"fu" vs. "di"

[rubyrubix]

I know enough Italian to translate birth, marriage, death certificates, but one thing has me wondering. I am going through some Atti di Nascite from the 1880's and noticed that sometimes for the parent's father they use "di" in front of the father's name and sometimes they use "fu", even in the same document. Is there a nuance to using one or the other in front of a father's name?

Thanks!
Jill

[PippoM]

Hi,
"fu" means someone who has died.
"figlio del fu Francesco"---> "son of the late Francesco".
When you find "di", the parent is generally alive (even if this can not be sure); for instance, you might find "di", even in case when such parent has died.

[rubyrubix]

That is good information to know. Thank you for helping me understand the difference.
Jill