Pianopoli nel Mondo by Joe Faga: AIELLO Family -Pianopoli-Herkimer

Aiello's photo collection by Jonna Aiello

Aiello Family-Jim, Angie, Chicky, Tony, Frank - front Mariastella and Joseph with Tom's picture during military early 40's

Aiello's Supermarket on Mohawk St. Herkimer - The old store

James at the old store 1962

Aiello's supermarked new store 1963

Aiello's Market 1963 - Jim Aiello, Wonder bread Giant, Antonio Giuliano, front Jonna, Jamie Aiello and Tommy Giuliano

The Aiello's; Tony, James, Angie, Frances (Chicky), Frank 1993
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July 22, 1991

Mr. Lee Iacocca
Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Inc.
P.O. Box Liberty
New York, New York 10117
Dear Mr. Iacocca,
Some time ago I received an invitation, through American Express to join other Americans in honoring famìly members through the Ellis Island American Immigrant Wall of Honor.
I am sincerely hoping that the invitatíon is still open - my famìly bas taken up a collectìon in order to honor four of our family members who originally came from Italy to the U.S. via Ellis Island many years ago. They came to this country, and built a large and wonderful family and family business in fulfillment of the "American Dream" that they shared with so many of their fellow immigrants. I don't want to merely send you their names and $400 - I feel inclined to briefly tell you their story as well.
My grandfather, Gíuseppe Francesco ("Joseph") Aiello, came to America way of Ellis Island, in 1920. He came from Pianopoli, (Providence of Catanzaro) Italy (south of Naples) with the intention of seeking a new and better life for himself and his family. He settled in the small town of Herkimer, New York. He began in business by peddling fresh fruits and vegetables from a walking cart. When he had enough money, he sent for his wífe, Maria Stella Fazio Aiello, his infant daughter. Franceschina Clorinda Aiello, and his mother, Francesca Nanci who had remained behind in Italy. They arrived at Ellis Island in 1922
Joseph purchased a parcel of property which included the large famíly family house with a modestly sized store front, and began a small famíly grocery buisiness.
He and his wife Maria Stella. had five other children (besídes Franceschina) Thomas (now deceased), Francis, Anthony (my father), Angelina, and Joseph, who became a, naturalized, American cítizen, was joined in the business by his children. The business grew into a sizable and modestly successful supermarket and laundromat enterprìse, in addition to expand estate holdings, all of whích became part of the town's prime commercil district..
All of the Aiello children, except Franceschina ("Chick"), married and produced fifteen grandchildren, most of whom were also raised in the bus:iness.
Maria Stella died in 1964. Joseph continued to work in the busíness, in partnership with, his children, until his death. in 1973 at age of 76. He died of a heart attack while engagíng in one of most favorite hobbies: while picking wild mushrooms in the woods. Their children continue to reside in Herkimer. They recently retired from the supermarket business, mantaining a small meat market and laundromat, and renting the remaínder of the stite to a drugstore and a clothing store. The income from the Joseph Aiello Realty Corp. provides for their retirement.
The fifteen grandchildren reside in various areas of the U.S. (with one in Germany), and are successful in a variety of occupations. Twelve of them are married and have produced twelve great-grandchildren (plus two on the way) bringing the Joseph Aiello family count in the U.S. to a current total of 53 (including myself), his wife, mother, children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and great-granchildren).

We are a very close family and continue to have family reunions every Christmas (as well as at weddings and showers). While we continue to celebrate many of the old-country Italian traditions that we learned from Joseph and Maria Stella, we also continue to fully live the "American Dream" that he belived in and made come true for himself and his family. His strong beliefs became the foundation values upon which the Aiello family continue to built - those of optimistic faith, honesty, self'reliance, hard work, and kindness towards one's neighbors.
Thank you this chance to honor the four individuals who zeised and embraced the American opportunicty whe they ventured to Ellis Island.
The Aiello's are proud to be part of the Ellis Island commemorative and the legacy it represents.
Sincerely,
Denise S. (Aiello) Bukovan
on behald of the family of Joseph F. Aiello

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Joe Aiello, A dream that came true.

During his life in Herkimer, he has alwasy talked about the hometown Pianopoli. All of his Pianopoletans friends when together, they always had something to say "good and bad" of Pianopoli. The bad part was spoken by the ones who emigrated before the WWII as Pianopoli only work was farming who had the land. Houses were small, old and several very crowded with large family members. Before 1925 had no electricity, no running water and or toilets, bathrooms at homes. The good part was publicized by the emigrants who arrived in the 1960's and beyond as after the 1950's the economy went high as people were working in the modernized indusstries, therefore new modern homes were built with all the conforts, people could afford to purchase a small car ect..

I remember Joe saying that after retirement, he wanted to visit Pianopoli but first he wanted to visit Brazil, South America serching for his relatives..

In July 1972 Joe's dream came true, He finally made the trip visiting Italian cities and Pianopoli.

He was highly welcomed by all relatives, as well long time friends and many friends who had returned back to Pianopoli.

His comments was; If someone had told me how Pianopoli had changed since I emigrated, I would had not belive it... Yes, Pianopoli has changes so much to the best ever and if God wants, I will be back again next year for a longer visit.

His stay was untill after Pianopoli main feast of Madonna Addolorata that he was so devoted.

In the days prior to the feast two of his doughters and relatives from Herkimer arrived in Pianopoli to enjoy the devoted feast.

While in Pianopoli, Myself (Joe Faga) Domenico Ceneviva, and Mario Lupica who had returned back to Pianopoli from Herkimer, invite Joe at Mario's beach home.. see photos below...

The following year in September 1973, we received the sad news of Joe Aiello death.