Surname Ottavi

[PiaD]

Greets Everyone:

Thank you for letting me join this informative community.
I'm doing research on my husband's side of the family starting with his Grandfather.
His last name is Ottavi, First Name is Riccardo.
I believe they were in Chivetelle del Tronto when my husband's father was born.


It seems that when my husband's father migrated to the US his name became D'Ottavio.
I realize some names are a bit different in spelling due to the writing on manifests, etc. I'm wondering how the variation on this name came about though.
I was informed that the "D'" means "Son Of" or "Family Of". I still haven't figured how the letter O was added to the latter part of the name.

I'm hoping the variation in spelling isn't an issue when trying to apply for dual citizenship (if we qualify).



Thanks! Look forward to hearing responses.

[Tessa78]

Hello and welcome!

The correct spelling of the comune you mention is "Civitella del Tronto"

Here is the website
http://www.comune.civitelladeltronto.te.it/

What documents/records do you have? ship manifest? any census records?
Do you have an estimated date of birth for your husband's father?
Where in USA did Riccardo settle?

T.

[Tessa78]

Here is a ship manifest for Tonino Ottavi, age 18, arriving NY in 1938
He is leaving his mother Elisabetta Cellini in Civitella del Tronto, Teramo, and
Going to join his father Riccardo Ottavi in Toughkenoman(?) Pennsylvania

Page 1 - Line 14


page 2


T.

[Tessa78]

Same Tonino? Now last name is Dottavio ...

U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946

Name: Tonino Dottavio
Birth Year: 1919
Race: White, Not Yet A Citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Italy or San Marino

Enlistment Date: 2 Oct 1942
Enlistment State: Pennsylvania
Enlistment City: Philadelphia
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life

Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Decorators and window dressers
Marital Status: Single, without dependents
Height: 64
Weight: 135

T.

[Tessa78]

It seems that when my husband's father migrated to the US his name became D'Ottavio.
I realize some names are a bit different in spelling due to the writing on manifests, etc. I'm wondering how the variation on this name came about though.

Both spellings are found in Teramo Province, and throughout the Abruzzo Region.
The "Ottavi" spelling is less common and is found in Civitella del Tronto in Teramo Province (and a few other towns).

T.

[Tessa78]

WWII REgistration Card for Riccardo D'Ottavio



T.

[Tessa78]

Possible manifest for Riccardo ...

Name is listed on the manifest as D'Ottavio.
He is arriving NY on November 11, 1938, leaving his wife Elisabetta Cellini in Civitella del Tronto, Teramo. Going to his brother-in-law Tommaso Cellini on Christian St., Philadelphia, PA
This is his first trip to US.

page 1 - line 28


page 2


T.

[PiaD]

Greets Tessa!

Thank you so much for the informative and thorough response! I'm very grateful.
I don't have Riccardo's DOB w/me at the moment, but I do believe 1886 is the correct year. He didn't actually settle in the US but he did either stay in Philadelphia or that town Toughkenamon. He did return to Italy a year or so after Tonino passed in 1949. He died young from Malaria contracted during the war.

That is the correct Tonino as well. I didn't realize he came over at such a young age.

The only documentation I have for Riccardo is a memorial card when he passed on. I have yet to figure out if he did become Naturalized which I don't think he did. I have Tonino's Naturalization Paper(D'Ottavio)/BC (Ottavi) and Passport (Ottavi).

Thank you again so, so much for your quick and thoughtful response.

[Tessa78]

Glad to be of help!

T.