The families of siblings Peter, Carl, Bessie (Calanni) Foti and Carrie (Calanni) Foti recently gathered at the home of Jim and Judy Oakes. Peter, Carl, Bessie and Carrie arrived in America, through Ellis Island in the early 1900s from Tortorici, Sicily. There were 100 family members attending from Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Buffalo, East Amherst, Forestville, Fredonia, Frewsburg, Hamburg, Jamestown, Lakeview, Lakewood and Williamsville.
The oldest member attending was Pena Bonfiglio from Jamestown, 91, and the youngest member was James Oakes IV from Fredonia. Since the last reunion, the family lost four loved ones, sisters Sally Agliola and Jay Mazzone, both of Jamestown, Peter Calanni of Fredonia and Darryl Oakes of Jamestown. Along with James Oakes IV, the family also rejoices in the births of Sophia Dalton, Talia Calanni and Zoey Lacata.
Roger, Kathy and Kelly Calanni, Mark, Linda (Calanni) and Margaret Casper, all descendants of Peter, recently returned from their father's home in Tortortici, Sicily and shared pictures and stories of their trip. Throughout the day, the family members took part in various games, swimming, 50/50 drawing, music provided by "DJ by Joe Gould," and recollecting shared memories along with stories since the last reunion.
The next Calanni reunion will be held the summer 2014 in Jamestown and hosted by Russ and Jim Bonfiglio.
