Domenico Rosario POMPONIO

DOMENICO ROSARIO POMPONIO October 7, 1878 – July 29, 1949 Draft 7, October 10,2007 Domenico Rosario Pomponio was born on October 7, 1878 at a few minutespast 8:00 p.m. in Liscia, Italy. He was born at the family residence - Largo Dell’Appello, n. 29. His father, whose name was Angelo Pomponio (born ca 1837), was not present at the time of the birth. His mother’s name was Maria Guiseppa D’Aloisio, grandfather’s name was Domenico Carmine Pomponio (ca 1799) and his grandmother’s name was Carol. Maria’s father’s name was Giorgio D’Aloisio and bothof his grandfathers were deceased when he was born. His birth was attended by amidwife from Liscia named Donata Montanelli, age 69 years. (Translation of birth certificate recorded at Lanciano, Italy) The lower foundation is the remains of the home that existed when Domenico Rosario was born. His parentsdied when he was about 15 yrs. Old (ca 1894). Domenico’s father had been injured by the Italian police. He had been hit in the head by their rifle butts. Itseems that some brigands may have been crossing the Pomponio family property with stolen goods. Domenico’s father, Angelo, tried to explain to the police thathe was not involved. An argument might have followed, and Angelo was injured.He died a short time later. It is not clear what happened to Angelo’s wife, Maria DeLouise Pomponio but Domenico went to live with his grandfather. He thentraveled throughout Europe possibly as a troubadour, singing Italian songs.(as per Aunt Eva and a phone conversation with Aunt Faith 3/23/06). John Hampton’svisit to Italy in October 2006 indicated that Domenico Rosario Pomponio was called Rosario when he lived in Italy and Anna D’Attavio thought that his parents were alive when he left and died a short time later. The oral family history presents a very different account. One version indicates that a group of brigandscrossed over the family land. The police came and accused Domenico’s father andgrandfather of being part of the group. In the fight that ensued, his father may have been seriously injured or killed. It seems the incident may have left alasting impression on Domenico as he fiercely believed in democracy. At some time Domenico went to live with a relative in Capestrano, Italy. He then traveled throughout Europe and visited the United States (phone conversation w/Faith Pomponio 8/27/2006). Domenico Pomponio’s first visit to the United States lasted from 1898-1900.He wanted to come to America because of the freedoms that existed here. He returned to Europe, possibly Italy because when he emigrated from Europe he left from Bremen, Germany on the SS Aller and arrived at Ellis Island on August 17, 1901. His last residence was listed on the ship’s manifest as Capestrano, Italy. His occupation was listed as “farmer”, he could not read or write English and had $11.00 in his possession. The manifest indicates that his final destination is to a cousin whose listing looks like “Aut. Paslillo” (the writing is difficult to read). This person may have been his mother’s best friend (phone conversation w/Marian Pomponio Allred). The ship’s manifest also indicatesthat he was never in prison, not a polygamist or anarchist and he was not compelled or impelled to work. His mental and physical health was good and he was not crippled or deformed. (Ellis Island manifest – SS Aller) Uncle Ken Hamptonrelated a story that Dominic met a Dr M (possibly Dr. Mangano) on the ship coming over from Italy, who had an influence on him and may have been responsible for the family’s the family’s involvement with the First Italian Baptist Church on140 Devoe Street, Brooklyn, NY. (A program from the 40th Anniversary Service held on November 19, 1944 lists a Dr. Mangano. The program also lists: Teresa Addeo – Decorations; Charles Pomponio and John Sarno – program; Mrs. John Sarno –Refreshments; Ermindo Pomponio – Usher; Frank Mule – Visitation.) (Teresa Addeois Marian Addeo Pomponio’s younger sister, Wheezy; the Sarnos were friends of the family and moved to Ronkonkoma.)<br>..........................................................

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