Family, Heritage, and the American Dream
07/31/24 • 56 min
Nicola DiGuglielmo's journey from Andretta, Italy to New Jersey is nothing short of remarkable. Picture a family driven by love and determination, uprooted from their small Italian hometown in search of a brighter future in America. Nicola reflects on his father's struggle to create opportunities in a land where none existed, and how this relentless spirit paved the way for Nicola's successful medical career spanning nearly four decades. In this episode, we uncover the layers of his personal and professional life, highlighting the importance of Italian heritage and the meaningful contributions of Italian Americans.
From the humble beginnings in Andretta to the comfort of Long Branch, Nicola paints a vivid picture of his family's transition from communal living to the modern American lifestyle. We explore the trials and triumphs of this significant shift, touching on memories of his hometown's transformation and the entrepreneurial spirit of its younger generation. A poignant visit to the family cemetery and the stories from a 97-year-old cousin, acting as the family historian, add depth and richness to Nicola's narrative, offering listeners a heartfelt connection to his roots.
We also traverse Nicola's fascinating family history, uncovering stories of theological vocations and political ambitions. Discover how these diverse legacies influenced Nicola's path in medicine and his daughter's venture into politics. As we discuss the role of the church and the enduring traditions of his ancestors, Nicola's reflections offer a sense of belonging and continuity. To round off, we guide you through the cultural marvels of Florence, personal ties to historical families, and the allure of Milan's vibrant scene. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and memories, blending cultural heritage with practical travel tips for anyone enchanted by Italy's rich history.
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Farmers and NoblesRead about my research story and how to begin your family research.
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Nicola DiGuglielmo's journey from Andretta, Italy to New Jersey is nothing short of remarkable. Picture a family driven by love and determination, uprooted from their small Italian hometown in search of a brighter future in America. Nicola reflects on his father's struggle to create opportunities in a land where none existed, and how this relentless spirit paved the way for Nicola's successful medical career spanning nearly four decades. In this episode, we uncover the layers of his personal and professional life, highlighting the importance of Italian heritage and the meaningful contributions of Italian Americans.
From the humble beginnings in Andretta to the comfort of Long Branch, Nicola paints a vivid picture of his family's transition from communal living to the modern American lifestyle. We explore the trials and triumphs of this significant shift, touching on memories of his hometown's transformation and the entrepreneurial spirit of its younger generation. A poignant visit to the family cemetery and the stories from a 97-year-old cousin, acting as the family historian, add depth and richness to Nicola's narrative, offering listeners a heartfelt connection to his roots.
We also traverse Nicola's fascinating family history, uncovering stories of theological vocations and political ambitions. Discover how these diverse legacies influenced Nicola's path in medicine and his daughter's venture into politics. As we discuss the role of the church and the enduring traditions of his ancestors, Nicola's reflections offer a sense of belonging and continuity. To round off, we guide you through the cultural marvels of Florence, personal ties to historical families, and the allure of Milan's vibrant scene. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and memories, blending cultural heritage with practical travel tips for anyone enchanted by Italy's rich history.
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Farmers and NoblesRead about my research story and how to begin your family research.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Previous Episode
How a Jewish couple Solomon and Esther Ueberall saved St. Lucy's in Brooklyn
How can one family's compassion and resolve shape the destiny of an entire community? Join us as we sit down with Vincent Magano to uncover the awe-inspiring tale of Solomon and Esther Ueberall, whose extraordinary acts of kindness not only saved St. Lucy's Church but also saved lives during the darkest days of World War II. Through Vincent's vivid recollections and his compelling book, "The Third Attic," we journey back to mid-20th century Brooklyn and explore how the Uberalls' generosity in 1913 paved the way for the rescue of 24 relatives from Austria, with the indispensable help of Father Caruana.
This episode is more than a historical account; it's a moving chronicle of faith, community, and the enduring power of human goodness. We delve into the lasting legacy of the Uberall family's acts of kindness, immortalized by the symbolic Star of David grates in St. Lucy's ceiling. These poignant gestures by the Italian community serve as timeless reminders of unity and compassion. Tune in for a conversation that bridges history and heartfelt memories, and discover how acts of kindness can transcend time and continue to inspire.
Vincent Manago reminisces on a boyhood in 1950s and 1960s Brooklyn.
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Next Episode
How to understand the origins of Italian surnames Part 1
In part 1 Raffaele Fontanella explains the origins of surnames from the renaissance, how dialects impacted first names and surnames based on his book "Cognomi di Stabia". How the Romans used first names, surnames and nicknames. How the Germans named people and how that impacted Italian names. And an introduction to part 2 where he will explain the 4 naming conventions in Italy.
Could you imagine a country with more surnames than most nations have people? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Italy's astonishing 300,000 surnames with our special guests, Raffaele Fontanella, an expert in Italian linguistics, and his translator Rich DiPalma. Raffaele walks us through the captivating world of Italian surnames, revealing how Italy's rich linguistic diversity and unique use of prefixes and suffixes have created a multitude of last names. Rich also shares his personal experience with Raffaele, highlighting the profound connections between language and heritage in Italy, and how uncovering these links can be a deeply personal and enlightening journey.
Explore the medieval naming practices that shaped Italian society, especially within noble families. Discover the intriguing story of Bob's great-grandmother, Caracciolo, whose multiple names were more than just a tradition—they were a necessity to preserve noble lineages and distinguish individuals in an ever-growing population. From patronymics and place names to professions and nicknames, we'll trace the origins of these second names and their evolution into the essential identifiers they are today. Tune in for an enlightening episode that peels back the layers of Italy's historical and cultural tapestry through the lens of its surnames.
Riusciresti a immaginare un paese con più cognomi di quanti siano gli abitanti della maggior parte delle nazioni? Unisciti a noi mentre scopriamo i segreti dietro gli incredibili 300.000 cognomi italiani con i nostri ospiti speciali, Raffaele Fontanella, esperto di linguistica italiana, e il suo traduttore Rich De Palma. Raffaele ci accompagna attraverso l'affascinante mondo dei cognomi italiani, rivelando come la ricca diversità linguistica dell'Italia e l'uso unico di prefissi e suffissi abbiano creato una moltitudine di cognomi. Rich condivide anche la sua esperienza personale con Raffaele, evidenziando i profondi legami tra lingua e patrimonio in Italia e come scoprire questi legami possa essere un viaggio profondamente personale e illuminante.
Esplora le pratiche di denominazione medievali che hanno plasmato la società italiana, specialmente all'interno delle famiglie nobili. Scopri l'intrigante storia della bisnonna di Bob, Caracciolo, i cui molteplici nomi erano più di una semplice tradizione: erano una necessità per preservare i lignaggi nobili e distinguere gli individui in una popolazione in continua crescita. Dai patronimici e nomi di luogo alle professioni e ai soprannomi, ripercorreremo le origini di questi secondi nomi e la loro evoluzione negli identificatori essenziali che sono oggi. Sin
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
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Farmers and Nobles
Read about my research story and how to begin your family research.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Italian Roots and Genealogy - Family, Heritage, and the American Dream
Transcript
Hi everyone , this is Bob Sorrentino , from Italian Roots and Genealogy . Be sure to check out our blog and our YouTube channel and our newsletter and our Facebook page . Youtube channel and our newsletter and our Facebook page , and also our great sponsors ,
Speaker 1your Dolce Vita Italy , rooting Phil Italy and Abiativa Casa . And today I'm thr
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