Every Picture Tells A Story

Gregorio and Vittoria

My Grandfather Dominick , Lucy, and Sonny

            When I decided to blog my family history. I chose a photo of an italian market  in South Philadelphia. I grew up hearing stories of our family fruit and produce business, from pushcarts and produce stands to our own trucks and storefronts. When my father Dominic "Hap" Scirrotto was born they lived in an apartment on Passyunk ave. My Grandfather Dominick was one of ten children born at 1120 south eleventh street. South Philadelphia was one of the largest italian communities in America. All my ancestors settled there when they first immigrated to this country. My Great Uncle Francesco Scirrotta was the first to arrive in 1890. He was followed by his siblings Gregorio, Rachele, Filomena , and my great grandfather Pasquale. They came from a village named Terranova Da Sibari in Calabria. They brought their knowledge of farming with them. Francesco Scirrotta became Frank Scirrotto. He married Emelia Zaccaro in 1894 in Philadelphia. With his wife ,mother in law Rosa , and Jenny the half sister of his wife. They traveled to Port Norris New Jersey and worked as migrant farmers. Within a few years Frank Scirrotto owned his own farm and canning business. Frank would often help other italian families get started in the area.

Frank Scirrotto

Gregorio Scirrotto and his wife Vittoria Siciliano also farmed in Port Norris. Two of there children Katherina and Vincenzo were born in Port Norris in the years 1904 and 1906. The rest of the children were born in Philadelphia. Domenico, Maria ,Edlena, Guiseppe, Rosina, Anna, Salvatore, Giovanni, Pietro, and Rachele. The sister of Vittoria, Maria Siciliano and her husband Pasquale D'agastine  had also purchased a  farm in Port Norris. The youngest brother Pasquale Scirrotto settled in South Philly and began peddling produce on the street. He soon opened his own store. In the year 1897 Pasquale married Anna Diodati . Anna had also immigrated from Terranova da sibari. They had ten children Margarite, John, Anthony, Louis, Francis, Gaetano, Dominick, Josephine, Joseph, and Pasquale. In 1925 Gaetano age 17 was shot and killed while working at the store. The family of Gregorio and Vittoria lost two children in 1928. Anna age 19 died of pneumonia, and Salvatore age 18 died of a ruptured appendix. Their journey to this country did not come without perseverance and sacrifice. I often reflect on their lives, and what meaning it has in my life. I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude.

Pasquale, Anna, and Family