Giuseppe's Family Photo

We will end our overview of the Ambruso ancestors of Philadelphia with this wonderful photo of Giuseppe Ambruso and his family (ca. 1911).  The photo was provided by Rob Bradley, a family genealogist and husband of Vito's granddaughter.  In the back row are the two oldest sons, Michael (b. 1891) and Eugenio (b. 1892).  I'm not sure which one is which.  Across the front, from left to right are: Mary (b. 1895), Assunta (b. 1904), mother Maria, little Vito (b. 1907), father Giuseppe, Frank C. (b.1900), and Adeline (b. 1897).  Certainly a grand family.  These people lived their lives as proud Americans with strong Italian roots and traditions.  Giuseppe and Maria dreamed of a better life in America for their family.  Today, their grand children and great grandchildren are living out their dreams and keeping the traditions alive.  Evviva per le famiglie!

Marriages & Families – Frank C. Ambruso and Mary Bombaro

Francesco Ambruso came to the USA in May of 1901 as a baby, in the arms of his mother, Maria Giuseppa.  He was born in Salandra in April 1900, so he was only 11 months old when he came.  Maria took him and his two sisters to Philadelphia.  By 1918 Francesco was going by the name “Frank” and living and working as a farmhand in Moorestown, NJ according to his World War 1 Draft Registration Card.   His older brother Eugenio was working also working as a farmhand in Moorestown at that time, probably at the same farm.   

In 1925, Frank married Mary Bombaro in Philadelphia and set up residence at 917 Daly Street.  Mary was born in Philadelphia in 1907.  According to the 1930 U.S. Census, Frank was working in the wooden cabinet shop of the Victor Talking Machine Co. in Camden, NJ, recently purchased by RCA.  He probably took the ferry across the Delaware from Philly to Camden every day.  Frank and Mary had four children: Rita (b. 1927), Adeline (b. 1929), Maryanne (b. 1932), and Joseph (b. 1932).  Maryanne and Joseph might have been twins.  Does anyone out there know for sure?  If so please send me an e-mail.

Between 1935 and 1940, the family moved to the Chesilhurst, NJ, way out in the newly forming suburbs, about 16 miles southeast of Camden.   Frank must have had a car, since he was still working for RCA in 1940.  Frank and Mary retired to Deerfield Beach, Florida.  Frank died there in 1979.  Mary passed away in 1995.  If anyone would like to share some stories or photos of Frank and Mary and their family, I would be happy to post them.