What part of Italy they came from?

Quinto and Rossana Marchione came from the Abruzzo region of Italy, from a small town called Cocullo in the province of L’Aquila. Quinto arrived in North Bay in 1953 at the age of 19. Quinto went back to Italy in the spring of 1963 to reconnect with his parents and sister. Quinto (age 29) married Rossana (age 22) on February 2, 1964. Quinto and Rossana arrived in North Bay in March 1964 and lived on Third Avenue, along with other members of Quinto’s family and other Italian families in the neighbourhood.

Why North Bay, were they sponsored?

When Quinto arrived in 1953, he was greeted by his older brothers Tonino (who arrived in 1951) and Paolo (who arrived in 1952). There were many “Cocullese” working in North Bay at the time as The Empire Hotel was built and run by the Mascioli family who were from the same town of Cocullo.

With family and friends close it was a natural location for Quinto to start his new life, while learning a new language and learning new life skills. This was also the place where he flourished his singing career, with many trips to the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where he was coached by top musicians and teachers. He also was part many choral organizations to continue building his singing portfolio. In 1965, Quinto was the main lead starring as The King in The Rose of Danube, a musical that was showcased at a sold out Capitol Centre for a week. Until his passing in 2009, Quinto sang at countless weddings, funerals and Davedi Club Choir events across the City, and province.

Quinto was sponsored by his brother Tonino.

What year did they come over?

Quinto first arrived in 1953. Rossana first arrived in 1964.

Occupation in North Bay?

When Quinto arrived in 1953, he worked at The Empire hotel doing odd jobs but then became a main bartender for the hotel. He took courses to become a licenced welder and worked many years for Acme Welding (Gallardi Family). Following Acme, in 1991, he worked as a welding inspector for Trans Canada Pipeline until his retirement in 1999.

After Rossana arrived in 1964, she started doing odd tailoring jobs, but her passion was mother and home maker. She worked from home with her seamstress/tailoring skills and later worked at Nate Rivelis Ladies Wear and after it closed, worked at Northland Fur Studio, Jack Fraser and Tip Top Tailors until she retired in 2006.

Names of other family members. What occupation did their kids pursue.
Armando Marchione – Born in April 1965
Rita Marchione Dubeau – Born in June 1966
Donna Marchione Backer – Born in February 1972