SILVESTRI (SILVESTER)
Antoinette & Vincentz Centrone
Angela
Giulia & Sabastian Silvestri
Vito
(Maternal Grandparent – Nanny & Grandpa)
ANGELA & VITO SILVESTRI
Her name was Angela Centrone and she was born in the small town of Castallana, near Bari, Italy, on July 1, 1868. I don’t think there was ever a time in her life that she was ever called by anything less than her full given name by anyone other than family. Her brothers and sisters called her Angelina (little angel).
Angela was a beautiful young girl, petite and graceful and full of pep. Her world consisted of the happenings of the small town where she grew up. Even in her early years, she did not make close friends. She would not speak the dialect – only the ‘high Italian’ so she was considered a snob by her peers. Especially through her grandmother’s influence, she was very religious and spent many hours in prayer.
When Angela was a young girl, she wanted to enter the cloistered convent and devote her life to God and prayer. Her family could not afford the required dowry and she would not consider entering another order. Usually in those days, a young girl either married or entered the convent although Angela had an unmarried sister who had to assume care of the children after their father died (when Angela was about 11 years old). Perhaps she was too old to marry once her responsibilities diminished upon the remarriage of their mother. Angela never forgave her mother for remarrying and moved in with her grandmother for most o her teen years. In fact, she never spoke with or acknowledged her half-sisters and -brothers that were offspring of this second marriage. (We did meet some of the relative who had come to the States and found them to be marvelous people.)
She met Vito Silvestri, a short courtship period followed, and they were married. During their engagement, he gave her a handshake when departing one evening, and she thought she had committed a sin! Needless to say, she was very innocent and naive.
Angela was a dutiful wife and a good mother. She went to early morning Mass, cleaned her house and governed the children. She had thirteen pregnancies but only eight live births. Three children were born in Italy: Lisa, Vincent and a babe that only lived for less than two year (cause of death was given as heart trouble). Her children were kept spotless and at an early age learned that everyone participates in household chores. She gave her love freely, but her rigid rules left no room for margin of error. She kept to herself, making only a few friends. Angela regarded sex as a wifely duty rather than a pleasurable experience. Although she did not have more than an elementary education, she had terrific business sense and was extremely thrifty. She bought the best her money could buy and always said that “dear is cheap and cheap is dear” (a wise adage indeed).
Life in Italy was simple but the economy was such that providing for a family was very difficult. Wondrous stories about the good life in America drifted onto the alert ears of the young couple and the Silvestri’s looked to the land where streets were paved with gold and everyone had plenty of work. I surmise that it was Angela’s persistence and persuasion that influenced the decision to immigrate. Vito was a contented peaceful loving man that let things ‘come as they may,’ but he too was caught up with the thought of a better life.
Like many immigrants, they came to America in a small crowded ship. The voyage was made in the fall when many storms are prevalent and they were cautioned to be prepared for a rough crossing. Angela’s faith was with her and she informed the Captain that they would have a smooth sailing. His reply was to chuckle softly and advise her that it was never a smooth crossing at that time of year. During the crossing, the sea was calm and the voyage uneventful. At the end of the trip he sought her out to tell her that she had been right and he was amazed at the calm seas.
Apparently, there was some cabin space available, and although the Silvestris had purchased “hold space” fares, the Captain offered a small cabin to Angela and the two children. The hold was crowded and stifling and she was grateful for the privacy. The food was much better in cabin class and by being on the upper decks, passengers were less likely to become seasick. Vito slept in the hold and only came up to the cabin during the day. (I don’t know the reason for his not sleeping in the cabin. Perhaps there were only two bunks and the children slept in the one and Angela in the other…)
The Silvestris arrived in America full of anticipation. Friends from the old country helped them find a flat and Vito searched for a job. He worked long hours, six days a week, for $6 a week and later for $10 a week. More children came along, Annette, Charles, Dora, & Thomas. The children were sent to public schools and were asked to speak only English in the home so Angela could learn the language. She taught herself to read and write English – her main source of reading material being the Bible. The children were kept spotless and were rigidly disciplined. Vito was sometimes able to smooth the pathway for things they wanted to do.
They worked hard and Angela saved money each week so that Vito could start his own business. Amazingly, she was able to save $1,000 from his meager earnings. He opened a marble business, but due to misjudgments, the shop was lost. Vito went to work for another employer and again Angela started saving for a new business. During this time, Dora passed away at about age 14. Antoinette (now called Annette) said she was a lovely girl, always poised and pleasant. Another shop was opened, but this time, Angela kept the records and handled many of the financial affairs. Vince & Timmy worked with their father and the business flourished. (Timmy remained in the marble business and enjoyed being creative. He was even commissioned for work on the Andria Doria.) It was at this time that the surname was changed. They had ordered business cards and stationery and much to their dismay found that the name “Silvestri” was misspelled as “Silvester.” They found that it was easier (and less expensive) to change their name – and so they did! Their status took an upswing and their lives were quite comfortable. They moved to a better section of New York City, made many friends among affluent Italians, and entertained fairly often.
Vito was generally easy going, but there were certain times when he asserted himself. He believed there should always be ample food on the table and did not make a return visit to a home that did not provide they type of meal he found at home. And his temper could flare at times. Once he was so angry with Timmy, he took a good swing at him. Timmy ducked and Vito was swinging with such force he struck himself in the eye! Everyone else thought it was pretty funny but Vito stifled any comments about this situation.
Sadness entered their lives again when Charlie took his own life. Although only in his early twenties, he became despondent because of business failures and could not cope with his problems. Angela was heartbroken and could not understand why this had happened.
When Mother Cabrini was seeking help in establishing Columbus Hospital in New York City, Angela volunteered her services. Of course, it is widely known that no one could refuse the dynamic little nun! Angela was often called upon to assist in fund raising events such as card parties or making some contacts.
Angela made several voyages, two to Italy and two to South America. She especially loved her visit to Rome and the blue grotto on the Isle of Capri as she had not traveled in her country while she lived there. Her voyages to South America were to visit her brother in Bueno Aires. As I understand it, she was very close to him.
The children were all married and, about 1936, Angela and Vito moved to 636 Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights. It was a quiet upper-class neighborhood, where each building boasted its own doorman and elevator-man. Unfortunately, their life together ended shortly thereafter, when Vito moved out and took his own apartment. Angela felt that since her childbearing years were over there was no longer any need for sex in their lives. This may have been his reason for leaving, or perhaps he tired of being dominated. Angela was bitter and never forgave him.
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