Bob and Linda Match
I’ve made several cousin connections using ancestry.com. With many of them we will simply exchange an email here and there on ancestry.com and compare some notes. I find that most people go to ancestry.com mainly to have a DNA test, an aren’t that interested in building a family tree, making connections, or sharing information.
Occasionally, you hit the jackpot like I did with Linda. Linda, who was researching her Piromallo grandmother came across my tree and sent me a message. I always suspected that my grandmother’s aunt had come to the US in 1905, but I could never really make a firm connection.
Over the course of the next 18 months, we would message back and forth with some known or new information and share storied and photos. I invited Linda to our Family Facebook group as well as some of her immediate family. While I had a lot of information from Italy, from both my own research and from a local research specialist, Linda did not.
Recently, Linda hired a researcher also, that turned up a lot of information that started to prove the theory. I was 100% certain, however, Linda still had some doubts. Earlier this year she did her first DNA test and BINGO 3rd cousins once removed. In the last few days Linda has been sending some photos. Her Great Grandmother and my Grandmother were 1st cousins, so this is very exciting to see.
For more on the Piromallo Family check these posts.
1st Cousins
Maria Luisa Piromallo
Maria Pergamo
I am still working on verifying the photo below, but I am now leaning towards that these are the 2 cousins above with their grandmother. Update: I think we confirmed based on photos.
My Great Grand Aunt ( My great grandfather's sister ) Maria Piromallo
Update Research Cousins Meet
After 18 months of comparing notes and collaborating on email and phone. Bob and Linda meet for first time. Linda came over with her first cousin Gene. What was truly amazing to learn was that Gene and I lived only about 3 blocks from each other in Flushing NY for 4 years. Gene and Linda’s grandmother had a two family home there. Their grandmother was my dad’s second cousin.
Unlocking the Secrets of my Genoese Ancestors
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Tess Martin, who shares her journey of exploring her Italian heritage and family history. Tess discusses her background, her family’s migration from Italy to America, and the unique visa that allowed her to live in the Netherlands. She delves into her genealogical research, uncovering family secrets and connections that reveal the complexities of her ancestry. The conversation highlights the importance of historical context in understanding family migration and the
The Return Home 2025 – Ferrara
Click here to join out Facebook group Ferrara is not your typical tourist destination in Italy, but it was on my bucket list as it is the birthplace of my 13th great-grandmother, Isabella d’Este. I was a bit disappointed only because there was very little mention of the d’Este women. But I guess a trip back to the Renaissance days. When booking with Phil~italy mention Italian Roots and Genealogy he d’Este family was one of
Sicilian and Southern Italy Roots
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Dominic Arresta, a young Italian American who has recently embarked on a journey to uncover his family history. Dominic shares his experiences of discovering his roots, the challenges he faced, and the importance of preserving family stories and cultural heritage. He discusses the role of technology in genealogy, the significance of connecting with relatives in Italy, and the impact of his findings on his identity. The conversation highlights the
The Journey Home 2025 – Modena
Click here to join out Facebook group My daughter loves cars, especially expensive ones. So when I mentioned Modena, she asked, “What’s there?” “Ferrari.” “I’m in!” Truly a great museum, and a really good cafe, better than the one we stopped at on the way there, although a bit more expensive. At least 20 cars are on display, with a short video, gift shop $$$$ and a simulator for 25 Euros. You can also tour
The Journey Home 2025 — Bologna
Click here to join out Facebook group 16th Century spy camera. We had an excellent guide in Bologna provided by Phil~italy. One the most fascinating parts of the tour was the tour of the Jewish ghetto. The Bologna Ghetto was established in 1556 when the Jewish community in Bologna was confined to a small, enclosed area near Via dell’Inferno. It was created by papal decree under Pope Paul IV, a decision that reflected the broader
The Journey Home 2025 – Milan
Click here to join out Facebook group Our 2025 trip to Italy began in Milan with a bespoke itinerary created for us by Phil~italy. Phil Micali has a team of experts in Italy ( Teresa, Liliana, and Pam ) who created the itinerary and recommended lodging, food, and excursions. Just before the trip, Phil met with us and reviewed everything, so there were no surprises. Phil~italy also puts everything on a phone app for you,
