Dolomiti

I am an American mut – a quarter Italian, the most of anything.

My great grandfather, Romano Silvio Bellotto, was born in the late 1800s in the village of Zorzoi, which is part of the commune of Sovramonte. Roman’s father was Pietro, Italian for Peter. His mother’s name was Laurrie Antonil or Anonin.

Roman left Italy in the early 1900s, traveled through Europe, and hopped a boat to the USA. He moved to Pennsylvania and married my great grandmother, Giacinta DeBacco.

Giacinta is Italian for Cynthia. I called her Little Grandma, but apparently her nickname was Cinta (pronounced Chinta).

Her father, Antonio De Bacco came from Pedavena. Her mother, Angela or Angelina, was from Feltre. Her maiden name was De Pian, Dal Pian, De Pain, or something like that.