Gennaro Ragozzino . . . .
Emilia Pappalardo . . . . .
Concetta (Tina) . . . . . . . . .
Carmela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Giovanni (John) . . . . . . . . .
Matilde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maria (Mary) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constantino (Tino) . . . . . . .
Assunta (Susan). . . . . . . . .
Aida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Eleanor (Helen) . . . . . . . . .
Armondo (Ray) . . . . . . . . . .
Amos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

* No 1903 travel records have been found.
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The 2 oldest children's birthdates are estimates. It is known that Giovanni's birthdate is 1895 and that Concetta was six years older.

The younger children's birthdates are based on their ages listed on the manifests and census form. Constantino's official birthdate is June 4, 1903. However, the September 1904 manifest lists his age as 11 months, placing his birthdate in October 1903. Giovanni's daughter Emily says in her interview that Gennaro and Emilia had 13 children, 9 girls and 4 boys. Unknown who the 9th girl may have been.
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1904 and 1921 Ellis Island manifests
the Ellis Island experience | New York and Ellis Island photos

The earliest manifest found was in 1904. It lists Gennaro, Emilia (as Pappalardo), and the 4 youngest children. Gennaro's listing says that he had entered the U.S. previously (no date is given) and they were joining "daughter Concetta and family" in New York. Emilia's and the children's listings say that they had not entered the U.S. previously. Her listing is separate because at Ellis Island men and women were separated.

The Italians called Ellis Island "L'isola delle Lacrime" (Island of Tears). The manifest lists Gennaro's occupation as goldsmith. This is crossed out and changed to diamond setter. Unknown why he made this change.
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The 1920 census lists Gennaro's and Emilia's first U.S entry as 1903. Actually, Emilia did not enter until September 1904. Gennaro's first entry can be verified using Constantino's age on the manifest (11 months). His emigration must have been after December 1902. No record has been found of a 1903 emigration but clearly Gennaro moved Concetta, Carmela, and Giovanni first, then the rest of the family in 1904. This could have been for financial reasons or because Emilia was pregnant with Constantino in 1903.

One explanation for the lack of an earlier manifest is that only passengers in steerage were required to pass through Ellis Island. First and second class passengers were interviewed on the ship. Gennaro and the children may not have gone to Ellis Island in 1903. The 1921 manifest was a family trip, as all are listed as U.S. citizens.

Gennaro traveled with Constantino, Assunta, Armondo, and Amos. No other travel records have been found. Giovanni's daughter Emily remembers that the family took several trips to Italy but rarely all together. It is likely that Emilia stayed in New York with Aida and Eleanor. There is no image of the manifest available.
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The 1920 U.S. Census was taken in January. The Ragozzinos lived at 2006 Lexington Avenue at E. 122nd St. in Harlem, three blocks from Mount Morris Park. The form lists their six youngest children. No census information has been found for the older children, the youngest of whom was Maria, 19.

Gennaro, Emilia, and Constantino list 1903 as their year of emigration and they are naturalized citizens. The rest of the children were born in the U.S. Gennaro's occupation is listed as grocer, Emilia's as grocery clerk.
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Matilde, Teresa, Luigi Pappalardo
1914 Ellis Island manifest
Pappalardo family information

Matilde Ragozzino Pappalardo was Gennaro's sister. She married Emilia's brother, Leopoldo Pappalardo. The manifest shows her emigration to join Leopoldo in New York with their daughter Teresa and son Luigi. She lists her daughter Emilia as her closest relative living in Italy. Matilde's listing is stamped "in hospital" and "discharged," meaning she was placed in the Ellis Island hospital. No manifest has been found for Leopoldo.
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Emilia, Concetta, Giuseppe, Salvatore Pappalardo
1920 Ellis Island manifest

This manifest shows the emigration of Matilde and Leopoldo Pappalardo's children, ages 9 to 17, travelling alone. They list their aunt Giuseppa Ragozzino – Gennaro's sister – as closest relative living in Italy.
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Emma, Gaetano Monetti
1922 Ellis Island manifest

Emma Monetti was Giovanni's second wife. This manifest shows her emigration, traveling with her father Gaetano. She is listed as Giovanni's fiance and Gaetano's wife Assunta is the closest relative living in Italy. Both say they intend to stay permanently in the U.S. and become citizens. Giovanni's daughters Emily and Eleanor remember Assunta and Gaetano living nearby (audio, part 2). No manifest has been found for Assunta.

The Ragozzino and Monetti families blended twice. Gennaro's father Giovanni married Concetta Monetti. Gennaro's son Giovanni married Emma Monetti. Concetta was likely Emma's great aunt.
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Page created by Matt Ragozzino (Gennaro>Giovanni>Ed>Matt).
mattragozzino >at> yahoo.com