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SIAMO UNA FAMIGLIA!
WE ARE FAMILY!
As a first time author, Anne Van Dale, at 88 years of age, writes her first book. With a persistent sense of curiosity, love of family, and a "No obstacle is too difficult for me to dance over" attitude, she uncovers the mysteries of her Sicilian ancestors.
Excitement fills the air as she brings us along on her journey of research and discovery. In her book, she connects with her family's past, as well as relatives currently living in Sicily.
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Anne's World
ANNE'S WORLD
Anne wrote this book: 1) for her family; 2) for anyone interested in tracing their family genealogy; 3) for everyone else because it's just a very good story on how it all came together after 150 years.
This interesting book is filled with cherished family traditions, and even a recipe for cannoli. Anne reminds us to ask questions of our relatives, and warns, "Do It Now! Don't wait until it is too late!" Her goal is to share her story and inspire others, (especially children and grandchildren!) to do the same. The book has suggestions on how to get started.
My Story
My Story
My story started many years ago. In 1867, a baby was abandoned in Corleone, Sicily, Italy. He was brought to the church, baptized and given the name of:
Theodore Rampollo
I have found out that this baby was my paternal grandfather. He married in 1890. They had a baby girl who died at 15 months. His wife died also.
Three years later, in 1895, he remarried a lady whose husband had died. She had a little girl.
This was my grandmother. They had three sons, Pietro (Peter, my father), Vincenzo (Vincent), and Giuseppe (Joseph).
My story is about my grandfather, Theodore Rampollo, who came to America, migrated to Detroit, Michigan, stayed for 10 years, and then returned to Sicily; my father, Pietro, and Uncle Vincenzo who came and never went back; and
my Uncle Giuseppe who never left Sicily.
I was looking for Uncle Giuseppe's family.
I recently returned from a trip to Sicily where my two daughters, Sharon and Darlene, and I stayed with our newly found cousins!!
My Cousins
SIAMO CUGINI!
WE ARE COUSINS!
2018 Trip to Palermo, Sicily
Anne commented, "One of my cousins, Pietro Rampollo and his wife, Carmela Filippi, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Palermo. Family and traditions are important to Sicilians. It was exciting to meet the many members of the Rampollo family while my daughters and I were in Palermo.
Many cousins helped by giving me information that was valuable for my book. We had fun as they don't speak English and we don't speak Italian! Hugs and kisses are universal and many were shared by all of us."
Thank you for visiting my website.
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