Person Page - 7

     Frank P Tanti was born on 13 August 1933 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Patricia Yvonne Stafford on 9 March 1957 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Frank P Tanti died on 4 August 2021 at Galt, CA, USA, at age 87. He was buried on 4 November 2021 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in August 1950 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He began military service between 1953 and 1955 Corporal, U.S. Army, #US55403697, served 1953-1955 in Germany, not Korea; a cook. He lived in 1998 at San Carlos, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1998. He lived between 2009 and 2018 at 10297 Attobonn Way, Galt, CA, USA.
Obituary: in August 2021: With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Frank Tanti (Lodi, California), who passed away on August 4, 2021 at the age of 87.

     Manuel Tanti was born on 7 December 1941 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Mary Agius, daughter of Carmello Agius and Carmella (?). Manuel Tanti died before 2019.
     He emigrated from Malta on 20 February 1953 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He lived in 2009 at 601 Bristol Court, Discovery Bay, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2009. Manuel Tanti was also known as Willie Tanti.

     Joseph Grech was born on 2 November 1942 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Angela Bonavia, daughter of Joseph Bonavia and Carmela (?). Joseph Grech died on 10 February 2004 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 61.
     Joseph Grech was also known as Giuseppe Grech.¹ He emigrated from Malta on 20 February 1953.¹ He was naturalized on 9 May 1961. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was President of Maltese American Social Club.
Obituary: on 11 February 2004: Grech, Joseph — At Rest In San Francisco Feb. 10.2004. -- Dearly beloved husband of Angela Grech; cherished son of Victorla Grech; loving father of David Grech, Lisa (Toby), Chlara and Jennifer (Jeff) Mclnnes; adored grandfather of Zachary and Savannah Grech; dear brother of Manuel, Peter, Sam, John, Frank, Rose Grech & Maryanne Davies. A native of Malta, he was a surveyor with the city and county of San Francisco for over 20 years. Joseph was President of the Maltese American Social Club and President of the St Elizabeth Maltese Society.

     Emmanuel Grech was born on 11 April 1944 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Leslie Marie Guillory, daughter of Elza Guillory and Cecilia Dorothy Hreha, on 10 October 1964 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Emmanuel Grech emigrated from Malta on 6 March 1953 to New York, NY, USA.¹ He was naturalized on 15 November 1966 at Colma, CA, USA; a carpenter. Emmanuel Grech was also known as Manuel Grech. He was living in 2021 in San Mateo, CA, USA.

     Peter J Grech was born on 17 December 1945 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Josephine Paula Mizzi, daughter of Frank Martin Mizzi and Frances J Borg, on 8 October 1966 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Peter J Grech emigrated from Malta on 20 February 1953.¹ He was naturalized on 4 August 1964 at San Francisco, CA, USA.

     Salvatore Grech was born on 17 October 1947 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Patricia A. Martin on 22 March 1978 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Salvatore Grech emigrated from Malta on 6 March 1953. Salvatore Grech was also known as Sam Grech.

     John Grech was born on 18 December 1948 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Angela Chagos on 12 September 1970 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     John Grech emigrated from Malta on 20 February 1953.¹

     Rosina M. Grech was born on 1 September 1950 in Mosta, Malta.¹ She married Frank Marinelli on 4 June 1966 at San Francisco, CA, USA; she age 21, he 18. Rosina M. Grech and Frank Marinelli were divorced in September 1972 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Rosina M. Grech married James J Staffaroni on 28 January 1973 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Rosina M. Grech emigrated from Malta on 20 February 1953.¹ As of 4 June 1966,her married name was Marinelli. She was naturalized in August 1966 at San Francisco, CA, USA. As of 28 January 1973,her married name was Staffaroni. She and Rose Grech were possibly the same person.

     Francis Grech was born on 6 February 1953 in Mosta, Malta.¹
     He emigrated from Malta on 20 February 1953.¹ Francis Grech was also known as Frank Grech.

     Carmelo Vassallo was born in 1858 in Mgarr, Malta. He married Antonia Vella, daughter of Savior Vella and Marianna Chetcuti.¹ Carmelo Vassallo died in 1930.
     He was Children+ 11 Children.

     Frank Vella was born on 3 October 1916 in Mgarr, Malta.¹ He married Antonia Marie Deguara, daughter of Carmelo Deguara and Antonia (Nina) Abela, on 1 June 1946 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² Frank Vella died on 2 April 1982 at South San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 65.^1,2 He was buried on 5 April 1982 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was a Vassalo's Lumber in 1942. He began military service between 15 December 1942 and 26 February 1946 US Army. He and Antonia Marie Deguara were listed in the 1950 US Census age 33, retail and wholesale lumber, lumber clerk; next door to Tom and Mary Akin in 1224 Mendel, San Francisco, CA, USA. Frank Vella was a member of the Maltese American Social Club. He was a DeSoto Truck driver. He attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962. He was a witness One of the attendees at first Club elders dinner conceived of by President Joe Vella, honoring of the last ten surviving charter/pioneer members with a dinner and dance, specifically dedicated to them in October; The Honorees were: Spiro Bajada, John Tonna, Peter Camilleri, Frank Vella (Mgarr), Charles Borg, Joe Sapiano, Frank Cuschiere, Joe Vella (Gozo), Joe Schembri and Dominic Mifsud. We're sure that this must have been the nicest gesture these old-timers ever received from our club. with Joseph Jason Vella in October 1980.
Obituary: on 4 April 1982: VELLA, Frank In So S F . April 1982; late of Pacifica; beloved husband of Nina Vella; loving father of Mary Rummelhart of So.S.F.. Charles Vella. Rita Ellef-son and Frank Vella, all of Pacifica; dear grandfather of Ricky. Denise. Michele and Laurie Rummelhart. dear brother of Manuel Vella of SF, Angelo Vella of San Leandro and Joe Vella of San Bruno. Carmen-Sant and Josephine Micailif. both of Malta, a native of Malta, aged 65 years, a member of the Maltese Club of S F, and Teamster's Local. No. 85 of S.F. Research: close friends.

     Manuel Vella was born on 5 September 1921 in Mgarr, Malta.¹ He died on 5 August 1983 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 61. He was buried on 8 August 1983 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He began military service US Merchant Marine. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club between 1950 and 1978. He emigrated from Malta on 4 July 1950 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹
Obituary: on 7 August 1983: VELLA, Emanuel In S F Aug. 5, 1983; late of S F; dear brother of Carmen Sant and Jospehine Micallef. both of Malta. Angelo Vella of San Leandro, Joseph Vella of San Bruno and the late Frank Vella; a native of Malta; aged 61 years; a member of the Maltese Club of S F. and the Carpenters Union Local No. 1861 of Milpitas. Manuel Vella was also known as Emanuel Vella.

     Joseph Charles Vella was born on 10 March 1929 in Mgarr, Malta.¹ He married Mary Muscat, daughter of Anthony Muscat and Mary Dolores Muscat, on 21 July 1956 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Joseph Charles Vella died on 26 October 2014 at San Bruno, CA, USA, at age 85; at home. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 26 July 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² He served in the military between 23 July 1948 and 11 June 1952 Korean War: US Air Force; sergeant; number#19295851; not in Korea. He was naturalized in 1952 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999; was on the house committee, 2004; Made an "Honorary Member". in 1957 at South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. He was a Hardwood floor specialist. He contributed his family's genealogy to MHS on 1 December 2011.
Obituary: on 29 October 2014: Joseph Charles Vella --Late of San Bruno and San Mateo County resident for 56 years, entered into rest at his home on October 26, 2014. Beloved husband of Mary Vella for 58 years. Loving father of Tony (his wife Andrea), Denise (her husband Dan) and Steven (his wife Vicky). Also survived by his cherished grandchildren Kristin, Daniel, Joseph, Megan and Emily; along with great grandchildren Kaliya and Kaydan in addition to his nieces, nephews, bothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and his many friends. A native of Mgarr, Malta, age 85 years. Served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict; a proud member of the Maltese Club in SSF; SIRS; and a hardwood floor layer for over 40 years.

     Mary Muscat was born on 28 May 1938 in St. Paul's Bay, Malta.¹ She married Joseph Charles Vella, son of Carmello Vella and Marianna Vassallo, on 21 July 1956 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Mary Muscat emigrated with Anthony Muscat and Mary Dolores Muscat on 10 October 1950 at New York, NY, USA; Anthony Muscat, age 35, on the Vulcania, from port of Naples, Italy.² Mary Muscat was educated 2 years at Balboa High School. Her married name was Vella.¹ She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999; was on the house committee, 2004; Made an "Honorary Member". in 1957 at South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. As of 2022, Mary Muscat and Maltese Elders (?) lived at 308 Oak Ave, San Bruno, CA, USA.¹ Mary Muscat was living in 2024.

     Anthony Charles Vella was born on 26 June 1957 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He married Andrea Shroeder on 4 June 1987 at Reno, NV, USA.¹
     Anthony Charles Vella began military service US Air Force. He was a Airtower controller; air controllers union lead. He was living in 2020.

     Andrea Shroeder was born on 28 May 1958 in Linden, NJ, USA.¹ She married Anthony Charles Vella, son of Joseph Charles Vella and Mary Muscat, on 4 June 1987 at Reno, NV, USA.¹
     As of 4 June 1987,her married name was Vella.¹

     Joseph Vella was born on 9 April 1988 in Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.¹ He married Brittany (?) in October 2016.
     Joseph Vella and Brittany (?) lived in 2010 at CO, USA.

     Megan Vella was born on 5 January 1990 in Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.¹ She married Joe Rippinger in 2014.
     Megan Vella began military service US Air Force. As of 2014,her married name was Rippinger.

     Denise L Vella was born on 20 December 1960 in Millbrae, CA, USA.¹ She married Daniel R. Williams on 15 February 1981 at Millbrae, CA, USA.¹
     As of 15 February 1981,her married name was Williams.¹ Denise L Vella lived in 2009 at 10 Bertocchi Way, Millbrae, CA, USA. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2009.

     Daniel R. Williams was born on 6 August 1957 in Houston, TX, USA.¹ He married Denise L Vella, daughter of Joseph Charles Vella and Mary Muscat, on 15 February 1981 at Millbrae, CA, USA.¹
     Daniel R. Williams was living in 2024.

     Kristin Williams was born on 17 November 1983 in Millbrae, CA, USA.¹
     She was living in 2024.

     Kaliya Williams was born on 17 November 1983 in Burlingame, CA, USA.¹

     Kaydan Williams was born on 29 April 2008 in Burlingame, CA, USA.¹

     Daniel Williams was born on 30 November 1987 in Millbrae, CA, USA.¹ He married Sarah Sterling.
     Daniel Williams was notable for being He said, "No" to Apple and kept his "Blue Collar sensibilities"
Published on Published on January 29, 2018
Steven Vella
He’s not a techie although he has over 22,000 Instagram followers. Danny Williams works with his hands and brings a “blue collar” work ethic to his artistry at his company “DJDesigns”.The name sake of his business is simply the first initial of his first name Danny, and the first initial of his middle name Joseph…Designs. He started his own business at the ripe old age of 22. He applied some basic principles to his craft and his business, be authentic, take pride in your work, and don’t ever be out worked. So, when an engineer at Apple saw Danny’s interior work at a car show he thought he might be a good fit to work on the interior design of their “Top Secret” driverless car. Danny thought about securing his future after all he's pushing 30 and he has a fiancé to think about, but that would have been easy. In the end, he chose to be his own man and go down his own path and not the corporate path.
His lineage is “top shelf”, I mean “top shelf” from an ethical, authentic, loving and talent perspective although Danny has an unusual palate for a “blue collar guy”. He has an appreciation for fine Japanese scotch on occasion. He is a foody of the highest order. You won’t often see him in fancy clothes but Danny has a love for the finer things in life, fine food, fine scotch, fine cars, his dog Kira a “Shiba Inu”, his fiancé Sarah and his family.
His grandfather referred to as “Nannu” and his grandmother referred to as “Nanna” both immigrated from the Island of Malta. Nannu was a hardwood floor mechanic and his canvas’ were some of the finest homes in Atherton, Woodside, Hillsborough and Portola Valley.
His Nannu didn’t care if you we’re a doctor or a teacher. He made sure his customers received the same quality work for a fair price. His Nanna was a seamstress at United Airlines, and this might be where some of Danny’s secret talents with a commercial sewing machine might originate. Danny also is not above being high tech and uses a CNC milling machine and a laser machine to help him fabricate some of the incredible ideas for interiors he conjures up in his head.
His Father likely one of the most multitalented people I have ever met. He built his first motor at 14 and could literally work on any car today often memorizing the specs of virtually any vehicle. He plays guitar, has an excellent singing voice and did I mention he builds model airplanes, the kind with real motors. When he got bored with that he decided to fly them and became literally one of the best model plane pilots in the country. He was playing with drones before anyone had ever heard the term drone.I could go on about him but you get the picture he’s one of those a**hole’s that’s great at everything he does.
His mother the core and heart of his entire extended family and a tireless worker started as a receptionist at the age of 17 at a car dealership and simply worked her way up over the years to be the CFO of one of the largest Ford dealerships in the country. You know how every company has that person that goes to work when they’re deathly sick, the person when absent you notice is gone and the company doesn’t appear to be able to function quite right without, the go to person with all the answers…she’s “That girl”. In today’s world of Corporate America, Silicon Valley, crypto currencies, consumerism, the quick buck and stereotypes like “Millennial’s don’t have a work ethic”.Danny Williams is the antithesis of all of that. Staying true to himself, his hard work has paid off. Danny was recognized this weekend for his interior work winning the "Stich of Excellence Award" at the Grand National Roadster Show. What is ironic is he didn’t win it for a Ferrari or a Bugatti or even a super high-end muscle car he occasionally works on for some high profile pro athletes or other car enthusiasts. He won it with the interior of a 1969 Chevy C-10 Truck! How apropos that a “blue collar” kid, who is an artist with his hands wins this prize on the same type of truck his Nannu once owned and used as a work truck. Congratulations to my nephew Danny Williams for staying true to the high standards he chose for himself and getting the recognition that hard creative work deserves. #djdesignsinteriors.com, #inspiration in 2018.
Daniel Williams Daniel Williams of DJ Designs Talks Shop

October 25, 2019 By Nadeem Muaddi

The Hog Ring - Daniel Williams of DJ Designs Talks Shop

In roughly 10 years, Daniel Williams has gone from WyoTech grad to owning and operating DJ Designs, one of the country’s premier custom-fabrication and upholstery shops.

His lifelong fascination with cars combined with a passion for design, obsession with perfection and commitment to the grind have propelled him to an elite class of coach builders many years his senior.

It’s also earned him numerous accolades — not just from auto enthusiasts, but also his peers. His builds have been named “NC Auto Interior of the Year” and won the “Stitch of Excellence Award” at the Grand National Roadster Show.

From his shop in Hayward, California, Daniel and his team constantly create and innovate, elevating the craft for the next generation of auto trimmers.

Intrigued by Daniel’s work, we recently spoke with him about his meteoric rise in the industry, the inspiration behind his designs and how he runs his shop. Here’s what he told us:
Why did you choose to go into auto upholstery? How did you learn the craft?

I was always into cars growing up. I still have elementary school papers of me saying I wanted to be a car designer. I ended up going to WyoTech after high school, with the intent of studying metal fabrication. But I met and really liked the upholstery teachers there, so I took an upholstery class and did really well. I bought a sewing machine right after graduation.

The best and worst thing I ever did was not work for an interior shop. I surely learned a lot of tricks the hard way, and didn’t ever have anyone to ask for help. It really taught me to be resourceful.

I did interiors on the side while working at a few different shops doing LS swaps/wiring, metal fabrication/bodywork and paint for about 2.5 years. Then, during the economic downturn, the shop I was working at closed and I decided to open my own shop with some side work I had lined up.

That was about 10 years ago, and I’ve never had anything but an abundance of work since.
The Hog Ring - Talking Shop with Daniel Williams of DJ Designs
Loving this red-hot 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle interior.
DJ Designs is renowned for its custom fabrication services that go far beyond the average upholstery shop. Did you start off as a repair shop or were you always focused on custom projects?

After WyoTech, I started doing custom work right out of the gate. And when I say custom, I mean super basic.

But we always worked on classic cars — from 1930’s Fords to 1960’s muscle cars. we started doing repairs for a while to supplement our custom work, but veered away from it about 3 years ago.
What do you like most about focusing solely on custom projects?

Creativity, hands down, is the best part. We’re extremely lucky that customers let us run with our own vision and create something unique.
The Hog Ring - Talking Shop with Daniel Williams of DJ Designs 1
Look at this gorgeous Cadillac rear bench seat!
How many full custom interiors do you do per year? And how long does each typically take?

That’s the magic question: “How long do projects take?”

I started tracking my shop’s hours on every project about 3 years ago, and I advise other shop owners to do the same. It changes how you run your business because you actually know how much money you’re making — or, more importantly, losing. It also helps you look back and see where time can be used more efficiently. That’s the long-winded answer.

The short answer is that most full custom interiors we do start around 225 hours, but can go up to 700+ hours. Some custom truck interiors we’ve done are in the 125 – 200-hour range.
The Hog Ring - Talking Shop with Daniel Williams of DJ Designs
A beautifully fabricated and wrapped center console.
How long in advance do your clients have to book appointments?

Since we’re always the last ones to touch a car, and most cars are always behind, I go about this in a couple ways:

I give priority to the 5 – 6 builders that I regularly work with. Generally, we start talking about these projects 6 to 12 months in advance. We keep in touch on progress and continue adjusting our schedule until we’re about 2 – 3 months out.

With retail customers — or people who don’t have a full build or are managing their own project — it’s typically 6 – 12 months in advance. I make sure they know the start date can change if any of my priority appointments has to adjust their schedule.

Overall, we’re somewhat flexible because we do multiple projects at the same time.
The Hog Ring - Talking Shop with Daniel Williams of DJ Designs
Custom laser-engraved Alcantara door panel.
How selective are you with the projects you take on?

I’m somewhat selective about the interiors we do. I know many shop owners that have had issues with difficult clients. Because of that, I do what I can to learn about them beforehand.

For clients that don’t come through builders, I’ll ask to see their Instagram — to check who we know in common. Then I’ll call colleagues or friends that might know the person.

It might sound crazy, but clients research shops before bringing us their cars. We try to do the same.
The Hog Ring - Talking Shop with Daniel Williams of DJ Designs
Diamonds for days on this custom BMW headliner.
We love the 1970 Chevelle interior you completed for Ryan Nick. How much creative control did you have over it? What inspired the design? And how would you describe its style?

We were fortunate to have almost complete control over the design. Ryan knew he wanted something unique and super modern. Initially, he brought us a rendering, but told us to do whatever we wanted, so we threw the rendering to the side.

For us, the creativity is our favorite part of the job. Bringing us a rendering is like bringing a tattoo artist someone else’s drawing and saying “do this.” It kind of takes the creativity and fun out of it. Plus, most of our best ideas come while we’re in the process of the build.

Of course, we periodically reached out and showed him our direction. But he was always on the same page.

As for the inspiration, we started by examining the car’s style, body lines and modifications. From there, we looked at automakers’ concept cars. We settled on a style that can best be described as “supercar cockpit.”
The Hog Ring - Talking Shop with Daniel Williams of DJ Designs
This award-winning 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle has a “supercar cockpit.”
Your team is known for one-off custom fabricated parts. What aspects of the 1970 Chevelle interior were fabricated in-house?

We fabricate everything in-house other than the steering wheel and seat frames, which we heavily changed by modifying the metal structure and foam. We also made our own seat belt pass-through sections.

We did the carbon fiber in-house and laser cutting and etching/perforation in-house. All the CNC fabrication was also done in-house, and obviously, the stitching and leather upholstery too.

We also did all the wiring related to the interior of the car and exterior lighting. The stereo was also wired and installed in-house.
The Hog Ring - Talking Shop with Daniel Williams of DJ Designs
Custom floor mats and sill plates in the 1970 Chevelle.
What has been your proudest moment since starting DJ Designs?

I think winning the “Stitch of Excellence” award at the Grand Nation Roadster Show in 2018 was our proudest moment. The award is given by Sid Chavers, who is the godfather of hot rod interiors. The award is meant to go to the shop, not the car owner.

The award itself is pretty special. Sid makes it using a working sewing machine, refurbishes it and has it painted by Darryl Hollenbeck of Vintage Color Studio. It’s a very unique award.

Winning the award was extra special because it was the first vehicle we ever had at that show.
The Hog Ring - Talking Shop with Daniel Williams of DJ Designs
Custom etching on this Chevrolet C10 interior. It won the “Stitch of Excellence Award.”
How did it feel to win the “NC Auto Interior of the Year” award at the 2018 SEMA Show?

It was a surprise and an honor. We appreciate that NC is giving trimmers a place to meet, talk and be recognized for their contributions to the industry. And it seems like other companies are following suit.
Was winning the award made extra special by knowing that you were chosen by a jury of your peers?

That is, by far, the best part. Knowing that the people who put the votes in know what it actually takes to create these interiors — the blood, sweat and tears involved in it.
The Hog Ring - DJ Designs Wins Interior of the Year Award
DJ Designs accepting their “NC Interior of the Year” award at the 2018 SEMA Show.
What does the future hold for DJ Designs?

Long term, the goal is to diversify a bit — design, create and sell our own parts. As well as a potential venture into high-end furniture and industrial interior design projects.

We’re in the Bay Area, so with Silicon Valley right here, there are a lot of opportunities to do some very creative projects and work with new people.

To follow Daniel Williams’ work, visit DJ Designs’ website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. in 2019.
Daniel Williams djdesignsinteriors.com.

     Steven J Vella was born on 2 June 1965 in San Bruno, CA, USA.¹ He married Lori Angela Chiddix on 26 June 1993. Steven J Vella and Lori Angela Chiddix were divorced. Steven J Vella married Sarah Marie Farrell on 13 October 2001. Steven J Vella and Sarah Marie Farrell were divorced. Steven J Vella married Victoria E. Falzon, daughter of Joseph Falzon and Agnes Sapiano, on 19 May 2007 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹
     Steven J Vella was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2001. He lived in 2009 at 1417 Grand Ave., San Rafael, CA, USA. Research.

     Victoria E. Falzon was born on 13 June 1966 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.^1,2 She married Steven J Vella, son of Joseph Charles Vella and Mary Muscat, on 19 May 2007 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹
     As of 13 June 1966, Victoria E. Falzon was also known as Vicky E. Falzon.² As of 19 May 2007,her married name was Vella.¹ Research: 2nd cousins.

     Emily Vella was born on 9 June 2010 in New York, NY, USA.¹

     Antonia Marie Deguara was born on 7 March 1922 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 17 in 1930 census; age 18 in 1940 census.^1,2 She married Frank Vella, son of Carmello Vella and Marianna Vassallo, on 1 June 1946 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Antonia Marie Deguara died on 1 December 2008 at South San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 86.¹ She was buried on 5 December 2008 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     She was listed in the 1930 US Census of Carmelo Deguara and Antonia (Nina) Abela in 1930 at 1115 Mendell, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 42, rancher; owned $25,000 home; severely incorrect data; names different, ages different; includes a "son" Frank Deguara, age 11, CA.³ As of 1930, Antonia Marie Deguara was also known as Mina Deguara.³ She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Carmelo Deguara and Antonia (Nina) Abela in 1940 at 1115 Mendel St., San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 51, hog rancher.⁴ As of 1 June 1946,her married name was Vella.¹ Antonia Marie Deguara and Frank Vella were listed in the 1950 US Census age 33, retail and wholesale lumber, lumber clerk; next door to Tom and Mary Akin in 1224 Mendel, San Francisco, CA, USA. Antonia Marie Deguara attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1993 at South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
Obituary: on 3 December 2008: Antonia Marie "Nina" Vella of Pacifica passed away on December 1, 2008. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank Vella and is survived by her children, Mary Rummelhart and her husband, Richard, Charles Vella and his wife, Linda, Rita Ellefson and her husband, Mark and Frank Vella; grandmother of Richard Rummelhart, Denise Rummelhart, Laurie Rummelhart, Michele Tomas, Jeffrey Vella, Gina Vella, Kelley Anderton, Jason Ellefson, Marina Crowder, Antonia great-grandmother of Ruby, Preston and Sawyer Rummelhart, Alexandra Vella and Cody Anderton; sister of Mary Akin and also survived by her loving companion, Frank Grech. Dear daughter of the late Charles and Antonia Deguara. A native of San Francisco, age 86 she was a graduate of Mission High School, S.F. and a member of the Maltese American Social Club.⁵ She lived in 2009 at 1243 DeSoto Dr, Pacifica, CA, USA. Antonia Marie Deguara was also known as Nina Vella. Antonia Marie Deguara was also known as Nina Deguara.

     Antonia (Nina) Abela was born on 22 May 1900 in Qormi, Malta; age 38, CA, in 1930 census; age 39 in 1940 census.¹ She married Carmelo Deguara, son of Giuseppi (Joseph) Deguara and Antonia Desira, in 1921 at Malta; age 23 and 22 in 1930 census.¹ Antonia (Nina) Abela died on 19 April 1982 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 81.¹ She was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA, USA.
     Her married name was Deguara.¹ She emigrated from Malta on 17 July 1921 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹
Carmelo Deguara Departure Port: Marseille, France; on the Providence: Charles, 31 & Antonia, 21; to 1737 LaSalle, San Francisco, CA; naturalization at Camp Lewis, WA in jun 1917; Antonia, by marriage on 21 July 1921 at New York, NY, USA. Antonia (Nina) Abela and Carmelo Deguara were listed in the 1930 US Census age 42, rancher; owned $25,000 home; severely incorrect data; names different, ages different; includes a "son" Frank Deguara, age 11, CA in 1115 Mendell, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² As of 1930, Antonia (Nina) Abela was also known as Sentonia (?)² She and Carmelo Deguara were listed in the 1940 US Census age 51, hog rancher in 1115 Mendel St., San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ Antonia (Nina) Abela was a wholesale hides caser in 1940. She and Carmelo Deguara were listed in the 1950 US Census age 61, retired in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 20 April 1982: DEGUARA. Nina — in Millbrae. April 19. 1982: late of Pacifica; beloved wife of the late Charles Deguara; loving mother of Mary Akinand Nina Vella, both of Pacifica.- dear sister of Manuel Abela of Benicia. Georgia Ebejer of Millbrae. and Randa Abela of Malta; also survived by six grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren; a native of Malta-. aged 81 years. Research: They were close friends.

     Mary Margaret Rose Deguara was born on 15 February 1923 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 15 in 1930 census; age 17 in 1940 census.^1,2 She married Thomas Russell Akin on 9 March 1946 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Mary Margaret Rose Deguara died on 28 September 2011 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 88.
     She was listed in the 1930 US Census of Carmelo Deguara and Antonia (Nina) Abela in 1930 at 1115 Mendell, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 42, rancher; owned $25,000 home; severely incorrect data; names different, ages different; includes a "son" Frank Deguara, age 11, CA.³ As of 1930, Mary Margaret Rose Deguara was also known as Marge Deguara.³ She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Carmelo Deguara and Antonia (Nina) Abela in 1940 at 1115 Mendel St., San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 51, hog rancher.⁴ As of 9 March 1946,her married name was Akin.¹ Mary Margaret Rose Deguara and Thomas Russell Akin were listed in the 1950 US Census age 28, auto mechanic, new car dealership in San Francisco, CA, USA. Mary Margaret Rose Deguara attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1996.
Obituary: on 30 September 2011: Mary D. Akin, resident of Millbrae, formerly of Pacifica, was born Feb 15, 1923 in San Francisco, Ca., passed away peacefully Sept. 28, 2011. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Tom (Rusty) Akin, and sister Nina Vella. She was the daughter of Charlie Nina Deguara, the loving mother of Tom (Ana) Akin Nina (John) Thompson; grandmother to James David Akin, Taylor (Nicole), Crystal, Lindsay (Mat), Thompson and Great Grandmother of Taryn Thompson. She also leaves her precious nieces and nephews. She was proud to be a first generation Maltese American and was a life-long member of the Maltese American Social Club that provided her many great friends and good times. She also worked as a secretary for the Maltese Consulate for many years helping many people in her community. Her greatest joys in life were the fishing trips she took with her husband out of Pillar Point.