Famiglia is everything! Like so many other Italian American descendants’ it was time to gather, reminisce, and celebrate our Italian roots. The opportunity to gather, reconnect, share and pass along family history is what a reunion is all about and to do so across multiple generations/family lines makes for a memorable event.

On April 29, 2023 a “Biccari” reunion of about 80 descendants’ who all trace their roots to the small medieval village of Comune di Biccari in the Province of Foggia gathered at the Sons of Italy lodge (#2311) in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Here the connection to a shared Italian village and its culture, heritage, was celebrated. Collectively, all knew of famiglia history and connection to Biccari.

Most of the family history was of those Italian immigrant ancestors who came to America during the Great Arrival. Others in our family circle came to America during the 1950’s and 1960’s.

The family surnames represented at the reunion still carry over to this day and have a direct connection to the Great Arrival, they include: Basile, D’Imperio, Fiorella, Galdi, Lucera, Marino, and Tumolo.  Once again, all share a common thread to that small village our paese, Comune di Biccari nestled in the region of Puglia, Italy.

Family stories by relatives who gathered at the reunion are those that can be found in almost any book that describes the Italian American experience. For instance, our Italian immigrant ancestors who arrived at Ellis Island, were those who found employment as laborers, factory workers, miners, tailors, shoemakers, barbers, and settled in Philadelphia’s various Italian enclaves. Our ancestors who made the journey to America celebrated town rituals and festivals of the patron saint of Biccari, San Donato.

The family trees developed showed how all were somehow connected, first cousins, second cousins, first/second/third/fourth generation and whose ancestors originally resided in the various Italian sections of Philadelphia; South Philly, Tacony/Mayfair, Holmesburg, and parts of New Jersey.

A recent published book written by family members documented the extensive family history of those Biccarese immigrants who journeyed across the Atlantic over one-hundred years ago. The book details the story of where they settled in various Italian neighborhoods in Philadelphia to form and give “Birth to a New Biccari.”

The reunion was the place to discuss family stories of hardships and successes of those Italian immigrant ancestors allowing for the younger generation to remain connected to culture.  At the reunion, we shared cherished family photographs, these treasured keepsakes are visual artifacts of our family history and help tell a family story. Just like any other family reunion food and some (lots of) homemade wine brought all to the table, as if it was a Sunday gathering at Nonnas’ house. Many had made the journey to the ancestral village of Comune di Biccari and walked the narrow passageways, where very possibly our ancestors had once walked. Some relatives still have homes in the village and visit there often.

A highlight of our reunion was the collection of over 100 old family photos designed into a video. Also, a family member who made a recent trip back to Biccari, presented a video of various family members living in Biccari to include Il Sindaco (the mayor) Gianfilippo Mignogna. The presentation of these unique videos opened the door to great conversation and cherished memories us all.

No doubt our Italian ancestors left their imprint on us, American society and provided us with the traditions we carry on within each of our lives today. Knowing where we come from helps us better understand who we are. In 2001 Senator Orrin Hatch introduced a bill making the month of October “Family History Month.” Just think, a whole month dedicated to research and preserve the stories and memories of our ancestors. Senator Hatch wrote, "by searching for our roots, we come closer together as a human family."

The reunion allowed for the legacy of our shared family roots, its history, and our Italian immigrant ancestors’ stories to stay alive for future generations to come. 

So, fitting here is the analogy that so many other Italian-American’s can say about their family tree; it has Italian roots with American branches. And of course, a group photo of all those 80 paesani now memorializes the event. Most of reunion pictures are posted on the Facebook group site; “Biccaresi nel mondo.” 

So many thanks go out to all who participated behind the scenes to make the reunion a tremendous success. Every person attending the reunion was provided with souvenirs and memorabilia. There were name tags, a reunion brochure, imprinted glassware, Christmas tree type ornaments, and small bottles of olive oil processed by a relative in Biccari.  Also, a sweet table, homemade wine along with an unlimited supply of espresso/cappuccino.

This Biccari reunion was the inspiration of Michael and Linda D’Imperio who along with the reunion planning committee made for a spectacular and memorable event. The opportunity a reunion presents to share ancestral and cultural connections truly reinforce the saying; Famiglia is everything! 

About the author:

Richard Leto was born and raised in the Italian enclave of South Philadelphia (South Philly). He is the grandson of Italian immigrants who emigrated to America during the Great Arrival and settled in Philadelphia.  On his paternal side his grandparents Francesco and Caterina (Tropiano) Leto emigrated from Santa Caterina dello Ionio (Calabria).  On his maternal side his grandparents Aniello and Elisa (Basile) Lucera emigrated from Comune di Biccari (Puglia).