New Castle Italian Immigrant Memorial

New Castle Italian Immigrant Memorial. . , History (circa 1657) reflects that two hundred Italians from the Piedmont region may have immigrated to New Amstel (New Castle) via Holland and New Amsterdam (New York) little is known of his group, Not until the late nineteenth century did registers confirm that four Italians from the Abruzzo region settled here in New Castle. Shortly afterwards more Italian families began to arrive. By virtue of school and family discipline, they learned the English language and became contributing citizens.

Work came by way of the local industries here at the time. These pioneers found employment with the railroad, in steel and fiber factories, in rayon mills, and in the budding airplane industry. Many established themselves in their own businesses, namely, in construction, masonry supplies, and auto sales, as well as bakers, tailors, barbers, restaurateurs, shoemakers, and grocery store operators. From this group, their descendants have gone on to distinguish themselves in various vocations, including public service, music, education, engineering, religion, the military, and in the legal and medical professions.

These immigrants brought their Catholic faith and Italian traditions to America. Always faithful to God and country, they cherished their new home and always raised the American flag along with the Italian flag. They nurtured family values, cultivated a community, planted gardens, and made wine. They came together and formed societies, bands, sports teams and helped those among them in need. Every June, they celebrated the Feast of Saint Anthony with Benediction followed by a religious procession with ornamental floats bearing statues of Saint Anthony and the Blessed Mother. The procession included an Italian band playing symphonic marches throughout the town. Festivities ensued, and fireworks concluded the event.

From these early beginnings, this Italian community continues to follow in the footsteps of its ancestors with their contributions to our culture and country. This memorial is our tribute to the resolute and courageous men and women named thereon.

Alexander Alvini

Major Organizational and Family Sponsors
The Organizations
New Castle Italian Heritage Foundation
Saint Anthony's Club, New Castle, Delaware
Saint Gabriel's Lodge 2035, New Castle, Delaware
Trustees of the New Castle Common Saint Anthony Society, New Castle, Delaware
Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture
Società da Vinci

Le Famiglie
Alvini . Antonio . Castagno . Ciafrè . DeAscanis . DiMondi . DiSabatino . Gambacorta . Ianni . Ioannoni . Nepi . Pritchard . Pupillo . Scaramozzi . Susi . Talmo . Tritelli

Dedicated 2017

[List of 108 Names]

New Castle Italian Heritage Foundation
President John Ciafrè
Vice President John Ioannoni
Treasurer Thomas Tritelli
Secretary Dominick Alvini
Directors
Albert Vannucci . Alexander Alvini . Anthony Pupillo Jr . Daniel Susi . Francis DeAscanis . Francis lanni . Guido DeAscanis . Henry Gambacorta . Joseph Nepi . Kurt Weis . Thomas Episcopo . Vincent Gambacorta . William J. Krienen III