From the records, it appears that Lorenzo and his second wife, Sinforosa, were among the first of relatives to immigrate from Altavilla Silentina to the New York sometime around 1876. [At least one of Lorenzo’s brothers, Domenico (born 1840) remained in Italy. Bruno DiVenuta, who now lives in or around Rome, is descended from the Domenico branch of the family tree. His mother and a sister still live in Altavilla Silentina.]

Following behind Lorenzo in the move to America was my great grandfather Dominicantonio (born 1868) (Sixth Generation). Dominicantonio traveled upon the SS Kaiser Wilhelm II, departing from Genoa, October 28, 1897 – arriving at the port of New York, November 9, 1897. According to the ship’s log, he was 29 years old, his occupation was “countryman”, he had $10 in his pocket and his trip was sponsored by a brother-in-law with the last name of “Guerra”.

A year later, my great grandmother, Antonia Maria Guerra and my paternal grandfather arrived at the port of New York to join Dominicantonio – coincidentally enough - on the same ship. This time the SS Kaiser Wilhelm II departed Naples on June 24, 1898 and arrived on July 7, 1898. Antonia Maria, listed on the ship’s log as a “country-wife” was 29 years old when she arrived. My grandfather was two. They had $10 between them.

Although somewhere along the way, my grandfather Americanized his name to be Thomas Venuti (1896 - 1965) (Seventh Generation), he is listed on the ship’s log as Antonio DiVenuta. His younger sister Katherine (born in the USA, 1901 - ) however, kept the name DiVenuti until she married and changed it to Guida.

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