Bonitatibus




Head Stone of Pietro and Carmela Bonitatibus



 While researching the Pettorano sul Gizio to Stubenville, Ohio connection I often ran across the surname Bonitatibus.  Two obits have already been added to the blog.  So I am attaching some photos from Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Headstone photos included are Ascenzo Bonitatibus, Carmela Bonitatibus, Pietro Bonitatibus, Ida Bonitatibus, Margaret Cipriani Bonitatibus, Nick P. Bonitatibus and Helen Bonitatibus.  Also, I found a note in the newspaper from November 21, 1918 that the infant child of Pietro Bonitatibus died at 633 South Sixth Street, Steubenville, Ohio.   I hope you enjoy.





Leah J. Cicone Caputo

Leah J. Caputo, 82, of New Concord, Ohio formerly of Steubenville, died Thursday January 11, 2007 in Good Samaritan Hospital, Zanesville, Ohio.  She was born November 23, 1924 in Pettorano sul Gizio, Italy.  She is the daughter of the late Anthony and Almerinda DiFonzo Cicone.  She is also preceded by her husband, Anthony L. Caputo, one sister Josephine Collier.  Surviving are her two daughters, Karen Lewis (David) of Zanesville and Natalie Smith of Moundsville, West Virginia; two brothers Alfred Cicone (Nancy) of Steubenville and Benjamin Cicone (Philomena) of Mingo Junction, three grand children, Ashley Smith, Christopher Smith and Craig Lewis.  Leah was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, it's CWC and St. Francis Society.  Calling hours are Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville.  A funeral liturgy with mass will be celebrated 12 noon Monday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Father Richard Tuttle.  Entombment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  There will be a vigil service Sunday at 3:45 pm.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinsons Foundation, Parkinson Plaza, 125 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.

Book on Pettorano War History

My friend Chris Cutler recently emailed me to let me know about a book written by former Pettorano sul Gizio resident Sebastian A. Santucci.  While looking for the book, I found this description:  During the second war, the town of Pettorano sul Gizio was very close to the action because of its proximity to the Gustav Line, a defensive position established by the Germans to slow down the advancing Allied forces. Pettorano’s geographic coordinates and its major transportation corridors, motivated the Germans army to set up a post in this locale. As the results of location and the German army presence, the town is rich in war history, including the evacuation of 4,000 souls when a major offensive was imminent. Some of the evacuees scattered into neighbouring outskirts, but most of them fl ed into the mountains near the village, seeking refuge. I have also added another story, which I share with at least 3,000 citizen of Pettorano sacrifices endured by their ancestors.

I am in the process of purchasing the book to add to my collection of history from this part of Italy.  I will add some comments as I finish my reading.  A special thanks to Chris for sending me the note.  Also a special thanks to Mr. Santucci.  I would love to visit with him one day.  Enjoy your reading - Ciao!