The Galanti Famiglia

So much to share, but this is a limited view given time constraints.  We will share more when we're all together this summer - but wanted to give you just a taste of what we have learned so far with photos.  We have many documents that we procured from visits to churches and city hall in Gimigliano, Olibra, Venarotta, and Ascoli Piceno.  For now, just some fun photos.

Guiseppe Galanti, my grandfather, born in Gimigliano, Italy, 1895.  He was the youngest of five children born to Domenico Galanti (b. 1842) and Carmina (aka Anna) Morganti (b. 1855).  His siblings were Rita (b. 1882), Emideo (b. 1885), Maria (b. 1887), Luigi (b. 1890 and died in WWI).  My grandfather emigrated to the United States in 1912.  There he married Anna Ezzi and raised a family.  Will share more in a book we're going to prepare.

Luigi Galanti, my grandfather's brother (referenced above), served in the Italian army during WWI, where he gave his life.  There is a memorial dedicated to him and about 30 other WWI veterans in Venarotta.  A picture of the memorial was placed on an earlier posting.  Mark took the photo below of what is an actual painting of Luigi, which was found in the home of Domenic Galanti, nephew of my grandfather, Giuseppe Galanti.  

The below photograph was taken at the wedding of Domenic Galanti (Giuseppe's nephew) to his lovely bride Cristina.  Domenic is now 92, and Cristina 88.  We had the privilege of meeting these two during our visit. They are happy, healthy, and clearly share a bond that only 60 years of marriage knows.  The gentleman on the left of the photo is Emedio, Giuseppe Galanti's brother (referenced above), and his wife, Antonia Tranquilla.  Interestingly, Edmedio was married twice.  His first wife passed away.  Emedio had four children: Domenico, Emedio, Angela and Olivio.  These children would be Giuseppe's nephews and nieces.  Of Emedio's children, only nephew Dominic (pictured below) is alive. 

 

I love this photo of Domenic an Christina.  The tree that it is taken in front of in Gimigliano on the family farm is still alive today (60 years later) - Mark and I were lucky enough to sit under it. 

Domenic and Cristina had two sons, Emedio (left) and Roberto (right), both of who are still alive and Emedio lives in Gimigliano and Roberto in Ascoli Pecino.  What is so special about this photo is that when my Uncle Joseph Galanti visited Gimigliano in the 1970s, he returned to Philadelphia and had these suits made for Emedio and Roberto.  The family loved the suits and they still have the photo of the boys in the suits proudly displayed in their home.

This photo was taken approximately five years ago: Clockwise from Top Left: Emedio Galanti; Emedio's wife (sorry, i don't have her name and she is lovely!); Alessandro, Emedio's son, who is now in veterinary college; Domenico Galanti; Martina, Emedio's daughter, who is now 16 and speaks excellent English, wants to become a doctor and help people in Africa; and Cristina, Domenic's wife of 60 years now.  The photo was from their 55th wedding anniversary.  This is a beautiful family, so happy and warm - they care about one another and live an incredibly simple yet gifted lifestyle. 

Our meeting this week, with Domenic and Cristina showing us 

photos of the Philadelphia Galanti family.  Such a treat!

Because Alessandro is studying to become a vet, they have goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, and of course chickens!  He tends to them in morning and at night, and is in school and studies from about 8 AM to 8 PM.  Martina goes to high school, which in Italy is six days a week, and includes two hours of English a week.  They love Pope Francis and their family, how great is that?!