Back to Table of Contents
Next: Letter from Ralph J. Ciluzzi to Reunion Attendees
Page 393: Family Reunion at Masthead, June 2001 • by Mary (Faiella) Turkus
The Masthead in Provincetown, Massachusetts provided the perfect backdrop for the first reunion of the descendants of Giovanni and Carolina T. Paterno on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 8, 9 and 10, 2001. Innkeepers, John and Valerie Ciluzzi, graciously hosted the gathering of thirty-nine Campagna, Ciluzzi and Paterno kin.
At check in, we were supplied with a recently updated family genealogy provided by Kelley Paterno, a warm greeting from Ralph Ciluzzi, Jr. sent from Italy, and a wonderful program of the weekend arranged by John and Valerie. The schedule included an invitation to the cocktail hour, the details on two pre-arranged dinners, and several suggestions for other meals and activities. Once in our rooms we also found a bottle of wine provided by John and Valerie.
The descendants of Theresa ad Ralph Ciluzzi included their son John Ciluzzi and his wife Valerie and their three sons John, Peter and Greg, John’s wife Gretchen, and their son John. Donna Raab, granddaughter of Theresa and Ralph and her husband John, her oldest son Daniel Moskowitz and his wife Jennifer, and their children Megan and Robert; her middle son Eric and his wife Elizabeth and their children Sara and Jack; and their son Steven. Donna’s brother James De Gerome III, attended with his wife Carol and his daughter Julie.
A grandson of Celestina Paterno and Victor Cerabone, Michael Campagna, attended with his wife Berta. The grandchildren of Joseph Paterno and June Wittkower who attended were Jacqueline and her husband Francis Kirby ad Christina [Paterno] Smith.
Three grandchildren of Rose Paterno and Joseph Faiella attended, including John, Frank, and Mary Faiella. Mary was accompanied by her husband, Steve Turkus.
Robert Paterno, grandson of Saverio Paterno and Minnie Rose Breden, and his wife Kelley attended as well as his son Michal Paterno St. Amanda and his wife Lisa and their children Christopher, Bryan and Benjamin.
Granddaughter of Dr. Charles V. Paterno and Minnie Middaugh, Carla “Toni” Cotillo Paterno Darlington attended with her husband Henry Darlington.
The weather was warm and clear when we gathered for cocktails on the deck. Here everyone spent some time explaining his or her place on the family tree. This was clearly a group of people interested in their family background and anxious to share cherished memories, photograph, newspaper clipping and scrapbooks with other interested family. Then we were off to Sal’s, which was just a short walk away, where we shared a delightful meal in a private room. John Ciluzzi made the welcome toast with a reference to being the sap of this family tree since he had provided our lodging free of charge. Later the two college graduated of 2001, Gregory Ciluzzi and Steven Raab, were congratulated and they each said a few words. Henry Darlington also spoke. Friday evening ended with a magnificent moonrise over the water.
Saturday morning we gathered at Donna Raab’s room to add information to the wealth already gathered by Kelley Paterno. Lap top at the ready, she made corrections, asked question, and attempted to fill in the missing date in her extensive files on the family. She stressed the importance of forwarding information to her since she is in the process of completing an extensively detailed…
Page 394: …book , which will be published for the enjoyment of us all. Donna displayed great numbers of photographs that everyone helped to identify and we all shared what other information we had. After several hours, we parted for some relaxation time. Activities included biking, walking, fishing, boating, tennis and more talking! Kelley continued to compile and add date to her collection.
Evening came much too quickly and only a handful had time for a drink before we were off to Ciro and Sal’s for another grand dinner. Our toastmaster was kept busy as we were in two rooms. He spoke about remembering those family member who came before us. Afterward, many stopped to hear the piano playing of Bobby Wetherbee. The more energetic stayed on and sang along while others retired for the evening. Another perfect moonrise and a last glance at the lighthouses contributed to the close of a perfect day!
Sunday was a busy morning of packing, saying good byes and talking of future plans. Clearly this was a huge success and we look forward to our next event.
