Calogero Catania (1900 - 1991)

Born 16 Oct 1900 in Palermo, Palermo, Sicilia, Italia

Ancestors

Died 22 Sep 1991 at age 90 in The Bronx, New York City, New York, United States

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Biography

James Catania is born Calogero Catania on 16 October 1900 in Palermo. He is the son of Antonino Catania and Francesca La Scala.^[1].

Notes on this name: "Calogero" is his paternal grandfather's name, traditional for the first born son. The name has no analogue in English. Calogero and his younger brother, Giuseppe, both born in Palermo, appear on the 1903 manifest, immigrating with their mother. In New York, Calogero usually appears as "James" in records. In his marriage record, he is called "Vincenzo." Sicilian men named Vincenzo were often known as "James" in New York around this time. "Chenzo" is the common nickname for "Vincenzo," a name that sounds a lot like James. "Calogero" is difficult for English speakers to pronounce.

On the Trojan Prince, sailing from Palermo and arriving 1 May 1903 in New York, Francesca La Scala, 23 (b. 1880), married, travels with her children Calogero Catania, 2 (b. 1901), and Giuseppe Catania, six months (b. 1902). They appear in lines 1-3 of the manifest. They were born in Palermo and are going to 351 E. 104th St., New York. They are discharged at the pier to her husband, Antonino Catania.^[2]

In the 1905 New York state census, taken 1 June, Antonio Catena (Catania), 32 (b. 1873), heads a household at 402 E. 106th St. with his wife Frances, 24 (b. 1881), children Calogero (“Gallogeo”), 4 (b. 1901), Giuseppe, 3 (b. 1902), and Andrew, nine months (b. Oct 1904), parents Calogero, 62 (b. 1843), and Anna, 50 (b. 1855), and sisters Antonette, 17 (b. 1888), and Josephine, 16 (b. 1890). Antonio, his wife, oldest son, parents, and sisters were born in Italy and the two younger children were born in the US. Antonio is employed as a baker. Josephine is a dressmaker.^[3]

In the 1910 federal census of New York City, taken 19 April, Anthony Catania, 38 (b. 1872), his wife Francesca, 28 (b. 1882), both born in Italy, head a household at 236 107th St that includes their children, parents, and extended family. Anthony and Francesca have been married 14 years and they have 4 children, all living. The two older children, Calogero, 9 (b. 1901), and Joseph, 8 (b. 1902), were born in Italy. Their two younger children, Andrew, 5 (b. 1905), and Isidor, 2 (b. 1908), were born in NY. Also in the household are Anthony’s parents, Calogero Catania, 64 (b. 1846), and his wife Anna, 54 (b. 1856), who have been married 39 years (m. 1871) and have seven children, six living. Francesca’s widowed mother, Rosalia la Scala, 64, who has had 4 children, two living. Anthony’s widowed sister in law, Teresa Lima, 31, who has had 3 children, all living and her children Rosalia, 12, Rosaria, 10, and Victor, 9, all born in Italy, complete the household. Anthony immigrated in 1902, his wife and older children in 1903, his parents in 1904, his MIL and nieces in 1905, and his SIL and nephew in 1909 (Victor may have come in 1904). Anthony and his father, Calogero, are bakers. Teresa is a skirtmaker.^[4]

In the 1915 New York state census, Antonio Catania, 42 (b. 1873), heads a household at 339 East 106th St. with his wife Francesca, 34 (b. 1881), and children James, 15 (b. 1900), Joseph, 12 (b. 1903), Henry, 9 (b. 1906), Isodore, 7 (b. 1908), Ciro, 5 (b. 1910), and Anna, 1 (b. 1914); his mother Anna, 54 (b. 1861); and his mother-in-law , Rosalia La Scala, 58 (b. 1857). Antonio, Francesca, James, Joseph, and the two older women were born in Italy. The younger children were born in the US. Antonio has been in the US for 14 years (since 1901). His wife and sons for 12 (since 1903), and his mother and mother-in-law for ten (since 1905). Antonio is a baker working on his own account.^[5]

James Catania registers for the draft for WWI on 12 September 1918. He lives at 2389 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY. He is 18, born 19 August 1900. He is an Italian citizen. He works as a chauffeur for Reliable Bronx Italian Bakers at 2387 Arthur Ave., Bronx, NY. His nearest relative is Frances Catania at the same home address. He is short and of medium build with brown hair and eyes.^[6] His brother, Joseph's registration indicates he is employed as a baker by Tony Catania at the same home address. Their father, who registers the same day, says he is a baker employed by Italy & French Corp. on Hoffman Street in the Bronx.

In the 1920 federal census of the Bronx, Antonio Catania, 46 (b. 1874), heads a household at 2251 Hughes Av, with his wife, Francis, 39. Their sons James, 19 (b. 1901), and Joseph, 18, were born in Italy, and their younger children were born in NY: Andrew, 15 (b. 1905), Isidore, 12 (b. 1908), Ciro, 9 (b. 1911), Anna, 6 (b. 1914), Rose, 3 (b. 1917), and Antonette, 1 (b. 1919). Also in their household is Antonio’s mother, Anna, 64 (b. 1856), and Francis’ mother, Rose Lascal(a), 72 (b. 1848), both born in Italy. Antonio cames to the US in 1900, his wife and older son in 1902, and his younger son in 1903. His mother and mother in law came in 1904. Next door is probably his brother in law, Rosario Lascala, who also immigrated in 1904. Rosario lives with his wife and children.

Antonio is the proprietor of a bakery where his two older sons also work. Andrew is a printer in a print shop.^[7]

Vincenzo Catania, age 21 (b. 1899 in Italy), son of Antonio Catania and Francesca La Scala, marries Rose Chodos, age 19 (b. 1901 in NYC), daughter of Samuel Chodos and Annetta Galey, on 18 June 1920 in Manhattan.^[8]

James and his brother, Joseph, become followers of their paternal uncle by marriage, Ciro "The Artichoke King" Terranova, who leads one of the earliest Mafia families of New York with his brothers. The Catania brothers run a bakery and a bail-bond office in the Bronx with Daniel Iamascia.^[9]

In 1924 and 1925, James is found guilty of robbery. He serves prison time in the mid-20s.^[9]

James Catania appears in the receiving blotter at Sing Sing Prison. Number 77127. Sentenced 2 July 1925. Received 14 July 1925. Grade A. Received from Bronx County. Sentenced to 2-10, Jail Time 36. Crime Robbery 2nd. Term out on 17 December 1926. Born in Italy. Emigrated to NY in 1900. Citizen. Age 26. Book-keeper. Married. Can read and write. Catholic. Temperate user of tobacco. Employed. Parents living. Has 2 children. Residence when arrested 2403 Hoffman St., Bronx. Name of relative; Rose Catania, wife, same address.^[10] The Arthur Avenue and Hoffman Street addresses are around the corner from one another.

James' brother, Joseph, is a lieutenant in the Mafia family of Joe "The Boss" Masseria when he is killed, at age 28, in February 1931. Terranova pays for Joseph's lavish funeral.

In 1934, James is arrested for extortion with Ignazio Lupo, a brother-in-law of Ciro Terranova's, and is acquitted.^[9]

In the 1940 federal census of the Bronx, on Bassford Ave, the following families appear in sequence:

• James Catania, 39 (b. 1901), with wife Rose, 35 (b. 1905), daughter Frances, 19 (b. 1921), and son Anthony, 15 (b. 1925)

• Anthony Catania, 67 (b. 1873), with wife Frances, 57 (b. 1883), daughter Antoinette Aguilino, 21 (b. 1919), SIL Victor Aguilino, 29 (b. 1911), son Ciro, 29 (b. 1911), and DIL Rose, 27 (b. 1913).

James (born Calogero) is a baking organizer for a retail baker; the elder Anthony and his widowed daughter, Antoinette, are retail bakers. James’ daughter, Frances, is a typist for the post office. Victor is an office clerk. Ciro owns a candy and stationery shop.^[11]

James C. Catania registers for the draft for WWII on 14 February 1942. He lives at 2248 Bassford Ave., Bronx, NY. He is 41, born 19 October 1900 in Palermo, Italy. His contact person is Anthony Catania at 2316 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY. James is self-employed at his home address. He is 5’8” and 148# with brown eyes and hair, and a dark complexion. He has a scar on his neck under the chin.^[12]

He enters the US Army on 25 November 1942 and is honorably discharged 25 March 1943 to work in an essential industry.

James Calogero Catania petitions for naturalization in the US District Court of the Southern District at New York, NY. He lives at 4575 Park Av, Bronx, NY. He was born 19 October 1900 in Palermo. He is 42 years old. White, medium complexion, brown eyes and hair, 5’7”, 150#, scar under chin. His wife’s name is Rose. He has 2 children. He emigrated from Palermo through New York under name Calogero Catania on 1 May 1903 on the Trojan Prince. He entered the US Army on 25 November 1942 and was honorably discharged 25 March 1943. Witnesses are Anna Martorana, housewife living at 690 E. 182 St Bronx and Antonette Aquilino, living at 2330 Crotona Av, Bronx. Signed 2 July 1943. Petition granted 6 March 1944.

A letter accompanying Calogero “James” Catania’s petition (on the previous page) testifies to his military service dates. He was discharged at Camp Tyson, TN, a Technician 4th Grade, 101st Coast Artillery Barrage Balloon Battery. He was discharged to accept employment in an essential industry. His character is excellent.^[13]

James C. Catania, 47 (b. 1901), male, married, address 2375 Marion Ave., Bronx, NY, embarks in Genoa 4 August 1948 and travels first class on the M/V Sobieski, arriving in New York on 17 August.^[14]

James C. Catania, born 23 October 1900, lives at 2185 Hone Ave., Bronx, in 1974.^[15]

James C. Catania, age 91, born 19 October 1900, dies in the Bronx on 22 September 1991. His last residence is Bronx 10461.^[16]

Sources

1. ↑ Vol. 414 No. 3790. Ancestry.com. Palermo, Italy, Births, 1896-1905 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.
2. ↑ https://www.jewishgen.org/databases/EIDB/engine/gold.html?username=003007014022000013021024015017016028037023002015012031090006031002&password=034007006027017009028010089093&pid=102639070423&type=manifest Accessed 20 January 2018.
3. ↑ New York State Archives; Albany, New York; State Population Census Schedules, 1905; Election District: A.D. 32 E.D. 03; City: Manhattan; County: New York; Page: 2 Ancestry.com. New York, U.S., State Census, 1905 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
4. ↑ "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M5ZC-7J2 : accessed 21 January 2018), Calogero Catania in household of Anthony Catania, Manhattan Ward 12, New York, New York, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 341, sheet 10A, family 203, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1015; FHL microfilm 1,375,028.
5. ↑ New York State Archives; Albany, New York; State Population Census Schedules, 1915; Election District: 02; Assembly District: 28; City: New York; County: New York; Page: 141 District: A·D· 28 E·D· 02 Ancestry.com. New York, U.S., State Census, 1915 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
6. ↑ Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
7. ↑ "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MJPD-1F3 : accessed 21 January 2018), Joseph Catania in household of Antonio Catania, Bronx Assembly District 7, Bronx, New York, United States; citing ED 393, sheet 4B, line 71, family 68, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 1141; FHL microfilm 1,821,141.
8. ↑ "New York, New York City Marriage Records, 1829-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2475-KH8 : 20 March 2015), Francesca La Scala in entry for Vincenzo Catania and Rose Chodos, 18 Jun 1920; citing Marriage, Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, New York City Municipal Archives, New York; FHL microfilm 1,643,838.
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1 9.2} Feather, Bill. Genovese Family bios. of early members. http://mafiamembershipcharts.blogspot.com/2016/01/genovese-family-bios-of-early-members.html Accessed 10 February 2018.
10. ↑ Ancestry.com. New York, U.S., Sing Sing Prison Admission Registers, 1865-1939 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
11. ↑ "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KQMD-MTD : accessed 21 January 2018), Ciro Catania in household of Anthony Catania, Assembly District 7, Bronx, New York City, Bronx, New York, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 3-1116, sheet 3B, line 54, family 60, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 2488.
12. ↑ Ancestry.com. U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
13. ↑ "New York, Southern District, U.S District Court Naturalization Records, 1824-1946," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9H8-WQ9N?cc=2060123&wc=M5PQ-K6F%3A351568501 : 14 August 2019), Petitions for naturalization and petition evidence 1943 box 838, no 457276-457450 > image 394 of 775; citing NARA microfilm publication M1972, Southern District of New York Petitions for Naturalization, 1897-1944. Records of District Courts of the United States, 1685 - 2009, RG 21. National Archives at New York.
14. ↑ "New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L94V-7HVY?cc=1923888&wc=MFK4-D3D%3A1030125101 : 2 October 2015), 7642 - vol 16316-16318, Aug 17, 1948 > image 176 of 1505; citing NARA microfilm publication T715 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
15. ↑ Ancestry.com. U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.
16. ↑ "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JP4B-865 : 7 January 2021), James C Catania, 22 Sep 1991; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).