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| death_date = {{death date and age|1990|5|2|1931|5|4}} | | death_date = {{death date and age|1990|5|2|1931|5|4}} | ||
| death_place = ], U.S. | | death_place = ], U.S. | ||
| spouse = | | spouse = Frances ({{abbr|m.|married}} 1952) | ||
| children = 4 | | children = 4 | ||
| occupation = Businessman | | occupation = Businessman | ||
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'''Armand Ceritano''' (May 4, 1931 – May 2, 1990) was an Italian-American businessman. Born in ], he moved to the U.S. at age 17 and settled in ], where he began working in construction. He eventually started his own bricklaying business and in the 1970s, he entered the ] business. He became known for his Ceritano Wines advertisements which were frequently featured on television in the Philadelphia-area. In 1976, he became the owner of the Philadelphia ]; however, within a few years, he had to declare for bankruptcy and lost the hotel and his business. | '''Armand Ceritano''' (May 4, 1931 – May 2, 1990) was an Italian-American businessman. Born in ], he moved to the U.S. at age 17 and settled in ], where he began working in construction. He eventually started his own bricklaying business and in the 1970s, he entered the ] business. He became known for his Ceritano Wines advertisements which were frequently featured on television in the Philadelphia-area. In 1976, he became the owner of the Philadelphia ]; however, within a few years, he had to declare for bankruptcy and lost the hotel and his business. | ||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
Ceritano was born on May 4, 1931, in ], in the ] region of ].<ref>]. {{subscription required}}. ]: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. </ref> He was the youngest of four brothers and spent his early years as a ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455883/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=May 6, 1990|page=51|title=A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast|author=Byrd, Jerry W.}} {{Open access}}</ref> The '']'' noted that in Italy, "is shelter was a crude hut. His food was basic bread and wine. His entertainment was a homemade whistle."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161457748/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 7, 1981|page=31|title=The 'master' teaches how to enjoy life|author=Avery, Ron}} {{Open access}}</ref> In 1948, when he was 17, he immigrated to the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455883/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=May 6, 1990|page=51|title=A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast|author=Byrd, Jerry W.}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455716/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=July 24, 1977|page=1, |title=The wine man tries to charm the wolves|author=Knox, Andrea}} {{Open access}}</ref> He told '']'' that he arrived with no money and "came wearing a suit purchased with 30 days of harvesting wheat and 20 pounds of beans, and a cardboard suitcase that had cost 10 days of harvesting wheat."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455716/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=July 24, 1977|page=1, |title=The wine man tries to charm the wolves|author=Knox, Andrea}} {{Open access}}</ref> |
Ceritano was born on May 4, 1931, in ], in the ] region of ].<ref>]. {{subscription required}}. ]: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. </ref> He was the youngest of four brothers and spent his early years as a ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455883/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=May 6, 1990|page=51|title=A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast|author=Byrd, Jerry W.}} {{Open access}}</ref> The '']'' noted that in Italy, "is shelter was a crude hut. His food was basic bread and wine. His entertainment was a homemade whistle."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161457748/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 7, 1981|page=31|title=The 'master' teaches how to enjoy life|author=Avery, Ron}} {{Open access}}</ref> In 1948, when he was 17, he immigrated to the United States, settling in ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455883/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=May 6, 1990|page=51|title=A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast|author=Byrd, Jerry W.}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455716/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=July 24, 1977|page=1, |title=The wine man tries to charm the wolves|author=Knox, Andrea}} {{Open access}}</ref> He told '']'' that he arrived with no money and "came wearing a suit purchased with 30 days of harvesting wheat and 20 pounds of beans, and a cardboard suitcase that had cost 10 days of harvesting wheat."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455716/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=July 24, 1977|page=1, |title=The wine man tries to charm the wolves|author=Knox, Andrea}} {{Open access}}</ref> Only having a fifth-grade education, he was unable to speak ] at the time and later said that "My only capital in Italy was a goat."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161458019/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 23, 1972|page=199|title=Cherry Hill Tycoon Builds Future for Tenor From His Native Italy|author=Sardella, Carlo M.}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161479251/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 12, 1979|page=25, |title=The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams|author=Micko, Lillian}} {{Open access}}</ref> | ||
Following his arrival, Ceritano decided to become a ], after "seeing many fields, but no sheep."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455716/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=July 24, 1977|page=1, |title=The wine man tries to charm the wolves|author=Knox, Andrea}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161479251/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 12, 1979|page=25, |title=The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams|author=Micko, Lillian}} {{Open access}}</ref> He said that he found someone to work with, "but do you know, he wanted to charge me for the electricity! I told him I learn for four days and then I work another four days to pay him."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455716/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=July 24, 1977|page=1, |title=The wine man tries to charm the wolves|author=Knox, Andrea}} {{Open access}}</ref> | |||
==Career== | ==Career== | ||
===Early career=== | ===Early career=== | ||
Ceritano became a full-time tailor and while working, saved up enough money and bought a ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161479251/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 12, 1979|page=25, |title=The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams|author=Micko, Lillian}} {{Open access}}</ref> Soon after, he began working in construction, being a part-time employee for a contractor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161479251/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 12, 1979|page=25, |title=The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams|author=Micko, Lillian}} {{Open access}}</ref> He eventually started his own bricklaying business, reported in ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'' as occurring within four years of his arrival in the U.S., while the '']'' stated that it was "by 1960."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455883/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=May 6, 1990|page=51|title=A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast|author=Byrd, Jerry W.}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161479251/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 12, 1979|page=25, |title=The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams|author=Micko, Lillian}} {{Open access}}</ref> He began constructing houses in ], and with money earned from the business, he paid for his brothers to move to the U.S. as well.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455883/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=May 6, 1990|page=51|title=A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast|author=Byrd, Jerry W.}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161458019/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 23, 1972|page=199|title=Cherry Hill Tycoon Builds Future for Tenor From His Native Italy|author=Sardella, Carlo M.}} {{Open access}}</ref> | |||
== |
==Personal life and death== | ||
Ceritano met Frances Cini, the sister of singer ], while on a ] in 1951, and the two married the following year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161479251/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=April 12, 1979|page=25, |title=The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams|author=Micko, Lillian}} {{Open access}}</ref> | |||
<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455716/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=July 24, 1977|page=1, |title=The wine man tries to charm the wolves|author=Knox, Andrea}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161455789/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=October 1, 1990|page=11|title=Ceritano's life recalled with a 'moment of joy'|author=Gutwein-Guenther, Alan}} {{Open access}}</ref> | <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/161455716/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=July 24, 1977|page=1, |title=The wine man tries to charm the wolves|author=Knox, Andrea}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post/161455789/|newspaper=]|via=]|date=October 1, 1990|page=11|title=Ceritano's life recalled with a 'moment of joy'|author=Gutwein-Guenther, Alan}} {{Open access}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 17:30, 24 December 2024
Armand Ceritano | |
---|---|
Born | (1931-05-04)May 4, 1931 Castel Castagna, Abruzzi, Italy |
Died | May 2, 1990(1990-05-02) (aged 58) Gloucester County, New Jersey, U.S. |
Nationality | Italian-American |
Occupation | Businessman |
Years active | 1960s–1970s |
Known for | Ceritano Wines |
Spouse | Frances (m. 1952) |
Children | 4 |
Armand Ceritano (May 4, 1931 – May 2, 1990) was an Italian-American businessman. Born in Italy, he moved to the U.S. at age 17 and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he began working in construction. He eventually started his own bricklaying business and in the 1970s, he entered the wine business. He became known for his Ceritano Wines advertisements which were frequently featured on television in the Philadelphia-area. In 1976, he became the owner of the Philadelphia Hilton Inn; however, within a few years, he had to declare for bankruptcy and lost the hotel and his business.
Early life
Ceritano was born on May 4, 1931, in Castel Castagna, in the Abruzzi region of Italy. He was the youngest of four brothers and spent his early years as a shepherd. The Courier-Post noted that in Italy, "is shelter was a crude hut. His food was basic bread and wine. His entertainment was a homemade whistle." In 1948, when he was 17, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He told The Philadelphia Inquirer that he arrived with no money and "came wearing a suit purchased with 30 days of harvesting wheat and 20 pounds of beans, and a cardboard suitcase that had cost 10 days of harvesting wheat." Only having a fifth-grade education, he was unable to speak English at the time and later said that "My only capital in Italy was a goat."
Following his arrival, Ceritano decided to become a tailor, after "seeing many fields, but no sheep." He said that he found someone to work with, "but do you know, he wanted to charge me for the electricity! I told him I learn for four days and then I work another four days to pay him."
Career
Early career
Ceritano became a full-time tailor and while working, saved up enough money and bought a dry goods store. Soon after, he began working in construction, being a part-time employee for a contractor. He eventually started his own bricklaying business, reported in The Philadelphia Inquirer as occurring within four years of his arrival in the U.S., while the Courier-Post stated that it was "by 1960." He began constructing houses in Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and with money earned from the business, he paid for his brothers to move to the U.S. as well.
Personal life and death
Ceritano met Frances Cini, the sister of singer Al Martino, while on a blind date in 1951, and the two married the following year.
References
- Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 (subscription required). Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
- Byrd, Jerry W. (May 6, 1990). "A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 51 – via Newspapers.com.
- Avery, Ron (April 7, 1981). "The 'master' teaches how to enjoy life". Courier-Post. p. 31 – via Newspapers.com.
- Byrd, Jerry W. (May 6, 1990). "A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 51 – via Newspapers.com.
- Knox, Andrea (July 24, 1977). "The wine man tries to charm the wolves". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 1, 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- Knox, Andrea (July 24, 1977). "The wine man tries to charm the wolves". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 1, 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- Sardella, Carlo M. (April 23, 1972). "Cherry Hill Tycoon Builds Future for Tenor From His Native Italy". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 199 – via Newspapers.com.
- Micko, Lillian (April 12, 1979). "The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams". Courier-Post. p. 25, 27 – via Newspapers.com.
- Knox, Andrea (July 24, 1977). "The wine man tries to charm the wolves". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 1, 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- Micko, Lillian (April 12, 1979). "The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams". Courier-Post. p. 25, 27 – via Newspapers.com.
- Knox, Andrea (July 24, 1977). "The wine man tries to charm the wolves". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 1, 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- Micko, Lillian (April 12, 1979). "The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams". Courier-Post. p. 25, 27 – via Newspapers.com.
- Micko, Lillian (April 12, 1979). "The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams". Courier-Post. p. 25, 27 – via Newspapers.com.
- Byrd, Jerry W. (May 6, 1990). "A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 51 – via Newspapers.com.
- Micko, Lillian (April 12, 1979). "The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams". Courier-Post. p. 25, 27 – via Newspapers.com.
- Byrd, Jerry W. (May 6, 1990). "A. Ceritano, 58, builder and opera enthusiast". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 51 – via Newspapers.com.
- Sardella, Carlo M. (April 23, 1972). "Cherry Hill Tycoon Builds Future for Tenor From His Native Italy". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 199 – via Newspapers.com.
- Micko, Lillian (April 12, 1979). "The little old winemaker: Ceritano tries to put together broken dreams". Courier-Post. p. 25, 27 – via Newspapers.com.
- Knox, Andrea (July 24, 1977). "The wine man tries to charm the wolves". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 1, 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- Gutwein-Guenther, Alan (October 1, 1990). "Ceritano's life recalled with a 'moment of joy'". Courier-Post. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.