Person Page - 145

     France Casingena was born in Malta.
     France Casingena was also known as Frank Casingena. He was living in 2016.

     Hilda Gertrude Bier was born on 27 August 1915 in Kerman, CA, USA. She married (?) Robinson in July 1943. Hilda Gertrude Bier married Clarence F Grau on 26 June 1954 at Stanislaus, CA, USA. Hilda Gertrude Bier married (?) Tonna in July 1974. Hilda Gertrude Bier married Anthony Francis Abela, son of John Abela and Marianna Galea, on 1 July 1978 at Reno, NV, USA. Hilda Gertrude Bier and Anthony Francis Abela were divorced on 10 March 1982 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Hilda Gertrude Bier died on 15 April 2001 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 85.
     As of July 1943,her married name was Robinson. As of 26 June 1954,her married name was Grau. As of 1974, Hilda Gertrude Bier was also known as Hilda G. Tonna. As of 1978, Hilda Gertrude Bier was also known as Hilda G. Abela.
Obituary: on 22 April 2001: Abeta Hilda — Of San Francisco passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday. April 15, 2001 at the age of 85. Preceded in death by her beloved son Robert Robbie Robinson; survived by her loving daughter, Sandra Robinson Lewis, grandchildren Kelly (Craig) Wilme, Shawn (Deidre) Lewis, Kenny and Gary Robinson. and greatgrandchildren. Alexander and Matthew Wiimes. A member of Alpha Sigma Chi for Over 50 years. Active in numerous senior clubs; a loving helpful friend to all. Private service to be held at family plot in Stevenson. CA.
Hilda Gertrude Bier Father:      Alexander Bier
Mother:      Amelia Christian.

     Clarence F Grau married Hilda Gertrude Bier on 26 June 1954 at Stanislaus, CA, USA.

     (?) Robinson married Hilda Gertrude Bier in July 1943.

     (?) Tonna married Hilda Gertrude Bier in July 1974.

     Kim Marie Presnell was born on 18 November 1958. She married James Joseph Schembri, son of James Schembri and Helen Grace Calleja, on 17 April 1977. Kim Marie Presnell died on 11 March 2024 at age 65.
     Her married name was Schembri. She was living in 2024 in Gardnerville, NV, USA.

     Alison Rae Schembri was born on 9 January 1990 in San Mateo Co., CA, USA. She married Timothy Kelly.
     Her married name was Kelly. Alison Rae Schembri was living in 2020 in Gardenerville, NV, USA.

     Theresa Mary Schembri was born on 5 June 1955 in San Francisco, CA, USA. She married Edwin M Menjivar on 28 January 1978 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Theresa Mary Schembri and Edwin M Menjivar were divorced.
     As of 1978,her married name was Menjivar. Theresa Mary Schembri was living in 2013 in Pacifica, CA, USA. She was a member of the Maltese Heritage Association Vice President in 2021.

     Edwin M Menjivar was born circa 1952. He married Theresa Mary Schembri, daughter of James Schembri and Helen Grace Calleja, on 28 January 1978 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Edwin M Menjivar and Theresa Mary Schembri were divorced.

     Mary Schembri was born on 26 June 1960 in San Francisco, CA, USA. She married Michael Griggi on 25 August 1979 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Mary Schembri was educated Terra Nova High School in Pacifica. As of 1979,her married name was Griggi. She worked for 25 years as a school assistant/secretary. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1996. She was a member of the Maltese Heritage Association She was vice president at one point. in 2021. She was living in 2024 in Pacifica, CA, USA. She was a correspondent with the author of the Maltese Immigration Project mgriggi@pacificasd.org in 2024. Research. She contributed their family genealogy to Maltese Immigration Project on 15 March 2024.

     Michael Griggi was born on 28 August 1956. He married Mary Schembri, daughter of James Schembri and Helen Grace Calleja, on 25 August 1979 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Michael Griggi was living in 2024.

     Lewis P Borg was born on 25 April 1929 in Mellieha, Malta. He married Frances G. Vella, daughter of (?) Vella.
     Lewis P Borg emigrated from Malta in 1957 to San Francisco, CA, USA. He lived in 1959 at Santa Clara, CA, USA. He was associated; A member and 3 x president of Young Men's Institute, a catholic fraternal organization. He was a a post man for 35 years. He and Frances G. Vella were living in 2023. Lewis P Borg and (?) Maltese Elders were living in 2023 in 1362 Don Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, USA.
Lewis P Borg Angelo Borg
Patricia Borg
Frances Borg
Lauren Borg.

     Frances G. Vella was born on 31 August 1936 in Mellieha, Malta. She married Lewis P Borg.
     Her married name was Borg. Frances G. Vella and Lewis P Borg were living in 2023.

     Moses C. Pirotta was born on 13 December 1922 in Sliema, Malta. He married Lina C (?) Moses C. Pirotta died on 5 September 2022 at Santa Clara, Santa Clara Co., CA, USA, at age 99. Biography Moses was a big supporter of the Maltese Cross Foundation of CA and he always attend the annual Mnarja picnic carrying a Maltese Flag.
     He was a Tool and dye maker. He was a Hewlett-Packard. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club between 1996 and 2002. He and (?) Maltese Elders were living in 2022 in 2157 Del Monte Ave., Santa Clara, CA, USA. Research: Jason Pirotta
Mark Pirotta
Moses Pirotta
Steve Pirotta
Mary Pirotta.

     Lina C (?) was born in July 1928. She married Moses C. Pirotta.
     Her married name was Pirotta. Lina C (?) was living in 2022.

     Barthelomew W. Chetcuti was born on 28 August 1917 in Mosta, Malta. He married Frances Caruana, daughter of Paul Caruana and Josephine Galea, in 1948. Barthelomew W. Chetcuti died on 1 November 2004 at Burlingame, CA, USA, at age 87. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1948. He and Frances Caruana were listed in the 1950 US Census age 31, wholseale steel co. machinist in San Francisco, CA, USA. Barthelomew W. Chetcuti was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club in 1991.
Barthelomew W. Chetcuti Obit states he was a past president of Maltese American Club; but not listed on President list.
Obituary: on 3 November 2004: CHETCUTI, Bartholomew "Bertu" - Late of Millbrae and San Mateo County resident for 34 years, entered into rest in Burlingame on November 1, 2004. Beloved husband of Frances Chetcuti since 1948. Loving father of Frank Chetcuti (his wife, Christine) of Fort Bragg, CA, Pauline Chetcuti of Redwood Shores, John Chetcuti of San Mateo, and Bob Chetcuti of San Jose. Dear brother of Joe Chetcuti (his wife, Pauline), Margret "Gerita" Agius and Carmen Muscat. Cherished grandfather of Matthew, Elizabeth, Blake, Alina and Olivia. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Gonzi; his caregiver, Sally Sunga; and his nieces, nephews and cousins. A native of Mosta, Malta, age 87. A member and past president of the Maltese-American Club, and has lived in the US after moving from Malta in 1948. Barthelomew W. Chetcuti was also known as Bertu Chetcuti.

     Francis Xavier Chetcuti was born on 22 October 1949 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He married Christine (?)
     Francis Xavier Chetcuti was listed in the 1940 US Census of Barthelomew W. Chetcuti and Frances Caruana in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 31, wholseale steel co. machinist.
Francis Xavier Chetcuti St. Anthony's Seminary for brief period. He was living in 2004 in Fort Bragg, CA, USA. Francis Xavier Chetcuti was also known as Frank Chetcuti.

     Christine (?) married Francis Xavier Chetcuti, son of Barthelomew W. Chetcuti and Frances Caruana.
     Her married name was Chetcuti.

     Pauline Bertha Chetcuti was born on 7 January 1951 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹
     She was living in 2004 in Redwood Shores, CA, USA.

     John M. Chetcuti was born on 21 July 1958 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.
     He was living in 2004 in San Mateo, CA, USA.

     Robert J. Chetcuti was born on 25 March 1962 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.
     He was living in 2004 in San Jose, CA, USA.

     Joseph Chetcuti was born on 6 November 1919 in Mosta, Malta. He married Pauline Mary Bezzina, daughter of Joseph (?) and Mary (?), in 1960 at Malta. Joseph Chetcuti died on 28 January 2023 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 103. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     He and Pauline Mary Bezzina moved in 1975 to Millbrae, CA, USA. Joseph Chetcuti was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club in 1991. He and (?) Maltese Elders were living in 2021 in 1175 Glenwood Dr., Millbrae, CA, USA.
Obituary: : Joseph Chetcuti November 6, 1919 - January 28, 2023
Late of Millbrae and resident since 1975, passed peacefully on January 28, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Pauline since 1960. Loving father of John (his wife Alba) and Fred. Joseph was the last of his 6 siblings. Also survived by his granddaughter Alyssa, his nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A native of Mosta, Malta, age 103 years. Served during WWII in defense of Malta. A member of the Maltese American Social Club in South San Francisco. Joseph enjoyed gardening, reading, playing cards, walking and spending time with his family and friends.
Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, after 4:00 PM at CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, El Camino Real at 194 Millwood Drive in Millbrae, with a Vigil Service at 5:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Saint Dunstan Catholic Church in Millbrae followed by committal at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.

     Pauline Mary Bezzina was born circa 1930 in Detroit, MI, USA. She married Joseph Chetcuti, son of Giovanni Maria Chetcuti and Saveria Buhagiar, in 1960 at Malta. Pauline Mary Bezzina died on 27 May 2018 at Millbrae, CA, USA. She was buried on 4 June 2018 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     She witnessed the immigration of Joseph (?) and Mary (?) circa 1931 at Malta. Her married name was Chetcuti. Pauline Mary Bezzina and Joseph Chetcuti immigrated in 1975 to Millbrae, CA, USA. Pauline Mary Bezzina was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club in 1991.
Obituary: : Pauline Mary Chetcuti, 88, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on the night of May 27, 2018. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years Joseph, sons John and Fred, daughter-in-law Alba, granddaughter Alyssa, siblings Fred, Josephine, Mary and Nina. She was predeceased by her siblings Minnie, Carmen and Emanuel, and parents Joseph and Mary. Pauline was born in Detroit but the family moved back to their native country of Malta when Pauline was a year old. Later she survived the terror of WWII on the besieged island. As a teenager she also helped to take care of her younger siblings. As a young woman she was renowned as a master seamstress making dresses and suits for customers far and wide. After marrying Joseph in 1960 it was off to America for a new adventure. They settled in San Francisco where she worked at Schlage Lock where she was known for her very strong work ethic that carried through in all she did both at work and at home. In 1975 the family moved to Millbrae, CA where Pauline lived the rest of her life. After retiring in 1996 Pauline enjoyed cooking, gardening, walking, sewing, going to church, and spending time with her family including their beloved cat Pupa. She will be dearly missed.

     Margaret Chetcuti was born on 25 November 1922 in Mosta, Malta. She married John M. Agius in 1943. Margaret Chetcuti died on 14 August 2021 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 98.
     Margaret Chetcuti was also known as Gerita Chetcuti. As of 1943,her married name was Gerita Agius. She emigrated from Malta on 4 June 1964 to San Francisco, CA, USA. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1997. As of May 2017, Margaret Chetcuti lived at 1051 Broadway, Apt 310, Millbrae, CA, USA; age 80+.
Obituary: on 16 August 2021: Margaret "Gerita" Agius A longtime San Francisco resident, and recently of Millbrae and San Mateo County resident for 9 years, entered peacefully into rest at her residence on August 14, 2021 at the age of 98. Beloved wife of the late John Agius for 60 years. Loving mother of Annie Vella (Reno), the late Frank Agius (the late Monica), Rose Agius Dankwerth (Richard), Pacik Agius (Rita), Jim Agius (Michelle), Maria Bonavia (Edwin), Frances Grech (Charlie), John Agius (Janet), and Reno Agius (the late Crystal). Survived by her brother, Joseph Chetcuti, and her sister, Carmen Muscat. Dearly loved by her 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren (and late great grandson, Kyle), as well as her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
A native of Mosta, Malta, Margaret immigrated to San Francisco with her husband and her 9 children in 1964. In addition to caring for her large family, Margaret worked for Macy's for almost 20 years. She was an active member of the Maltese American Social Club in South San Francisco and of Saint Elizabeth Maltese Society of San Francisco. Committal will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.

     Carmen B Chetcuti was born on 27 October 1924 in Mosta, Malta. She married Emanuel John Muscat, son of Carlo S. Muscat and Agata Gaetana Tonna, on 24 April 1954 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Carmen B Chetcuti and Emanuel John Muscat were divorced in August 1967 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Carmen B Chetcuti died on 6 February 2022 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 97. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     Carmen B Chetcuti was also known as Carmela Chetcuti. She was naturalized in 1952 at San Francisco, CA, USA; an assembly workder. As of 1954,her married name was Muscat. She was living in 2018 in 518 Brussels St., San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; Maltese elder.
Obituary: on 22 February 2022: Carmen B. Muscat passed away peacefully in her home on February 7th, 2022 at the age of 97. Beloved wife of the late Manuel Muscat; loving mother of Beatrisa Muscat; cherished grandmother of Joshua Vaznaugh, Kelsey Flynn, and Kyler Wilson.
Carmen arrived in San Francisco from Malta, married, and raised her daughter in San Francisco, and there she happily lived for the rest of her life. This naturally makes her a true Niners and Giants fan! If you walked by her house on game day, you could hear her cheering for her teams.
She enjoyed gardening and cooking, especially omelets for her grandkids, and making a "napple" for them.
Carmen was a staple in St Elizabeth parish. She was a devout Catholic and consistently reminded her loved ones to pray and go to church! Her family, especially her grandkids, was her greatest joy.

     John M. Agius was born on 4 February 1921 in Mosta, Malta. He married Margaret Chetcuti, daughter of Giovanni Maria Chetcuti and Saveria Buhagiar, in 1943. John M. Agius died on 14 December 2003 at Kaiser Hospital, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 82; age 82. He was buried in 2003 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     John M. Agius was also known as Gamri Agius. He emigrated from Malta in April 1963 to San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1997.
Obituary: on 16 December 2003: AGIUS, John M., "Gamri" - Age 82, at peace on December 14, 2003. Born in Mosta, Malta on February 4, 1921 he was a resident of San Francisco for 40 years. Gamri was a very loving and wise husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be dearly missed by family and friends in Malta and in the United States. Survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Margaret; nine children: Annie (Reno) Vella, Frank Agius, Rose Agius, Pacifico (Rita) Agius, Jim (Michelle) Agius, Maria (Edwin) Bonavia, Frances (Charlie) Grech, John (Janet) Agius, Reno (Crystal) Agius; 19 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Monica Agius. Committal to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma.

     Anna Frances Agius was born on 1 January 1945 in Mosta, Malta. She married Zaren Vella, son of Saviour Vella and Louisa (?), on 11 April 1970 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Anna Frances Agius emigrated from Malta in December 1963. Her married name was Vella. She was naturalized on 15 March 1984 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
Maltese Cross Foundation was a member of Directors in 2021. She and (?) Maltese Elders were living in 2022; Annie Vella. Anna Frances Agius was a witness to the fact that Zaren Vella and (?) Maltese Elders were living in 2022 at 1115 Helen Dr, Millbrae, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Anna Frances Agius was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in August 2023. She lived in February 2024; anniefvella@gmail.com.

     Zaren Vella was born on 15 June 1937 in Qormi, Malta. He married Anna Frances Agius, daughter of John M. Agius and Margaret Chetcuti, on 11 April 1970 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Zaren Vella died on 20 April 2023 at Kaiser Hospital, South San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 85. He was buried at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1969. He was a Reno's Gardening between 1972 and 2000. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Maltese Club location in 1995 at South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
Maltese Cross Foundation was a member of Directors in 2021. He and (?) Maltese Elders were living in 2022 in 1115 Helen Dr, Millbrae, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Zaren Vella was associated in 2023; Director on the Board of the Maltese Cross Foundation of California.
Obituary: on 30 April 2023: Reno "Zaren" Vella
June 15, 1937 - April 20, 2023
Reno "Zaren" Vella, late of Millbrae, CA entered into rest on April 20, 2023. Beloved husband of 53 years to Annie Vella. Loving father of Michelle Enanoria and her husband Craig. Nannu of his cherished granddaughter Mia Enanoria. Predeceased by his precious grandson, Kyle in 2019. Born in Malta to the late Saviour and Louisa Vella in the town of Qormi, he grew up with 11 siblings. Reno is survived by brothers Sabastian (his late wife Andrea), Austin (his wife Jane), Paul (his wife Paula) and his sisters Marie (her husband Mario), Salvina (her late husband Charlie) and Irene (her husband Nick). He is predeceased by his siblings Nina, Carmnu, Georgia, Guiza and Duminka. Reno married Annie in 1970 and gained a wonderful family of in-laws, Annie's parents the late Gamri and Gerita Agius and Annie's 8 siblings and their families. Reno is also survived by many loving nephews and nieces.
Reno emigrated from Malta to Canada in 1958 then to the United States in 1969. He started his own gardening business "Reno's Gardening" in 1972 and retired in 2000. After retirement, Reno continued to work part-time repairing machinery at Michael Rentals, then Cresco. He was a proud member of the Maltese Social Club in South San Francisco, going every Sunday to play cards and eat pastizzi. He also was a member of the Maltese Cross Society, helping as chef during the annual Imnaria Picnic. The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 11:00am at Saint Dunstan's Catholic Church in Millbrae, CA. Committal will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma, CA. Zaren Vella was also known as Reno Vella.

     Rose Agius was born on 24 June 1948 in Mosta, Malta. She married Gary Acosta in 1968. Rose Agius married Richard E. Dankwerth in 2006.
     Rose Agius emigrated from Malta on 4 June 1964. As of 1968,her married name was Acosta. She was a manager of First National Bank in 1978 at Marin, CA, USA. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1997. As of 2006,her married name was Dankwerth. She contributed her family genealogy to MHS on 25 June 2017. As of 2022, Rose Agius lived at 1266 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Millbrae, CA, USA; rjagius@comcast.net. She was living in 2024; rjagius@comcast.net.

     James Agius was born on 13 May 1952 in Mosta, Malta. He married Michelle O'Neill.