Facts:
• 1874- born January 20th in Bagheria, Sicily
• 1971- died August 15th in New York City. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, New York City.
• 1900- Cosimo DiFiore (26) emigrated to America unaccompanied from Naples, Italy on February 14, 1900, aboard the SS Spartan Prince and arriving at the Port of New York on March 6, 1900. Records indicate he was single, a baker, traveling with $8.00 and the intention of joining his brother-in-law Francesco Longo (sister Maria's husband) living at 246 Elizabeth St, New York.
• 1902- Marriage of Cosimo DiFiore (27) and Rosaria Barone (17) were married on July 27th in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Sullivan St. Witness- Maria DiFiore Longo.
• Children: (all born in New York)
Sylvester DiFiore (September 18, 1903- November 14, 1997) (Accountant)
Joseph DiFiore (November 26, 1906-April 8, 2015) (Musician)
Maria Christina DiFiore [Favorini] (June 3, 1908-February 5, 1998)
Vincent J. DiFiore (July 11, 1910-December 24, 2011) (Accountant)
Dorothea DiFiore [Cattano] (December 10, 1913-March 21, 2005)
Anna DiFiore [Canepa] (February 3, 1916-May 2, 2005)
John A. DiFiore (February 3, 1918-Novmeber 3, 2009) (Doctor)
Andrea (Andrew) DiFiore (August 9, 1920-November 28, 2011) (Baker)
• 1909- Cosimo had returned to Bagheria, Sicily visiting his Uncle Santi DiFiore. He returned to the United States on July 8th about the SS Principe Di Piemonte arriving in New York on July 22nd. He was listed as a "non-immigrant alien" having lived in the US between 1990-1909, with intention to join his wife, Rosaria Barone and his sons at 133 W Houston St., New York City. He traveled with $50.00.
• 1909- Cosimo's nephew, Silvestro was scheduled to sail with him on return to the US on July 8th, but he left the ship prior to departure. On July 14th, Silvestro (23) sailed from Palermo, Sicily aboard the SS Europa, arriving in New York July 28th with the intention of joining Cosimo at 133-135 W. Houston St. Silvestro DiFiore is the first born son of his brother Giacomo.
• 1910- Census records reflect Cosimo (35), a bakery owner, who speaks English, lives with his wife "Sadie" (25) at 133-135 W Houston St. with their children: Sylvestre (6), Joseph (3), and Teanie (all born in New York). Also living with the family is Cosimo's nephew, Sylvestre (23) a baker.
• 1912- Son, Joseph (5) is kidnapped by the Black Hand and released by the entrance to Manhattan at the Brooklyn Bridge 5 weeks later. *see separate blog
• 1914- Cosimo would testify at the criminal trial of the members of the Black Hand who kidnapped his son Joseph. During a break to locate a Italian translator for his testimony, one of the accused make a threatening gesture (hand across the throat) to intimidate Cosimo. The judge would clear the courtroom while Cosimo testified for protection.
• 1920- Census records reflect Cosimo (45) a bakery owner, naturalized in 1914, lives with his wife, Rosaria (35) and their children: Silvesro (16), Joseph (13), Mary C (11), Vincent (9), Dora (6), Anna (3) and John (2) on King St.
