Musician Joe Staffieri III’s grandmother’s family was originally from the region of Naples, while his father’s side hailed from Foggia. His mom Elvera first settled with her parents Frank and Elena Laurenzi in North Philadelphia at 23rd Street and Indiana Avenue, where they opened a grocery store.
Joe’s father, also named Joseph (Jr.), settled with his mom and dad (Maria DiStefano and dad Giuseppe Staffieri) in West Philadelphia at 49th and Thompson streets. In 1970 the family moved to the Overbrook section of the city, and music was always playing in their home.
