Person Page - 105

     Joseph M. Spiteri was born on 12 February 1897 in Casa Lucia, Malta; age 43 in 1940 census.¹ He married Fern Rose on 10 January 1931.¹ Joseph M. Spiteri died on 16 July 1949 at age 52. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Joseph M. Spiteri was also known as Giuseppi Spiteri. He emigrated from Malta on 25 August 1903 to San Francisco, CA, USA. He was listed in the 1940 US Census age 43, sugar manufacturing laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was naturalized on 3 February 1941 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 44. He and Joseph Spiteri were possibly the same person.

     Fern Rose was born on 25 August 1903 in Tarkic, MO, USA; age 36 in 1940 census.¹ She married Joseph M. Spiteri on 10 January 1931.¹
     Her married name was Spiteri.¹ Fern Rose was a retail dept. store sales in 1940.

     Louis Rose was born circa 1923 in MO, USA; age 17 in 1940 census.¹

     Leo C.V. Stivala was born on 23 February 1904 in Naxxar, Malta; age 36 in 1940 census.^1,2 He was issued a Maltese Passport age 18, laborer on 2 March 1922. Declared destination was Australia.²
     Leo C.V. Stivala was also known as Leone Stivala. He was listed in the 1940 US Census age 36, hotel houseman in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Stella M. DeLucchi was born circa 1895 in CA, USA; age 45 in 1940 census.¹ She married Charles H. Stivala, son of Giuseppe Stivala, on 29 November 1933 at Seattle, WA, USA.¹ Stella M. DeLucchi died on 14 July 1972 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She was buried on 17 July 1972 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Stivala.¹ She and Charles H. Stivala were listed in the 1940 US Census age 40, none in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹
Obituary: on 16 July 1972: STIVALA, (Delucehr). Stella— In this city, July 14, 1972. Stella Stivala Delucchi. dearly beloved wife of Charles Stivala, loving mother of Mrs. Erma D'Oliva and Mrs. Esther M. Roscelli, devoted sister of August Bacigalupi,Mrs. Theresa Ravani. Mrs. Rose Stivala and Mrs. Lydie Togneri, survived by four loving grandchildren and five dear great-grandchildren.

     Edward Tanti was born on 13 March 1908 in Sliema, Malta; age 32 in 1940 census.^1,2 He was issued a Maltese Passport age 18, cook on 20 January 1926. Declared destination was New York, NY, USA.² He married Carmela Mary Camenzuli, daughter of Charles Camenzuli and Rosaria Fava, on 18 June 1932 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Edward Tanti died on 1 February 2008 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 99; 99 years, 10 months, 19 days. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 15 November 1928 going to San Francisco, CA, USA; age 21, cook, from Sydney, Australia. He was naturalized on 1 May 1939 at San Francisco, CA, USA; a laborer. He and Carmela Mary Camenzuli were listed in the 1940 US Census age 32, hotel handyman in Palo Alto, CA, USA.¹ Edward Tanti received military draft notice on 16 October 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA, age 32, Fairmont Hotel. He was listed in the 1950 US Census age 42, Bethlehem Steel, laborer in San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club.

     Rose Marie Tanti was born on 13 August 1933 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 6 in 1940 census.¹ She married Joseph M Cataldo on 5 April 1953 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Rose Marie Tanti was listed in the 1940 US Census of Edward Tanti and Carmela Mary Camenzuli in 1940 at Palo Alto, CA, USA; age 32, hotel handyman.¹ Rose Marie Tanti was listed in the 1940 US Census of Fred H. Rusk and Carmela Mary Camenzuli in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 40, retail dept. store stationary engineer. As of 5 April 1953,her married name was Cataldo.
Rose Marie Tanti Joined and resigned from Maltese club together in 2009. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club between 2009 and 2010. She was living in 2024 in San Francisco, CA, USA. As of 2024, Rose Marie Tanti and Maltese Elders (?) lived at 727 43rd Ave, San Francisco, CA, USA.

     Shirley Anne Vella was born on 19 May 1937 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 3 in 1940 census.^1,2 She married William E. Turner.
     Her married name was Turner.

     Joseph Todaro was born circa 1876 in Sicily; age 64 in 1940 census.¹ He married Giovanna (?)¹
     Joseph Todaro and Giovanna (?) were listed in the 1940 US Census age 64, terrazo proprietor in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Giovanna (?) was born circa 1878 in Sicily; age 62 in 1940 census.¹ She married Joseph Todaro.¹
     Her married name was Todaro.¹ Giovanna (?) and Joseph Todaro were listed in the 1940 US Census age 64, terrazo proprietor in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Angelina Todaro was born circa 1907 in Malta; age 33 in 1940 census.¹
     She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Todaro and Giovanna (?) in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 64, terrazo proprietor.¹

     Gino Todaro was born circa 1908 in Malta; age 32 in 1940 census.¹
     He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Todaro and Giovanna (?) in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 64, terrazo proprietor.¹

     James Joseph Tonna was born on 24 July 1935 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 4 in 1940 census.¹ He married Cecilia M. Williams on 26 June 1982 at Alameda Co., CA, USA.
     James Joseph Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Tonna Jr and Antonia Muscat in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 33, own retail furniture store, salesman, owner.¹ James Joseph Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Tonna Jr in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 52, furniture store partner. James Joseph Tonna was living in 2013.

     Marianne Margaret Tonna was born on 14 August 1938 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 1 in 1940 census.¹ She married John O'Brien on 27 June 1959 at Burlingame, CA, USA.
     Marianne Margaret Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Tonna Jr and Antonia Muscat in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 33, own retail furniture store, salesman, owner.¹ Marianne Margaret Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Tonna Jr in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 52, furniture store partner. Her married name was O'Brien. Marianne Margaret Tonna was living in 2013.

     Carl Von Wilsen was born circa 1898 in Holland; age 42 in 1940 census.¹ He married Elvira (?)¹
     Carl Von Wilsen and Elvira (?) were listed in the 1940 US Census age 42, building carpenter in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Elvira (?) was born circa 1898 in Malta; age 42 in 1940 census.¹ She married Carl Von Wilsen.¹
     Her married name was Von Wilsen.¹ Elvira (?) and Carl Von Wilsen were listed in the 1940 US Census age 42, building carpenter in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Elvira (?) was a owner, clothes pressing and cleaning, presser in 1940.

     Joseph Vassallo was born circa 1915 in Mosta, Malta; age 25 in 1940 census.¹ He married Carmen M Grech, daughter of Michael Angelo Grech and Maria Vella.¹ Joseph Vassallo died on 21 January 1990. He was buried on 24 January 1990 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He and Carmen M Grech were listed in the 1940 US Census age 25, clothing co. laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Joseph Vassallo and Carmen M Grech were listed in the 1950 US Census age 36, jitney bus driver in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 23 January 1990: VASSALLO, Joseph At rest January 21, 1990; dearly beloved husband of the late Carmen Vassallo; loving father of Mickey Pawsey and John Vassallo; adored grandfather of Mitchell Powsey and Krlstina Vassallo; loving father-in-law of Brian Pawsey and Annette Vassallo; beloved brother of Tony, Albert and Charles Vassallo, Pauline Zarb, Eva Cassar, Rita Xuereb and Maryanne Camllleri; survived by many loving brothers and sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins in California and Malta; a native of Malta; age 74 years. Joseph Vassallo was also known as Joe Vassallo.¹ Research: Related.

     Carmen M Grech was born on 3 November 1913 in Mosta, Malta; age 27 in 1940 census.¹ She married Joseph Vassallo, son of John Vassallo and Francesca (?).¹ Carmen M Grech died on 14 February 1987 at San Francisco, Ca, USA, at age 73. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     Carmen M Grech was also known as Carmella.¹ Her married name was Vassallo.¹ She emigrated from Malta on 22 October 1939 to New York, NY, USA. She and Joseph Vassallo were listed in the 1940 US Census age 25, clothing co. laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Carmen M Grech and Joseph Vassallo were listed in the 1950 US Census age 36, jitney bus driver in San Francisco, CA, USA. Carmen M Grech was naturalized on 21 April 1964 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 15 February 1987: VASSALLO, Carmen M. Feb. 14. 1987: beloved wife of Joseph; devoted mother of, John Vassallo and Mickey Pawsey; dear sister of Joseph Grech, Georgia Bezzlna, Rita Aqius. Assunta DeBono and Jane Calleja; idolized grandmother of Crlstina Vassallo and Mitch Pawsey; mother-in-law of Annette Vassallo and Brian Pawsey; survived by a host of relatives; native of Malta.

     Mickelina Vassallo was born circa 1938 in Malta; age 2 in 1940 census.¹ She married Brian Pawsey.
     Mickelina Vassallo was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Vassallo and Carmen M Grech in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 25, clothing co. laborer.¹ Mickelina Vassallo was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Vassallo and Carmen M Grech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 36, jitney bus driver. Her married name was Pawsey. Mickelina Vassallo was also known as Mickey Vassallo.

     Catherine Schneider was born circa 1910 in MA, USA; age 30 in 1940 census.¹ She married Sam Vella, son of Joseph Vella and Filomena Muscat.¹ Catherine Schneider died on 1 December 1994 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She was buried on 19 December 1994 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Vella.¹ She and Sam Vella were listed in the 1940 US Census age 41, marine longshoreman in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Catherine Schneider and Sam Vella were listed in the 1950 US Census age 50, shipping, ship loader in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 18 December 1994: VELLA, Catherine—In this city December 15, 1994. Beloved wife of the Salvatore Vella. Devoted mother of Marian Coggan, Max and Joseph Vella. Mother-in-law of Patricia Vella. Loving grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

     Max Joseph Vella MA was born on 6 March 1934 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 6 in 1940 census.^1,2 He married Patricia Coutts on 1 January 1958 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Max Joseph Vella MA died on 12 January 2017 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 82; of Alzheimer's disease.
     He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Sam Vella and Catherine Schneider in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 41, marine longshoreman.¹ Max Joseph Vella MA was listed in the 1940 US Census of Sam Vella and Catherine Schneider in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 50, shipping, ship loader. Max Joseph Vella MA was educated at San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA, BA, MA, Teaching Credential. He was a Industrial Arts teacher at Mission High School, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He began military service US Air Force, Captain.
Obituary: on 20 January 2017: Max Joseph Vella, born on March 6, 1934, departed this life on January 12, 2017. He was a proud native San Franciscan, son of the late Catherine and Salvatore Vella, brother of Joseph Vella and the late Marion Coggan. Max is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Patricia Vella and his children Carol (Michael) Bowling, Arlene Weston, Catherine (Stephen) Abela, Michael (Lynn) Vella, and Patrick Vella. He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Joni and Jerry Bowling; Angela, Maria, and Danielle Flores; Michelle and Christopher Abela; Austin and Kaitlyn Vella; and great-granddaughter Lexi Bowling. Max graduated from Lick-Wilmerding, Class of 1951, and continued his education at San Francisco State University where he met his wife and received his Bachelor's degree. He was commissioned into the Air Force where he used his talents working on plane engines. He was proud to attain the rank of Captain and upon completion of his military service he returned to SFSU earning his Teaching Credential and Master's degree graduating with highest honors. He was a In addition, Max worked as a journeyman machinist on the waterfront during his vacations. He was a hardworking man who provided well for his family. When he wasn't working, he truly loved time at his cabin in Cazadero where he spent many years watching his children and his tomato garden grow. He could also be found at the neighbor's cabin playing his accordion and entertaining those around him. Max was a long time member of St. Cecilia's Church and he will be missed by his friends at 7:30 am Sunday Mass.³ Research: cousins.

     Marion Rose Vella was born on 25 December 1936 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 3 in 1940 census.^1,2 She married Joseph Patrick Coggan. Marion Rose Vella died on 8 December 1999 at Novato, CA, USA, at age 62. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Sam Vella and Catherine Schneider in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 41, marine longshoreman.¹ Marion Rose Vella was listed in the 1940 US Census of Sam Vella and Catherine Schneider in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 50, shipping, ship loader. Her married name was Coggan. Marion Rose Vella was Children+ Patricia/Patty, Willian/Billy and Joseph/Joey.

     Geneva C. (?) was born on 25 January 1909 in Lincoln, NE, USA; age 31 in 1940 census.¹ She married Robert A. Vella, son of James Vella and Anne (?), on 4 June 1938 at Reno, NV, USA.¹ Geneva C. (?) died on 23 May 1976 at Davis, CA, USA, at age 67.
     Her married name was Vella.¹ She and Robert A. Vella were listed in the 1940 US Census age 33, garage auto mechanic in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹
Obituary: on 25 May 1976: VELLA, Geneva C. In Davis, Calif., May 23,1976. Geneva C. Vella; wife of Robert Vella; mother of J. Elmer Sawyer and Mrs. Mary Dahler; sister . of Mrs. Myrtle Fishel; grandmother of eight; a native of Lincoln, Neb; aged 67 years; a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church, Esparto, and the Independent Order of Foresters of S.F.

     Bernice McLaughlin was born circa 1910 in CA, USA; age 30 in 1940 census.¹ She married George Deguara, son of Salvatore (Sam) Deguara and Ursula Galea.¹ Bernice McLaughlin died on 13 April 2000. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Deguara.¹ She and George Deguara were listed in the 1940 US Census age 36, cordage co. rope maker; living with mother in law Lena McLaughlin, 63, divorced in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Bernice McLaughlin and George Deguara were listed in the 1950 US Census age 45, truck co. truck loader in San Francisco, CA, USA.

     Andrew Peter Carmel Paul Zahra was born on 9 April 1907 in Rabat, Malta; age 32 in 1940 census.¹ He married Rose Carmelita Noto on 6 January 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Andrew Peter Carmel Paul Zahra died on 17 March 1977 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 69. He was buried at Italian Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 24 April 1930 to San Francisco, CA, USA. He was naturalized on 26 July 1937 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He and Rose Carmelita Noto were listed in the 1940 US Census age 32, cannery laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Andrew Peter Carmel Paul Zahra received military draft notice on 16 October 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA, age 32, unemployed. He and Rose Carmelita Noto were listed in the 1950 US Census age 42, longshoreman, stevedore contractor in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: in March 1977: ZAHRA, Andrew In this city March 17. 1977. Andrew Zahra dearly beloved husband ol Rose Noto Zahra. devoted father ol Charles S and Janet R Zahra and Marie Park, dear brother of Sanso, Vincent and Mary Rose Zahra. Jessie Galea and Pauline Calea and the late Carmen Schembn, Gaetano and Anthony Zahra, also survived by three grandchildren; a native of Rabat, Malta, aged 69 years, a retired member ol I L W.U. Local No. 10.

     Rose Carmelita Noto was born on 1 April 1913 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 27 in 1940 census.¹ She married Andrew Peter Carmel Paul Zahra, son of Charles Zahra and Catherine (?), on 6 January 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Rose Carmelita Noto died on 4 June 1995 at Lafayette, CA, USA, at age 82. She was buried at Italian Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     Her married name was Zahra.¹ She and Andrew Peter Carmel Paul Zahra were listed in the 1940 US Census age 32, cannery laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Rose Carmelita Noto and Andrew Peter Carmel Paul Zahra were listed in the 1950 US Census age 42, longshoreman, stevedore contractor in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 6 June 1995: ZAHRA, Ross — In Lafayette, June 4,1995. A three year Lafayette resident, formerly of San Francisco. A native of San Francisco, aged 82 years. She is survived by her daughters, Jan Ha rper and Marie Park; son. Charles 2ahra: sister, Josephine Moal; and brother, Joseph Noto. Preceded in death by
her husband Andrew ira and her brother John Noto. Also survived by 8 grandchild’ren and 2 great-grandchildren.

     Teresa Cortis was born in 1909 in Malta; per obit estim; age 42 in 1950 census. She married Nazareno Aquilina, son of Felice Aquilina, on 8 July 1950 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; ages 46 and 38.¹ Teresa Cortis died on 21 January 1963 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She was buried on 24 January 1963 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     She was listed in the 1940 US Census of John Fenech and Mary Cortis in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 58, no occupation. As of 8 July 1950,her married name was Aquilina.¹
Obituary: on 22 January 1963: AQUILINA—In this city, January 21, 1963. Tresa, beloved wife of Nazareno Aquilina. devoted mother of Helen Aquilina; endeared sister of Frank Cortis and Mrs. Mary Fenech; revered aunt of Mrs. Carmela Portelli a native of Malta, aged 54 years.
Teresa Cortis was also known as Tresa Aquilina.

     Marie Alice Johnson was born on 2 May 1923. She married George Joseph Aquilina II, son of George Aquilina and Rosaria Micallef, on 21 October 1950 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 27 and 27.¹ Marie Alice Johnson died on 15 October 2011 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 88. She was buried at Italian Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     As of 21 October 1950,her married name was Aquilina.¹ She attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962.