Person Page - 174

     Tanya Antonia Ruggier was born on 27 February 1941 in Malta. She married Michael Malone. Tanya Antonia Ruggier married Patrick V Redmond.
     Tanya Antonia Ruggier was also known as Tanya Antonia Malone. Tanya Antonia Ruggier was also known as Tanya Malone-Redmond. She immigrated in 1978 to San Francisco, CA, USA. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Sec, 2002 in 1996. She lived between 2002 and 2022 at Lincoln, CA, USA; tmalone@wavecable.com. She lived in 2009 at 401 Cinnabar Court, Lincoln, CA, USA.
Tanya Antonia Ruggier The Arena’s were on my mother’s side of the family tree, which is extensive. The first Francesco Arena emigrated from Sicily to Malta in 1700. After the WW2 one of the Arena (Giovanni) emigrated with his family to Melbourne, Australia and they are now all thriving.
Our Family RUGGIER live in Malta accept Rita Borg and myself.

     Simon Marina was born on 20 August 1957 in Palestine. He married Mary Ann (?)
     Simon Marina was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1998. He lived in 2009 at 178 Elmira, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.

     Emmanuel John Meilak was born on 14 June 1950 in Malta. He married Carmen M Xuereb, daughter of (?) Xuereb, on 30 January 1971 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Emmanuel John Meilak lived in 1997 at 127 Moffitt St., San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2009. He was living in 2020 in Novato, CA, USA. Research: Lana Meilak
Pamela Calloway
Mary Meilak-Martinez. He was a Domicile Construction - general contractor in 2023. Emmanuel John Meilak was also known as Larry Meilak.

     Janice Faye Meli was born on 16 September 1950 in CA, USA. She married John C Chism.
     Her married name was Chism. Janice Faye Meli was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2004. She lived in 2009 at PO Box 8217, Santa Rosa, CA, USA. Research: Lana Meilak
Pamela Calloway
Mary Meilak-Martinez.

     Sally Pulis Middlestead was born circa 1933. She married Oscar Middlestead.
     Sally Pulis Middlestead was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2009. She lived in 2009 at 5020 Bridlle Way, Antioch, CA, USA. Research: David Pulis.

     Oscar Middlestead was born circa 1930. He married Sally Pulis Middlestead.

     John Alan Miers was born on 23 February 1957 in San Francisco, CA, USA. He married Maria (?) John Alan Miers died on 7 June 2019 at Grants, NM, USA, at age 62.
     He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2000. He lived in 2009 at 105 Cayuga, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. Research: Marilyn Miers
Ben Miers
Carmela Miers
David Miers.

     Paul J Mifsud was born on 14 January 1932 in Mosta, Malta. He married Fortunata Baldwin on 5 February 1955 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Paul J Mifsud died on 2 May 2023 at Burlingame, CA, USA, at age 91. He was buried at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 21 September 1951 to New York, NY, USA. He emigrated from Malta on 21 September 1951 to New York, NY, USA. He was naturalized on 6 January 1954 at CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club between 1951 and 2023 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He and Fortunata Baldwin lived in 2009 at 21 Dexter Place, Millbrae, CA, USA. Paul J Mifsud lived in 2020 at Millbrae, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 11 May 2023: Paul Mifsud
January 14, 1932 - May 2, 2023
Late of Millbrae and San Mateo County resident for 60 years, entered into rest in Burlingame on May 2, 2023. Beloved husband of Furta Mifsud since 1955. Loving father of Frank Mifsud (his wife Donna), the late Jim Mifsud (his wife Eileen), Paul Mifsud, Jr. and Diane Mifsud. Also survived by his siblings in Malta and his siblings in Australia, his cherished grandchildren Jason, Steven, Shannon, Sheila, Eric, Jeremy and Anna, along with great grandchildren Joseph, Donnie, Sebastian, Ryder, Jason, Jr., Aria and Emma along with other family and dear friends.
A native of Mosta, Malta, age 91 years.
A member of the Maltese American Social Club in SSF.
Family and friends may visit on Sunday, May 21, 2023 after 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, El Camino Real at 194 Millwood Drive in Millbrae, with a Vigil Service at 4:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Saint Dunstan Catholic Church in Millbrae. Committal will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.
His family appreciates donations to Saint Dunstan's Catholic Church, 1133 Broadway, Millbrae CA 94030.

     Charles I. Mizzi was born on 16 June 1925 in Naxxar, Malta. He married Helen Victoria Mula, daughter of Salvatore T. Mula and Rosina Bonavia, on 19 June 1948 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Charles I. Mizzi died on 29 July 2008 at Daly City, CA, USA, at age 83. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Charles I. Mizzi was also known as Carmel Charles Mizzi. He emigrated from Malta on 25 July 1947 to San Francisco, CA, USA. He and Helen Victoria Mula were listed in the 1950 US Census age 23, mattress co. machine operator in San Francisco, CA, USA. Charles I. Mizzi was naturalized on 21 June 1955 at San Francisco, CA, USA; a hardwood floor layer. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Ass. Treasurer, 70, 73; Ass. Secretary, 72, 74-76; Secretary 1975; organized Malta trip 1972 in 1970 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He lived in 2008 at 551 Verducci Dr, Daly City, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 31 July 2008: Of Daly City and San Mateo County resident for 35 years passed away on July 29, 2008. He was the beloved husband to the late Helen V. Mizzi for 48 years and is survived by his four children. Grandfather of five. Great grandfather of three and one coming soon. Brother of Frank Mizzi and brother in law to Vicky (Gene) Piccardo; uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. A native of Naxxar, Malta and a member of the Maltese American Social Club in South San Francisco. Research: Enriqueta Mizzi
Daniel Mizzi
Carmel Mizzi. He and Stanley Charles Mizzi were related to.

     Charles Carmel Mizzi was born on 28 February 1934 in Gozo, Malta. He married Maria Rosaria Healy, daughter of Daniel Healey and Dolores Bonello, on 12 October 1974 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Charles Carmel Mizzi died on 1 March 2024 at age 90. He was buried at Catholic Italian Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     Charles Carmel Mizzi was also known as Carmel Charles Mizzi. He was naturalized on 14 November 1984 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Maltese Club in 1996 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He and Maria Rosaria Healy lived in 2023 at 2901 Fleetwood Dr., San Bruno, CA, USA.

     Maria Rosaria Healy was born on 8 May 1938 in Valletta, Malta. She married Charles Carmel Mizzi on 12 October 1974 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Maria Rosaria Healy was also known as Maria Healey. As of 12 October 1974,her married name was Mizzi. She was naturalized on 14 November 1984 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Maltese Club in 1996 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She and Charles Carmel Mizzi lived in 2023 at 2901 Fleetwood Dr., San Bruno, CA, USA. Maria Rosaria Healy was also known as Rosie Healey. Maria Rosaria Healy was also known as Rose Mizzi.

     Victor Emanuel Debono was born on 28 February 1941 in Hamrun, Malta. He married Pauline Carmela Curmi on 10 January 1970 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Victor Emanuel Debono was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Grievance Committee member in 2022 in 1959. He began military service in 1963 Victor served in the Army from 1963 to 1965, stationed in Hawaii. His rank was Private First Class.
Victor Emanuel Debono Honored by MHS for his military service during the Vietnam War on 18 November 2018. Research: Sharon Debono
Kimberly Debono
Pauline Debono
Tony Debono
Michael Debono
Esther Debono. He and Pauline Carmela Curmi were living in 2023 in San Bruno, CA, USA.

     Frank Muscat was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999 between 1999 and 2009. He lived in 2009 at 890 Schembri Lane, East Palo Alto, CA, USA.

     Ann Teresa Musso was born circa 1956.
     She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2009. She lived in 2009 at 1572 Thurman Way, Folsom, CA, USA. Research: Kenneth Musso
Charles Abdilla
Mark Abdilla.

     William Nolan was born on 21 June 1943 in Mosta, Malta. He married Joyce Buhagiar.
     William Nolan was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2005. He lived in 2009 at 1326 Crestview, San Carlos, CA, USA. Research: Anita Johnson
Josephine Nolan.

     Christina Parrish was born circa 1970.
     She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2009. She lived in 2009 at 4293 Cedarwood Ct, Concord, CA, USA. Research: Robert Fassler
Donald Parrish
Donna Fassler
Paola Fassler
Mary Fassler
Rue Fassler
Jason Parrish
Sydney Parrish.

     Biography Vince was involved in Project 112/Project SHAD, or Shipboard Hazard and Defense, which was a series of tests conducted by the Department of Defense from 1962 to 1973. Servicemembers participated in conducting the tests. The purpose was to determine the potential risks to U.S. warships and American forces from chemical and biological warfare agents. He has had multiple medical conditions related to this exposure.
     Vincent Attard began military service Vince served in the Navy in Vietnam. As of 2018, Vincent Attard lived at an unknown place ; maltesefalconsf@yahoo.com.
Vincent Attard He was honored by the MHS for his military service during the Vietnam War. on 18 November 2018.

     Paul Porter was born on 17 July 1960 in Mosta, Malta. He married Helene (?)
     Paul Porter was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1998. He was a Carpenter. He lived in 2009 at 1071 Annapolis Dr., San Mateo, CA, USA. Research: Coleen Porter
Zachary Porter. Research.

     Sam Porter was born on 18 December 1947 in Mosta, Malta. He married Kathleen (?)
     Sam Porter emigrated from Malta in 1968. He lived in 2009 at 3146 Wessex Way, Redwood City, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2009. Research: James Porter
Carnetta Porter
Sallye Porter
Michael Gresham
Samantha Porter. Research.

     David Francis Pulis was born on 11 October 1964 in San Mateo, CA, USA. He died on 15 November 2006 at Antioch, CA, USA, at age 42; age 42, of a brain tumor.
     He graduated; of Golden Gate University and California State University at San Jose. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2000. He lived in 2000 at 5020 Bridlle, Antioch, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 17 November 2006: David Francis Pulis Oct. 11, 1964 - Nov. 15, 2006 Resident of Antioch David Pulis, a high school teacher at Antioch High School and Prospects High School, passed away peacefully in his home. He was 42. He is survived by his mother, Sally Pulis Middlestead; father, Joseph Pulis; stepmother, Francesca Pulis; brother, Joseph Pulis Jr; nephew, Jeremy Pulis; sister, Monica DeMasi and her husband, Frank DeMasi; niece, Carissa DeMasi; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. David was loved by his students. He put his heart & soul into teaching. His classroom decor was a reflection of his passion for his chosen profession. David was born in San Mateo, California. He attended Hillsdale High School and was a graduate of Golden Gate University and California State University at San Jose. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

     Joseph Pulis was born on 15 March 1927 in Valletta, Malta. He married Sally Pace, daughter of Anthony Pace and Mary Cauchi, on 27 February 1954 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Joseph Pulis married Francesca Lupi (?)
     Joseph Pulis was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2005. He and Francesca Lupi (?) were living in 2024 in San Jose, CA, USA; 7768 Beltane Dr San Jose, CA 95135
(408) 223-8897.

     Francesca Lupi (?) was born circa 1936. She married Joseph Pulis.
     Her married name was Pulis. Francesca Lupi (?) was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2005. She and Joseph Pulis were living in 2024 in San Jose, CA, USA; 7768 Beltane Dr San Jose, CA 95135
(408) 223-8897.

     Tony Sammut lived in 2009 at 5107 Coral Court, Concord, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2009.

     Frans Baldacchino was born in 1943 in Zejtun, Malta. He died in 2006 at Malta. Biography Frans Baldacchino is one of the most well known Maltese Folklore (ghana) singers Malta has ever produced; Extremely popular and well respected
Frans Baldacchino l-Budaj (1943-2006)

Frans Baldacchino l-Budaj. was one of the leading Maltese traditional folksingers, known as g?annejja. Born in ?ejtun on the 16th May, 1943, living in Tal-Parenta area he was known for his harmonius voice and his lyrical wit. At the age of seven years he already felt the poetic muse.

Featuring in many folk festivals in Malta and Australia his, together with Karmenu Bonnici l-Ba?ri in the 1992 French album Inedit Malte: Ballades et joutes chantées. This album includes the traditional ballad Il-G?arusa tal-Mosta. This was the first g?ana album on compact disc, mainly due to the interest shown by folklorist Charles Coleiro. He has also sung a number of other ballads, including Il-Maltin ta' New Caledonia at M?arr, Gozo in 1991. One is unsure if this is the same ballad written by Frank Zammit, or an original by Baldacchino.

He also collaborated with Mannie Casha, an g?ana researcher and musician residing in Australia, towards the release of the album Tila. To the guitar music of Mannie Casha, he has also folk sung three other ballads, L-G?anja tal-Mediterran, L-G?anja tal-G?a?eb and L-G?anja tal-G?id il-Kbir.

In 2001 he wrote the lyrics of the winning song "Tisimg?u Tissa??ar" in the L-G?anja tal-Poplu festival, which he sung with Priscilla Psaila. Through his artistic partecipation in such festivals he was engaging a new audience that had hitherto being maligned to traditional folk singing.

Other than being considered as an intellectual within the folksinging community, he was also a naive artist and published a book entitled Imrie?aq ta' Mo??i in 1995. Another publication was his epic poem Lejn l-Art u s-Sema, in 2004.


Frans Baldacchino during an Etnika rehearsal.
Baldacchino was a regular participant in Etnika's annual projects, including Bumbum in 2003, Il-?olma ?gantija in 2004 and ?a?u Klabb in 2005 and was open to innovation and new trends in g?ana.


Frans Baldacchino's monument in Luqa Briffa Garden, ?ejtun.
As with Madredeus in fado and Paco de Lucia in flamenco, this dilution of cross-genre music with Maltese folk music brought him new fans, who had never bothered with improvised verse, but also an element of scorn, even if subtle from the traditionalists.
He passed away on the 21st June 2006. His funeral mass in ?ejtun, attended by the President of Malta Fenech Adami, was not without commotion, climaxing when four folksingers stalled the funeral procession by singing improvised verse in his honour on the church parvis.

A full size monument for him, designed by sculptor Anton Agius, was inaugurated in Luqa Briffa Garden in his hometown in 2008.

Newspaper:
The great folk singer Frans Baldacchino, better known as Il-Budaj, passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning at the early age of 63.

Probably the final link with the great quartet of folk singers, Fredu Abela, Il Bamboccu, Leli Azzopardi, Il-Bugazz and Zaru Mifsud L-Ghawdxi, Baldacchino was famous for his inimitable style and greatly diverse repertoire, being a particular notable exponent of the spirtu pront style.

He was born in Zejtun on 16 May, 1943 and left school at 14. As he used to recall, it was at school that he discovered a deep-set love of poetry. In 1995, he also published a book, L-Imriezaq ta’ Mohhi’, full of poems and permeated with his fine writing flair – an amazing feature considering that he was self-taught.

The nickname Budaj came from the great Hungarian national football team of the 1950’s after the army team Honved paid a visit to Malta. Frans’ brother who used to play football was nicknamed Budaj after the Hungarian centre half and the name was eventually adopted by the singer himself.

Poet, writer and broadcaster George Peresso said that Baldacchino was an important fixture in the folk singing field and had revolutionised the genre.

“He was widely literate and read voraciously, inserting several concepts into his poetry and singing. Coming from Zejtun, he was deeply schooled in the traditions of the fields and picked up his love of nature, transporting ghana to a new level with his voice also imbuing it with a certain dignity,” said Mr Peresso.

Baldacchino enthusiastically embraced new concepts in folk singing and regularly teamed up with the popular folk band Etnika in a number of collaborations, including Boom Boom and Zazu Club.

Contacted yesterday, Etnika researcher Steve Borg said that the demise of Il-Budaj was a sad loss for local culture and Etnika in particular.

“He brought the beauty of ghana to the general public and at the moment was also training his protégé, Anthony Spiteri, better known as Toni tal-Gebel. He was greatly loved and a very humble person, blending very well with Etnika’s professional musicians”.

Mr Borg explained that Baldacchino was best known as an exponent of ghana spirtu pront but also sang some tal-fatt songs, especially a famous one depicting the crash of the Vulcan aircraft at Zabbar in 1976.

A particularly notable fan of Il-Budaj is President Emeritus Guido De Marco who was extremely distraught at the passing away of the singer whom he greatly admired.

“He was an excellent folk singer who brought ghana out of relative obscurity to the highest levels of Maltese culture. I invited him several times to the Presidential Palace to perform as I sincerely believed that he was the person who changed the face of folk singing and I am very sad and distraught at the news of his passing”, Prof De Marco told The Malta Independent.

Labour Party spokespersons Carmelo Abela and Justyne Caruana also issued a statement expressing their sorrow at the passing away of Il-Budaj.

Baldacchino issued various CDs including Tizwiqa mill-Budaj (2002), Inhobbok ja Hanina (2001), Il-Gmiel tan-Natura and also collaborated with Michael Fenech, Ir-Ringu from Zurrieq and Fredu Abela, Il-Bamboccu.

He was also active abroad but in the past years had stopped travelling due to health problems. In 1992, he issued a CD in France called Ballades Malte et Joutes Chantees produced by Francoise Grunad.

Baldacchino was also a painter and a sculptor apart from being a poet and singer. He will be sorely missed by all lovers of local tradition and culture.

     Anthony Victor Sammut was born in May 1945 in Malta. He was born on 8 May 1945 in B'Kara, Malta. He married Mary Galea, daughter of James Galea and Salvina Gauci.
     Anthony Victor Sammut lived in 2009 at 210 Hamilton St, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Counsellor, 1978-83; House Chairman, 82 in 2009. Anthony Victor Sammut was also known as Tony Sammut.

     Charles G. Scerri was born on 31 May 1950 in San Francisco, CA, USA. He married Carmon Marie Gordon. Charles G. Scerri married Carmon Marie Gordon on 10 March 1973 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Charles G. Scerri was a a musician. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Maltese Club in 1996 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He and Carmon Marie Gordon lived between 2009 and 2020 at 456 Oak Ave, San Bruno, CA, USA.

     Carmon Marie Gordon was born on 1 March 1953 in San Francisco, CA, USA. She married Charles G. Scerri, son of Michael V. Scerri and Evelyn Sophie Grech. Carmon Marie Gordon married Charles G. Scerri, son of Michael V. Scerri and Evelyn Sophie Grech, on 10 March 1973 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Her married name was Scerri. Carmon Marie Gordon was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Maltese Club in 1996 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. She and Charles G. Scerri lived between 2009 and 2020 at 456 Oak Ave, San Bruno, CA, USA. Carmon Marie Gordon was also known as Norma M.

     Christopher Michael Scerri was born on 29 December 1974 in San Francisco, CA, USA.
     He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2003. He lived between 2009 and 2021 at 200 Continental Ave, Brentwood, CA, USA.