		Montattico Maria SS. Della Pace 2 of 2