July, 1991
To my children who did not attend the annual Ricciardi Reunion:
This year it was held in Mariposa, CA at Nato (Slim) and Emely Parrino’s home. They have a small house but several acres of land which look toward the hills of Yosemite.
Relatives in attendance were:
From the family of Grace Ricciardi Martini…Mike and wife Elaine
From the family of Aunt Catherine Ricciardi Parino … Nato, Joseph and Tommy
From the family of Uncle Philip Ricciardi … Robert
From the family of Uncle Nick Ricciardi … Rita and JoAnn
From the family of Uncle Frank Ricciardi …Gilda and Iliana
From the family of Uncle John Ricciardi … Jack and his son and grandson
From the family of Aunt Josephine Ricciardi Troncale … Getta, twin daughters Josie and Marie; Josie’s daughter Danette and her children
Saturday afternoon we went to Slim’s house for the day’s activities. Joseph had the tedious task of barbecuing chicken and Santa Maria tri tip. Since Aunt Catherine had died recently and the boys were cleaning out her house. there were boxes of old pictures to look through and take home if you so desired. Many memories for the cousins viewing pictures of gatherings from their childhood.
We played a version of boccie ball. After dinner those who chose to did some skeet shooting. In the evening there were poker games and an Italian card game named Briscola. Some of the players shouted so wildly in an Italian manner that I was reminded of their parents as they played in a similar manner!
Elaine's Memoirs 
Great picture!
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Hello,
I found this online somehow and i am so amazed that my great grandma is in the photo, Congetta. We called her grandma G. I miss her so. My name is ashley amburgey, Congetta had twins josephine and marie, josephine is my grandmother, i am the daughter of josephines first son Dale. I was only 6 in 1991 when this photo was taken but i wish i could have gotten to know my grandma Getta’s family better. I am doing research of all my family lineage and thank you for having this photo where i was able to see it.
Lots of Love
Always, Ashley Amburgey.
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Ashley,
I am so glad you found this photo on the blog I created from my Mom’s writings.
My grandmother Grace Ricciardi Martini and your great, great grandmother Josephine Ricciardi Troncale (who I remember fondly) were close sisters.
I saw your grandmother Josie at one of the last cousin reunions we hosted in Carpinteria a few years ago. I don’t remember your Dad very well, but I do remember his sister Danette who was just a few years younger than I.
Am happy to hear you have an interest in family history. None of my four children are too interested.
My Dad Mike Martini is still very active and alert at age 95 so he is a great resource for family history.
I have a family tree on Ancestry.com (you’re in it) that has a number of old Ricciardi pictures. I’ll be happy to share it with you if you’d like.
With love,
Barbara Martini Laubacher
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Hi Barbara,
I am the youngest daughter of Danette. I was so glad I stumbled upon this. I was at the reunion and remember how much fun it was! Brishcula (I am sure I misspelled that, lol) and pinnacle tables all over in the evening to end the days festivities. We especially enjoyed the years the reunion was held at my grandma Josie’s house in Murrieta.
My grandmother Josie is Dr. Martini’s God child. I have a coat that he brought back for her when he was stationed in Japan. I am glad as of your posting date he is still well and spry. I pray that he still is. He always was a hoot and fun to visit with at the reunions.
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Jenna,
I am so happy to hear from you. As mentioned, I do remember your mother and Josie (one of “the twins”) Getta, and of course Josephine who I sometimes think of as my Grandma Grace’s twin. My Dad is still doing well. Slowing down, of course, but still lives in his house in Pacific Palisades. My sister Eileen lives with him. He will celebrate his 97th birthday in March. I would love to hear from you again.
Barbara
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Thanks Barbara for creating this blog. I’m Matthew Pietralunga, Iliana’s son, Frank Ricciardi’s grandson. Your Dad Mike is my godfather. Great pictures of our wonderful family. Although I was fairly young, I have so many fond memories of our family get togethers. You mentioned you had a family tree, could you please share it with me? My sister Ines and brother Mark and I would appreciate it very much. Please tell your Dad hello for me. Thanks
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