Several branches of the Genetti Family made their home in Pennsylvania.
The descendants of Leone Genetti (1826-1909) and Cattarina Genetti (1853-1893) were the most extensive branch of the Pennsylvania Genetti family. Sharing the same surname, the couple were distant cousins from two different lines of the family tree. Cattarina was the first cousin of Angelo Genetti (1859-1946), father of the four brothers who settled in Wyoming. Seven of the couple’s fourteen children reached adulthood. All immigrated to America with the exception of their eldest son, Sisinio Alessandro (1854-1908) who died in Castelfondo from tuberculosis.
The first son to arrive in Pennsylvania was Cosma Damiano (1857-1944) in 1877. As I have been told, he worked as a safety engineer in the coal mines, saved his money and in 1886 sent for his bride from Castelfondo, Oliva Zambotti (1861-1938). They were married in Wilkes-Barre. Soon a son, Leone Alessandro, came along in 1887. By 1888, Damiano and Oliva decided to return to their village. The rest of the couple’s large family were born in Castelfondo. Of their thirteen children, nine reached adulthood: four sons and five daughters. By 1903, Damiano once again left for America, establishing a family meat business in the growing city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. By 1906, Oliva and the rest of their children joined their father, making Hazleton their home, and eventually growing the family business into a chain of grocery stores.
Damiano’s siblings Anna Maria (1859-1937), Giuseppe (1862-?), and Angeline Maddalena (1865-1937) arrived in 1882. Brother Raffaele (1867-1949) join them in 1888. And little sister Erminia Enrica (1876-1972) came to America in 1890.
Late in their lives, Leone and Cattarina joined their adult children in the United States. Cattarina died in Pennsylvania in 1893 and is buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Weston, PA. She is the first Genetti from this branch to be buried in America. After his wife’s death, Leone returned to Castelfondo where he died in 1909 of old age.
Today there are many descendants of Leone and Cattarina living throughout the United States.
Date: February 13, 1909. Place: In front of the boarding house and saloon owned by Raffaele Genetti (1867-1949) in Weston, PA. The photograph commemorates the double wedding of brother and sister, Richard and Virginia Fedrizzi (5 + 6, 8 + 9).
1. Silvio Genetti 2. Peter Zambotti 3. St. Clair 4. Dora Genetti Bott 5. Richard Fedrizzi 6. Angeline Cologna Fedrizzi 7. Tillie Genetti Zambotti 8. Peter Dallachiesa 9. Virginia Fedrizzi Dallachiesa 10. William Dona 11. Max Martini 12. Joseph Fedrizzi 13. John Springhetti 14. Josephine Dona 15. Florence Yannes 16. Nela Recla 17. Angeline Marchetti Genetti
Courtesy of Ralph and Larry Genetti, (sons of Albert Genetti and grandsons of Raffaele).
Leone Genetti (1826-1909) of Castelfondo, married his distant cousin Cattarina Genetti (1834-1893) in 1853. They had fourteen children, with seven surviving to adulthood: Sisinio (1854-1908), Damiano (1857-1944), Anna Maria (1859-1937), Giuseppe (1862-?), Angela Maddalena (1865-1937), Raffaele (1867-1949), and Erminia Enrica (1876-1972). This is a very early cabinet card emailed to me by Giovanni Marchetti who lives in Castelfondo. Giovanni found a collection of old photos on eBay and realized they were all descendants of the village. He purchased the group of photographs and later contacted me with the news that several were my ancestors. This beautiful portrait, dated 1871, was among the collection (it is also my 2nd great-grandfather!)
Courtesy of Giovanni Marchetti, Castelfondo, Italy.
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The back of Leone’s cabinet card uses the dialect of Nonnes. It reads “Uncle Leone, father of Damiano, Castelfondo 1871.” The portrait was taken by G. Gendelli Fotografia Artistica located in the city of Trento. From the inscription, the card was originally intended as a gift to one of Leone’s siblings, eventually saved by a niece or nephew who added the caption. Note that the the two inscriptions are in different styles of handwriting and different ink colors, indicating they were written by different people at different times.
How lucky we are that Giovanni Marchetti found this collection on eBay and preserved our memories by purchasing the entire lot! (See two more cabinet cards from this collection below, all attributed to Giovanni.)
Courtesy of Giovanni Marchetti, Castelfondo, Italy.
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Cosma Damiano Genetti (1857-1944) and Oliva Zambotti (1861-1938) on their wedding day, September 11, 1886. They were married in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania by Bishop William O’Hara. And in 1887, their first child, Leone Alessandro (1887-1962), was born.
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Portrait of Damiano and Oliva Genetti with family, photographed in Castelfondo, Austria (now Italy), about 1898 or 1899. Damiao is seated on the left, Oliva is in the center, Leone (Leo) is the tallest son in the back touching his father’s shoulder, between his parents stands Augusto (Gus), seated between Damiano and Oliva is Esther, to the right of Oliva the taller girl is Addolorata (Dora), next to her is Ottilia (Tilly), Albino (Albert) is standing behind his sisters and Erminia (Erma) is the little girl holding Oliva’s hand. Their youngest children, Costante (Stanley) and Angela (Ann), are not in the portrait as they have yet to be born.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly. Jean’s mother was Erminia Genetti Branz, one of Damiano’s five daughters.
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This beautiful studio portrait was taken in Pennsylvania about 1909. It is a photograph of Damiano and Oliva Genetti’s five daughters. From left to right: Ottilia “Tillie” (1890-1985), Esther (1895-1985), Angela “Ann” (1903-2005), Addolorata “Dora” (1889-1971), and Erminia “Erma” (1896-1971).
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly. Jean’s mother was Erminia Genetti Branz.
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Addolorata Erminia “Dora” Genetti Bott (1889-1971), probably photographed around the time of her wedding to Verecondo Bott (1884-1955), marriage date: February 21, 1911.
Courtesy of Patti Redden, granddaughter of Dora Genetti Bott.
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Addolorata (Dora) Genetti (1889-1971) with her husband Verecondo Bott (1884-1955). Probably photographed sometime in the early 1950’s.
Courtesy of Adriana Genetti.
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Studio portrait of Cosma Damiano Genetti (1857-1944), most likely photographed in the early 1920’s. Born in Castelfondo, Austria, Damiano lived a long and varied life. Throughout the years he traveled extensively back and forth between Pennsylvania and Castelfondo, sometimes bringing different relatives to America. He served in the Austrian Army and was also the mayor of Castelfondo. Damiano was known as a healer, being skilled in the use of herbs and other natural treatments. He was considered a benevolent man who never took payment for his healing services. Damiano died in Castelfondo at the age of 87 in 1944, just six months prior to the end of WW II. Damiano had left Pennsylvania around 1922 to retire in his home village. As I’ve been told, he intended to return to Pennsylvania in 1939, having already purchased passage on a ship. However war broke out in Europe and he was unable to leave. Damiano was buried in the cemetery next to San Nicolo church in Castelfondo.
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Oliva Zambotti Genetti (1861-1938) was the wife of Damiano Genetti. She was born in Castelfondo, Austria (now Italy). Oliva came to America in 1886 to marry Damiano. Soon after the birth of their first child in 1887, they returned to Castelfondo. Between 1887 and 1903, Oliva gave birth to thirteen children. Nine of their children survived to adulthood. In 1906 Oliva once again emigrated to the United States to join Damiano. He had traveled to Pennsylvania a few years earlier with four of their children to establish a business and a household. On December 3, 1906, at the age of 45, Oliva arrived at Ellis Island with their remaining five children. She became a well-respected member of the Hazleton community, passing away in 1938.
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Oliva Zambotti Genetti (1861-1938) and Lucia Zambotti Genetti (1865-1952). Oliva and Lucia were sisters and sisters-in-law, since they married brothers (Damiano and Raffaele Genetti). Born in Castelfondo, Tyrol, they were the daughters of Alessandro Zambotti and Maria Covi. After they emigrated to the United States (Lucia in the early 1890’s and Oliva in 1906) the sisters lived near each other in Pennsylvania. This photograph was probably taken in the 1930’s, close to the end of Oliva’s life.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly.
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Damiano Genetti (1857-1944) center with his four sons:
upper left – Stanley (Costante Oreste Valentino): 1899-1988
lower left – Albert (Albino Vincent): 1893-1992
upper right – Gus (Augusto Lodovico Henry): 1892-1976
lower right – Leon (Leone Alessandro): 1887-1962
Courtesy of Bill Genetti.
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Cousins Pietro (Peter) Zambotti (1881-1966) and Leon Genetti (1887-1962), photographed in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, 1908. Peter was the son of Simone Zambotti (1852-1923) and Catterina Dallachiesa (1853-1939), both of Castelfondo. Leon was the oldest child of Damiano Genetti (1857-1944) and Oliva Zambotti (1861-1938). This is a picture postcard sent from Pennsylvania back to relatives in Castelfondo.
Courtesy of Giovanni Marchetti, Castelfondo, Italy.
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The backside of the postcard pictured above.
Translation: “Many greetings from your godson; together with my cousin I want to wish you merry Christmas and a happy new year. I am well and so I hope are you and all of your family. Your godson Pietro Zambotti.” Someone else wrote in the margins for identification: “the shorter” and on the left: Leo Damiano (the taller).
I checked Pietro’s baptismal record. His godparents are listed as Pietro Dallachiesa (his uncle) and Barbara Zambotti (his aunt). Most likely this postcard was sent to Barbara. The handwritten description may have been added later by one of Barbara’s children to describe who the American cousins were in the photo. Probably this card and the others found by Giovanni Marchetti on eBay were collected by a descendant of Babara Zambotti and handed down in the family until there was no one left to inherit the photos. They were then placed for sale on the auction site. Note: the handwriting on this card matches the handwriting that appears on the back of Leone Genetti’s cabinet card pictured above.
Courtesy of Giovanni Marchetti, Castelfondo, Italy.
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Augusto Lodovico Henry Genetti (1892-1976) or “Gus, Sr.” served in the United States Army during World War I from June 1917 to February 1919. He was the son of Damiano and Oliva Genetti. After the war, Gus was a partner with his three brothers in the Genetti Food Markets in the Hazleton area, under the company name of D. Genetti and Sons. He later left the company and began his own business, Gus Genetti’s Hotel and Restaurant of Distinction.
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Brothers Damiano (1857-1944) and Raffaele Genetti (1867-1949). Studio portrait probably photographed around 1922. Damiano would have been about 65 years old at the time. His younger brother Raffaele was about 55 years old.
Courtesy of Bill Genetti.
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The mysterious Giuseppe “Joseph” Genetti (1862 – ?). Son of Leone (1826-1909) and Cattarina Genetti (1834-1893), brother to Damiano, Raffaele, Maria, Angela and Erminia. Giuseppe emigrated to the United States in 1882 at the age of twenty. Sometime after 1910, he left to seek his fortunes in the west and was never heard from again. Note: I am still searching for Giuseppe, in the hopes of learning what happened to him. Date: unknown
Photographer: L.C. Marchetti of Nuremberg, PA
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky.
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Left to right: Angeline Maddalena Genetti (1865-1937), Ralph (Raffaele) Recla (1864-1896), Pietro (Peter) Zambotti (1862-1943) and Anna Maria (Mary) Genetti (1859-1937). Angeline, the sister of Damiano and Raffaele Genetti, was married to Ralph Recla. Peter Zambotti was married to Mary, Angeline’s older sister. There is no date for this photo, but it may have been Peter and Mary’s wedding that took place in January of 1896. If this is the case, Angeline and Ralph Recla may have been their witnesses. By November of 1896 Ralph was deceased, leaving his wife with six young children.
Probably photographed near Sheppton, Pennsylvania
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky.
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Portrait of Angeline Maddalena Genetti Recla (1865-1937). This is a pencil or charcoal drawing of a young Angeline created by her adopted son Henry Parisi Recla (1905-1983), a talented artist. According to Angeline’s great-grandson, Don Lingousky, Henry was adopted from St. Joseph’s Foundling Home by Angeline around 1906 as a young child. She had prayed for a favor and promised God to adopt a child if what she prayed for came true. Date: unknown
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky.
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Original cabinet card of: Raffael Recla (1864-1896) with wife Angeline Maddalena Genetti (1865-1937), children: Lawrence (1887-1963), Leonela (1890-1979) and Frances (1888-1937). This picture postcard was sent to relatives in Castelfondo. It was also used as the model for the charcoal portrait shown above of a young Angeline Maddalena Genetti Recla. Date: 1891, Hazleton, PA.
Courtesy of Giovanni Marchetti, Castelfondo, Italy.
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Angeline Maddalena Genetti Recla (1865-1937), the daughter of Leone and Cattarina Genetti (sister of Damiano and Raffaele). Portrait taken late in life.
Angeline’s sister Erminia Enrica Genetti married Emanuel Recla, brother of Angeline’s husband Raffaele Recla (two sisters married two brothers).
Date: before 1937
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky.
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Leonela Erminia Recla Lingousky (1890-1979), daughter of Angeline Genetti Recla, and the third born of six children.
Born in Sheppton, Pennsylvania. Leonela was an accomplished seamstress. She married Bernard Thomas Lingousky (1886-1957) and had three children: Angeline (died as a young child), Francis Ralph (1919 – 2011) and Bernardine Louise (1922 – 2014). Date: probably sometime around 1920
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky. Don is the grandson of Leonela.
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Bernard Thomas Lingousky (1886-1957), husband of Leonela Recla.
Bernard married Leonela on June 30th, 1913. The couple lived in Hazleton and West Hazleton, PA. Bernard worked as a coal miner and later died of black lung disease. Date: unknown
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky.
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This beautiful memorial commemorated the marriage of Bernard Thomas Lingousky to Leonela Erminia Recla on June 30th, 1913.
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky.
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Francis Ralph Lingousky, (1919-2011), son of Leonela and Bernard, with his wife Anne Carmel Chescattie Lingousky (1909 – 1956) – parents of Don Lingousky. Both served in World War II.
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky.
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Anne Carmel Chescattie Lingousky (1909 – 1956) – mother of Don Lingousky, served in World War II.
Courtesy of Don and Joyce Lingousky.
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Ottilia Anna “Tillie” Genetti (1890-1985) and Pietro “Peter” S. Zambotti (1881-1966). Formal portrait most likely photographed around the time of their marriage in 1911 in Pennsylvania. Tillie was the daughter of Damiano Genetti (1857-1944) and Oliva Zambotti (1861-1938). Peter was the son of Simone Zambotti (1852-1923) and Catterina Dallachiesa (1853-1939). Both Tillie and Peter were born in Castelfondo, Tyrol before immigrating to Pennsylvania at a young age. Tillie and Peter’s first child, Elizabeth Zambotti Reich (1912-1995), was born in the Genetti home on Fulton Court in Hazleton. The Zambottis then moved to Weston, PA where three more children were added to the family: Leo (1913-1993), Leona (1916-1987) and Albert (living).
Courtesy of Charis Hearn (great-granddaughter of Tillie and Peter Zambotti).
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Tillie (Genetti) and Peter Zambotti celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1961.
Courtesy of Conrad Reich (grandson of the couple).
Elizabeth “Betty” Zambotti Reich (1912-1995), daughter of Tillie and Peter Zambotti – high school graduation portrait. She graduated in 1930 from the Public High School of Black Creek Township in Pennsylvania.
Courtesy of Charis Hearn (granddaughter of Betty Zambotti Reich).
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High school diploma of Elizabeth Catherine Zambotti, daughter of Tillie Genetti and Peter Zambotti. From Black Creek Township High School, dated June 11, 1930.
Courtesy of Lewis Reich (son of Betty Zambotti and Lewis Reich).
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Wedding portrait of Betty Zambotti Reich (1912-1995), granddaughter of Damiano and Oliva Genetti, photographed on June 3, 1935. Betty and Lewis Reich (1908-2003) were married in Weston, Pennsylvania. To see their wedding video, go to the Video Page under Gallery.
Courtesy of Charis Hearn (granddaughter of Betty Zambotti Reich).
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Formal wedding portrait of Betty Zambotti (1912-1995) and Lewis J. Reich (1908-2003), June 3, 1935, photographed by a professional studio in Hazleton, PA.
Courtesy of Lewis Reich (son of Betty Zambotti and Lewis Reich).
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Lewis J. Reich with his bride, Betty Zambotti, and their attendants on their wedding day, June 3, 1935.
To see their wedding video, go to the Video Page under Gallery.
Courtesy of Charis Hearn (granddaughter of Betty Zambotti Reich).
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Group photo of Zambotti – Reich family, probably photographed late 1930’s or early 1940’s. Left to right – Kneeling: George Reich (1904-1974) brother of Lewis J. Reich, Betty (?), Ida Reich (1908-1993) wife of Carl Reich and sister-in-law to Lewis and Betty Reich, Betty Zambotti Reich (1912-1995) daughter of Tillie Genetti Zambotti, Leona Zambotti (1916-1987) daughter of Tillie Genetti Zambotti, Tillie Genetti Zambotti (1890-1985).
Courtesy of Charis Hearn (granddaughter of Betty Zambotti Reich).
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Betty Zambotti Reich (1912-1995) in fur coat with fur shawl collar, probably photographed late 1940’s or early 1950’s in the back yard of Betty’s grandmother, Oliva Genetti. The house is still in existence on S. Fulton Court in Hazleton, PA.
Betty’s fur came from Gus Genetti’s Mink Ranch located in Sugarloaf, PA. Her brother Leo Zambotti (1913-1993) was employed at the mink ranch for many years.
According to Betty’s obituary, she also worked for the Genetti family in the bakery department of the Genetti Markets.
Courtesy of Charis Hearn (granddaughter of Betty Zambotti Reich).
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Family photo at the wedding of Erma Ripple (1925-?) to Leo Alex Zambotti (1913-1993) – son of Peter and Tillie Zambotti, photographed April 27, 1957. Left to right – Peter Zambotti (1881-1966), Tillie Genetti Zambotti (1890-1985), Erma Ripple (1925-living), Aunt Barbara? (possibly Catterina Barbara Zambotti, Peter’s sister), and Leona Zambotti (1916-1987) – daughter of Peter and Tillie Zambotti.
Courtesy of Charis Hearn (great-granddaughter of Peter and Tillie Zambotti).
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Raffaele Genetti (1867-1949) as a young man, photographed in Hazleton, PA. Raffaele is seated. The gentleman standing next to him I believe to be Pietro “Simone” Zambotti (1869-1939), also from Castelfondo. Simone and Raffaele were about the same age, came to the United States about the same time and both lived in East Union, Pennsylvania before marrying. I believe the two young men were related through both the Genetti and Zambotti families – friends and cousins. Simone was also first cousins with Raffaele’s wife, Lucia Zambotti (1865-1952). Lucia and Simone’s fathers were brothers. Photographed about 1890.
Courtesy of Dino Marchetti, Castelfondo, Italy. Included in Dino’s book “Castelfondo: The Country and Its People”.
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Raffaele Genetti (1867-1949) and Lucia Zambotti Genetti (1865-1952) with their first child, Alessandro (1895-1900?). Photographed about 1897, Pennsylvania.
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, granddaughter of Raffaele and Lucia.
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Raffaele and Lucia Genetti with their family, about 1914, probably photographed in Weston, PA.
Front: Raffaele (1867-1949), Anna (1909-1974), Lucia (1865-1952). Standing: Albert (1906-1990), Leona (1903-1979), Silvio (1899-1982), Mary (1901-1992), Elizabeth (1904-1964).
Courtesy of Ralph and Larry Genetti, grandsons of Raffaele and Lucia Genetti.
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Family of Raffaele (1867 – 1949) and Lucia (1865 – 1952) Genetti. Probably photographed in the mid-1940’s. Raffaele is standing in the middle, with Lucia seated. Their children from left to right: Mary Genetti Hudak (1901 – 1992), Elizabeth Genetti Smith (1904 – 1964), Silvio Genetti (1899 – 1982), Albert Genetti (1906 – 1990), Anna Genetti Nenstiel (1909 – 1974) and Leona Genetti Hayden (1903 – 1979).
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, granddaughter of Raffaele and Lucia Genetti.
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Raffaele Genetti and Lucia (Zambotti) Genetti – photograph of “Nono and Nona”. Probably photographed in the mid-1940’s.
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, granddaughter of Raffaele and Lucia Genetti.
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Raffaele Genetti (1867 – 1949), probably photographed mid-1940’s in Weston, Pennsylvania.
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, granddaughter of Raffaele Genetti.
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Elizabeth Genetti Smith (1904-1964), daughter of Raffaele and Lucia Genetti – portrait as a bridesmaid, probably photographed in the 1920’s.
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, daughter of Elizabeth Genetti Smith.
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Paul Smith (1894 – 1957) and Elizabeth Genetti (1904 – 1964) on their wedding day, October 6, 1928. In attendance are Elizabeth’s sister, Leona Genetti Hayden (1903 – 1979) and Elizabeth’s brother, Albert Genetti (1906 – 1990). Probably photographed in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, daughter of Elizabeth Genetti Smith.
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Portrait of Elizabeth Genetti Smith (1904-1964). Probably photographed late 1950’s or early 1960’s.
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, daughter of Elizabeth Genetti Smith.
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Family portrait of Albert Genetti (1906-1990), son of Raffaele and Lucia, with wife Vivian Ellen Kummerer (1911 – 1990), and sons Lawrence (living) and Ralph (living). Photographed about 1947.
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, first cousin of Lawrence and Ralph Genetti.
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Anna Genetti Nensteil (1909 – 1974). Daughter of Raffaele and Lucia Genetti. Date unknown.
Courtesy of Helene Smith Prehatny, niece of Anna Genetti Nensteil.
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1921 – one of the original Genetti stores located in Hazleton Heights. The store was operated by Leon Genetti. His brother, Stanley Genetti, is at the counter.
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Genetti Market on Poplar Street, Hazleton Heights. Photographed in the early 1930’s.
Courtesy of Judy Givens, whose father, Quentin “Knute” Knies (1910-1974) is standing to the left of the column, wearing his signature bow-tie.
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Second view of Genetti Market on Poplar Street, Hazleton Heights. Photographed in the early 1930’s.
Courtesy of Judy Givens, whose father, Quentin “Knute” Knies (1910-1974) worked at the market. He is the tall fellow on the left wearing his signature bow-tie.
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The large panoramic group photo taken at a Genetti staff picnic, circa 1934. The four Genetti brothers are reclining on the grass, front and center. Dressed in summer white, (left to right) are Stanley, Albert, Leon and Gus Sr. What a fantastic moment captured on film!
Courtesy of Judy Givens, whose father, Quentin “Knute” Knies (1910-1974) worked for the Genetti Markets.
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Postcard used to advertise Genetti’s Food Center once located on N. Laurel Street in Hazleton, PA. The building included one of the area’s first super markets, a luncheonette, ballroom and The Tyrolean Room (bar and restaurant). The postcard was issued sometime between 1939 and 1945.
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Photograph of the four Genetti brothers at the grand opening of the Laurel Street market, 1939. From left to right: Albert, Gus, Stanley and Leon.
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Cousins Bill Genetti (1935-2021) and Jean Branz (1931-2017) riding horses on the Genetti farm, 1940.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly. Jean’s mother was Erminia Genetti Branz, one of Damiano’s five daughters.
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The Tyrolean Room in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. A well-loved bar and restaurant established by the Genetti family. The photograph was taken sometime in the mid-1950’s.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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Joseph E. Genetti, with black hat, (1931-1986) and the staff at the Tyrolean Room. Dressed in period outfits for Hazleton’s Centenial Celebration, circa 1957.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach.
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Opened in 1950, Gus Genetti’s Hotel and Restaurant of Distinction located in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Gus’s son, Bill Genetti, took over the restaurant from his father in the 1970’s, managing it until his retirement in 2015.
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Above, 1950’s advertisement for Gus Genetti’s Hotel and Restaurant.
Grand Ballroom of Gus Genetti’s Hotel and Restaurant in Hazleton, circa 1964.
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Leone Genetti (1887-1962) pictured at 50th Anniversary Celebration of D. Genetti and Sons, circa 1951.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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Stanley Genetti (1899-1988) with Miss America handing out roses at Laurel Street Genetti Market to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the company, circa 1951.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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Genetti Super Market located on 15th Street in Hazleton, PA. Opened in 1954.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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The three sons of Leon (1887-1962) and Angeline Genetti (1893-1963), photographed in Hazleton, PA about 1931 in front of their home on Poplar St. in Hazleton Heights. Pictured are Joseph (1931-1986), John (1919-1981) and Leon (1928-2017).
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach.
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A later photo of Leon and Angeline Genetti’s sons, photographed in their backyard in Hazleton Heights on Poplar Street, about 1936. Pictured are John (1919-1981), Joseph (1931-1986) and Leon (1928-2017).
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach.
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Produce for the Genetti Markets in Pennsylvania was provided by the family farm located near Hazleton. This photo was taken around 1943 showing brothers and cousins working in the corn. The man kneeling in the center is Leon Genetti, oldest son of Damiano and Oliva Genetti. Look closely and you can see another man in a hat kneeling behind Leon, this is his brother Albert Genetti. The small boy sitting on the ground is Albert’s youngest son, Paul (1937-2015). The boy standing next to Leon with a white jacket is Robert (1933-1983) Albert’s oldest son. The boy in the center with a cap is Leon’s youngest son, Joseph (1931-1986) and next to him is his brother Leon (1928-2017). I believe the two women pictured are most likely Leon’s daughters (Rita, Catherine or Adeline) but I’m not absolutely sure. If you are a descendant of one of the three sisters, let me know if you recognize your mother in this photo.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach.
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Joseph E. Genetti (1931-1986), youngest child of Leone and Angeline Genetti. Photographed in Hazleton, about 1938. Joseph would have been around seven or eight years old.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach.
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Leone Alessandro Genetti (1887 – 1962) and Angeline L. (Marchetti) Genetti (1893 – 1963). Leone was the oldest child of Damiano and Oliva (Zambotti) Genetti. Angeline was the ninth child in a family of ten. Her parents were Giovanni Battista Marchetti (1849-1917) and Catterina Lucia Fellin (1854-1916). Leone was born in Latimer, PA but grew up in Castelfondo, Trentino before emigrated back to PA at the age of 17. Angeline was born in Nuremberg, PA. She married Leone on the 17th of December 1914 in Hazelton, PA. Date of photo: early 1950’s.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach
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Wedding announcement of Rita Genetti (1915-1998) to Arthur Young (1913-1947), published in the Hazleton paper on October 28, 1940. Rita was the daughter of Leone Genetti and Angeline Marchetti, and the granddaughter of Damiano and Oliva Genetti.
The announcement reads: Miss Rita Genetti, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Genetti, of 438 South Poplar street, this city, was married to Arthur Young, of Erie, on Monday morning at St. Gabriel’s church.
Newspaper clipping is courtesy of Jean Branz Daly.
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Rita Genetti (1915-1998), oldest child of Leone and Angeline Genetti. Date: 1958.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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Leone Genetti (1887-1962) with his three sons: John (1919-1981), Joseph (1931-1986) and Leon (1928-2017). Photographed in the living room of their Poplar Street home in Hazleton, PA, probably around the mid-1950’s.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach.
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Family Christmas at Leone and Angeline Genetti’s home on South Poplar Street in Hazleton, eating roasted chestnuts in the kitchen. Seated L to R: Leone Genetti (1887-1962), Arthur Young Jr. (living), Leon Genetti Jr. (1928-2017), Angeline Genetti (1893-1963), Rita Genetti Young (1915-1998), Margaret Young Lychock (living). Standing L to R: Stephen Kashi (1917-1983), Catherine Genetti Farkus (1917-2001), Adeline Genetti Kashi (1922-1962), John Genetti (1919-1981), Amelia Mesisca Genetti (1922-1995), Stephen Farkus (1915-1997). Probably Christmas of 1947.
Rita, Catherine, John, Adeline and Leon Jr. were siblings. Missing from the photo is little brother Joseph who was photographing the family with his new camera.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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The 40th wedding anniversary of Leon and Angeline Genetti, December 17, 1954. The party was held at the Genetti Ballroom in Hazleton. Pictured is the family of Leon and Angeline – Seated: Joseph (1931-1986), Rita (1915-1998), mother Angeline (1893-1963), father Leone (1887-1962), John (1919-1981). Standing: Adeline (1922-1962), Leon (1928-2017), Catherine (1917-2001).
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach.
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Leon and Angeline Genetti’s 40th wedding anniversary in 1954. A casual group of family chatting after the anniversary dinner. L to R: Dora Bott (1889-1971), Erma Branz (1896-1971) (standing), Eleanor Genetti (1909-2005) (wife of Stanley), Stanley Genetti (1899-1988), Leon Genetti (1887-1962) and Verecondo Bott (1884-1955) (husband of Dora).
Note: Leon, Dora, Stanley and Erma were all siblings and the children of Damiano and Oliva Genetti.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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The 50th Wedding Anniversary of Condido Bott (1876-1958) and Anna Maria Seppi Bott (1888-1974), June 22, 1957 at the Cove Restaurant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Condido was the brother of Verecondo Bott and the brother-in-law of Dora Genetti Bott.
Courtesy of Adriana Genetti.
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The adult children of Condido and Anna Bott with their families celebrating their parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary, June 22, 1957.
Courtesy of Adriana Genetti.
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A family gathering at the home of Erma (1896-1971) and Henry Branz’s (1898-1971), probably about 1957.
Seated – Left to right: Angeline Genetti (wife of Leone), Dora Bott, Judith LaPorte (granddaughter of Erma and Henry), Eleanor Genetti (wife of Stanley), Joseph LaPorte (grandson of of Erma and Henry), Erma Branz.
Standing – Left to right: Leone Genetti, Stanley Genetti, Henry Branz.
Note: Leone, Dora, Stanley and Erma were all siblings and the children of Damiano and Oliva Genetti.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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Another grouping from the same family dinner as above, 1957.
Left to right: Dora Bott, Angeline Genetti (wife of Leone), Leone Genetti, Eleanor Genetti (wife of Stanley), Stanley Genetti, Erma Branz, Henry Branz.
Note: Leone, Dora, Stanley and Erma were all siblings and the children of Damiano and Oliva Genetti.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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Angeline (1893-1963) and Leone Genetti (1887-1962), probably photographed on their 47th wedding anniversary, December 1961. This may be one of the last photographs of Leone. Sadly just a few months later the couple was hit head-on by a drunk driver while out for an afternoon ride, sending their car down an embankment. Both Angeline and Leone were admitted to the hospital, but Leone sustained the worse injuries. He died a few days later in the hospital on March 12, 1962.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed by Joseph E. Genetti.
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Albino (Albert) V. Genetti (1893-1992). Albert was one of four sons born to Damiano and Oliva Genetti. He was born in Castelfondo, Austria (now Italy) and immigrated to the United States in 1904. Albert married Mildred Bonomo (1906-1989) in 1932. They made their home in Hazleton, PA. Albert was an integral partner in the family business, the Genetti Markets.
Courtesy of Dale Genetti, granddaughter of Albert and Mildred Genetti.
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Albino (Albert) V. Genetti (1893-1992). Photograph taken sometime between 1950 and 1960. Albert lived to be 99 years old.
Courtesy of Dale Genetti, granddaughter of Albert and Mildred Genetti.
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Robert Albert Genetti (1933-1983), one of two sons of Albert and Mildred Genetti. Photographed in 1935.
Robert married Gerald Yurick (1938-2016) in 1954.
Courtesy of Dale Genetti, daughter of Robert and Geraldine Genetti.
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High school portrait of Robert A. Genetti (1933-1983), photographed around 1951.
Courtesy of Dale Genetti, daughter of Robert and Geraldine Genetti.
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Photographed at Gus Genetti’s Restaurant and Hotel, probably in the early 1960’s. Standing left to right: Dora Genetti Bott (1889-1971), Tillie Genetti Zambotti (1890-1985), Gus Genetti (1892-1976), Peter Zambotti (1881-1966), Ann Genetti McNelis (1903-2005), Erma Genetti Branz (1896-1971) and Henry Branz (1898-1971) – four Genetti sisters and a brother (people seated are not family).
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly. Jean’s mother was Erminia Genetti Branz, one of Damiano and Oliva’s five daughters.
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Erma Genetti Branz (1896-1971), her husband Henry Branz (1898-1971), and Erma’s mother Oliva Zambotti Genetti (1861-1938). They are probably standing outside of one of their homes in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Judging from the style of clothing, the photograph was probably taken in the 1920’s.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly.
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Three sisters, Erma Genetti Branz (1896-1971), Tillie Genetti Zambotti (1890-1985) and Dora Genetti Bott (1889-1971), working on Tillie’s farm in Black Creek, Pennsylvania (near Hazleton). The photograph was probably taken in the 1920’s.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly.
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Three Genetti sisters: Erma (1896-1971), Dora (1889-1971) and Tillie (1890-1985). Circa 1968.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly. Jean’s mother was Erminia Genetti Branz, one of Damiano and Oliva’s five daughters.
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Damiano and Oliva Genetti had five surviving daughters. Back row standing: Esther Genetti (1895-1985), Tillie Genetti Zambotti (1890-1985). Front row seated: Dora Genetti Bott (1889-1971), Erma Genetti Branz (1896-1971) and Ann Genetti McNelis (1903-2005). This photograph was probably taken at their brother’s business, Gus Genetti’s Hotel and Restaurant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Judging from the style of clothes and the fact that Dora has a corsage on, this may have been photographed in 1969 to celebrate Dora’s 80th birthday.
Scroll to the top of this page to view a black and white portrait of the sisters photographed sixty years earlier in 1909.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly.
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Dora Genetti Bott (1889-1971) being crowned the first “Polenta Queen” at the Labor Day Picnic held on Sept. 7, 1970. From a booklet by The Tirolesi Alpini Club of Hazleton, PA: “The crowning of the ‘Polenta Queen’ was started by the Tirolesi Alpini of Hazleton, PA at the Annual Members Picnic and Meeting held on Labor Day. The first Polenta Queen was Mrs. Dora (Genett) Bott of Hazleton, PA. Qualifications for the queen honor included Tirolean by birth, oldest among all women members present and ability to make the traditional Tirolean food ‘polenta’. The queen when chosen receives the traditional parol, a copper pot to cook the polenta in, also the glava, the polenta mixing stick made by Mr. Angelo Lorenzoni of Freeland, PA.”
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly. Jean’s mother was Erminia Genetti Branz, one of Damiano’s five daughters.
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Catherine Branz LaPorte (1923-2015) and her sister Regina “Jean” Branz Daly (1931-2017). The sisters are the daughters of Erma Genetti (1896-1971) and Henry Branz (1898-1971), and the granddaughters of Damiano and Oliva Genetti. Photographed in the mid-1930’s.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly.
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The wedding of Catherine Branz Laporte (1923-2015), May 4, 1946 with her sister Jean Branz Daly (1931-2017) as her bridesmaid.
Courtesy of Barbara Joliat, daughter of Jean Branz Daly.
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Jean Branz Daly (1931-2017) with husband, Dr. Joseph Daly (1919-2013) while dating, at the annual white tie Benefit Dinner for the Polyclinic Hospital at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. About 1955.
Courtesy of Barbara Joliat, daughter of Jean Branz Daly.
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Standing: Jean Branz Daly (1931-2017) and Leona Zambotti (1916-1987). Seated: Ann Genetti McNelis (1903-2005), Tillie Zambotti (1890-1985) and Catherine Branz La Porte (1923-2015). Jean and Catherine are sisters and the daughters of Ermina Genetti Branz. Ann Genetti McNelis was the youngest daughter of Damiano and Oliva Genetti. She lived to be 102 years old! Circa 1977.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly.
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A gathering of first cousins and one aunt! Left to right: Catherine Branz LaPorte (1923-2015), Esther Bott Clark (1915-2011), Betty Zambotti Reich (1912-1995), Ann Genetti McNelis (1903-2005), Agnes Bott Yorke (1917-1994) and Jean Branz Daly (1931-2017).
All of the ladies were first cousins and the granddaughters of Damiano and Oliva Genetti. Ann Genetti McNelis was the youngest child of Damiano and Oliva, and the aunt to the rest of this happy gang! The photo was probably taken sometime in the 1980’s.
Courtesy of Jean Branz Daly.
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Cousins Margaret Young (living), Sandra Farkus (living) and Arthur Young (living) walking with Sandy’s father, Stephen Farkus (1915-1997). Easter morning, about 1949, Hazleton Heights, Pennsylvania.
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach, photographed Joseph E. Genetti.
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Genetti siblings attending a family wedding in 1973, Hazleton, Pennsylvania. L to R: John D. Genetti (1919-1981), Rita Genetti Young (1915-1998), Leon Genetti, Jr. (father of the groom) (1928-2017), Catherine Genetti Farkus (1917-2001), Joseph Genetti (1931-1986).
Courtesy of Louise Genetti Roach.
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Rita Genetti Young (1915-1998), Leon Genetti Jr. (1928-2017), Catherine Genetti Farkus (1917-2001) – siblings. Photographed at the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Catherine and Stephen Farkus, 1992 – Reading, Pennsylvania.
Courtesy of Sandra Farkus Eshelman, daughter of Catherine Genetti Farkus.
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Angela (Ann) Maria Genetti McNelis (1903-2005) with Dale Genetti (living). Photographed at Christmas reunion of Genetti family (date unknown). Aunt Ann was Damiano and Oliva Genetti’s youngest child. She lived to be 102 years old, most likely the longest living member of the Genetti family!
Courtesy of Dale Genetti, the great niece of Ann Genetti McNelis.
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The Genetti ancestors represented on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, a national monument on permanent exhibition at Ellis Island in New York City.
Courtesy of William Genetti (grandson of Gus Genetti, Sr.) and Morgan MacDonald.
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We welcome all contributions to the Genetti Family Photo Gallery. Please send photos as JPG files attached to an email (no more than 8 attachments per email). Include information for each photo so we can give it a caption (names, dates, location). Send to Louise Genetti Roach. Click here for email link.
The Genetti Family Genealogy Project 