Spallone Family History

Avezzano, Abruzzo, Italy

Photo by Marco J. Spallone

Lino Spallone

Fallen victim to the dreadful Earthquake that hit on the morning of January 13, 1915
the loving Avezzano - Lino Spallone, 68 years old from Popoli

Lucia Ciacia

Lucia was born in the Abruzzi Region of Italy

(my great grandmother)

Photo Taken: 1939

132 East Hartwell Avenue, Chestnut Hill, PA

Biagio & Lucia (Figoriello) Ciacia were married in the Abruzzo region of Italy and came to America with one son. The son, whose name is unknown at this time, did not like his surname Ciacia. After arriving in America he changed his name to Chesco. Later, when Biagio & Lucia's other children where born, Anna, Rosalie, Anthony, and Salvatore they took the name Chesco. Their older son moved to California and it is believed that he died there in a horse-back riding accident.

Joseph Spallone left his town Avezzano, Abruzzi, Italy in 1910. Mario came later in 1915 or 1916 after the tragic earthquake that struck Avezzano on January 13, 1915. Joseph and Mario lost their father, Lino, and brother, Angelo, in the earthquake. They left behind three brothers, Dominico, Matteo, and Clelio and four sisters Bice, Maria, Nina, and Ida.

Bice and Maria Spallone were teachers at an elementary school in Avezzano and played an important role there in education. In fact, the school is now called the "Bice and Maria Spallone School" with a plaque on the front of the school commemorating their years as teachers there. Joseph and Mario arrived in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, where Joseph married Anna Chesco and Mario married Rosalie Chesco. Mario and Rosalie never had children.

Joseph & Anna Spallone

Our Mother of Consolation Church

Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

Photo Taken: June 19, 1943

An early home of Joseph Spallone and Family

His children, Ada, Marion, Lucy, & Leonard were born in this house.

7634 Ardleigh Street, Chestnut Hill

Photo Taken: August 1990

The home of Joseph Spallone and Family

55 E. Mermaid Lane, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

Photo Taken: December 29, 1999

Joseph Spallone working in Farnsworth's Lab

was the only carpenter I ever knew who went to work wearing a gold pocket watch and a tie!

Pem Farnsworth describes Spallone in her book Distant Vision ... "an old world Italian, Joe could fashion almost anything from anything. His carpentry was flawless, and his molds and metal castings were a delight to Phil."