POW #: P708
ARRESTED: July 19, 1940
RELEASED: December 27, 1940
NATURALIZED: 1937
BORN: April 23, 1912
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Sudbury
MARITAL STATUS: Single
OCCUPATION: Shoemaker, Norris Shoe Co.

RELEASE NOTES: Obligated to report monthly to the authorities

Eugenio (Eugene) Vairo was born on April 23, 1912 in Italy. 

He lived on Marion St. in Sudbury and worked as a shoemaker for Norris Shoe Co. He owned a 1930 Chevrolet Roadster. He was noted as single but his camp letters refer to a “lady friend” named Iolanda Dasti who lived on Notre Dame St.

Vairo was interned on July 26, 1940. In his hearing with J.D. Hyndman he admitted to joining the fascio in 1933 but claimed that he never attended any meetings. He had also contested that the fascio did not exist in Sudbury (untrue). Vairo took a trip to Italy in 1938 to visit his paralyzed mother. For reasons unknown, Hyndman recommended Vairo’s release and on December 27, 1940, Vairo was a free man.

Vairo’s older brother, Giovanni (John) Vairo was also interned but for a much longer time.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, JD Hyndman Fonds: MG30, E 182, Vol. 14.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 668, Internee File 4920, “Eugenio Vairo.”
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 3569, Envelope F.
• Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): RG18, Vol. 3569, File C.
• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces: RG24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Minister’s Orders List.

POW #: P709
ARRESTED: July 19, 1940
RELEASED: June 28, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN: December 07, 1910
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Sudbury
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Minter, International Nickle Company of Canada

Giovanni (John) Vairo was born on December 7, 1910 in Italy.

He worked as a minter and owned property at 45 Orell St. He was married with one child. His family was listed as receiving relief (welfare). Vairo was arrested on July 19, 1940 and on July 26, 1940 he arrived at Camp Petawawa. A year later, he was released unconditionally but had to report to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Sudbury upon his arrival.

Vairo’s younger brother, Eugenio (Eugene) Vairo, was also interned.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 668, Internee File 4919, “Giovanni (John) Vairo.”
• Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): RG18, Vol. 3569, File C.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 668, File 4919.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, File 3569, Envelope F.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V4.

POW #: P982
ARRESTED: October 20, 1940
RELEASED: December 08, 1942
NATURALIZED: October 04, 1912
BORN: 1887
DIED:

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

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Antonio Valente came to Canada by train from New York City in 1906. He and his wife lived at 1104 4th Ave. in Montreal.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleged that Valente was a member of the Ville Emard section of Fascio Giovanni Luparini, the Ville Emard Casa d’Italia and the dopolavoro, and was considered an important fascist organizer. The police also believed he donated money to the Italian Red Cross during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, the Casa d’Italia, and local Italian-language schools.

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

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 2738, Internee File 22660 “Antonio Valente.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3 Part 2, Letter from the RCMP to the Inter-Departmental Committee, 12 Nov. 1940.
• 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, 7 Mar. 1941.
• 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, 30 Nov. 1942.

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 13, 1940
RELEASED: July 12, 1940
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S):
TOWN/CITY: Vancouver
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Bookmaker

Eugene Valente lived on Lakewood St. in Vancouver. He was married and had one child. Valente worked as a bookmaker.

He was arrested on June 13, 1940, and held at the Immigration Detention sheds until July 12, 1940. Valente had a lengthy criminal record – 15 convictions between August 1923 and December 1939 – which probably was the basis for his arrest and detention. In fact, “it was on account of this bad record that he was not accepted into the fascio.”

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 2038, Internee File 5585, “Eugene Valente.”
• Minister’s Orders, List V1 & V2.

POW #: K266 / P1044
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: December 13, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN: November 27, 1894
DIED:

CAMP(S): Kananaskis, Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Vancouver
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Business man, owner and operator of Empress Taxi

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional – ordered to take an undertaking in Reg. 24 of D.O.C.R. and had to report to Vancouver RCMP once a month

Pasquale (Patsy) Valente was born on November 27, 1894 in Cosenza, Italy.

In 1940, he was living on Grant St. in Vancouver with his wife, Angelina. Their house was a two-storey house with six rooms and at the time they had 2 boarders. The Valentes also operated Empress Taxi, located on 216 East Hastings St. along with his brother, Samuele Valente.

On June 10, 1940, Valente was arrested and he was interned first at Kananaskis before being transferred to Petawawa. In his absence, his wife continued to run their taxi business. Valente’s brother was also interned. Valente was also acquainted with fellow internee, Carlo (Charles) Giuseppe Casorzo, although details are unknown.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 689, Internee File 7244, “Pasquale (Patsy) Valente.”
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, File 3569, Envelope F.
• Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): RG18, Vol. 3569, File C.
• Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V5.

POW #: K529 / P1111
ARRESTED: July 29, 1940
RELEASED: December 07, 1942
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Kananaskis, Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Vancouver
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: One of owners, Empress Taxi

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon undertaking Regulation 24 (Defence of Canada Regulations) complying with all enemy alien regulations, and to accept employment open to him at Kamloops B.C. He was to register with RCMP in Fredericton to be registered as an enemy alien and for his parole certificate to allow him to travel to Kamloops.

Not much is known about Samuele (Sam) Valente from published sources or from government documents. Married, his wife lived in Italy at the time of his internment. We do not know how long he was in Canada, but records indicate he had become a citizen (a naturalized British subject). He owned Empress Taxi with his brother Pasquale Valente (also interned) and Carl Olsen, who first operated the company in the brothers’ absence. In early 1941 Valente’s sister-in-law, Angelina, took over the management of the company, which comprised seven employees and three cars.

Government files indicate that Valente was a member of the fascio Circolo Giulio Giordani. It is unclear how active he was in the organization, but he is one of the Italians who was held for some time. He also served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Italian War Veterans Club.

His case was reviewed, but his detention was ordered to be continued on July 10, 1942. He is one of only five to have been interned at all three camps. After his release, he was not able to return home, but was expected to move to Kamloops B.C.

Valente seems to have been doing well at the time of his internment. While in the Kananaskis Internment Camp, Valente was asked about the status of a Rolex watch he had purchased on credit. Potter’s Limited wanted to be repaid the balance owing of $22.75. Valente was wearing the watch in camp, noted he intended to keep it, and would arrange for a friend in Vancouver to make the payments on his behalf. 

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro

Do you know:
What was his involvement with the fascio?
Why did he have to move to Kamloops after his release, and what work was he expected to do there?
Did his wife come to Canada after the war?
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP): RG117, Vol  657, File 4013.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP): RG 117, Vol. 697, Internee File 12553, “MV Ghislieri.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, F-3, Vol 3563, Part 1.

POW #: P649
ARRESTED:
RELEASED: June 08, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN: January 04, 1899
DIED:

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

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

There is very little information known about Gabriele Vallini. At the time of his arrest, his wife, son and daughter all resided in Italy. He was among the few Italian Canadians internees transferred from Petawawa to Fredericton Internment Camp. It is unclear what evidence supported his continuing internment. After his release, he was employed as a labourer at Burlington Steel Co. Other biographical information is lacking.

The Custodian of Enemy Property maintained a file on this individual. The reasons for his arrest and release are not known.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro

Do you know…
Did Vallini live with family?
Why was he held so long and transferred to Fredericton Internment Camp?
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP): RG117-A-3, Vol 670, File 5020.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol 3569, File C.

POW #: P243
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: December 08, 1942
NATURALIZED: Canadian born
BORN: November 11, 1897
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Toronto
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION: Labourer, Brooks Marble and Tile Co.

RELEASE NOTES: Had to report to Toronto RCMP monthly, could not change his place of residence without first reporting to RCMP, and that he will not journey from Toronto without first reporting the details and purpose of his proposed trip to the said Officer Commanding, and that if so required he will report at his destination or destinations to such police officer or officers as may be designated by the said Officer Commanding.

Corrado Vattolo was born on November 11, 1897 in Italy. He arrived in October of 1923. He was naturalized as a British subject in 1929.

In 1940, he was living in Toronto where he owned a house on Jones Ave. He was married to a lady named Olga and they were childless. He was working as a labourer for Brooks Marble and Tile Co. located on 250 Madison Ave.

Vattolo was interned on June 18, 1940. In his absence, his wife was allowed to withdraw $15/week from his bank account. Olga was self-employed as a floor polisher.

Vattolo was released on December 8, 1942 with several restrictions.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 663, Internee File 4652, “Corrado Vattolo.”
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, File 3569, Envelope F.
• Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): RG18, Vol. 3569, File C.
• Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 6.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V6.

POW #: P431
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: February 05, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

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

RELEASE NOTES: Released conditionally upon his subscribing to a special undertaking and reporting monthly to local authorities

Very little is known about Giovanni Vecchiarino. According to government files, at the time of his arrest he was living at 3336 Brittania St. in Montreal.

Vecchiarino was originally interned at Camp Petawawa and then transferred to Camp Fredericton where he stayed until his release in 1943. The original order for Vecchiarino’s release was issued on January 28, 1943, however, he remained in camp until February 5, 1943. Upon his release he moved into a residence at 1327 Brittania St. in Montreal. He was required to report monthly to the local branch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and he was not permitted to change his place of residence without first reporting to his local RCMP. The other conditions of this release are as follows:

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 Stefanie Petrilli
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 701, Internee File 17538 “Giovanni Vecchiarino.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, F-3, Vol 3563, Part 5, Louis St Laurent, Minister of Justice, to ST Wood, RCMP Commissioner, 28 Jan. 1943.

POW #: P476
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 28, 1941
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: 1898
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Acetylene burner, Canadian Pacific Railway Angus Shop

RELEASE NOTES: Unconditional release

Cosimo Venditti came to Canada in May 1907. He was married to Eva Borgie, a French Canadian, and the couple had an unknown number of children. The Vendittis lived at 1766 St. Timothie St. in Montreal.

Venditti had worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway since 1916. He was a member and an officer of the Ripabottoni Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy. He denied any involvement in the fascio.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 660, Internee File 4226 “Cosimo Venditti.”
• Library and Archives Canada, James Duncan Hyndman fonds:  MG30, E 182, Vol. 14, Letter to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, 10 Mar. 1941.

POW #: P933
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: July 28, 1942
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: August 08, 1896
DIED: March 13, 1961

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Factory worker (knitting loom) and business man (co-owner of cigar factory)

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Lorenzo Venditti was born in Rippabottoni, Campobasso in the Molise region of Italy in 1896.  He was the first-born child of poor farmers, Incoronata and Domenico Venditti. Typical of that era, Domenico immigrated to Montreal, Canada to seek work.  Soon, he saved enough money to bring over his wife and three sons. The Venditti family would eventually include seven brothers and two sisters.  Lorenzo arrived in Montreal, Canada in 1907 via New York; he was eleven years old.  According to the family, he became a naturalized Canadian automatically because his dad had already become a Canadian citizen.

Young Lorenzo worked with his dad at the Canadian Pacific Railway (C.P.R.) in Montreal as a water boy.  Later he worked at The Walter M. Lowney Company of Canada, Ltd. Montreal. He eventually found his calling in the textile business, a thriving industry in Montreal at the time, where  he worked setting up and repairing large knitting looms.  A gregarious young man, he joined a number of Italian social organizations such as the Order Sons of Italy, the Dante Alighieri Society and the Casacalende Group. He also co-founded La Societa di Mutuo Soccorso in 1927. Lorenzo attended social events at the clubs like get-togethers, picnics, and dances.  In 1917, Lorenzo courted and married 17 year old Concetta Frenza.  Their first child, Domenico, died in infancy.  They then had six daughters: Maria Incoronata (Mariette), Giuseppina Felicia (Josephine), Annina (Annette), Teresa (Therese), Rosa (Rosie), and Stella.

By the time World War II broke out Lorenzo was a prosperous family man. In addition to his job in the textile industry, he started a cigar factory with a partner, Mr. Capuano.  By this time, he had bought a house on 4244 Rivard Street.  A religious man, Lorenzo was church warden for many years at Notre Dame du Mont-Carmel under Father Benedetto Maltempi. According to the family, Lorenzo also dabbled in municipal politics by giving radio speeches in Italian on behalf of Mayor Camillien Houde for Houde’s re-election campaign.

On June 10, 1940, Lorenzo was arrested by the RCMP in the presence of his family; his daughters ranged in age from nine to 20 years old.  He was detained at Bordeaux Jail for a few months before he was sent to Petawawa. Lorenzo’s brother Cosimo Venditti was also arrested and interned. In Lorenzo’s absence, his family was left to fend for itself.  Fortunately, the two eldest daughters went to work and brought in meager incomes. The second eldest daughter learned how to forge Lorenzo’s signature on cheques so that money could be withdrawn from Lorenzo’s account.  Though the family wrote to Lorenzo daily, his own letters were infrequent.  The elder daughters and Lorenzo’s younger brother, Leo Venditti, visited Petawawa.  Concetta and the younger daughters also visited at another time.  The family could not afford additional visits.

Lorenzo was released on July 28, 1942.  His release conditions were as follows: he had to report to the RCMP once a month and could not change his place of residence or leave Montreal without the consent of the RCMP . Family and friends noticed a drastic change in Lorenzo as a result of his internment. He became irritable, impatient, easily frustrated and argumentative, characteristics which, though attenuated over time, never completely disappeared.  Lorenzo could not return to his work because someone was hired in his place.  He instead found similar work in Granby where he worked away from his family until about 1950. He then moved back to Montreal and started his own carpet-making business, LV Textiles, located on St. Laurent Boulevard. He later bought a building on 10th Avenue in the Saint Michel district, where  he moved his business until his retirement.

Lorenzo liked nothing better than to be surrounded by family. Even after his daughters were married and had moved out, everyone (daughters, son-in-laws, and grandchildren) would gather early every Sunday at Lorenzo’s house on Louis Hemon Street to socialize, eat, and drink homemade wine. The grandchildren would play in the large yard while Lorenzo’s wife and daughters prepared pasta in industrial-sized cauldrons. Sundays at Lorenzo’s were like weekly Christmas Eve parties. This Sunday tradition went on for years and ended only with Lorenzo’s death. In 1961, five months short of his 65th birthday, Lorenzo suffered a burst aorta and passed away.  He left behind his beloved wife Concetta, his six daughters, and eight grandchildren.  Two more grandchildren were born shortly after his death.  Concetta passed away in 1981 and the youngest daughter Stella passed away in the mid-1990s. Today, the remaining five daughters are alive and well, living in the Greater Montreal area. Lorenzo always denied being a fascist or a follower of Mussolini and maintained that he was a proud Italian Canadian. 

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga

SOURCES:

• Canadian Museum of Immigration Pier 21, Scotiabank Family History Center.
• Correspondence with Richard Sanchini, Grandson of Lorenzo Venditti. Project Staff at Columbus Centre of Toronto, May-July 2013.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 2691, Internee File 21068 “Lorenzo Venditti.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, Vol. 3563, Part 6.

POW #: P528
ARRESTED: June 25, 1940
RELEASED: September 19, 1942
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: 1902
DIED: 2000

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Cape Breton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Butcher, Waterford Store

RELEASE NOTES: See below

Giacomo (James) Venzon was born in 1902 in a village in the mountainous region of Dolomites, Italy. In 1910, he arrived in Canada with his mother and sister to join their father who came a year prior. Venzon’s two younger sisters were born in Canada. The family then returned to Italy in 1915. When World War I (WWI) broke out, young Venzon would run the ammunition to the front lines in his village, which resulted in a wound he sustained from a bomb dropped by an airplane.

In 1940, Venzon lived with his wife, Santa Maria (Santina), and three young daughters (ages 9, 8, and 6) in New Waterford, NS. Venzon owned his home ― a small bungalow with a “very good garden” full of vegetables and “a lot of poultry.” He worked as a butcher for The Waterford Store. During WWII, Venzon and his boss, Pietro (Peter) Favretto, were interned.

When Venzon was interned, he was designated as the butcher in the camp and because of his farming and gardening skills, also helped around the gardens. Venzon told his family stories of the camaraderie between the different groups of internees; for example, he spoke of how Germans, Japanese, and Italians would often exchange rations of rice, spaghetti, and potato. Aside from his kitchen duties, Venzon also ran the movie projector for the internees and the guards.  Venzon met fellow internee, Camillien Houde (then mayor of Montreal).

During Venzon’s internment, his family received relief (welfare), but the local rate in New Waterford “was very low” so it seemed that the family struggled quite a bit. The family also relied on Venzon’s life savings and on the help of their neighbours. 

Venzon was ordered to be released on September 12, 1942 and a week later he was a free man. His release notes stated “Released conditionally upon his first subscribing to the Undertaking set out in Regulation 24 of the D.O.C.R. and further that he subscribe to a special undertaking.” Further, that he report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), could not change his place of residence without first reporting to RCMP, and could not leave New Waterford without first reporting the details and purpose of his proposed trip” to the RCMP. Lastly, he was restricted from saying anything that would oppose Canada’s war effort and/or assist the Canada’s enemies.

A memorandum dated December 23, 1943 stated that Venzon was apparently unable to settle his account after his release from camp. When contacted, Venzon stated that he was penniless and the family was in need of winter clothing. It was a very hard time for the Venzon family during and after the war.

After the internment experience, Venzon and his wife had a fourth daughter. Venzon rebuilt his life by continuing to provide for his family and resuming his position as the local butcher for the New Waterford area. He also went back to his love – gardening. According to his family, Venzon was always proud to be an Italian-Canadian. He lived to the ripe old age of 98.

He is survived by his four daughters and his 10 grandchildren.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Correspondence with James Prasifka, grandson of Giacomo (James) Venzon. Project staff at Columbus Centre of Toronto, May 2012.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 699, Internee File 13616, “Giacomo Venzon.”
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 6.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V6.

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

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Cape Breton
MARITAL STATUS: Unknown
OCCUPATION: Miner

RELEASE NOTES: With certain restrictions

Paul Veracalli was a miner from New Waterford, NS. He was naturalized (date unknown). He was interned on June 25, 1940. He was released from camp after a hearing in which he objected to his internment.

There is no other information on Paul Veracalli.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 2769, Internee File 24083 “Paul Veracalli.”
• Minister’s Orders List.

POW #: P630
ARRESTED: June 25, 1940
RELEASED: September 28, 1943
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa, Fredericton
TOWN/CITY: Niagara Region
MARITAL STATUS: Single
OCCUPATION: Unemployed

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

There is very little information known about Giuseppe (Joseph) Vermieri. At the time of his internment, he had been unemployed for 18 years. However, the Custodian of Enemy Property maintained a file on this individual. Other biographical information is lacking.

The reasons for his arrest and release are not known. He seems to have been in prison (the reformatory) for reasons unrelated to the war. Released on June 24, he was rearrested and interned the very next day on June 25, 1940.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro

Do you know…
Why was Giuseppe (Joseph) Vermieri interned?
What was happened to him after the war?
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP): RG117, Vol 670, File 5022.

POW #: P741
ARRESTED: July 29, 1940
RELEASED: April 18, 1942
NATURALIZED: December 03, 1924
BORN: May 27, 1891
DIED:

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

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

Luigi Vigna was born on May 27, 1891 in Aprigliano, Calabria, Italy. In 1940, he was living in Niagara Falls, Canada. He was arrested on July 29, 1940 and interned on August 3, 1940. He was released on April 18, 1942 but had to report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Nothing else is known of Vigna.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces, RG 24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 3569, Envelope F.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, Vol. 3569, File C.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V5.

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: December 04, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

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

Hardly anything is known about Giuseppe Villani.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

Do you know:
Is there any relationship to Nicola Villani?

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 #: P822
ARRESTED: July 29, 1940
RELEASED: December 08, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN: November 05, 1893
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Pipe fitter, Steel Company of Canada

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release (see below)

Nicola Villani was born in Terelle, Italy on November 5, 1893.

He was married to Yolanda and the couple had six children – two sons and four daughters who, in 1940, ranged in age from one to fifteen years of age. The family residence was located at 69 Sherman St. in Hamilton. Villani held a life insurance policy of $1000.

Villani was interned at Petawawa Internment Camp on August 10, 1940 and released on December 8, 1941, at 7:25am, S.T. His release conditions were as follows: he had to report monthly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), he could not change his place of residence or leave Hamilton without the consent of RCMP, and he was forbidden from engaging in fascist activities or organizations.

Venditti had worked as a pipe fitter at the Steel Company of Canada since 1915 and was not rehired after his release from the Petawawa.

Price Waterhouse, who acted on behalf of the Custodian of Enemy Property, billed Venditti a $24.34 fee for the administration of his affairs while interned. In a letter to the Custodian of Enemy Property, Villani stated that he could not pay the balance due to his unemployment and that further, relief was cut off a week before Christmas. Moreover, Reverend C.P. Mascari of St. Anne’s Church wrote a letter to Price Waterhouse on Villani’s behalf questioning the charge of fees.

I feel this is an unjust imposition to even demand any remuneration from this person and victim of unjust prejudice and jealousy. I know this man personally and I am sure if anyone you interned was innocent, he certainly was. … If there is any compensation it should be the government to him. … On his return he lost, 24 yrs. 3 mos. seniority at Steel Co. of Canada, he lost bonus, week pay with holidays, sick benefit, insurance and had to start after nearly 25 years, all over again.  This is only one incident, the Government should certainly see these people are returned to their previous social and working standard and not let factories and personnel take present circumstance to advance themselves and save money at the expense of these victims of circumstances. Such has been the case in the Steel Co. of Canada and a government investigation would rectify some of these uncalled for injustices, even against men that have their sons in the Canadian Services.

Price Waterhouse dropped their charges. 

Biography by Travis Tomchuk and Louanne Aspillaga

Do you know…
Is there any relationship to Giuseppe Villani?
 
SOURCES:

• Hamilton List
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 668, Internee File 4974, “Nicola Villani.”
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 3569, Envelope F.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG18, Vol. 3569, File C.
• Minister’s Orders List V1.
•  

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: May 13, 1941
NATURALIZED: 1932
BORN: 1902
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Other Quebec
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Superintendent, Valley Shoe Company

Sebastiano Villani arrived in Canada in 1927. He was married and the couple had two children (b. 1936 and November 1940, respectively).

Villani had joined the Partito Nazionale Fascista (PNF, National Fascist Party) while living in Italy but severed his association with the fascists in 1934. At the time of his internment he was not involved in the dopolavoro or the Casa d’Italia. He did, however, admit to donating money to the Italian Red Cross during Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia.

Villani had been a member of the Order Sons of Italy since 1930. His lodge was located in Montreal and this is where he attended meetings.

When the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) raided Villani’s home they found a picture of King George VI hanging on the wall.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk

SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, James Duncan Hyndman fonds:  MG30, E 182, Vol. 14, Letter to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, 9 Apr. 1941.

POW #:
ARRESTED: July 04, 1940
RELEASED: March 06, 1941
NATURALIZED:
BORN:
DIED:

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

There is hardly any information on Ottorino Vinciarelli.

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 #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: January 29, 1941
NATURALIZED: January 27, 1923
BORN:
DIED:

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

Very little is known about Silviano Violanti. He lived at 3860 Van Horne Avenue in Montreal at the time of his arrest. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) considered him to be a threat to Canada’s security. Little else is known about Silviano Violanti.

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3 Part 1, “Minister’s Orders – Italian,” no date.
• Library and Archives Canada, RCMP: RG 18, Vol. 3563, File C-11-19-2-3 Part 1, Letter from Norman A. Robertson, Chair of the Inter-Departmental Committee, to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, 2 Aug. 1940.

POW #:
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: October 30, 1941
NATURALIZED: 1921
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Proprietor, Lido Theatre

Pietro Viotti moved to the United States at a young age. He arrived in Canada following his naturalization as a United States citizen. In Montreal, Viotti ran the Lido Theatre at 2350 Notre Dame St. West. The theatre had a capacity of 619 persons. Viotti had two children: a son (b. 1919) and a daughter (b. 1925).

Biography by Travis Tomchuk
 
SOURCE:

• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 654, Internee File 3742 “Pietro Viotti.”

POW #: P770
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: June 02, 1942
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: July 07, 1898
DIED:

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

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

Giuseppe (Joseph) Visocchi served in the Italian military during World War I. He had been wounded – he retained a piece of shrapnel in his right leg for life. He had a difficult relationship with his stepmother. So at his grandmother’s suggestion, he travelled to Canada to visit his uncle. He settled in the country and never returned to Italy.

Visocchi ran a small pastry shop in Hull, QC and later moved to Montreal where he held several jobs, including delivering bread, working as a driver/chaffeur and at a music store. According to his family, at the time of his arrest, he was a citizen (a naturalized British subject).

Visocchi was married to Antoinetta Sprecacenere. Their first child, son Emilio (b. 1923?), was born in Italy. His wife and son joined Visocchi in Canada after 3 years. Another six children would be born in Canada. In 1940 they were the following ages: Tommasina (12), Anna (10), Elisa (7), Giuseppina (5), Francois (3), and Rosetta (2). Visocchi is remembered by his children as a strict but loving father.

Although the family was not well-off, for the most part, they were happy. In Montreal the family lived behind the Jean-Talon Market. Visocchi loved opera and dancing. He required that his children speak Italian at home. Devout Catholics, the children remember praying each and every night before going to bed. Visocchi’s wife regularly attended church service and even sang in Church. The family participated in the feast day celebrations, with the children sometimes dressing up as angels.

Visocchi himself was active in the local Italian community. He was the president of the Italian War Veterans Association (Associazione Italiana Ex Combattenti) and the Caserta Club (Societa di Caserta), which both had their offices in the Casa d’Italia. His eldest daughter Tommasina believes this involvement and his identification by an informant were the causes of her father’s arrest and internment:

But, there was one gentleman. [Vetere] his name was and I’ll never forget it as long as I live. He was the one that would say, this Visocchi Italian person, he belongs to the association … And every time he gave a name, he got paid. But after a while I guess he had to run away. He went to the States. Because someone was going to get him somehow … I mean people suffered and he gained by it.
Tommasina Pelle Visocchi. Personal Interview. July 28, 2011. ICEA2011.0066.0001, Columbus Centre Collection.

According to his family, during one of his hearings, Visocchi was asked by the judge how he would react should he come across Vetere1 in future. Visocchi replied that he would break both of Vetere’s legs. At a later hearing, he noted that for the sake of his family he would retain his anger and walk past Vetere.

Other than his involvement with the two organizations, Visocchi’s family claims he only attended the Casa d’Italia for community dances. He would often go with his eldest daughters.

Tommasina was with her father when he was arrested at a hall on Dante Street:

We had gone to a wedding. The reason I went with my dad was because my mom couldn’t go … the party was going on and I remember two men, somehow coming in and asking for my dad … And they made him come out. So, naturally I came out with him. And they spoke to him, and my dad says, “We’re going home.” You know. So, the two fellows, [who were] very tall — at the time I was very impressed because I was young – [they] walked with us to the house. [He] spoke with my mother a little. I don’t remember what he said, and then he says they were going to go away. They were going to take him just for a little while. They had to speak with him. And I remember — the only thing that I’ll never forget is the little one, Rosetta, holding onto his leg, crying, saying, “Daddy, don’t go.” … And I remember one of the [men] was maybe a little compassionate, and did say, “We’re going to come right back”. And, so she let go of his leg then. Naturally. And he left. And I remember him looking back at us … He just looked at us, and he walked away with them. And that was the end. We never saw him anymore after that.
Tommasina Pelle Visocchi. Personal Interview. July 28, 2011.

Visocchi was taken to Bordeaux Jail, where many of the Montreal internees were first detained. During this time, his wife and eldest children would make trips to the prison, waving to Visocchi, seen briefly through a window from the street down below. He was transferred to Camp Petawawa on August 9, 1940.

During his internment, Visocchi’s wife struggled to support her family. She wrote to the Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP):

I have been left absolutely penniless without any resources whatsoever as I have been even deprived of relieved [sic] which I was receiving previously and my landlord threatens me to put me out of my house for none [sic] payment of rent. What will I do with seven children under age. I implore you in the name of humanity to help before my children and I will be left in the streets starving.
Antonietta Visocchi, letter, undated, RG 117, Vol. 656, File 3853, LAC

At some point, the government seems to have reinstated support to the family. The amount was very small and impossible to live on; Tommasina remembers her mother receiving a disheartening cheque for 50 cents.

The Visocchis were also tenants. According to daughter Elisa, the landlord attempted to take advantage of her mother, noting she could exchange her sexual favours in lieu of paying the rent. She adamantly refused. The family further notes that in Quebec a lease had to be renewed on an annual basis and signed by a male. Antoinetta Visocchi turned to her priest for help. As Tommasina remembers:

I guess my own uncles didn’t want to sign because they were afraid — that being that my dad was arrested — and they were part of the family, although they were not his brothers, but even so, you know. And they wouldn’t sign so my mum went to the priest and asked the priest if it was possible. Not, that he pay the rent, but to sign the lease … And the priest refused … he wouldn’t do it and he asked my mum, “Do you owe him a lot of money?” I think my mum said no, maybe the month or last month or something. And he said, “He didn’t put you out yet?”— and that was the end of that, you know. But my mother never held grudges. Against the Church either.
Tommasina Pelle Visocchi. Personal Interview. July 28, 2011.

Visocchi’s wife did become very despondant. The children remember a sense of depair, and how their mother seemed sad most times and often cried. Tommasina recalls a disturbing incident:

My mom had gotten up and she had started to put the gas jets on because she figured she couldn’t see us seven kids suffer because we had no money. We had nothing … We, none of us, would suffer anymore, we’d all go together. But my brother heard it … And I heard, so we both got up … My brother really stopped it because he was a big fellow you know. And he said, “Mamma, what are you trying to do?” She said, “I don’t want to see the children suffer. Too much suffering.”
Tommasina Pelle Visocchi. Personal Interview. July 28, 2011.

After this lowest point for the family, the situation did seem to improve somewhat when they were visited by the wife of internee Pietro Garbarino. She had been asked by her husband to help the Visocchi family. It is unclear if the men knew each other beforehand or befriended each other while in camp. We do know that the family greatly benefited from the food and other supplies Mrs. Garbarino provided. The older children (still teenagers) also got jobs and helped support the family with this income. The younger children sold corn and helped the farmers at the market. They also ran errands and did chores for neighbours.

While he was interned, there was infrequent communication between Visocchi and his family. They worried after they heard that he had suffered paralysis to his face. They were relieved to hear from someone, who had been to the camp, that this was not the case.

Visocchi’s return home was a surprise to his children. Although he was expected, they did not know the exact date or time. The pale, thin, and bearded man who presented himself at the door was a stranger even to his eldest children. The youngest Rosetta hid behind her sister’s legs, scared of the father she could not remember.

Government documents indicate that in November 1947 Viscocchi was involved in a lawsuit with other internees for damages suffered during the war. The others named were Emanuele Savona, Giuseppe Soccio, Vincenzo Massone, Umberto Palermo, Giuseppe De Petrillo, and Sebastiano Villani. The group, through legal representation, presented their claim against the $5,ooo,ooo which the Canadian government had seized in cash and assets belonging to the Italian government. Few other details exist, and the outcomes of the legal action are unknown2.

After his release, his family notes that Visocchi became more pensive, focusing on his family and work. He did not speak about his internment experience, although the children remember fondly the wooden ship he brough home, along with carved wooden tables. Visocchi would return to the Caserta Club, but had little other involvement with community leadership or organizations. He also did not find consistent employment. Described as a “jack of all trades” by his daughters, he worked whatever job he could; often as a bricklayer, sometimes in a pizzeria. He was able to buy his own home in 1951.

His daughters believe that for the remainder of his life, Visocchi felt dishonoured by his internment experience. Although it was a significant blow to the proud father they remember, he remained the family-man and hard-working breadwinner they loved.

1. Vetere was a former school teacher and journalist based in Montreal. Some suspect he acted as a paid police informant.

2. Given other examples, the claim may pertain to damages in property held in Italy rather than due to the internment experience itself.

Biography by Lucy Di Pietro
 

SOURCES:

• CEP: RG 117, Vol. 656, File 3853, LAC;
• Elisa Visocchi, Josee Visocchi & Rosetta (Pistilli) Visocchi. Personal Interview. July 9, 2011. ICEA2011.0058.0001, Columbus Centre Collection.
• Tommasina Pelle Visocchi. Personal Interview. July 28, 2011. ICEA2011.0066.0001, Columbus Centre Collection.

POW #: P485
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: February 19, 1943
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN: June 03, 1901
DIED: May 01, 1994

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

RELEASE NOTES: Conditional release upon his subscribing to a special undertaking

Salvatore Vistarchi was born on June 3, 1901 in 1901 in Oppido Mamertina, Calabria in Italy.  He came to Canada in 1926, while his parents stayed behind in Italy. A year later, his mother passed away.

At the time of his arrest on June 10, 1940, Vistarchi was the financial and business manager for Asconi Building Corporation at 5670 Decelles Ave. in Montreal, and he lived at the same address. Vistarchi owned a Ford Deluxe automobile.

Vistarchi was introduced to the Asconis by his business associate, Domenico Vocisano, who was also interned. At its inception in 1937, the company operated under the name Asconi Construction Company, with 48 shares belonging to Asconi, 46 to Vocisano and 9 to Vistarchi. Vocisano was vice-president and Vistarchi was secretary-treasurer. In 1939, Vocisano resigned from his position and withdrew his shares, and the equation resulted in the Asconis’ (father and son) holding 70 per cent of profit shares and Vistarchi 30.

While interned, Vistarchi corresponded with the Custodian’s Office with regards to his controlling interest in the company and about $1400 he had lent to the Asconis. Price, Waterhouse & Co.’s investigation concluded that although 50 shares were divided between the Asconis and Vistarchi, the latter was only entitled to 30 per cent of the company profits by way of dividends. The result was the surrender of Vistarchi’s 20 shares to Domenico Vocisano, and the $1000 settlement amount Asconi owed to Vistarchi was held by Price Waterhouse & Co. during Vistarchi’s internment.

Vistarchi was engaged to Jean Reddy, who lived at 2033 Metcalfe Street. In a letter to her, he wrote: “… finally, the Justice will find in me the true honest and loyal citizen and not the man depicted by unscrupulous people… Darling, I hope God will make our happy reunion shortly as I feel that my life without you, it is not worth living. Love to Ma and W. and to you billion of kisses. Forever Love, Torey” (Letter from Salvatore Vistarchi to Jean Reddy, Montreal. Petawawa, April 22, 1941). In this letter, Vistarchi refers to his future mother-in-law as “Ma” and his future brother-in-law William as “W.”

Vistarchi’s case was heard and rejected in 1942. It wasn’t until February 19, 1943, that he was released from Camp Ripples (Fredericton, New Brunswick) to return home. Vistarchi and Reddy married on October 2, 1943.

Post-release, Vistarchi became a building contractor, building over 1200 houses and apartment buildings in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Côte-des-Neiges, Dorval, Baie D’Urfe, and Ste. Rose. In the 1960s and 1970s, he built and operated Lanterna Verde, an upscale Italian cuisine restaurant, in Dorval.

Maurice Poggi, son of Vincenzo Poggi (also interned), said that when his father died in 1988, a man came up to him after the funeral and introduced himself as Salvatore Vistarchi, thus indicating the friendship between the two men.

Vistarchi passed away on May 1, 1994, one month shy of his 94th birthday.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Correspondence with Joan Vistarchi, daughter of Salvatore Vistarchi. Project Staff at Columbus Centre, November 2012.
• Correspondence with Maurice Poggi, son of Vincenzo Poggi. Project staff at Columbus Centre. April 2012.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG 117, Vol. 1946, Internee File 3193, “Salvatore Vistarchi.”

POW #: P421
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: October 29, 1940
NATURALIZED: 1908
BORN: January 05, 1887
DIED:

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

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

Domenico Vitale arrived in Canada circa 1900. In 1901 he began working for the Dominion Coal Company in Montreal. Vitale was married to Dora and the couple had four children. The Vitales lived at 6256 Des Écores Street at the time of Vitale’s arrest.

Vitale’s stepbrother Rocco Salera was also interned.

Vitale was released on the recommendation of H.A. Fortier, a Quebec judge appointed to review the cases of internees. Following his release, the Vitales lived at 5382 Waverly Street.

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. 655, Internee File 3799 “Domenico Vitale.”
• Library and Archives Canada, James Duncan Hyndman fonds:  MG30, E 182, Vol. 14, Letter to Ernest Lapointe, Minister of Justice, 25 Feb. 1941.

POW #: P727
ARRESTED: July 31, 1940
RELEASED: August 14, 1941
NATURALIZED: February 16, 1927
BORN: May 02, 1896
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Hamilton
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Labourer, Canada Curshed Stone Company

RELEASE NOTES: Ordered to report monthly to the RCMP

Giovanni Vizzini was born on May 2, 1896 in Racamulto, Agrigento, Italy. He arrived to Canada in 1920 and was naturalized in 1927.

In 1940, he was living with his wife, Jennie, and their six-year-old daughter at 27 Sheaffe St. in Hamilton. This is the same address as fellow internee, Carmelo Morreale, therefore indicating that Vizzini may have been a boarder.He was working as a labourer for the Canada Crushed Stone Company in Dundas, ON. Vizzini had an agreement with his boss to buy a certain amount of war bonds as long as he was assured employment for the duration of the war; before his internment, he had made three payments.

Vizzini was arrested on July 31, 1940. He contested that he was not a member of any fascist organizations nor was he a fan of Mussolini. Further, if asked, he would fight on Canada’s side. He did admit to being a paying member of the Racamultese Club (where he held a $175 insurance policy) and the Columbus Club, but stated that they were non-partisan.

In Vizzini’s absence, his wife found work and therefore did not need relief (welfare).

He was released on August 14, 1941 but was ordered to report monthly to the RCMP.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Hamilton Ontario List.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, File 3569, Envelope F.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 671, Internee File 5054, “Giovanni Vizzini.”
• Library and Archives Canada, JD Hyndman Fonds: MG30, E182, Vol. 14.
• Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): RG18, Vol. 3569, File C.
• Library and Archives Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): RG18, F-3, Vol. 3563, Part 5.
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V4

POW #: P458
ARRESTED: June 10, 1940
RELEASED: December 27, 1940
NATURALIZED: Yes
BORN:
DIED:

CAMP(S): Petawawa
TOWN/CITY: Montreal
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Business man, President of Concrete Column Clamps

Dominico Vocisano lived on King Edward Ave. in Montreal. He worked as a contractor in Montreal since 1912. He was naturalized but the date is unknown. His wife’s name was Leonora Montebello. He owned several properties located on De Gaspe Ave., Somerled Ave., Chomedey Ave., Mayfair Ave., and Centre St. He was the president of Concrete Column Clamps Ltd. which was incorporated in 1929. Apparently, he had invented clamps for concrete forms.

Vocisano owned shares in other companies like Canadian Breweries, O’Brien Gold Mines, Consolidated Paper, Dominion Engineering Works, Abitibi Power and Paper, and Dryden Paper. He was also the Vice President of Asconi Building Corporation, located at 5670 Decells Ave. and owned 46% of the company’s shares. He introduced a business associate of his, Salvatore Vistarchi to the Asconis and may have helped Vistarchi assume the position of Secretary-Treasurer. In 1939, Vocisano withdrew from his position and shares in the company. Eventually, Vistarchi’s shares on the Asconi Corp. was surrendered to Vocisano.

Biography by Louanne Aspillaga
 
SOURCES:

• Library and Archives Canada, Canadian Armed Forces, RG 24, Vol. 6586, File 5-1-1.
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 1946, Internee File 3193, “Salvatore Vistarchi.”
• Library and Archives Canada, Custodian of Enemy Property: RG117, Vol. 645, Internee File 3102, “Dominico Vocisano.”
• Minister’s Orders List V1 & V2.