Aviglianesi of Waterbury

Avigliano to Waterbury

Emigration from Avigliano, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy to Waterbury, Connecticut, USA was a significant event in the history of both communities. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many people from Avigliano, a small town in the region of Basilicata, decided to leave their homes and start anew in America. This mass migration was driven by several factors, including economic hardship, political instability, and the desire for better opportunities.

Many of these emigrants were attracted to Waterbury, Connecticut, a city that was experiencing rapid growth due to its thriving industrial economy. At the time, Waterbury was known for its brass production, and there was a high demand for skilled workers in the manufacturing sector. This provided a great opportunity for the people from Avigliano, who were mostly farmers and laborers, to find work and build a better life for themselves and their families.

As these Italian immigrants settled in Waterbury, they brought with them their customs, traditions, and religious beliefs.

They also established their own community within the city, building homes, businesses, and social organizations that reflected their cultural heritage. The Italian community in Waterbury quickly became one of the largest and most vibrant ethnic groups in the city, and they played a significant role in shaping its history and character.

Despite facing many challenges, such as discrimination and limited economic opportunities, the Italian immigrants in Waterbury persevered. They worked hard and made significant contributions to the city, and their descendants have continued to thrive in the years since. Today, the Italian-American community in Waterbury is a proud and vibrant part of the city, and its rich cultural heritage is celebrated every year at the city’s annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of the largest and most well-attended Italian festivals in New England.

In conclusion, the emigration from Avigliano, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy to Waterbury, Connecticut, USA was a major event in the history of both communities. The people who made this journey helped to build a better life for themselves and their families, and their contributions to Waterbury have had a lasting impact on the city. Today, the Italian-American community in Waterbury is a proud and vibrant part of the city, and its rich cultural heritage is a testament to the resilience and determination of its founders.

Aviglianese-Owned Businesses

South End District
Hopeville Neighborhood, formerly Althea Park Neighborhood
Anthony Corbo Painting
since 2010
37 Cornelius Avenue

About the
Aviglianese Athletic Club
of Waterbury

The AVIGLIANESE ATHLETIC CLUB OF WATERBURY is registered in compliance with the national legislation of the State of Connecticut under the legal form of Non-Stock. The club was incorporated on 25th August 1941 and has been active since then, making it one of the oldest ethnic organizations in Waterbury.

Business Address:
50 North Barnes Street, Waterbury, Ct, 06704

Principals:

Robert J. Sodano
12 Blue Trail Dr, Thompston, Ct, 06787

Ronald Niele
1159 Highland Ave, Bldg. 28b, Waterbury, Ct, 06708

Michael D'agostino
81 Fanning St, Waterbury, Ct, 06704

Carl Buzzelli
216 Mapleridge Dr, Waterbury, Ct, 06704

Existence
- The Aviglianese Athletic Club has existed since at least 1935
- The Aviglianese Athletic Club is still in operation to this day
History
Location
- 1940, Hill Street
Management
- President
  - 1946: Leonardo Ianelli
  - 1940: Bart Martinelli
- Vice-President
- Secretary
  - 1938: Anthony Mattini
- Treasurer
  - 1938: Bart Martinelli
- Committees, Chapters, Leagues, et cetera
  - Aviglianese Bowling League
    - Bert Martinelli, President 1940
  - Social Dinner and Dance Committee, 1946
    - Chair: Leonard Iannelli
    - Samuel Iannelli
    - Frank Coviello
    - Richard Lanza
  - Arrangements Committee, 1940
    - Chair: Leonard Yannielli
    - Domenic Accousti
    - Anthony Santoro
    - Ralph Rinaldi
    - Bart Martinelli
  - Christmas Party Committee
    - Chair: Domenic Reno
    - Anthony Santoro
    - Frank Coatta
    - Samuel Iannelli
    - Anthony Coviello
    - Domenic Verno
  - Social Dinner and Dance Committee, 1940
    - Chair: Bart Martinelli
    - Leonardo Santoro
    - Ralph Rinaldi
    - Samuel Iannelli
    - Domenic Accusti
    - Anthony Romaniello
    - Joseph Iannelli
    - Angelo Salvio
  - Social Dinner and Dance Committee, 1938
    - Chair: Domenic Verrastro
    - Anthony Mattini
  - Baseball
    - The Aviglianese Athletic Club has been, of course, very active in sports since its inception, and Baseball is one of the most important.
- Member of:
  - Italian-American Public Parks Baseball League
- Board of Directors
- Board of Advisors
- Members (partial lists)
  - 1946
    - Leonardo Galasso
    - Charles Summa
    - Francis Summa
    - Joseph Galasso
    - James Longo
    - Joseph Rinaldi
  - 1945
    - Paul Salvatore
  - 1940
    - Bart Martinelli
    - --- Galasso
    - Angelo Salvio
    - Joseph Iannelli
    - Samuel Iannaelli
    - Vincent Elia
    - Anthony Mattollini
  - 1938
    - Domenic Accousti
    - Angelo Basile
    - Prank Coatta
    - Frank Galasso
    - Leonard Galasso
    - Frank Martinelli
    - William Martinelli
    - Domenic Reno
    - Tony Santoro
    - Leonard Santoro
    - Joe Iannielli
    - Leonard Iannielli
    - Angelo Salvlo
    - John Briotti
    - Domenic Coviello
- Specialties
  - Lead Vocalist, 1946, Leonardo Galasso
Meetings
Events
- 1946
  - Monday, October 28th, 1946
    - Social Dinner and Dance
- 1941
  - December, Christmas Party
  - Saturday, April 26th, 1941
    - Social Dinner and Dance
- 1940
  - Sunday, December 22nd, 1940; Christmas Party
  - Social Dinner and Dance
- 1939
  - December, Christmas Party
  - Social Dinner and Dance
- 1938
  - December, Christmas Party
  - Saturday, May 14th, 1938; Social Dinner and Dance
- 1937
  - December, Christmas Party
- 1935
  - Sunday, April 14th, 1935; Initiation

Aviglianese Society

Existence
- in Waterbury prior to 1934
Management
- 1934
  - Executives
    - President - Leonard Santosiero
    - Vice-Chairman - Andrew Sileo
  - Board of Directors
  - Committees
  - Members
    - Valentino Galicchio
    - Paul Salvatore
    - Leo Mecca
    - Joseph Summa
    - Michael Manfredi
    - James Pace
    - Anthony Santoro
    - Jerry Coviello
    - Leonard Rosa
    - Vito Mecca
    - Joseph Santora
    - Salvatore Tolla
    - Daniel Lucia
    - Michael Zaccagnino
    - Domenic Rose
    - Francisco Grecco
    - A. B. Galass0
  - Board of Advisors
Events
- 1934, July 15th; Annual Festival; Lakewood Park

Waterbury Evening Democrat
Saturday, April 13th, 1935

Frigentina Society

Existed at least as early as 1933
Existed until at least 1940

The Waterbury Democrat
April 11, 1938
(loc.gov)

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Avigliano and Aviglianese

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An English-speaking group of descendants of Avigliano, Potenza, Basilicata, Italia who want to share their family and cultural heritage, recipes, trad...

Sporting Always Big at Waterbury Aviglianese Athletic Club

In 1946, the club sponsored the Aviglianese Junior Baseball Team.
In 1940, the club sponsored the Aviglianese Bowling League:
- Champions, 1940
  - Domenic Accousti
  - Frank Martinelli
  - Joseph Salvio
  - Leonard Yannielli
  - Jame Rosa
  - Frank Coviello
- Noted Bowlers
  - Bart Martinelli, High Average
  - Anthony Santoro, High Single
  - Frank Coviello, High Three

Aviglianese Aid Society

Existence
- Articles of Incorporation were filed in 1903
- Founded in Waterbury
- Founders
  - Domenic Manfredi
  - A. Pace
  - Vito Girardi
History
- December 13th, 1906
  - The new Italian flag, "Monte Carmelo", was
    - baptized by Father Karam
    - sponsored by
      - Salvatore Santora and
      - Mary Claps
  - The new American flag, "Asunta Naziata" was
    - baptized by Father Karam
    - sponsored by
      - Angelo Pace and
      - Carmenele Accousti
Management
- Executives
  - 1935, President - Leonardo Santarsier0
  - o1907 President - Santaro D'Andrea
- Board of Directors
- Committees
- Members
- Board of Advisors
Business Plan
- Objective / Purpose
  - Improve the social and mental condition of members
  - Provide assistance to members as needed
By-Laws
Benefactors
Beneficiaries
Meetings
Events
- 1928 Annual Dance
- 1929 Annual Dance
- 1930 Annual Dance
- 1931, Friday, April 10th - Annual Dance
Milestones, and such
- 1935, 61 new members joined in one ceremony
  - This made it the largest member organization in the City of Waterbury

Societa Aviglianese
di Soccorso

Existence
- Founded prior to 1931
- May have been founded in Waterbury
- Founding / Pioneering Members
  - Some members of the Coviello family
  - Some members of the Mecca family
History
Management
- Executives
  - 1931 President - Domenic Rosa
- Board of Directors
- Committees
- Members
  - 1931
    - Pietro Tommorone
  - Some members of the Mecca family
  - Some members of the Coviello family
- Board of Advisors
Business Plan
Meetings
Events
- 1931 July Annual Outing