Caruso, Folino, Rizzo and Montisanto or Montisanti

[RichardFJCaruso]

My grandfather, Joseph Caruso, born 08 Dec 1891. He came to the United States when he was around 8 years old. He said he was born and lived in Nicastro. We were told his real last name was something like Montesanto or Montisanti and that his father, Antonio Montisanto or Montisanti, was a Baroni, had a large home with alot of land, mostly olives and grape vineyards. My grandfather took the names of the people that cared for him (we think), there were 18 children in all, and all went to different families after my great-grandfather lost his land. The children were all separated. He came here to the United States we believe with his caretakers and took their last name, CARUSO. Looking for any information anyone may have on my grandfathers parents and family. We did locate some of my Grandfather's siblings, with different last names (Folino and Rizzo). All originally from Nicastro and all lived near the Castello Normanno. The Rizzo's settled around Philadelphia and the Folino's around Boston. My grandfather came to Connecticut. I visited Nicastro in 2011, and tried to gather info on my family history with some info I believe. I believe my Grandfather may have lived in the San Teodoro part of Nicastro near the Castello Normanno. Please E-Mail me at dvldoc78@hotmail.com. Thank you in advance.

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[Italysearcher]

If he adopted his caregivers surname it probably happened as the entered America and by default. People assuming they were all children of the couple and with the same surname as the Head of the Household.
It was difficult for anyone to change their surname in Italy. Take the Baroni story lightly. 18 children for a rich man seems excessive. To break this will likely take a professional researcher.