POW #: P302
ARRESTED: June 11, 1940
RELEASED: January 12, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: November 20, 1887
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Niagara Region
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Letter carrier

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally (see below)

Adamo (Adam) D’Agostino was born in Vita, Sicily, Italy. He was married to Emily, who was originally from England. The couple had two children. At the time of Adamo’s arrest, Malva was 18 and Eugene was 14. The family lived at 1735 Robinson St. in Niagara Falls.

Adamo had served with the Canadian Army in Europe during World War I and had been wounded.

During Adamo’s internment, Emily contacted the Custodian of Enemy Property asking if relief (welfare) payments could be secured to help pay the mortgage on the family home. She was worried that the person holding the mortgage would foreclose with only a few hundred dollars left to pay. The family did receive $36.45 per month in relief payments.

Adamo was released from the Petawawa Internment Camp with the following conditions: he had to report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and he could not change his address or leave Toronto without first reporting to police. He had to obey all laws and “do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort.”

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property, RG 117, Vol. 654, Internee File 3685, “Adamo D’Agostino.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP, RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3 Part 6, Letter from Louis St. Laurent, Minister of Justice, to S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, Jan. 8, 1943.

POW #: P724
ARRESTED: July 18, 1940
RELEASED: March 30, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Labourer, International Harvester Company of Canada

RELEASE NOTES: Released unconditionally

Antonio D’Alessandro, his wife and their two sons, aged 26 and 21, lived at 10 Clinton St. in Hamilton. 

Prior to his internment, D’Alessandro had worked 33 years at International Harvester where he earned $20 per week. After his internment, however, it was difficult for his family to make ends meet. His wife took in boarders for $30 per week while her sons operated a shoeshine parlour.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 671, Internee File 5048, “Antonio D’Alessandro.”

POW #: P1079
ARRESTED: July 18, 1940
RELEASED: October 01, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN: November 08, 1902
DIED: April 11, 1991

CAMP(S): Kananaskis, Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Vancouver
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Very little is known about Leonardo D’Alfonso.

According to family, on January 27, 1940 he married Assunta Maria Iorio in Morrone del Sannio, Italy.

At the time of his arrest, he lived at 716 Hawkes Ave. in Vancouver. His wife remained in Italy and was expecting their first child. His daughter was born on November 11, 1940 during his internment.

His release conditions were as follows: he had to report to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) once a month, could not change his place of residence or leave Vancouver without the consent of RCMP, and was forbidden to be involved in fascist activities or organizations.

His wife and daughter joined him in Canada in 1949. Another daughter was born in Canada in 1950.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 699, Internee File 15173, “Leonardo D’Alfonso.”
• Online user submitted comment. May 25, 2012.

POW #:
ARRESTED:
RELEASED:
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S):
TOWN/CITY:
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

No biography available for this internee.

POW #: P77
ARRESTED: August 09, 1940
RELEASED: July 18, 1941
NATURALIZED: 1925
BORN: 1896
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Trackman, Canadian National Railway

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Costanzo D’Amico came to Canada in 1912. He later married Lucia, and the couple lived at 6518 Clarke St. in Montreal. D’Amico had worked for the Canadian National Railway for 20 years prior to his internment. He had belonged to a benevolent society for 13 years. He was a Protestant and attended the United Church of the Redeemer.

On August 9, 1940 D’Amico was awoken when two agents came to arrest him at his home.  They ordered him to get dressed and follow them; his wife was assured that he would be gone for only an hour. Lucia did not see her husband again for 11 months.

Lucia rented part of the home to boarders for $17 per month. It is unclear whether she had boarders prior to her husband’s internment, or if she rented rooms out of necessity because he was interned.

In an interview with J.D. Hyndman, a judge appointed to review the cases of internees, D’Amico stated that he would fight for Canada, even against Italy. Hyndman spoke to character witnesses who described D’Amico as an anti-fascist. Further, RCMP Sergeant John Leopold wrote in his notes: “According to Mr. Spada there is a rumour circulating in Montreal that the above names Italians [Canio Nicolini, Gennaro Placido, Costanzo D’Amico] were interned on the recommendation of the Reverend Bersani because they opposed him many times in matters concerning the church.  They are said to have been members of the church council.”

D’Amico’s release conditions were as follows: he had to report to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) once a month, could not change his place of residence or leave Montreal without the consent of RCMP, and was forbidden to be involved in fascist activities or organizations.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 691, Internee File 8237, “Costanzo D’Amico.”
• Library and Archives Canada, J.D. Hyndman Fonds: MG 30, E 182, Vol. 14, Letter to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, May 12, 1941.
• Ramirez, Bruno, “Ethnicity on Trial: The Italians of Montreal and the Second World War,” in On Guard for Thee:  War, Ethnicity, and the Canadian State, 1939-1945. Edited by Norman Hillmer et al. Canada: Department of Supply and Services, 1988.

POW #: P674
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 06, 1941
NATURALIZED: June 07, 1937
BORN: May 11, 1903
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Physician

RELEASE NOTES: Released unconditionally

Antonio D’Anna graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Bologna in 1926. In February 1930, he and his wife – Dr. Laura Negrini D’Anna – arrived in Montreal. The following year, D’Anna became a member of the College of Physicians of the Province of Quebec. The couple had two children, both born in Montreal during the 1930s. The family lived at 6994 St. Denis St., and D’Anna’s office was located at the same address. In 1938, the D’Annas travelled to Italy where they stayed for three months and visited family.

Both Antonio and Laura D’Anna were actively involved in Montreal’s fascist movement and they openly admitted this. Laura, for instance, was the director of the Fascio Femminile in Montreal. After his arrest, Antonio stated that he did not attend any fascist meetings and that he did not pay any dues after 1938. After her husband was interned, Laura D’Anna provided the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with information on fascists and their activities in Montreal. RCMP Commissioner S.T. Wood wrote in a report that “no inducement was extended and she imparted the information with a sincerity above question.”

The RCMP treated the D’Annas with a respect they did not extend to most internees and their families. As S.T. Wood explained:

Since both [D’Anna] and his wife are intelligent and cultured persons, they moved in the higher circles of society in the Italian colony and were thus thrown into constant association with the Italian Consular officials who, we know, wielded absolute control over the colony and could make or break the career of any compatriot whose ideology did not conform with that prescribed by Rome. Since the subject was the official physician of five Italian societies, there is reason to believe that his ostentatious display of Fascism may have been adopted to further the interests of his medical career. 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 673, Internee File 5210, “Antonio D’Anna.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 3, Letter from S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, May 28, 1941.

POW #: P255
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: December 07, 1940
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: 1914
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Single
OCCUPATION: Shipping Clerk, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

Aurelio D’Apollonia lived at 19 Inkerman St. in Toronto. He worked as a shipping clerk, but he had trained as a baker. He was described by Justice J.D. Hyndman, the judge appointed to review his internment, as “intensely anti-Fascist.” D’Apollonia was an ardent member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Because of its pacifism, this religious group was outlawed by the Canadian government during World War II. 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces: RG 24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 662, Internee File 4507, “Aurelio D’Apollonia.”
• Library and Archives Canada, J.D. Hyndman Fonds: MG 30, E 182, Vol. 14, Letter from J.D. Hyndman to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, Nov. 5, 1940.

POW #: P220
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: January 06, 1942
NATURALIZED: March 02, 1929
BORN: July 28, 1898
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Carpenter

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations) and required to report monthly to the authorities

Salvatore D’Atri was born in Italy on July 28, 1898.  He lived at 276 Clinton St. in Little Italy, Toronto with his wife and four children (three sons and one daughter).  D’Atri held a bank account at the Bank of Montreal (College St. and Manning Ave. branch) but had no balance. He also held a life insurance policy at Catholic Forrester.  At the time of his arrest, he had no assets other than a 50% interest on his house with a value of $2070.

D’Atri was interned on June 18, 1940 at Camp Petawawa.  On January 2, 1942 an Order of Release was issued for him with the stipulation that he report monthly to the local RCMP. Four days later, he was released.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 665 File 4745.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V5

POW #: P423
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: April 12, 1941
NATURALIZED: February 09, 1928
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release, but had to report to the authorities on arrival

There is very little information known about Antonio D’Ettore. At the time of his arrest, he was married to Maria Difruscia. The couple had a five-year-old daughter named Maria. His name appears on a spring 1940 government list of “Italian members of the fascio, not naturalized, whose internment is recommended.” The nature of his involvement in the fascio is not known. Other government documents suggest that D’Ettore was in fact a citizen (a naturalized British subject).

The Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property maintained a file on this individual. He did not have any significant assets. His family suffered financial hardships during his internment and received government relief.

The reasons for his release are not available. Other biographical information is lacking.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

Do you know…
How did D’Ettore support his family?
What was the nature of his involvement with the fascio?
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 656, Internee File 3851, “Antonio D’Ettore.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, C11-19-2-3-pt 4.

POW #: P432
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: April 12, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release, but had to report to the authorities upon arrival

There is very little information known about Armando D’Ettore. At the time of his arrest, he was married to Caterina Spina. The couple had three children: Marie was eight years old, Joseph was five and Therese was three. His name appears on a spring 1940 government list of “Italian members of the fascio, not naturalized, whose internment is recommended.” The nature of his involvement in the fascio is not known.

The Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP) maintained a file on D’Ettore. He did not have any significant assets. During his internment, his family suffered financial hardships as the following clearly illustrates: “I write to my self to let you now to do some thing for me. My husband is interned of 10 June, I have 3 children small. I go have soon a baby. Will you try to make something for me. I have no money, no Body for help me. I am very sory I don’t now wat to do, you are the Best man to do Something for me to give me a help” (Catherine D’Ettore, Letter to E. Burke, CEP, July 19, 1940).

The family received government relief. The reasons for his release are not available. Other biographical information is lacking.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

Do you know…
How did D’Ettore support his family?
What was the nature of his involvement with the fascio?
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 656, Internee File 3848, “Armando D’Ettore.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, C11-19-2-3-pt 4.

POW #: P479
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 02, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Labourer, Dominion Coal Company

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release

Very little is known about Giuseppe (Joseph) D’Ettore. At the time of his arrest, he lived at 63 Beaubien St. East in Montreal.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 649, Internee File 3290, “Giuseppe D’Ettore.”

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 17, 1940
RELEASED: November 13, 1942
NATURALIZED: 1914
BORN: December 12, 1881
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Importer; Restaurant and Grocery Store Owner

Savino D’Iorio arrived in Canada in 1900. Two of his four children were married and may not have lived at the family residence located at 1391 St. James St. in Montreal. D’Iorio owned four properties which he rented in addition to his restaurant and grocery store. All of these properties were located on St. James St.

On June 11, 1940, D’Iorio transferred $5000 to his wife’s bank account possibly because he suspected he would be arrested.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 663, Internee File 4643, “Savino D’Iorio.”

POW #: P430
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 02, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN: September 27, 1893
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

Giuseppe (Joseph) D’Iorio was married to Assunta. The couple lived at 168 Belanger St. in Montreal. Little else is known about Giuseppe D’Iorio.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 690, Internee File 7769, “Giuseppe D’Iorio.”

POW #: P412
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 17, 1941
NATURALIZED: 1912
BORN: 1885
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Hatchminder, Canadian Import Coal Company

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release

Michele D’Iorio arrived in Canada in 1902. He returned to Italy three times between 1902 and 1913. D’Iorio had never attended school. He could not read or write. 

D’Iorio was married and had seven children. Two of his sons worked in the construction industry. The family resided at 1325 Brittania St. in Montreal.

Prior to being hired by the Canadian Import Coal Company, D’Iorio had worked for the Canadian National Railway (CNR), the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and the Dominion Coal Company. He had been a member of the Caserta Benefit Society since 1932. He was also a member of the National Catholic Syndicate Union. D’Iorio denied any involvement with fascist organizations.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 690, Internee File 7786, “Michele D’Iorio.”
• Library and Archives Canada, J.D. Hyndman Fonds: MG 30, E 182, Vol. 14, Letter from J.D. Hyndman to Unknown, Mar. 25, 1941.

POW #: P416
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: October 30, 1940
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

There is little information about Luigi D’Iorio.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 1, “Minister’s Orders – Italian,” no date.

POW #: P785
ARRESTED: August 14, 1940
RELEASED: August 02, 1941
NATURALIZED: 1929
BORN: March 30, 1879
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Co-owner of Restaurant/Part-time Caterer

RELEASE NOTES: Had to report monthly to RCMP

Vincenzo D’Orta arrived in Canada in 1913. He and his wife lived at 251 Dante St. in Montreal and operated a restaurant at the same address. D’Orta also worked a few times a month as a cook at private wedding receptions. He was interned because of alleged fascist activities.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 666, Internee File 4784, “Adamo D’Agostino.”

POW #: P193
ARRESTED: June 20, 1940
RELEASED: July 28, 1942
NATURALIZED: 1930
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Cape Breton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Coal miner

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally (see below)

Angelo Dal Bello came to Canada in 1923 and became a citizen (a naturalized British subject) in 1930. He was married to Caterina. The couple had two sons, ages 9 and 13, as well as a daughter, age 5, at the time of Angelo’s internment. The family lived in New Waterford, Nova Scotia.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) believed Angelo was a member of the dopolavoro and that he had applied for membership in the local fascist group organized by the Italian consul.

When Angelo was released from the Fredericton Internment Camp in July 1942, he was required to report to the RCMP every month and could not travel more than 25 miles from his home without first notifying the authorities.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property, RG 117, Vol. 655, Internee File 3761, “Angelo Dal Bello.”
• Library and Archives Canada, J.D. Hyndman Fonds: MG 30, E182, Vol. 14, Letter from J.D. Hyndman to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, Oct. 20, 1940.

POW #: P194
ARRESTED: June 20, 1940
RELEASED: June 02, 1942
NATURALIZED: 1927
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Cape Breton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Coal miner

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Giovanni Dal Bello came to Canada in 1920 and became a citizen (a naturalized British subject) in 1927. He was married to Agnese Ceccato and the couple had six children. The family lived in New Waterford, Nova Scotia. At the time of Giovanni’s arrest, four of the children were in school while the remaining two were too young and stayed at home. Agnese ran a grocery store.

Giovanni had travelled to Italy in 1929 and again in 1939, though the reasons for these visits are unknown. He was a member of the local branch of the Italian War Veterans’ Association and the dopolavoro. He denied membership in the fascio but did subscribe to L’Italia Nuova, the fascist newspaper published in Montreal. Giovanni had also donated money to the Italian Red Cross during Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia. In May 1940, he was beaten up for expressing pro-Mussolini views.

Giovanni’s release in 1942 was conditional. He had to report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and could not change his address or leave Toronto without first reporting to police. He had to obey all laws and “do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort.”

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property, RG 117, Vol. 2018, Internee File 5059, “Giovanni Dal Bello.”
• Library and Archives Canada, J.D. Hyndman Fonds; MG 30, E182, Vol. 14, Letter from J.D. Hyndman to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, Oct. 28, 1940.

POW #: P488
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: February 09, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: July 22, 1905
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Construction worker; Presser

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon subscribing to a special undertaking and reporting monthly to the local authorities

Angelo Dalle Vedove was born on July 22, 1905, in Friuli, Italy. He met Elvezia Andreani in Sudbury, Ontario, and they got married. They later moved to Montreal where their only child, Vladimira, was born in 1930. The couple lived with Elvezia’s mother and stepfather at their home in Montreal North.

Dalle Vedove worked in the construction industry prior to his arrest and internment. He was returning from work on June 10, 1940, when he heard that a friend and neighbour, Silvio Monti, had been arrested. He decided to visit Mrs. Monti whom he believed needed company. 

June 10 was his daughter Vladimira’s tenth birthday, and the family had planned a celebratory dinner. Two Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers arrived at the Berri St. address before Dalle Vedove came home. His daughter remembers that the RCMP officers did not let Dalle Vedove stay to cut the birthday cake which was already on the table: “…when my father came in, my mother said, ‘It’s my daughter’s birthday. Could he come just to cut the, uh, the cake, you know?’ And they said, ‘No.’ They took him away and that was that. And they said, ‘Well, it won’t be for very long’” (Vladimira Dalle Vedove Tontini, June 23, 2011). 

Dalle Vedove was arrested in his home and later, on June 28, 1940, interned at Camp Petawawa. A year later, he looked quite well when his wife, daughter and mother-in-law visited him at the camp. He was then transferred to Fredericton. He was released on February 3, 1943, with many conditions:

That he will not journey from Montreal without first reporting details of his proposed trip to your Force at Montreal, and if so required by your Force, he will report at his destination or destinations, to such police officer or officers as may be designated by your Force; That he obey all laws and regulations, and do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort, and that he do or say nothing that might in any way detract from the war effort of Canada or its Allies, or that might in any way assist or encourage any enemy of Canada or its Allies; That he have nothing to do with Fascism or any Fascist or other forbidden club or organization; That he sign an undertaking to abide by all of the above conditions (Louis St. Laurent, Minister of Justice, to S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, Feb. 3, 1943).

During Dalle Vedove’s internment, his wife worked three jobs because the $5.18 a week in relief was not enough to support the family. Prior to his arrest, the family had begun the construction of a new house on Papineau St. in Montreal. His wife paid for the ongoing construction. Her objective was to move into the new house to avoid the expenses of two homes.

According to his daughter, the family faced other hardships including discrimination. For instance, the grandmother was discriminated against in stores. Dalle Vedove’s brother, Emil, changed his name from Dalle Vedove to Dalle in order to avoid discrimination and internment.

Biography by Krystle Copeland
 

Do you know…
When did Angelo Dalle Vedove become a citizen (a naturalized British subject)?
 

SOURCES:

• Interview with Vladimira Dalle Vedove Tontini. June 23, 2011. Columbus Centre Collection.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 1995, Internee File 4376, “Angelo Dalle Vedove.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3568, File A.

POW #: P329
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 02, 1941
NATURALIZED: July 15, 1932
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Windsor
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Moulder

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally

Giacomo Angelo Daminato lived at 457 Glengarry Ave. with his wife, Elisa, and their four children: Rita was 17, Mary 14, Antonia 11 and Dino was 9. Mary Daminato, Giacomo’s mother, also lived with the family. Daminato worked as a moulder for Ford Motor Company in Windsor.

There is no start date for Daminato’s internment from the government files consulted, however there is an indication that he may have been interned in August of 1940. Letter by to The Custodian’s Office, Department of the Secretary of State of Canada, Ottawa, ON.  London, ON, November 21, 1940.

At the time of Daminato’s internment, his house was assessed at $1900 and his Bank of Toronto account had approximately $450. Despite the considerable amount of money in Daminato’s bank account, letters in the Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP) files show that his wife struggled to pay several bills, including a grocery bill and a balance owed to the Toronto Asphalt Roofing Mfg.

It is not clear why Daminato was interned, other than he was Italian-born. There is no mention, in the CEP files, of extracurricular work with any fascist or Italian organizations.

The conditions of Daminato’s release stated: “As Dominato did not acquire naturalization until July 15, 1932, he must report to the RCMP, Windsor, ON, immediately upon his arrival at that point where the matter of his registration and parole, in compliance with existing regulations, will receive attention.”

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

Do you know…
Why was Giacomo Angelo Daminato interned?
What happened to his four children? Are any still alive?
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 2118, Internee File 4296, “Giacomo Angelo Daminato.”

POW #: P228
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 22, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN: August 01, 1916
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Single
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon his first subscribing to the Undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the Defence of Canada Regulations, and further, that he report once a month to the Officer Commanding, RCMP, Toronto, Ontario

Antonio Danesi was born in Chiusano, Italy.  At the outbreak of World War II, he was living at 42 Beaver Ave. in Toronto with his two brothers, Pietro Danesi and Frank Danesi. Antonio was single and had no assets or bank accounts.

On June 10, 1940, Antonio and his older brother, Pietro, were arrested. Shortly after, they were sent to Petawawa Internment Camp. The two were released together on June 22, 1942 at 1:20 p.m. It is unclear why the two elder Danesi brothers were interned while the youngest, Frank, was only required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 2001, Internee File 4511, “Antonio Danesi.”
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V5.

POW #: P229
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 22, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN: June 25, 1913
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Single
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon his first subscribing to the Undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the Defence of Canada Regulations, and further, that he report once a month to the Officer Commanding, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Toronto, Ontario

Pietro Danesi was born in Lucia, Italy. At the outbreak of World War II, he was living at 42 Beaver Ave. in Toronto with his two younger brothers, Antonio Danesi and Frank Danesi. Pietro was single and had no assets or bank accounts.

On June 10, 1940, Pietro and Antonio were arrested. Shortly after, they were sent to Petawawa Internment Camp. The two were released together on June 22, 1942 at 1:20 p.m.

It is unclear why the two elder Danesi brothers were interned while the youngest, Frank, was only required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 2001, Internee File 4510, “Pietro Danesi.”
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V5.

POW #: P594
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: March 16, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION: Worker, Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR)

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon agreeing to a special undertaking

There is very little information known about Tommaso De Cristofaro. His name appears on a spring 1940 government list of “Members of the fascio of Canadian nationality whose examination should be ordered under Regulation 21 of the Defence of Canada Regulations.” The Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property maintained a file on this individual. He had a son, but his marital status is not known.

Interned on July 20, 1940, De Cristofaro seems to have objected to his internment and requested release. His detention was ordered continued on two occasions, presumably tied to a review of his case – on July 17, 1941, and then again on June 10, 1942. He was among the Italian Canadians transferred from Petawawa to Fredericton Internment Camp. It is unclear what evidence supported his continuing internment. The reasons for his ultimate release are not known.

Other biographical information is lacking.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro

Do you know…
Was De Cristofaro an active fascist? If so, how?
Why was De Cristofaro held so long?
What happened to De Cristofaro after the war?

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 658, Internee File 4158, “Tommaso De Cristofaro.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, C11-19-2-3-pt 4.

POW #: P234
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: March 27, 1941
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: May 11, 1888
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Carman, Canadian National Railway (CNR)

Angelo De Luca was born on May 11, 1888 and arrived in Canada in 1903.  He was naturalized on February 3, 1926.

His wife’s name was Anita and they had seven children. De Luca worked as a carman with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) for 22 years prior to being interned.  Before that, he worked for Grand Trunk Railway (GTR) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). They lived in Mimico (Toronto).

He was arrested on June 10, 1940 and sent to Petawawa Internment Camp. De Luca was apparently the president of the John Caboto Club and had written to the Italian consul for charitable reasons.

With De Luca interned, Anita suffered greatly as she took care of children. It was reported that herself and some of the children were ill after having contracted an illness in Italy during a visit in 1921. Reeve Armstrong from the Township of Etobicoke told Hyndman that on more than one occasion he gave the De Luca family coal to heat their home. 

Hyndman stated of De Luca’s case:

I believe that his connection with any of these Italian organizations was purely for the purpose of social intercourse, it being most natural that he should associate with people of his own nationality; and even if there were in such Societies men with ulterior motives such as some of the leaders of the Fascists undoubtedly had, it surely is hardly justice to draw the inference that all other members must necessarily be ‘tarred with the same brush’, and especially so in the absence of any concrete evidence to that effect ….’ 

With no evidence given to him by the RCMP, Hyndman recommended De Luca’s release. 

Shortly after his release, De Luca tried to get his job back at the CNR but railway officials received a petition signed by 93 of their employees protesting De Luca’s return.  The workers stated that De Luca had expressed fascist remarks in the years leading up to the war.  One comment among the many stated: “About four years ago during lunch hour De Luca gave the Fascist salute and said ‘Mussolini will show you.’  He always spoke in favour of Mussolini, what he was doing in Italy and showed his feelings quite openly.”

De Luca was recommended to be re-interned at the Don Jail in Toronto; however it is unclear if this request was actually followed through.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.
• Library and Archives Canada, JD Hyndman Fonds, MG30: E182, Vol. 14
• Minister’s Orders List V1, V3 & V5.

POW #: P872
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 13, 1941
NATURALIZED: August 01, 1922
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Pastry Cook

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release

Giovanni De Luca and his family lived at 7611 St. Dominic St. in Montreal. 

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) believed that De Luca was a member of the Mile End branch of the Fascio Giovanni Luparini as well as a secretary of the neighbourhood’s dopolavoro. The RCMP’s evidence against De Luca came from 27 articles found in the Italian-language fascist newspaper L’Italia (later named L’Italia Nuova). He was considered to be a “guiding spirit” of the Mile End fascio since 1930. De Luca was also a venerable of the Piave Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy. At the time of his arrest, De Luca admitted to being a member of all of these organizations.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 697, Internee File 12468, “Giovanni De Luca.”

POW #: P319
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: December 03, 1940
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: September 28, 1888
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Other Ontario
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Owner/Operator, De Marco’s Confectionery

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations)

Carmine (Carmen) De Marco came to Canada in 1903 and originally settled in Kitchener, Ontario, for a year before moving to North Bay, Ontario, to work on the railroad. De Marco’s brother had opened an Italian grocery store in North Bay. When he had to return to Italy, Carmine managed the store for seven years until his brother’s return. 

De Marco married Antonietta Scappatura in 1919. The couple had three children: Tony was 19, Frank 16 and Elvira 15. In the late 1920s, Carmine and Antonietta opened De Marco’s Confectionery on Algonquin St. The family lived behind the store. During De Marco’s internment, his sons Tony and Frank managed the business, but customers were few and far between. It was not until the end of World War II that business returned to its pre-war levels.

De Marco had two brothers-in-law, Frank Scappatura and Vincenzo Scappatura, who were also interned. 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Interview with Anthony De Marco. August 9, 2011. Columbus Centre Collection.
• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces: RG 24, Vol 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 648, Internee File 3249, “Carmine De Marco.”

POW #: P595
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: September 25, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

At the time of his arrest, Paolo (Paul) De Paoli lived at 1206 Berri St. in Montreal.

On March 19, 1942, a package addressed to De Paoli was intercepted by Petawawa camp guards. The parcel contained three books: Servizio Segreta, La Congiura Contro Il Mondo and Through Fascism to World Power. The package was sent to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) headquarters in Montreal because the titles were considered propaganda, and camp officials did not want them circulating in the camp.

De Paoli’s release conditions were as follows: he had to report to RCMP once a month, could not change his place of residence or leave Montreal without the consent of RCMP, and was forbidden to be involved in fascist activities or organizations.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

Do you know…
More information on Paolo De Paoli?
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 701, Internee File 17504, “Paolo De Paoli.

POW #: P546
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: September 01, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon subscribing to Regulation 24 of the Defence of Canada Regulations and to a special undertaking. He could not change his place of residence or leave Montreal without the RCMP’s consent.

Giuseppe De Petrillo and his family lived in a one storey house at 7435 Lajeunesse St. in Montreal. He was married to Assunta (née Di Fruscia). They had four children who were 17, 13, 12 and 11 years old.

De Petrillo was arrested on June 10, 1940. His assets included a bank account with a $90 balance, a set of working tools valued at $50, and a small number of shares. De Petrillo was interned at Camp Petawawa on July 7, 1940. He was a leader of the Richmond branch of the Montreal dopolavoro.

During De Petrillo’s internment, his family did not receive any assistance. The family seemed to have survived with the help of friends. The two youngest children attended school.

De Petrillo was released on September 1, 1942.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

Do you know…
What did Giuseppe De Petrillo do for a living?

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 2024, Internee File 5219, “Giuseppe De Petrillo.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 6.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 146, Vol. 97, File AH-1999/00227, “The Organization and Activities of the Italian Fascist Party in Canada,” Ottawa, 1937.
• Minister’s Orders, List V1 & V6.

POW #: K262 / P1040
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: November 21, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN: November 19, 1887
DIED:

CAMP(S): Kananaskis, Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Vancouver
MARITAL STATUS: Separated
OCCUPATION: Owner/Operator, Rose’s Transfer

RELEASE NOTES: Had to report monthly to RCMP

Rosario De Rico had an infant daughter at the time of his internment. Mr. Camillis – an employee of De Rico’s trucking company – looked after the daughter while her father was interned. Camillis also ran the business in De Rico’s absence. De Rico’s Custodian of Enemy Property file lists two addresses: 2131 St. George St. and 902 East Hastings St. It may be that one was a home address while the other was that of Rose’s Transfer.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 655, Internee File 3769, “Rosario De Rico.”

POW #: P438
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: February 06, 1943
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon agreeing to a special undertaking and reporting monthly

There is very little information known about Luigi Mario De Rosa. At the time of his arrest, he was married to Veronica Kennedy. Government records indicate they had seven children, Julia (15), John (13), Phillip (12), Ursula (11), Louis (9), Michael (6) and Patrick (5). His name appears on a spring 1940 government list of “Important members of the fascio who are naturalized and whose internment is recommended.” The nature of his involvement in the fascio is not known.

The Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property maintained a file on this individual. He did not have any significant assets. His family suffered financial hardships during his internment. Although they may have originally been denied government relief, they received it as early as August 13, 1940.

De Rosa seems to have appealed his internment, but his detention was ordered continued and his release was denied on March 24, 1942. He was among the few Italian Canadian internees transferred from Petawawa to Fredericton Internment Camp. It is unclear what evidence supported his continuing internment.

On February 1, 1943, De Rosa was ordered released with the following conditions:

That he will not journey from Montreal without first reporting details of his proposed trip to your Force at Montreal, and if so required by your Force, he will report at his destination or destinations, to such police officer or officers as may be designated by your Force;

That he obey all laws and regulations, and do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort, and that he do or say nothing that might in any way detract from the war effort of Canada or its Allies, or that might in any way assist or encourage any enemy of Canada or its Allies;

That he have nothing to do with Fascism or any Fascist or other forbidden club or organization;

That he sign an undertaking to abide by all of the above conditions.

I further direct that De Rosa be given a copy of these conditions (Louis St. Laurent, Minister of Justice, to S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, February 1, 1943).

The reasons for his release are not available. Other biographical information is lacking.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro

Do you know…
How did De Rosa support his family?
What was the nature of his involvement with the fascio?
Why was he held so long and transferred to Fredericton Internment Camp?
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 656, Internee File 3852, “Luigi Mario De Rosa.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.

POW #: P808
ARRESTED: July 20, 1940
RELEASED: April 07, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Machine Operator, Hamilton Works – International Harvester

Andrea De Rubeis lived at 66½ Hillyard Rd. in Hamilton. He was married and had two children: a 13-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter. His family lived in Italy. De Rubeis had worked for International Harvester since June 6, 1928, possibly around the time he arrived in Canada. 

In 1937, De Rubeis was hospitalized after suffering a breakdown. His internment triggered another episode in the fall of 1940. He was sent to the Ontario Mental Hospital at Penetenguishene, Ontario, where he remained until March 31, 1941. Following his discharge, he was returned to the Petawawa Internment Camp.

After his release from Fredericton Internment Camp in April 1943, De Rubeis returned to Hamilton and lived at 13 Imperial St.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 671, Internee File 5082, “Andrea De Rubeis.”

POW #: P235
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: February 12, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: January 19, 1887
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Employee, Willfield Clothing Company

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Mario De Rubertis was married to Concetta, and the couple lived at 225 Christie St. in Toronto. Prior to his internment, De Rubertis worked for the Willfield Clothing Company located at 119 Spadina Ave. 

During her husband’s internment, Concetta moved to 106 Balsam Ave. De Rubertis lived at this address following his release from the Fredericton Internment Camp. Concetta suffered from an unknown illness during her husband’s absence.

De Rubertis’ release conditions were as follows: he had to report to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) once a month, could not change his place of residence or leave Toronto without the consent of RCMP, and was forbidden to be involved in fascist activities or organizations.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 663, Internee File 4576, “Mario De Rubertis.”

POW #: P682
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: March 29, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon his subscribing to the Undertaking set out in Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations)

Very little is known about Demetrio De Sanctis. According to government documents, at the time of his arrest he was living at 217 St. Zotique St. in Montreal.

He was released from Camp Petawawa on March 29, 1941 with the condition that he subscribe to the undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the Defence of Canada Regulations.

Biography by Stefanie Petrilli
 
SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 691, Internee File 9797 “Demetrio De Sanctis.”

POW #: P698
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: October 09, 1941
NATURALIZED: December 18, 1922
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Windsor
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Co-owner, St. Clair Contracting Company

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Attilio De Santis was married to Louisa Bartolawcazyi. The couple had three children: Edward (b. 1910), Silene (b. 1912) and a son (b. 1928) whose name is not known. Only the youngest son lived at the family residence located at 935 Langlois Ave. in Windsor.

De Santis and George Oreni (d. September 1940) co-owned a cement contracting firm located at 1063 Janette St.

During De Santis’ internment, Louisa survived by borrowing from friends. She also received relief payments. De Santis’ release conditions were as follows: he had to report to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) once a month, could not change his place of residence or leave Windsor without the consent of RCMP, and was forbidden to be involved in fascist activities or organizations.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 
SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 673, Internee File 5223, “Attilio De Santis.”

POW #:
ARRESTED: October 27, 1940
RELEASED: December 18, 1940
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

Pasquale De Stefano was a member of Fascio Giovanni Luparini. He lived at 6511 St. Dominique St. in Montreal. Little else is known about De Stefano.

On June 10, 1940, the police arrested another Pasquale De Stefano. At some point, the government realized the error and De Stefano, a restaurateur, was ordered released on August 26, 1940.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, Internee File C-11-19-2-3, Part 2, Memorandum to the Inter-Departmental Committee from Unknown, Jan. 27, 1941.

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: August 26, 1940
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Restaurateur

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release

Pasquale Di Stefano was married to Adalgisa. The couple lived at 5210 Iberville St. in Montreal. Di Stefano operated a restaurant that was overseen by his wife during his internment.

Di Stefano was arrested by mistake because he had the same name as a known fascist in Montreal – another Pasquale De Stefano. As Norman A. Roberston, Chairperson of the Inter-Departmental Committee that reviewed the evidence against internees, wrote to the Minister of Justice: “This man, whom investigation reveals has no Fascist tendencies, was arrested and interned on the strength of information and evidence which actually applied to a person bearing the same name.” 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property, RG 117, Vol. 648, Internee File 3264, “Pasquale De Stefano.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 1, Letter from Norman A. Robertson, Chairperson Inter-Departmental Committee, to Ernest Lapointe, Aug. 17, 1940.

POW #: P547
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: May 09, 1942
NATURALIZED: February 16, 1937
BORN: October 10, 1903
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Managing Director and Secretary-Treasurer, A.D. Sebastiani Inc.

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations) and reporting monthly

Not much is known about Filippo (Phillipe) Del Grande. He was born in Acquasanta Terme (Provincia di Ascoli Piceno, Regione Marche) on October 10, 1903. At the time of his arrest, he was married to Mabel. A citizen (naturalized British subject), he had achieved a certain measure of economic success, earning a salary of $4,500 per year. Since 1931, Del Grande was employed as the Managing Director and Secretary-Treasurer of A.D. Sebastiani Inc. Founded by Alfredo D. Sebastiani, the company comprised several profitable shoe factories. 

Del Grande was interned on July 27, 1940. His boss, Alfredo D. Sebastiani, was also arrested but due to ill health was held on house arrest only. Sebastiani’s two nephews, Giuseppe Di Pietro and Antonio Di Pietro, worked for the company and were also interned.

We do not know how Del Grande felt about his internment and his experience in camp. He seems to have kept busy. While interned, Del Grande pursued a British patent pertaining to shoe manufacturing. 

Del Grande’s name appears on a spring 1940 government list of “Members of the fascio of Canadian nationality whose examination should be ordered under Regulation 21 of the Defence of Canada Regulations.” 

The reasons for his release are not known. Other biographical information is lacking.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro

Do you know…
Was Del Grande an active member of one of the fasci in Montreal?
What happened to Del Grande after the war?

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 650, Internee File 3361, “Filippo Del Grande.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, C11-19-2-3-pt 4.

POW #: P285
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 28, 1941
NATURALIZED: September 14, 1911
BORN: September 22, 1884
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Operated Steamship Agency

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release

Aurelio Del Piero arrived in New York City on November 22, 1906, aboard the S.S. Sofia Hohenberg. He went directly to Canada and settled in Copper Cliff, Ontario (now part of Sudbury). Afterwards, Del Piero moved to Hamilton where he was employed at the Hamilton Bridge Works Company. On March 22, 1916, he had a serious accident which left him with a permanent partial disability. He could no longer perform strenuous labour. The Ontario Workman’s Compensation Board awarded Del Piero a pension of $10 per month, for six years, which expired in September 1922. As a result of his work-related accident, Del Piero started a steamship agency located at his home address – 253 James St. North. He also sold cigarettes, tobacco and money orders.

Del Piero and Nicola Masi (also interned) founded and incorporated the Trieste Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in the mid-1920s. Masi was elected the first Grand Venerable while Del Piero was voted in as treasurer. In the 1930s, Del Piero was Assistant Grand Master of the Supreme lodge of the Ontario Order Sons of Italy. 

Del Piero was also involved in the Hamilton Casa d’Italia and dopolavoro. In fact, he had loaned the Casa d’Italia $3200. When Del Piero was arrested on June 10, 1940, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) seized records from both organizations.

While Del Piero was interned, his wife Cristina (b. May 21, 1885) continued selling cigarettes and tobacco but only earned $2 a week. She received $3 a week from a female boarder who lived at the family home.

Following his release from the Petawawa Internment Camp, Del Piero was forced to work the odd jobs he could find. From February 1943 to November 1944, for instance, he worked as a janitor at Ontario Forgings.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Archives of Ontario, Order Sons of Italy, Grand Lodge Records, F4378, Petition by Aurelio Del Piero, no date.
• Cumbo, Enrico. “Italians in Hamilton, 1900-40,” Polyphony 7.2 (Fall/Winter 1985): 28-36.
• Library and Archives Canada, CSIS: RG 146, Vol. 97, File AH-1999/00227, RCMP, “The Organization and Activities of the Italian Fascist Party in Canada,” Ottawa, 1937.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 661, Internee File 4309, “Aurelio Del Piero.”

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 12, 1940
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S):
TOWN/CITY: Trail
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

There is very little information known about Eugenio Della Lana. Government documents indicate that he was arrested on June 10, 1940, and released by July 12, 1940. The reasons for his arrest and release are not available. He was held in Vancouver and released there. Biographical information is also lacking. However, the Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property maintained a file on this individual.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces: RG24 Vol 6586 File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol 657, Internee File 3942, “Eugenio Dalle Lana.”

POW #: P245
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 14, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN: October 08, 1899
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Stonecutter, Italian Mosaic and Tile Company

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Giovanni (John) Dellai was married to Dedena. The couple had two children: Marie (b. 1930) and John (b. 1933). The family residence was located at 77 Raglan Ave. in Toronto.

Dellai’s employer, Italian Mosaic and Tile Company, changed its name to Brooks Marble and Tile Company on June 1, 1940. 

During Dellai’s internment, attempts were made to foreclose the home because payments could no longer be made. The foreclosure may have occurred since the family lived at 313 Wynchwood Ave. following Dellai’s release. Dedena received $35.21 per month in relief payments while her husband was interned.

Dellai’s release conditions were as follows: he had to report to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) once a month, could not change his place of residence or leave Toronto without the consent of RCMP, and was forbidden to be involved in fascist activities or organizations. 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 663, Internee File 4573, “Giovanni Dellai.”

POW #: P444
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED:
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

On November 4, 1942, while interned, Dabormida Dello Sbarba wrote to Louis St. Laurent, the Minister of Justice, to request that his naturalization be revoked. Dello Sbarba’s wish was granted on January 19, 1943. This may have been a form of protest against his internment or a result of his strong pro-Italian sentiments. During a camp hearing, either in late 1942 or early 1943, Dello Sbarba was on record as saying, “I want the Axis to win the war but I won’t do anything about it.” 

In April 1943, Dello Sbarba learned that his son was to be called to service in the Canadian army and was concerned that his wife would be left alone without support. As a result, he requested another camp hearing where authorities believed he would profess to support the Allies in an attempt to be released from camp. It is not known whether a new hearing was granted.  

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 6, Letter from S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, to Deputy Minister of Justice, Apr. 26, 1943.

POW #: P424
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: May 08, 1941
NATURALIZED: February 16, 1938
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release

Very little is known about Salvatore Denaro. At the time of his arrest, he lived at 6767 Clarke Ave. in Montreal.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 664, Internee File 4661, “Salvatore Denaro.”

POW #: P735
ARRESTED: June 20, 1940
RELEASED: December 25, 1940
NATURALIZED: Canadian born
BORN: January 20, 1911
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Niagara Region
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Employed by a small printing shop in Niagara Falls, New York

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional Release

There is very little information known about Giuseppe Denise. He was born in 1911 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. At the time of his arrest, he was married to Rose Marie, who was born in Montmorency, Quebec, on October 20, 1913. The couple had three children: a four-year-old son and two daughters who were two and six years old. His family suffered as a result of his internment. Government records indicate that they resided with Denise’s parents and were expected to apply for government relief.

The Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property maintained a file on this individual, and noted the ongoing efforts to recover the administration fee – from Denise and his family – and the determination of an error in this matter:

The above named was released from internment on the 25th of December, 1940, and on the 10th ultimo, I submitted a memorandum to Mr. Mathieu pointing out that although I had written this ex-internee several letters, he has not paid our charges of $21.28. Mr. Mathieu instructed me to keep after him until he furnishes a valid reason for refusing to pay. 

I accordingly wrote him another letter and now have his reply asking for a statement of the administration of his affairs during the internment for which I find on examining the file that we apparently did not administer his property.

The report of Price, Waterhouse & Co. Toronto, dated October 26th, 1940, showed assets of $557.15 against which they understand there were substantial taxes. Of the total assets, $460.00 represented a vacant lot, the balance representing cash surrender value of three insurance policies.

As Mrs. Denise had no means of support and expected to apply for relief, we withdrew from the case. It seems to me that this is a case where these charges could be debited to this man’s account until a final decision has been given as to the ultimate disposition of such assets (G.G. Beckett, Memorandum to G.W. McPherson, December 14, 1943).

Despite the above, a handwritten response appears on this memo: “I don’t think you can back up now. You will have to justify the account and ask for payment.” The signature is not legible. It is not clear why they would continue to try to make an internee pay for a service they admit he did not receive.

The reasons for his arrest and release are not known.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

Do you know…
Why was Denise interned?
What happened to Denise after his release?
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces: RG 24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 670, Internee File 5033, “Giuseppe Denise.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3568, File A.

POW #: P465
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: January 02, 1942
NATURALIZED: May 25, 1924
BORN: March 29, 1894
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Operated restaurant and tobacco shop; Barber

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Luigi Di Battista arrived in Canada in 1913. In 1919, he married Giovanna (b. 1904). The couple had nine children: Adeline (b. 1921), Maria (b. 1922), Yolanda (b. 1923), Gerard (b. January 6, 1925), Domenico (b. 1926), Angela (b. 1929), Assunta Helena (b. 1930), Vittorio (b. June 14, 1932) and Pauline (b. 1935). The Di Battistas lived in a rented property located at 66 Notre Dame St. in Lachine, Quebec, which is now part of Montreal. The couple managed a restaurant and tobacco shop at the same address. Di Battista had a barber’s chair and gave haircuts to customers.

Di Battista was a self-identified fascist during the early days of Mussolini’s reign in Italy. He played fascist Italian songs on his piano and had his children learn them as well. His son Gerard attended a fascist camp at Rawdon, Quebec, run by Gentile Dieni who was also interned during World War II.

After her husband was interned, Giovanna had a difficult time keeping the restaurant and tobacco shop profitable. She sold the store stock to pay off debts to suppliers. On March 12, 1941, Giovanna applied for relief and eventually received an unknown amount. Four of her children worked to help support the family. Adeline worked four months of the year at the Saxonia Fruit Company and earned $9 a week. Maria worked at General Hospital in February and March 1941, but she had to stop due to ill health. She underwent surgery in March of that same year. Yolanda earned $4 a week as a housemaid for a family in Montreal’s west end. However, she, too, had a hard time keeping her job due to health issues. Gerard got a job at Hallington Tool and Dye and was paid 25 cents an hour. (Gerard later enlisted with the Canadian military and even trained at Petawawa while his father was interned there.) Except for the youngest, the other children were in school.

Giovanna and the children were evicted from their rented home on April 1, 1941, even though their lease did not expire until the end of that month. The owner of the property told Giovanna that, if she did not vacate the premises, the family’s belongings would be seized to cover rent. Giovanna and the children moved to 109 Saint Louis St. in Lachine where they were supported by Giovanna’s mother and siblings. This was to be a temporary measure as the City of Lachine had found a home for Giovanna and the children at 5403 Notre Dame St. West in Montreal. Unfortunately, the house was overrun with rats. 

Di Battista’s release conditions were as follows: he had to report to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) once a month, could not change his place of residence or leave Montreal without the consent of RCMP, and was forbidden to be involved in fascist activities or organizations.

Following Di Battista’s release from the Petawawa Internment Camp, he worked as a barber for $18 a week.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Interview with Victor and Gerard Di Battista. April 15, 2011. Columbus Centre Collection.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 666, Internee File 4803, “Luigi Di Battista.”

POW #: P486
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED:
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S):
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

There is little information about Alfredo Di Blasio.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

Do you know:
More information on Alfredo Di Blasio?
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 1, “Minister’s Orders – Italian,” no date.

POW #: P819
ARRESTED: August 06, 1940
RELEASED: October 03, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN: September 12, 1900
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Mario Di Cenzo was released from the Fredericton Internment Camp with the following conditions: he had to report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), could not change his address or leave Hamilton without first reporting to police, had to obey all laws and “do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort.”

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP; RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 6, Letter from Louis St. Laurent, Minister of Justice, to S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, Sep. 24, 1942.

POW #: P317
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: May 08, 1941
NATURALIZED: 1925
BORN: 1882
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Timmins
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Self-employed Contractor

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release. As Di Critico did not acquire naturalization until 1925, he had to report to the RCMP in Timmins, Ontario, immediately upon arrival so that his registration and parole, in compliance with existing regulations, would receive attention.

Francesco (Frank) Di Critico was born in 1882 in Italy. He arrived in Canada in 1906 and was naturalized in 1925. On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and sent to Camp Petawawa for less than a year. At the time of his arrest, he lived with his wife, Anita, at 10 Balsam St. South in Timmins, Ontario. They did not have children.

Di Critico was a self-employed contract builder who did casual jobs. He built two houses on Castlefield Ave. but could not sell them. Therefore, the houses were repossessed. Di Critico had $39.03 in his bank account. He did not have a life insurance policy. Furthermore, there was nothing of value in his home that was seized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

On September 19, 1940, Di Critico wrote to his wife: “…You were telling me that I didn’t mention anything about the parcel; it contained oil, coffee, pepper, tomato sauce, preserves, cheese, pears, sausages, cigarettes, macaroni, olives and onions, you can be sure that the parcels are coming all right.” He also told his wife of his activities in the camp: “My work is all right, we work when there is something to do, not all the time; we are building large barracks for the stores, and there is still some work to do before the day is over” (English translation of Letter from Frank Di Critico to Anita Di Critico, Petawawa, September 19, 1940).

During her husband’s internment, Anita Di Critico had some difficulties. In her letter to Price, Waterhouse & Co., dated December 5, 1940, she complained about having trouble collecting her relief (welfare): she was insulted by the relief officer who told her she “didn’t belong there.” She wrote, “…that hurt my feelings because I am a good Canadian and have lived in Canada for 33 years and never been brought up for any trouble… I was a good Canadian and always will be. I only hope my husband was here to supply a living for me, and then I would not need any relief. Even at Petawawa he has 30 men working under him and that should show he is a good enough man…” (Letter from Anita Di Critico to Price, Waterhouse & Co., Timmins, December 5, 1940).

His former lawyer also vouched for Di Critico’s good character: “I knew Mr. Di Critico well personally and at that time, in my estimation, he would not countenance anything which would be detrimental to the interests of this country, and I found him very honourable in all his business dealings with which I was associated… I consider that the matter of his release should be given your consideration” (Letter from James R. Reycraft to the Minister of Justice, Toronto, July 2, 1940). On July 17, 1940, Di Critico appeared before Judge J.D. Hyndman to appeal his case. However, he was released from Camp Petawawa much later, on May 8, 1941. 

Two years after his release, the Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP) asked Di Critico to pay $93.55 for the administration of his affairs by Price, Waterhouse & Co. Di Critico contested the bill as he had no assets at the time of his arrest and internment and, therefore, no administration was needed. He also explained that upon his release, he did not have a job, the rent was 11 months overdue, and there were many unpaid medical bills. Due to the stressful situation, his wife had suffered a stroke the day after he was interned. Furthermore, Di Critico wrote: “I was compelled to move to Toronto, where I’d have a chance of obtaining work in order to clear my debts and to better take care of my wife who is still under the doctor’s care” (Letter from Francesco (Frank) Di Critico to CEP, Toronto, July 10, 1943).

A memorandum written by G.G. Beckett, dated July 17, 1943, concluded: “In all the circumstances I do not think that we should write any further letters to this ex-internee. This amount should be accordingly debited to his account until such time as a final decision is given as to which Department is to be ultimately responsible for such accounts.”

It is not clear why Di Critico was interned.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 665, Internee File 4756, “Francesco Di Critico.”
• Library and Archives Canada, J.D. Hyndman Fonds: MG 30, E 182, Vol. 14.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V3.

POW #: P929
ARRESTED: December 12, 1940
RELEASED: September 25, 1943
NATURALIZED: October 24, 1934
BORN: August 31, 1894
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Separated
OCCUPATION: Unemployed

Romolo Di Domenico was apprenticed as a shoemaker before he left Italy. He arrived in Canada on March 30, 1913. In 1930, Di Domenico married an Englishwoman named Viola. They separated soon thereafter. 

Di Domenico had a criminal record. In 1924 he was sentenced to three months for motorcycle theft, and in 1939 he was fined $100 for breach of the Liquor Commission Act. Between 1935 and 1940 he did odd jobs for Luigi Mascia, a known fascist who was also interned. Di Domenico was considered to be a member of Hamilton’s Fascio Giuseppe Tudisco, the Casa d’Italia and the Trieste Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) considered Di Domenico to be lazy because he did not have steady employment. He also frequented Domenico Corsini’s barbershop at 203 Sherman Ave. North – a meeting place for local fascists. RCMP believed that Di Domenico should be interned because he “could easily be influenced for mercenary reasons and his Fascist ideology to commit acts of sabotage, and would influence others to commit acts of sabotage.” 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 689, Internee File 7234, “Romolo Di Domenico.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 2, Memorandum to the Inter-Departmental Committee from the RCMP, Nov. 25, 1940.

POW #: P921
ARRESTED: May 16, 1942
RELEASED: June 29, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Timmins
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon his reporting monthly to the RCMP

Very little is known about Leonardo Di Fabio. According to government documents, prior to his internment Di Fabio spent two years in the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Penitentiary in Laval, QC. At the expiration of his sentence he was transferred to the Petawawa Internment Camp. The reasons for his initial arrest are unknown.

Di Fabio was released from Camp Fredericton on June 29, 1943 to Montreal with the condition that he report monthly to local authorities.

Biography by Stefanie Petrilli

Do you know…
For what crimes was Di Fabio serving time in the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Penitentiary?
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 691, Internee File 19383 “Leonardo Di Fabio.”
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 703, Memorandum to Mr. A.H. Mathieu from F.X.A. Biron, June 18, 1942.

POW #: P891
ARRESTED: September 26, 1940
RELEASED: July 14, 1941
NATURALIZED: May 04, 1929
BORN: 1897
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Other Ontario
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Labourer, Dundas Quarry, Canada Crushed Stone Company

Gabriele Di Filippo arrived in Canada in December 1923. He was married and had four children. His family remained in Italy. During World War I, Di Filippo served with the Italian army as a corporal in a machine gun unit. He sustained a head injury which resulted in a silver plate being attached to his skull. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) believed that Di Filippo’s “moderate state of mental unbalance” was a result of this injury. 

The RCMP report on Di Filippo states that he had made pro-German and pro-Italian comments, but there was no proof that he belonged to any fascist organizations. Still, his mental condition, political attitudes and access to explosives led to Di Filippo’s internment.  

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 1, Memorandum to the Inter-Departmental Committee from the RCMP, Aug. 18, 1940.

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: November 17, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN: November 01, 1895
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Windsor
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Labourer

Little information is known about Santino (Sante) Di Francesco. At the time of his arrest, he had $21.75 on him. The police register of his arrest indicates that he was 5.2 feet high, 166 pounds, and 45 years old. He was also noted as being Roman Catholic and illiterate. He was released by the Windsor police to military authorities on June 12th, presumably for transfer to Petawawa Internment Camp.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, “Minister’s Orders – Italian,” Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Parts 1 and 6.
• Windsor Police Services Board and Windsor Police Service, RG8, D records of operational divisions 1915-1959, II. Administratibve Division 1920-1957 1. Criminal Records Branch – Prisoners Registers 1920-1950, Unit 11 [1940].

POW #: P346
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: October 08, 1941
NATURALIZED: September 1926
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Windsor
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Pensioner

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Angelo Di Gaspero rented a room at 1090 Goyeau St. in Windsor. He was married and had two children. His family remained in Italy. Di Gaspero had worked as a labourer for the Windsor Hydro Company. At the time of his internment, he was receiving a pension from this company.

Di Gaspero’s release from the Petawawa Internment Camp in October 1941 was conditional. He was required to report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), could not change his address or leave Windsor without first reporting to police, had to obey all laws and “do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort.”

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 661, Internee File 4351, “Angelo Di Gaspero.”

POW #: P492
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: March 07, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (4) (Defence of Canada Regulations)

Daniele Di Giantommaso lived at 4786 Calzolais St. in Montreal. Other biographical information is lacking.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces, RG 24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 702, Internee File 18277, “Daniele Di Giantomasso.”

POW #: P453
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: September 28, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon his subscribing to Regulation 24 of the Defence of Canada Regulations (DOCR) and a special undertaking

Very little is known about Fernando Di Giovanni. According to government documents, at the time of his arrest he was living at 5800 St. Hubert in Montreal.

He was released from Camp Fredericton on September 28, 1943 with the condition that he subscribe to the undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the Defence of Canada Regulations.

Biography by Stefanie Petrilli

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 701, Internee File 16523 “Fernando Di Giovanni.”

POW #: P219
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: March 03, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

Nicola Di Girolamo (aka Nick Jerome) was arrested on June 10, 1940 and sent to Petawawa Internment Camp on August 9, 1940.  He was released less than a year later on March 3, 1941.  Little else is known about Di Girolamo, however the government has maintained a file on him.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, JD Hyndman fonds: MG30: E 182, Vol. 14.
• Minister’s Orders List, V1 & V3.

POW #: P466
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: December 22, 1942
NATURALIZED: 1933
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Labourer, General Foods

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release

Luigi Di Gregorio arrived in Canada in 1921. He was married to Donatilia Di Blasio and the couple had two children – 12-year-old Nicolas and 6-year-old Rose.

Di Gregorio’s release from the Fredericton Internment Camp in December 1942 was conditional. He was required to report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), could not change his address or leave Montreal without first reporting to police, had to obey all laws and “do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort.” 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 1962, Internee File 3555, “Luigi Di Gregorio.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 6, Letter from Louis St. Laurent, Minister of Justice, to S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, Dec. 16, 1942.

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 14, 1941
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: September 04, 1894
DIED: May 17, 1976

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Gardener

Dominico Di Ioia was born on September 4, 1894 in Ripabottoni, Campobasso, Italy. During World War I, he spent three years in the Alps fighting against Austrians and Germans.

In Montreal, Di Ioia worked as a landscape gardener. On June 10, 1940, Di Ioia was arrested; a month later on July 4, 1940, he was sent to Camp Petawawa where he was interned for one year. His wife (Michelina Sauro), who was pregnant at the time with their sixth child, had to fend for herself and their five children (Caterina, Alberto, Bruno, Johnny, and Italo). Di Ioia had two family members who were also interned with him at Petawawa: his brother-in-law, Libero Sauro, and his sister-in-law’s husband, Leonardo Frenza.

One of Di Ioia’s sons, who was 11 at the time, says he is unsure why his father was interned but perhaps it had something to do with having served in the Italian Army during World War I. Di Ioia was a naturalized citizen at the time of his internment.

Di Ioia died on May 17, 1976.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Parts 1 and 4, “Minister’s Orders – Italian.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3568, File A.
• Correspondence with John Di Ioia, son of Domenico Di Ioia. Project Staff at Columbus Centre of Toronto, April/May 2012.
• Correspondence with Ninetta Frenza, daughter of Leonardo Frenza. Project Staff at Columbus Centre of Toronto, May 2012.

POW #: P545
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: January 30, 1942
NATURALIZED: December 07, 1929
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Shoemaker

RELEASE NOTES: Had to report monthly to RCMP

Francesco Di Ioia arrived in Canada in 1924 via New York City. He was married to Giuseppina, and the couple had two sons aged 12 and 17. The family lived in the six hundred block of Papineau St. in Montreal, in an apartment below Di Ioia’s shop which was on the ground floor. After Di Ioia was interned, Giuseppina found a job to support the family. She was taken into custody on October 4, 1940, but released shortly thereafter.

After the war Francesco sponsored the his cousin Pietro Di Ioia’s immigration to Canada. Pietro Di Ioia arrived in Halifax aboard the Vulcania on May 22, 1950. He travelled to Montreal where he began working on a farm; a contract his cousin Francesco secured for him prior to his immigration. Pietro Di Ioia’s family soon followed him to Montreal in 1953. His family settled on Papineau St. in a small second floor apartment near Francesco Di Ioia and his family.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Di Ioia, Maria Teresa. “Story of Pietro Di Ioia.” Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Online Story Collection. http://www.pier21.ca/research/collections/online-story-collection/immigrants
• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces: RG 24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 673, Internee File 5218, “Francesco Di Ioia.”

POW #: P999
ARRESTED:
RELEASED: February 05, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: 1898
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: “Released conditionally upon his subscribing to the Undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the DOCR and a special Undertaking.” See below for further details.

Angelo Michele Di Liello was born in Italy in 1898. He arrived in Canada in 1925 via Boston, United States. 

He lived on De Normaville St. in Montreal with his wife; they were childless. Di Liello was reported to have been a member of many organizations including the fascio, the dopolavoro, Squadra d’Azione, Casa d’Italia, and Italian War Verterans Association (where he was councillor in 1939).  He donated gold to Italy during war with Ethiopia and gave money to Casa d’Italia, Italian Red Cross, and other fascist organizations. He was close friends with Gentile Dieni and Luigi Maravalle (both interned).  In short, he was alleged as being involved in fascist and anti-British propaganda. 

Di Liello was arrested on February 12, 1941. He spent time at both camps in Petawawa and Fredericton (Ripples). He was released two years later with the conditions that he had to report monthly to the RCMP and that he could not change his place of residence without first checking with the RCMP.  Further:

“That he will not journey from Montreal without first reporting details of his proposed trip to your Force at Montreal, and if so required by your Force, he will report at his destination or destinations, to such police officer or officers as may be designated by your Force;
That he obey all laws and regulations, and do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort, and that he do or say nothing that might in any way detract from the war effort of Canada or its Allies, or that might in any way assist or encourage any enemy of Canada or its Allies’
That he have nothing to do with Fascism or any Fascist or other forbidden club or organization;
That he sign an undertaking to abide by all of the above conditions.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 699, Internee File 14106, “Angelo Michele Di Liello.”
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 2.
• Minister’s Orders List V2, V3 & V6.

POW #: P305
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: August 11, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN: 1894
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Niagara Region
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Shipper, Ontario Paper Company Ltd.

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations) and required to report monthly to the authorities

There is very little information known about Benedetto Di Manno. At the time of his arrest, he was 46 years old. Married to Theresa (35), the couple had four children: Anthony (11), Mary (10), John (8), and Marguerite (5). His name appears on the government list dating to spring 1940 of “Important members of the fascio who are naturalized whose internment is recommended”. The Custodian of Enemy Property maintained a file on this individual.  Although the family did have some assets, including property in Welland, ON, they were being pressed for mortgage payments and applied for government relief.

The reasons for Di Manno’s release are not known. Other biographical information is lacking.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

Do you know…
What was Di Manno’s involvement with the fascio?
What happened to Di Manno after the war?
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP): RG117, Vol 651, File 3431.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, C11-19-2-3-pt 4.

POW #: P827
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: October 18, 1941
NATURALIZED: 1929
BORN: 1897
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Niagara Region
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Employee, Niagara, St. Catharines and Toronto Railway

Gabriele Di Maurizio was a carabiniere in Atri, Italy, prior to his arrival in Canada. In 1923, he married Francesca while still living in Italy. In Canada, Di Maurizio worked as a labourer in the construction of the Welland Canal. Francesca joined him in 1925 and they later had five children: Mary was 14, Lida 12, Ugo 8, Anny 7 and Dino 5. The Di Maurizios lived at 14 Bertram St. in St. Catharines. 

Di Maurizio was a founding member of the St. Catharines lodge of the Order Sons of Italy. He was the lodge’s first president.

Di Maurizio was eating dinner with his family on June 10, 1940, when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrived and took him into custody. During a search of the house, police found two flags in a closet – one Italian and the other Canadian. Francesca and the children would have been able to visit Di Maurizio while he was at the Candadian National Exhibition (CNE) grounds in Toronto, but they were unable to make the trip. Two of Di Maurizio’s close friends, Carlo Carlucci and Giuseppe Di Mercurio, were also interned. 

While Di Maurizio was interned, his family was collecting relief but, as Francesca points out in a letter to G.W. McPherson, counsel for the Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP), this was not enough to support the family:

My landlord wants $18.00 rent a month and the welfare provides me with the small sum of $7.18; they will absolutely not pay the difference. If the difference is not paid my landlord said he will have to put us out. He has been after me for a long while and has now got to the stage where he won’t wait any longer. It’s just a case of being put out any time now. They told me to go out and work, wash floors, etc. You must understand I have a family of five children which keeps me busy all days and on top of that I certainly am not in the best of health. As you must know [housing] is very scarce and hard to find in St. Catharines and no landlord is willing to rent out a large enough house for five children for $7.18 (CEP).

Mary and Lida quit school and went to work to help support the family. Even Ugo found part-time work after school, setting pins at a local bowling alley.

It was difficult for Di Maurizio to find work after he was released from the Petawawa Internment Camp because he had to tell potential employers that he had been interned. He was eventually hired by Mr. Pataracchia who ran the Garden City Winery.    

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 
SOURCES:

• Interview with Dino Di Maurizio, Mary Gasbarini and Mario Lorito. November 17, 2011. Columbus Centre Collection.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 654, Internee File 3722, “Gabriele Di Maurizio.”

POW #: P232
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: January 02, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN: August 11, 1881
DIED: December 17, 1944

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Tailor, Tip Top Tailors

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon subscribing to Regulation 24 of the Defence of Canada Regulations and reporting monthly to the RCMP in Toronto

Michele Di Meo was born in Ortucchio, Italy, on August 11, 1881. For a period, he lived in New York, USA, with his wife Maria Giuseppina Iacone and three children: Anna, Pierina and a third daughter who was born in Rochester, New York.

In 1940, Di Meo lived on Grace St. in Toronto, but his family lived in Italy. Di Meo was employed by Kalles Clothes Ltd. for ten years but, at the time of his arrest, he worked for Tip Top Tailors Ltd. Di Meo was interned at Camp Petawawa for about two years. It is unclear why he was interned.

When Di Meo died in Toronto, on December 17, 1944, his family still lived in Italy. In 1947, an inquiry into Di Meo’s estate, by the Italian representative in Ottawa, revealed that his wife had passed away in September 1946. In 1949, Di Meo’s daughters received $286.41 from his estate. In 1960, they received military medals and a ribbon.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 2038, Internee File 5579, “Michele Di Meo.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3568, File A.
• Minister’s Orders, List V1 & V5.

POW #: P829
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 06, 1941
NATURALIZED: July 20, 1923
BORN: November 25, 1895
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Niagara Region
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Moulder, McKinnon Industries/General Motors

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release

Giuseppe Di Mercurio was married to Mary, and the couple had two children: Mary was 11 and Michael was 9. The family lived at 84 Haynes Rd. in St. Catharines. 

Life for the Di Mercurio family was difficult after Giuseppe was interned. Mary Di Mercurio explained her situation in a letter to the Custodian of Enemy Property:

Dear Sir,

When the Italians declared war 5 months ago, they came & took my husband away & put him in Concentration Camp & left me with two children to take care off [sic], and I am in Doctor’s care – always sick and I am most of the time in the hospital. Now the Relief is keeping me & my rent called for $20.00 per month and all the Relief will allow me is $10.40 and my landlord will not accept that, he either wants his full rent or I must get out, and I am in no condition to get out and look for another place besides there isn’t another house to be found right now. What must I do? I thought I’d drop you a line in asking you if you could kindly give me some information. When my husband was home he had a good job in General Motors making good money and we never wanted for anything, and for clothing 3 of us they allow me [$1.90]. That isn’t enough to buy a pair of shoes. So please let me know what I am supposed to do.

Yours truly,
Mrs. Mary Di Mercurio 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 
SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 684, Internee File 6275, “Giuseppe De Mercurio.

POW #: P763
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: September 25, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: 1910
DIED: January 07, 1994

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Single
OCCUPATION: Stylist/Factory Assistant Foreman, La Giaconda Shoe Mfg.

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations)

Antonino/Antonio (Tony) Di Pietro was born in Cepagatti, Pescara, Italy and arrived in Canada around 1930, sponsored by his uncle Alfredo D. Sebastiani. Di Pietro was one of 13 children born to Francesca Sebastiani and Nicolino Di Pietro. His brother Giuseppe (Joseph) followed him to Montreal, arriving in 1934. Di Pietro worked as assistant foreman in his uncle’s factory. He also designed shoe models.

Di Pietro’s uncle Sebastiani was a very wealthy man. He was a shoe factory worker when he first arrived in Montreal. He later established several profitable shoe factories, including La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co.  

According to family members, the Di Pietro brothers enjoyed a high standard of living before World War II. Through their uncle, the Di Pietro brothers had access to the upper class of Italian Canadians: the Italian Consul Giuseppe Brigidi and others. Sebastiani had been a proud supporter of the Casa d’Italia, and may have provided funds to the Italian government. Di Pietro himself seems to have supported fascist ideas, having participated in activities as a youth in Italy, and proudly worn a fascist beret and pin.

Arrested at work on June 10, 1940, both Antonino and his brother Giuseppe Di Pietro were interned. Their uncle Alfredo D. Sebastiani was also arrested, but he was sentenced to house arrest due to poor health.

Government records indicate that the Di Pietro brothers were renting a room at the YMCA at the time of their internment. Mrs. Garbarino, whose husband, Pietro Garbarino, was also interned, agreed to look after Di Pietro’s affairs during his internment, including the items stored at the YMCA. The family notes that Di Pietro remained a bachelor for the duration of his life.

Even after his internment, Di Pietro remained sympathetic to fascism. According to family, he sang old fascist and Italian battle songs. This loyalty and bravado caused him problems with the Canadian authorities, and is likely reflected in the duration of his internment:

They were out in front of the judge in Pembroke, which is kind of the main city close by, where the presiding judge would hear the case. … some of the hotheads, would say things that actually got them into greater trouble… They would explode after a few moments… My uncle would occasionally say that he had burst in front of the judge saying, “Oh, I have been here a long time, but who gives you the authority to judge me?”  You know, “I’m a free agent.” … The mallet would go down and “Would you please be quiet?” “No I have to make, No…”; an additional six months you know … (Interview with Nicholas Di Pietro and Olga Biscotti Di Pietro, October 3, 2011).

After his release, Di Pietro had difficulty finding work. Sebastiani had lost control of his factories before his death, and his widow was bought out of the business. Di Pietro tried to establish a shoe repair shop. He returned to Italy in 1948 and spent ten years there. Later, he returned to Canada as a ballroom dancer. And he continued to travel.

The family notes the Di Pietro brothers suffered when they were not able to regain the same wealth and community standing they enjoyed before the war.

You know that vanito that Italians are famous for right? … his uncle Tony, although he had nothing if you come to think of it when … he came out of the camp. If you think my father-in-law had nothing, he had even less. Cause, uncle Tony didn’t really learn the language…  Uncle Tony if you really think about it, he was really the lost one, when he came out of the camp. Because, he went back to Italy, he didn’t fit. He didn’t fit in Italy; he came back here so he could get his pension here… (Interview with Nicholas Di Pietro and Olga Biscotti Di Pietro, October 3, 2011).

According to his family, Di Pietro went back and forth between Canada and Italy after being released from his internment, but he was not comfortable in either place.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

Do you know…
Why Di Pietro was living at the YMCA at the time of his arrest?
 

SOURCES:

• Commemorative Program: The Internment of Italian Canadians, 1940-2010. Montreal: CCPI – Casa d’Italia, 2010.
• Interview with Nicholas Di Pietro and Olga Biscotti Di Pietro. October 3, 2011. Columbus Centre Collection.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 649, Internee File 3325, “Antonio Di Pietro.”

POW #: P768
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: March 07, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN: January 13, 1916
DIED: November 19, 2007

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Single
OCCUPATION: Bricklayer; assistant bookkeeper and director, A.D. Sebastiani Inc.

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations)

Giuseppe (Joseph) Di Pietro arrived in Canada in 1934. Di Pietro was one of 13 children born to Francesca Sebastiani and Nicolino Di Pietro. His brother Antonino (Antonio) came to Montreal around 1930, sponsored by his uncle Alfredo D. Sebastiani, to work as assistant foreman in the latter’s factory. Di Pietro joined his uncle and brother in the business as office manager and accountant. From family accounts, Di Pietro wanted to become a citizen, having either already received his papers or begun the process of applying for citizenship in 1940.

Di Pietro’s uncle Sebastiani was a very wealthy man. He was a shoe factory worker when he first arrived in Montreal. He later established several profitable shoe factories, including La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co.  

According to family members, the Di Pietro brothers enjoyed a high standard of living before World War II. Through their uncle, the Di Pietro brothers had access to the upper class of Italian Canadians: the Italian Consul Giuseppe Brigidi and others. Sebastiani had been a proud supporter of the Casa d’Italia, and may have provided funds to the Italian government. Antonino Di Pietro seems to have supported fascist ideas, having participated in activities as a youth in Italy, and proudly worn a fascist beret and pin. 

Arrested at work on June 10, 1940, both the Di Pietro brothers were interned. Their uncle Alfredo D. Sebastiani was also arrested, but he was sentenced to house arrest due to poor health.

Government records indicate that the Di Pietro brothers were renting a room at the YMCA at the time of their internment. Mrs. Garbarino, whose husband, Pietro Garbarino  was also interned, agreed to look after Di Pietro’s affairs during his internment, including the items stored at the YMCA.

After his release from Petawawa, Di Pietro had difficulty finding work. Sebastiani had lost control of his factories before his death, and his widow was bought out of the business. Di Pietro permanently adopted the anglicized version of his name, to escape the stigma surrounding Italians and to find a job more easily.

In the years after his release, my father looked for work and being Italian and having this gap in your resume, sort of offered questions to come up, “well, where were you for those years” you know “between 1940 and 1942?” … And my father of course would try to hide it, “Well I was studying, I was doing, um, miscellaneous things.” He didn’t like to have it come out that he had been interned … (Interview with Nicholas Di Pietro and Olga Biscotti Di Pietro, October 3, 2011). 

He married an Italian woman from Pontecorvo in 1950, and worked at a number of jobs around Montreal, including at Frank De Rice Restaurants, the United Fruit Company, and as the janitor in the apartment building he lived in. His brother Antonio went back and forth between Canada and Italy after being released from his internment, but he was not comfortable in either place.

In camp, Di Pietro met fellow internee Regolo Gagliacco. They became such good friends that Gagliacco was later the godfather for Di Pietro’s eldest son Nicholas. Di Pietro also named his youngest son after Gagliacco – Oliver Regolo Di Pietro.

The Di Pietros suffered when they were not able to regain the same wealth and community standing they had enjoyed before the war.

… he was almost paranoid about that period in his life, because it marked him so severely. Here was a man who saw himself as a professional. He was an accountant for his uncle with the three factories; he did all his books, did a fabulous job of  it… So for this man … in a certain class, in a certain light, to be brought down, to be imprisoned (Interview with Nicholas Di Pietro and Olga Biscotti Di Pietro, October 3, 2011).

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro

Do you know…
Why Di Pietro was living at the YMCA at the time of his arrest?

SOURCES:

• Commemorative Program: The Internment of Italian Canadians, 1940-2010. Montreal: CCPI – Casa d’Italia, 2010.
• Interview with Nicholas Di Pietro and Olga Biscotti Di Pietro. October 3, 2011. Columbus Centre Collection.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 652, Internee File 3552, “Giuseppe Di Pietro.”

POW #: P901
ARRESTED: August 21, 1940
RELEASED: October 01, 1941
NATURALIZED: January 17, 1924
BORN:
DIED: December 20, 1956

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Other Ontario
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Fireman (Tended Coke Ovens), Algoma Steel

RELEASE NOTES: Had to report to RCMP bi-weekly

Nicola Di Rosario sailed from Italy aboard the S.S. Nevingland and landed in New York City before making his way to Canada in 1906. He was married to Luisa Vittona, and the couple had six adult children: Domenic was 34, Paris 30, Fred 28, Donnetta 25, Clara 23 and Mary 21. It is unclear whether any of these children lived at their parents’ home located at 354 Hudson St. in Sault Ste. Marie. All of the children were Canadian-born with the exception of Domenic who was born in Italy. 

Di Rosario had worked for Algoma Steel for 24 years prior to his arrest. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) described Di Rosario as a heavy drinker who frequented beer parlours and mingled with bootleggers.

Di Rosario was one of the few Italian Canadians interned during World War II who was actually charged in a court of law. He was found guilty under Section 39, Subsections A, B and C of the Defence of Canada Regulations: he insulted and made derogatory comments about the King and Queen of England, Canadian soldiers and the Canadian war effort. Each charge carried a three month sentence to be served concurrently. After spending nine months in prison, he was transferred to Petawawa.       

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 2085, Internee File 6975, “Nicola Di Rosario.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 1, Letter from Norman A. Robertson, Chairman of the Inter-Departmental Committee, to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, Oct. 4, 1940.

POW #: P717
ARRESTED:
RELEASED: November 18, 1941
NATURALIZED: No
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S):
TOWN/CITY: Windsor
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional

No biography available for this internee.

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces, RG 24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.

POW #: P809
ARRESTED: June 20, 1940
RELEASED: December 24, 1942
NATURALIZED: October 31, 1927
BORN: November 27, 1898
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Had to report monthly to RCMP

There is hardly any information known about Antonio Di Stefano.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces, RG 24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 6, Letter from Louis St. Laurent, Minister of Justice, to S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, Dec. 19, 1941.

POW #: P410
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: April 16, 1941
NATURALIZED: Canadian born
BORN: 1908
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Labourer, St. Lawrence Stevedoring Co.

Rocco Di Stefano was born in Montreal in 1908. 

On June 10, 1940 Di Stefano was arrested and interned at Camp Petawawa. Di Stefano belonged to the Caserta Society but left in 1937.  He contested that he was an anti-fascist. While Di Stefano was interned, his brother-in-law was serving in the Canadian Air Force.

At the time of his arrest, he worked as a labourer for St. Lawrence Stevedoring Co.  He was married to an English lady, named Doris Ripley (other source says Ripples) and they had a nine-year-old son.  The family lived on Conway St. in Montreal. 

In Di Stefano’s absence, his family received $5.23/week for relief (welfare), however living conditions grew worse.  In a letter to J.D. Hyndman, MP T.P. Healy states:

His wife is in very bad circumstances as she has been cut off from relief in Montreal and is obliged to go and work in a laundry for $6 a week which salary is impossible to keep herself and her child.  Moreover, she has been advised by the landlady that she will have to leave the house she is now in on account of owing a couple of months rent.

Di Stefano was released unconditionally on April 16, 1941 at 12:28 a.m.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 668, File 4918, Internee File “Rocco Di Stefano.”
• Library and Archives Canada, JD Hyndman Fonds: MG30, E182, Vol. 14.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V3.

POW #: P241
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 27, 1942
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: April 20, 1904
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Mechanic, A.D. Gorrie’s

RELEASE NOTES: “Released conditionally upon his first subscribing to the Undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the Defence of Canada Regulations, and further, that he report once a month to the Officer Commanding, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Toronto, ON.”

Fiorenzo Di Valentino was born in Italy on April 20, 1904 in Udine, Italy. He was naturalized.

He worked as a mechanic at A.D. Gorrie’s on 12 Shuter St. in Toronto. He was married to Ada and they had a 17-year-old daughter, Cornelia. The family lived on Avenue Rd.  Di Valentino held a $1000 life insurance. His bank account had a balance of 80 cents. He didn’t own property but he did have a 1929 Plymouth.

When Di Valentino was interned, his family moved to Christie St. and they began receiving relief (welfare).

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 668, Internee File 4969, “Fiorenzo Di Valentino.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, Vol. 3568, File A.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, Vol. 3568, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 02, 1940
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S):
TOWN/CITY: Trail
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

Due to the relatively short period of time between Pompilio Di Vito’s arrest and release, it is not known whether he was actually sent to Kananaskis.

Little else is known about  Pompilio Di Vito.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 1, “Minister’s Orders – Italian,” no date.

POW #: P543
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: November 16, 1942
NATURALIZED: 1927
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Kananaskis, Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Businessman, restaurant manager

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations) and his subscribing to a special undertaking

Antonio Dieni lived at 7997 St. Denis St. in Montreal. According to a statement by Dieni, he was arrested by a “Sergeant Noel of the RCMP” (Letter from Roger Ouiment of Demers, Monet, Ouimet & Lefebvre Barristers on October 18, 1945 to the Custodian, Ottawa. Montreal, October 18, 1945). Dieni was likely arrested for questioning, and released, on June 10, 1940, only to be arrested again and interned. At the time of his arrest for questioning, Dieni had been a citizen (a naturalized British subject) for many years (he was naturalized around 1927) and was a restaurant keeper in the district for more than 10 years. He was operating the Broker’s Restaurant and the Montreal Stock Exchange Restaurant, both on St. Francois-Xavier St., as well as the restaurant concession at Casa d’Italia.

Dieni owned a 1938 Buick Sedan (Motor No. 3292717, Serial No. 848190219), but he still owed $1000 on the car. The vehicle was appraised and valued at $750. An investigation by Price, Waterhouse & Co. revealed that Dieni had considerable financial problems, with a 1939 statement showing a debt of $9357.11. In December 1940, Dieni was declared bankrupt and his affairs were transferred from Price, Waterhouse & Co. to Messrs. Lamarre & Lamarre Bankruptcy Trustee. His furniture was sold for $900, which paid off a loan and overdue rent.

Dieni was married to Frances Dieni and had two daughters, Venera and Marcella – both born in Montreal. During her father’s internment, Marcella replaced her father at the Broker’s Restaurant, but she only made enough to pay operating costs. She wrote a petition on June 19, 1940, to request that her father’s funds to be released to her, but more importantly to certify that her father “was never a fascist, a Nazi and that he had “never been a member of any subversive organization” (Letter from Marcella Dieni to Ernest Lapointe, Ottawa. Montreal, November 18, 1945). 

Furthermore, Dieni’s lawyer, Roger Ouimet, wrote to Paul Martin: “I have known him for years and I am sure that he had nothing to do with fascism. Evidently only the fact that he was found on amical footing and intimate with the Manager of Casa D’Italia was the reason and cause of all the troubles he went through” (Letter from Roger Ouimet to Paul Martin, Secretary of State, Ottawa. Montreal, November 15, 1945). Ouimet was appealing for monetary compensation to be granted to Dieni for the loss of his food stock and kitchen utensils at Casa d’Italia, which was never recovered.

Dieni’s brother, Gentile Dieni, was also interned.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 1976, Internee File 3886 “Antonio Dieni.”

POW #: P426
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: October 01, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: 1904
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Single
OCCUPATION: Restaurateur

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally (see below)

Gentile Dieni came to Canada in 1926. He already identified as a fascist before he left Italy. Dieni said:

I remember the disorder that reigned in Italy at the end of the First World War. The country was paralyzed by strikes, farmers spread over the countryside snatching up land, the trains didn’t arrive on time, Italy had fallen in the clutches of socialists who were at the root of our social problems. For example, in my village, they tried to force my father to give them the cantina where he sold wine, in order to respect the strike order. Naturally, my father refused because he was for respecting constituted authority, that is the monarchy. That is how nationalists gradually became fascists. That’s what happened in my case (Salvatore, 108).

Upon his arrival in Montreal, Dieni immediately joined the Fascio Giovanni Luparini. The fascio was in favour of sending Italian families to colonize Libya. It organized the Italian-language school and special events on the fascist calendar such as the March on Rome. In 1935, Dieni and fourteen other Italian Canadians living in Montreal served in Ethiopia. As he recalled:

From Montreal, the Italian Canadian legionnaires went to Littoria, and after twenty days, we continued on to Africa. We were part of the Fasci Italiani d’Estero division. I was part of the April 21st Battalion. The members of the Fasci Italiani d’Estero came from different countries like France, Argentina, Australia and Canada. We went by sea from Naples to Mogadiscio [sic], and once we got over the Somalian border we began fighting Ethiopians. Within a few months our troops entered Addis Ababa. Fortunately all the Italian Canadian volunteers got back to Montreal safe and sound (Salvatore, 108).

Dieni lived at 1387 St. Denis St. in Montreal with his brother Antonio Dieni, who was also interned. Dieni operated a restaurant located at 1449 St. Lawrence Blvd. During his internment, his niece Marcella Dieni ran the business.

On May 16, 1941, Dieni was removed from Petawawa and placed in the Bourdeaux Insane Asylum in Montreal. He received “treatment for some form of mental derangement.” This may have been around the time that he slashed the face of fellow-internee Dr. Salvatore Mancuso with a razor because the doctor had renounced fascism. Dieni was discharged from the asylum on March 15, 1943, and sent to the Fredericton Internment Camp. He suffered another episode in July 1943 and was placed in the Provincial Hospital at Fairville, New Brunswick, until he was released into his brother Antonio’s care on October 1, 1943. 

Dieni was also a band leader whose musical group was based in the Casa d’Italia. During a raid of the premises, the musical instruments that belonged to Dieni (a clarinet, a trombone, a guitar and two drums) were seized and given to the Fifth Light Anti-Aircraft Battery of the Canadian army that had been sent to Europe in December 1940. Dieni was still trying to get these instruments returned as late as 1948.

Dieni’s release from the Fredericton Internment Camp was conditional. He had to report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), could not change his address or leave Montreal without first reporting to police, had to obey all laws and “do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort.”

Following the war, Dieni remained active among Montreal’s Italian Canadian community. He was active with the Madonna della Difesa Church and helped recently arrived Italian immigrants to find a place to live and to secure work.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 2033, Internee File 5453, “Gentile Dieni.”
• Salvatore, Filippo. Fascism and the Italians of Montreal: An Oral History, 1922-1945. Toronto: Guernica, 1998.

POW #: P445
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: January 16, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally (see below)

Salvatore Diodati lived on Britannia St. in Montreal, QC when he was arrested on June 10, 1940.  He was interned at Petawawa Internment Camp until his release on January 16, 1942.

Release notes were as follows:  “Released conditionally upon his first subscribing to the Undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the DOCR (Defence of Canada Regulations) and further that he report once a month to the Officer Commanding, RCMP, at Montreal, QC and that he be not employed at the Montreal Harbour or in connection with any war industry or essential service.”

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 701, Internee File 17102 “Salvatore Diodati.”
• Minister’s Orders List, V1 & V5.

POW #: P576
ARRESTED: June 19, 1940
RELEASED: February 05, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: 1903
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Javel Water Manufacturer, Newspaper Editor, Insurance Agent

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Nicola Doganieri was married to Francesca (Françoise) Granato. The couple had seven children: Antonio (b. 1928), Joseph (b. 1931), Donato (b. 1933), Romano (b. 1934), Giulietta (b. 1936), Armando (b. 1937) and Anna (b. 1938). Doganieri’s mother-in-law lived with the family. Prior to Doganieri’s internment, the family resided at 9550 Basile Routhier St. in Montreal. They lived at 6349 Clarke St. after Doganieri’s release.

Doganieri manufactured javel water, a disinfectant and bleaching agent, in a garage on Esplanade Ave. He was also the editor of an Italian-language newspaper called Il Diario Italo-Canadese. The Doganieris attended events at the Casa d’Italia.

According to Doganieri’s son Romano, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrived at the family home while everyone was sleeping. Each family member had to get out of bed as all the mattresses were overturned and the home was searched for incriminating evidence.

After her husband was sent to the Petawawa Internment Camp, Francesca found work as a cleaning lady. In addition, she had to look after all the children, three of whom were physically disabled. Some of her sons sold ice while Romano worked as a dishwasher in a neighbourhood restaurant during the summer. The family also received food from their local church – Madonna della Difesa. In 1941, Francesca and daughter Giulietta made one trip to visit Nicola in Petawawa. They travelled by car with Georgianna Falardeau, Camillien Houde’s wife. (Doganieri and Houde, the Montreal mayor, became friends at Petawawa. After the war, Doganieri’s son Romano made weekly deliveries of pasta sauce to the Houde home.) 

Doganieri claimed that, during his internment, the S. Chalifoux company removed $700 worth of furniture and appliances from the Routhier Street address when Francesca was not present. The Doganieris owed the company $175 dollars for items that had not been paid off. The seized furniture and appliances were resold by S. Chalifoux. 

In 1941, Doganieri’s youngest daughter – three-year-old Anna – passed away. Because of his internment, Doganieri was not able to attend the funeral.

Doganieri was released from the Fredericton Internment Camp with the following conditions: he had to report monthly to RCMP, could not change his address or leave Montreal without first reporting to police, could not be involved in any fascist organizations, had to obey all laws and “do everything reasonably possible to assist in Canada’s war effort.”  

After his release from Petawawa, Doganieri worked as an insurance agent for La Laurentienne Assurance. And the couple had four more children.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 

SOURCES:

• Interview with Giulietta Doganieri. October 16, 2011. Columbus Centre Collection.
• Interview with Romano Doganieri. October 16, 2011. Columbus Centre Collection.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 654, Internee File 3740, “Nicola Doganieri.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3, Part 6, Letter from Louis St. Laurent, Minister of Justice, to S.T. Wood, RCMP Commissioner, Feb. 1, 1943.

POW #: P586
ARRESTED:
RELEASED: October 29, 1940
NATURALIZED:
BORN: January 24, 1897
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Tile setter

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations)

There is very little information known about Pasquale Donatelli. At the time of his arrest, he was married to Rosa and the couple had four Canadian-born children. The reasons for his arrest are not known. He was interned in Camp Petawawa on July 4, 1940. One of his three sisters Giacinta (Georginda) was married to the baker Donato Monaco. Monaco along with his brother Vincenzo Monaco co-owned the Corona Bakery. They suspected the involvement of the informant Augusto Bersani in their arrest and internment. Recent research has indicated that this was likely the case for the Monaco brothers1.

The Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP) maintained a file on Donatelli. Along with his siblings Giacinta, Carmela and Caterina, all living in Montreal, the Donatelli family seemed to have property in the vicinity of L’Aquila, Abruzzo.

The reasons for his release are not known. He was interned for a brief period – at most 3 months. On his release, he was issued a parole certificate.

After the war, Donatelli was in poor health and unemployed. Other biographical information is lacking.

1 See Travis Tomchuk. “Special Agent 203: The Motivations of Augusto Bersani”. In Beyond Barbed Wire: Essays on the Internment of Italian Canadians. Edited by Licia Canton et al. Toronto: Guernica, 2012. The article specifically addresses the Monaco brothers’ situation.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

Do you know…
When did Donatelli come to Canada – was he a citizen?
What happened to Donatelli after the war?

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP): RG117, Vol589, File CW 178.

POW #: P1037
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: December 12, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Kananaskis, Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Vancouver
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION:

RELEASE NOTES: Had to report monthly to RCMP

Angelo Dotto was married to Anna, and the couple had three children. The family resided at 137 East 5th St. in Vancouver. Little else is known about Angelo Dotto.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 647, Internee File 3201, “Angelo Dotto.”

POW #: P598
ARRESTED: July 1940
RELEASED: September 25, 1943
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Halifax
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Business man, owner and operator of South End Shoe Repair

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon subscribing to Special Undertaking

Out of the 23 internees from Nova Scotia, Giuseppe Dragone was the only one from the mainland; the rest were from Cape Breton Island.  Dragone was born in Italy, but moved to Canada where he became naturalized (date unknown).

According to government files, Dragone was arrested in July of 1940.  RCMP files note:

…that this individual has been making definitely seditious statements and has a flagrant disregard for the form of government existing in Canada, apparently motivated by a belief in the Fascist doctrine.  Further, this person operates a shoe-repair business in the building which houses the RCAF [Royal Canadian Air Force], Eastern Division, and from whence RCAF signals originate.  It is the opinion of the Air Force Officers that, in view of the proximity, this person could operate an instrument which would transmit or interfere with RCAF signals.

At the time of his arrest, Dragone was living on Barrington St. in Halifax with his common-law wife (of seven years), Susanne Owen, and their three children. The names and gender of the children are unclear as there are contesting documents:  an insurance policy dated November 17, 1938, lists a daughter named Maria (b. November 17, 1938) while a second letter to The London Life Insurance Co. from Dragone himself mentions two children, Teresa and Josephine. Finally, a letter dated September 2, 1941 states that Dragone had three children: two girls and a boy.

Dragone operated and owned the South End Shoe Repair, located on 254 Barrington St.

He was interned at Petawawa and Fredericton and was released three years later in September of 1943.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 691, File 8438.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP:  RG18 F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 1.
• Minister’s Orders List.

POW #: P459
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: October 05, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: September 25, 1885
DIED: April 22, 1964

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Journalist/Playwright

Mario Duliani came to Canada in 1936. Three months prior to his internment, he was employed as a theatre production manager for the French division of the Montreal Repertory Theatre. He earned $30 per week.

In late May 1940, Duliani married Henriette Gauthier and the couple lived at 3861 Ste. Famille Street.

While interned, Duliani worked in the camp infirmary. He wrote a memoir of his internment experiences – the only published account by an Italian Canadian internee. The French La ville sans femmes was published in 1945, and the Italian Città senza donne appeared in 1946. In 1994 an English version was published – The City Without Women: A Chronicle of Internment Life in Canada During the Second World War is a translation by Antonino Mazza.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 662, Internee File 4439, “Mario Duliani.”

POW #: P932
ARRESTED: January 16, 1941
RELEASED: October 23, 1941
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: November 19, 1891
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Carpenter; bootlegger

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon his first subscribing to the undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the DOCR

Giovanni (John) Durso was born on November 19, 1891 in Italy. He was Roman Catholic. He arrived in Sault Ste. Marie in June of 1909 aboard the S.S. Lloyd. He was naturalized on September 13, 1926.

In 1940, he was living on Hess St. North in Hamilton with his wife, Grazia Sylvestro, and children: Philip (24), Frank (20), Lucia (21), Agata (18), Lena (16), and Jessie (13). Durso’s children were all born in Sault Ste. Marie, where the family lived before moving to Hamilton.

Durso claimed to have not belonged to any club or organization. He was arrested at home on January 16, 1941 at 11:30am by Constable E.I. Touchie, Constable G.W. Elliott and Constable C. MacFarlane of the Hamilton City Police. Former Detective Sergeant H. Witthun of the Hamilton Police Force stated:

The above named constantly associated with well-known racketeers, drug peddlars, alki-runners etc. I have never known him to engage in honest labour or a legitimate business, yet he always seemed to have plenty of money, new cars, etc. In my opinion he is definitely a public enemy and in these times, an enemy of the state.

He was a self-employed carpenter, but he was also a bootlegger on the side. He was paroled on September 25, 1940 and he had a lengthy criminal past from 1932-1939. He was associated with the mafia and some of his close associates were Rocco Perri, Frank Cordi, Frank Silvestro, and Calogero Bordonaro. His two sons, Philip and Frank, were also reported to have helped Durso in his illegal activities. Durso apparently began his criminal lifestyle back in Sault Ste. Marie where “he made a fine fortune.”

When Perri disappeared in 1944, Urso was among his associates who were murdered within a span of two years. Urso went missing in December of 1945 and his empty car was found in the Welland Canal, but his body was never recovered.

It seems that Durso was interned for his criminal activities as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that Durso had no connection to the fascio and did not have anti-British sentiments. Their file states “He is considered to be a dangerous man and should be placed in the same category as Rocco Perri and others of that kind who have been interned.”

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga

Do you know…
Why it took so long for the Canadian government to arrest and intern Durso?
What happened to his two sons? Why weren’t they interned as well?

SOURCES:

• Dubro, James and Robin Rowland. King of the Mob: Rocco Perri and the Women Who Ran His Rackets. Penguin Books, 1987.
• Hamilton Ontario List.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 697, Internee File 12450 “Giovanni (John) Durso.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 2.
• Minister’s Orders List V2 & V4.
• Nicaso, Antonio. Rocco Perri: The story of Canada’s most notorious bootlegger. Canada:  John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd., 2004.