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This is another in a series of pages about families that lived and thrived in Camden. Anthony R. Venella has been kind enough to send many pictures depicting his family at events in and around Camden, some going as far back as the 1920s. The Venellas are of Italian descent, and there story is in many ways the story of the many Italian families who first pursued the American dream in Camden. Of course, families with lots of children produce lots of marriages, and the Venella family is related through marriage to the Tantone family, the LoRusso family, the Del Rossi family, the Speno family, the Coratolo family, the Burgo family, the Martinelli family, the Decampli family, the Fattore family, the Palimeno family, the DiMattia family and many others. Needless to say these pages are open to participation by the descendants of the families mentioned.... as a rule they are inspired by e-mail I've received from one or more family members. If you see something in error or feel that something should be added, PLEASE contact me via e-mail sop it can be added. Like everything else on this website, and in our lives, it's a work in progress. I welcome all comments, criticisms, and contributions..... pictures are more than welcome. Feel free to contact me by e-mail Phil Cohen, Camden NJ |
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Rocco Venella was born in Italy October 26, 1869 to Antonio and Andonetta Vinelli and was brought to America as a very young boy. At some point he began using the surname Venella. Arriving in New York on March 15, 1873, he was sworn in as Citizen in Philadelphia on September 9, 1880. At that time he lived at 737 Bainbridge Street in South Philadelphia. His witness was Ferdinando Bartolucci, who lived across the street at 720 Bainbridge. Rocco Venella would in 1897 marry a girl who lived at 722 Bainbridge Street, Marguerite Lorusso.
His future bride, Marguerite Lorusso came October 15, 1887 from Bologna, Italy on HMS Britannic, a ship that brought many immigrants to America in its 29 years at sea. She was born on February 12, 1881 in Bologna, the daughter of Canio "Thomas" Lorusso and his wife, the former Rose Marie Colangelo. Canio Lorusso had been a tailor in Italy, but found work in a stone quarry upon arriving in America. He apparently passed away prior to World War I.
Rocco Venella was living at 726 Fitzwater Street in South Philadelphia when he married Marguerite on May 24, 1897. The Venella family was living in Camden by 1904, at 1824 Van Buren Street Street, as the family is listed in the City Directory of that year. Rocco and Marguerite Venella were both born in Italy. The couple wed in 1897, and by 1910 six children had been born, five of who were living. The living children were Edmund Anthony, (some of his nephews and nieces called him Uncle Tony), Mary, Harry, William, Mildred (Millie); another son, Daniel, sadly had died prior to the 1910 Census enumeration. As soon Harry, then 7 years old, had been born in Pennsylvania, it would appear that the family first came to Camden shortly before the 1904 Directory was compiled.
Rocco Venella worked as a laborer in these years, he also worked over the years for a plumber, William J. Kelly, whose business was at 675 Ferry Avenue and as a huckster. William Kelly's father Daniel Kelly had operated a saloon at 671-673 Ferry Avenue from the 1890s through the 1910s, he was succeeded over by John Asbert, and in turn by the Knast family, who would remain in business there until the 1950s. On October 28, 1996 Julius "Shill" Venella wrote the following to his nephew Anthony R. Venella: "Pertaining to my Dad's work, he was a Plummer & worked for William J. Kelly Co. The work shop & office was at the corner of Ferry Ave. & Van Buren St. He worked in the basement making lead traps fittings. As for my Mom, she was like a Seamstress work at home sewing coat sleeves on coats & making button holes & sewing linings on jackets. All work was done By Hand . The company will deliver & pick up the work she did, the company's name was 'De Palma Clothing Co.'" As evident from his draft card, pictured below, by September of 1918 oldest son Edmund Anthony had gone to work, as a shipper at the Eavenson & Levering wool scouring plant at South 4th and Jackson Streets.
The family was still on Van Buren in January of 1920. The 1920 Census shows the following, at 1824 Van Buren Street, just south of Ferry Avenue in what was then called the Eighth Ward. Nearby at 1811 Van Buren Street was an early location of Antioch Baptist Church; at 650 Ferry Avenue lived politician Mikey Brown. Constantino Piraine lived at 676 Ferry, he would later own the bar at 1944 Broadway which became American Legion Post 274, his wife Mamie Piraine was politically active in the 1930s. After 1924 Stephen Haday would follow William J. Kelly at 675 Ferry Avenue and operate a grocery there well into the 1960s. Four more children had been born, Daniel, Maria Rosaria "Rose", Julian, and Dominick. Daniel, born on October 17, 1910 as Donato Venella, bore the name of his departed brother, as was the custom of Italian families of that era. The Venellas "Americanized" the given name of Daniel when it was time for him to enter school. They did the same for his brother Julian, who was renamed Julius, and Maria Rosaria was known simply as Rose. When the census was taken Rocco and Marguerite Venella resided on Van Buren Street with eight of their children, Antonio (his correct name was Edmund, but some of his nephews and nieces called him Uncle Tony), Harry, William, Millie, Daniel, Rose, Julian, and Dominick. Daughter Mary had married to James Angelastro. Nearby at 1644 South Sixth Street, at the time of the 1920 Census, lived William and Mary Anderson with their children, twins Katie and Lester. Katie Anderson and Edmund Anthony Venella married, a son, Edmund Anthony Venella Jr., was born on December 6, 1924. Lester Anderson later became a Camden fire fighter. Sadly, on March 7, 1923 Rocco Venella passed away. On January 19, 1997 Julius "Shill" Venella wrote to his nephew, Anthony R. Venella: "Julian was changed by the state of N.J. in the Six Grade to Julius - Three youngest Children received state help from the State $4.00 per month. Also changed Danny's name from Donato". The Venella family was still living at 1824 Van Buren when the census was once again taken, in April of 1930. At that time sons William, Daniel, and Dominic still resided there, as well as daughter Rose, and daughter Mildred and her husband Dominic DeCampli, who had married in September of 1928. William W. "Willie" Venella married & Theodora "Dora DiMattia on October 17, 1931. Over the following years there were many more weddings, births, and sadly deaths. Marguerite's mother Rose Marie Lorusso died in Camden on May 11, 1934 at the age of 77. Marguerite Venella joined her husband Rocco on June 29, 1948. |
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Willie Venella on Broadway, opposite the Midway Theater - 1957 |
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Sister & Brother Millie & Harry Venella - 1925 |
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William W. Venella September
1928 Click on Image to Enlarge |
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William
W. & Dora (Theodora) DiMattia Venella's Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Dominick
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Angelina Tantone, Frank Coratolo, Mary (Tantone) Coratolo and Rosaria (Tedesco) Tantone. Rosaria is the Mother of Angelina and Mary and my Grandmother. Angelina later married Frank DeNinno Anthony R. Venella |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 22, 1933 |
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44 WILL GRADUATE AT MICKLE
SCHOOL Forty-four pupils ·of the Mickle School, Sixth and Van Hook Streets, will graduate from the B-A grade at commencement exercises to be held In the school auditorium at 11 a. m. today. The class is comprised of 23 girls and 21 boys. They will enter Hatch Junior High School in November. Those promoted are as follows: Helen Wasiluk, Ellen Turner, Sophia Bandaruk, Herbert Backskas, Catherine Clements, Andrew Christy, Eleanor Cloud, Americk DiGiacoma, Olga Evfimenko, Frank DiGiacoma, Marie Faiola, Richard DiGiacoma, Mary Flacco, Armond Driscoll, Roslyn Hait, Wallace Durszynski, Stephany Harris, Charles Flacco, Teresa Hisbacker, Russell Hunter, Elsie Hickman, Frank Kozak, Olga Kolody, Gilbert Krown, Elva Krown, Paul Krueger, Blanche Markiewicz, Anthony Mammoci, Catherine Melniczak, Howard Mason, Helen Pasco, Edward Mathews, Dorothy Prader, Alfred Narducci, Helen Pukas, John Patrick, Margaret Raditch, Stephen Pipito, Freda Rosen, Walter Ramick, Mary Russo, Dominick Venella, Carmella Sparano and Michael Volishyn. . |
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Marguerite Venella with
her grandchildren 1939 |
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Camden One of the Venella boys played catcher for the Weldon A.C. baseball team in 1933. |
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Dominick Venella at
the family home 1939 Click on Image to Enlarge |
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"Head of Table" He is the 'Head of the Family' in regard to the house he is in. He is my Uncle William (Willie) Venella, the same one I mentioned about having a photograph of him selling pretzels from a carriage with Horn & Hardart's in the background. In front of the china cabinet is my Uncle William, in his arms is his Daughter (my Cousin) Dolores....the woman leaning over next to Dolores is her Mother, Aunt Dora (DiMattia) Venella. She was born in Italy and there are records of her arrival in the USA. In the foreground is my Aunt Carmella (who just passed away about a week ago) and her Husband, Uncle Julius...he has a unique story behind his name. Leaning in towards the table behind Julius first is Aunt Millie (Venella) DeCampli (his Sister) and next to her is Aunt Rose (Venella) Palimeno. Behind Aunt Carmella leaning forward is Aunt Millie's Husband Dominic DeCampli. The other faces are blurred, but with help I might be able to identify them later." Anthony R. Venella Photograph at the William Venella home at 1142 Whitman Street, Camden NJ. |
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From left to right: Head of the House, Uncle Willie (William Venella) & his Wife Aunt Dora (Uncle Willie is in front of the candles on the birthday cake), clockwise arm & hand in the air.... Eva (DiMattia) Fattore who is my Aunt Dora's Sister, Dominick Dipietroandonio who is between Dora & Eva, below Eva's elbow is Elizabeth (Lizzie) Dipietroandonio (Dominick's Wife), Aunt Rosie (Venella) Palimeno (who is facing camera) to her left is Aunt Millie (Venella) DeCampli, Dominic DeCampli, Frank Repice, and in front on the right corner is Gilda DiMattia. Frank Repice was Gilda's Fiancé. By the way my Aunt Dora immigrated from Italy; she is inscribed on the Wall of Honor at Ellis Island. My Dad's Parents, Rocco & Marguerite (Lorusso) Venella are also inscribed on the Wall Of Honor. A very interesting point I would like to make. Their Home at 1824 Van Buren Street as well as others were being cleared for the construction of 'Route 676' in Camden and when I had their names inscribed they were put on 'Panel 676'. Anthony R. Venella Photograph at the William Venella home at 1142 Whitman Street, Camden NJ. |
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As with the two previous photos of adults at the home of Willie & Dora, this one was taken the same day based on the clothing. And I am guessing the year would have been around 1940. Left to Right Sitting with arm in air Aunt Carmella Venella, standing, Uncle Shill Venella, sitting between Shill and back of another's head is Uncle Dominic DeCampli, standing Gilda DiMattia, Aunt Dora Venella, head of table, Uncle Willie Venella. far right standing, dark hair, just below tall man is Aunt Rosie Palimeno, to her right sitting is Aunt Millie (Venella) DeCampli, boy (only back of head showing) is Cousin Tommy DeCampli, front of table on right is my Mom, Madeline (Tantone) Venella Anthony R. Venella Photograph at the William Venella home - 1142 Whitman Street, Camden NJ |
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William
W. Venella about 1944 Click on Image to Enlarge |
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The
Anderson Twins Katie Anderson married Edmund Venella Sr. Their son, Edmund A. Venella Jr., served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II |
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Standing
L-R: Sgt. Elton E. Cheshier (CG); Sgt. Robert N. Suitts (NG); Kneeling L-R: 2nd Lt Edwin 'Wren" Bowyer (P); FO Clarence E. Stauffer (CP) 2nd Lt Arne P. Hansen (N); 2nd Lt Thomas L. Elder Jr. (B) Not shown: S/Sgt. Charles W. Weatherly (ROMG) |
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Sergeant Edmund A. Venella Jr., the tail-gunner on a B-24 bomber, was seriously wounded during aerial combat during a raid on the Giurgiu Oil Storage facility in Romania. |
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Sgt. Edmund A. Venella Jr. |
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Daniel
R. Venella A young photograph of the 'second' Uncle Danny. I believe he is standing in front of a garage door at Van Buren Street. Anthony R. Venella |
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Daniel
R. Venella The 'second' Uncle Danny. I believe this is either at 1824 Van Buren Street or at my Aunt Millie's house. Anthony R. Venella |
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Just Married! Dominick
& Madeline Venella Click on Image to Enlarge Mom & Dad's (Madeline Venella (nee Tantone) and Dominick Venella. Left to Right: At far left with print dress and hat is Grandmom Marguerite (Lorusso) Venella, Dad's Mom. Behind Mom is Aunt Rose (Venella) Palimeno, Dad's Sister. Behind Dad is Uncle Daniel R. Venella, Dad's brother, behind and to the right of Uncle Danny is Mom's Mother, Rosaria (Tedesco) Tantone, next to her is my Mom's sister Anne Del Rossi and I believe the girl on the far right edge is my Mom's Niece, Jean Speno, who today is Jean Verrecchio. Anthony R. Venella, September 2006 |
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Dominick Farnham
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Rosaria Rosaria and Michele Tantone are the parents of Madeline Venella. The Tantones and Venellas are related through this marriage. Click Here for photos of the party held in honor of Rosaria and Michele's 50th wedding anniversary in 1953. |
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Anna Tantonio Camden
Courier-Post
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Nancy
Tantone This is my Aunt Nancy (Annunzia), my Mom's sister (February 27, 1912 - May 9, 1973}. Later in years she married Vincent N. Martinelli (Uncle Jim). Aunt Nancy is the Godmother of my Cousin Nick Pontelandolfo and of Elaine DelRossi, and she was in Nick's parent's wedding, Antoinette (Nettie) and Frank Pontelandolfo, which are all on my Dad's (Venella) side and makes the Families connect nicely. I have a photograph of Aunt Nancy & Uncle Jim apparently on their Honeymoon my Niagara Falls, and I have a photo of Aunt Nancy in that Wedding. I brought my Mom a beautiful dress from Hong Kong while I was in Vietnam. Mom let Aunt Nancy borrow it at their Sister's retirement dinner (all of them photographed together, and Mom gave Aunt Nancy the dress at her rest. She passed so very young. Anthony
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My Grandmother Rosaria Tantone lived on 4th Street in Camden for quite awhile with her daughter Nancy Martinelli. I know there was a store on the corner, so this might be at that address. Anyhow I thought you might be interested in the location and sign. I don't remember this Church, but only some type of store; apparently it changed hands at times. (The store was Salvatore's Cafe- PMC) Of course there are the traditional brick sidewalks. I particularly liked this photograph with my Cousin Frankie laughing. My Brother and I are here along with my Cousin Frankie's Sister Lorraine DeNinno. Anthony R. Venella |
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Left: Frank DeNinno, Ronald Venella, Lorraine DeNinno & Anthony R. Venella in front of 1134 South 3rd Street, about 1947 |
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Willie Venella on Broadway, opposite the Midway Theater - 1957 |
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Back Row: Anthony R. Venella, Jeanne Speno, Michael Speno, Jean Speno Verrechio, Frank "Sonny" Del Rossi, Rosaria Tedesco Tantone, Dominick A. Verrechio, Elaine Del Rossi Front Row: Ronald D. Venella, Frank DeNinno, Joyce Verrechio, Michael DeNinno, Barbara Verrechio, Lorraine DeNinno Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Back Row: Grandmom DeNinno; daughters Nancy Tantone Martinelli, Angelina "Chickie" Tantone DeNinno, Rose Tantone, Anna Tantone; Rosaria Tantone; daughter Madeline Tantone Venella; daughter-in-law Rose "Nellie" Tantone; niece Jeanne Speno Front Row: Mary Tantone Coratolo, Elaine Del Rossi, Lorraine DeNinno Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Back Row: Madeline Tantone, Michele Tantone, Angelina "Chickie" Tantone DeNinno, Rosaria Tantone, Anna Tantone, Anthony Tantonio Front Row: Nancy Tantone, Mary Tantone Coratolo, Rose Tantone Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Jean
Speno Verrechio & Dominick A. Verrechio Click on Image to Enlarge |
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From Left: Michele Tantone, Rosaria Tantone, unknown, unknown Click on Image to Enlarge
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Dominick
& Madeline Tantone Venella Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Dominick
& Madeline Tantone Venella From Left: Anthony, David, Madeline, Dominick, Ronald Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Nancy
Tantone Martinelli, Elaine Del Rossi Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Rose Burgo Tantonio & Anthony "Tony" Tantonio Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Rose
Burgo Tantonio & Anthony Tantonio Click on Image to Enlarge
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Michael
Tantonio & Gloria Stanmire Tantonio Click on Image to Enlarge |
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Rosaria Tantone & Michele Tantone Click on Image to Enlarge |
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| Remembering
Madeline Tantone Venella June 18, 1921 - February 18, 2004 |
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Forever Remembering
with Love- |
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| 1968 In her garden in Fairivew Village Home |
On the patio in Clementon |
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December 9, 2000 Click on Images to Enlarge |
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Grandmother's Chair |
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My Paternal Grandmother was Marguerite Lorusso Venella. This wooden chair was hers and she could often be seen sitting in it. From what I have heard I believe the original color was more of a cream tone rather than this bright yellow which my paternal cousin Margaret Angelastro painted. When my Grandmother passed one of the items was passed on was this chair. My Grandmother’s 2nd eldest daughter Millie asked her sister Mary who was the eldest daughter if she wanted the chair and she accepted. When Aunt Mary passed Cousin Margaret inherited the chair and Cousin Margaret will pass it down to me.
Thanks Phil for allowing me to Share with you………. Your Friend, Anthony
Venella |
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Thanks to Anthony R. Venella for his help in creating this web page |
