Person Page - 254

     John Joseph Sant was born on 6 November 1892 in Gozo, Malta; age 47 in 1940 census; also 8 Dec 1894 Draft and Naturalizaiton; Dec 8 1893. He married Elaine (?) on 28 January 1928 at San Francisco, CA, USA. John Joseph Sant married Virginia Daniel on 7 September 1956 at San Francisco, CA, USA. John Joseph Sant died on 6 November 1979 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 87. He was buried at Olivet Memorial Park, Colma, CA, USA.
     John Joseph Sant was also known as Giovanni Spiteri. He emigrated from Malta on 18 June 1911 to New York, NY, USA. He received military draft notice on 5 June 1917 at San Francisco, CA, USA, a ropemaker; Tubbs Cordage Co; Was a private in Maltese infantry. He began military service between 3 July 1917 and April 1919 at Fort Adelaide, Seattle, WA, USA, Left SF as member of Canaddian Exped. Force; returned as Allied veteran. He was listed in the 1930 US Census in San Francisco, CA, USA. As of 1933, John Joseph Sant was also known as John Joseph Spiteri per Naturalization doc of 1933. He was naturalized in 1933 at Rockaway Beach, San Mateo Co.., CA, USA; John Joseph Spiteri, a drill worker. As of 1933, John Joseph Sant was also known as John Sant aka in Naturalization. He and Elaine (?) were living in 1933 in Rockaway Beach, CA, USA.
John Joseph Sant By 1940, he goes by surname of Sant not Spiteri in 1940. He and Elaine (?) were listed in the 1940 US Census age 47, building construction carpenter in San Pedro, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. John Joseph Sant received military draft notice in 1942 at Rockaway Beach, San Mateo Co., CA, USA, age 48, unemployed.
Obituary: on 8 November 1979: SANT. Jolin Nov. 6, 1979; loving brother of Carmela Habue, loving uncle of John Haber; dear friend of Pauline Malan, a native of Gozo, Malta.

     Elaine (?) was born on 25 April 1900 in San Francisco, CA, USA. She married John Joseph Sant, son of (?) Sant, on 28 January 1928 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     As of 28 January 1928,her married name was Spiteri. Elaine (?) and John Joseph Sant were living in 1933 in Rockaway Beach, CA, USA. Elaine (?) and John Joseph Sant were listed in the 1940 US Census age 47, building construction carpenter in San Pedro, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. As of 1940,her married name was Sant.

     Samuel Vella was born on 10 February 1883 in Zebbug, Malta; age 43 in 1930 census; age 50 in 1940 census. He married Lillian Van Keren on 15 July 1927; age 35 and 38. Samuel Vella married Emma Nixon. Samuel Vella married Louise Charlotte Corcoran on 20 May 1957 at Sonoma Co., CA, USA. Samuel Vella died on 29 June 1967 at Malta at age 84. He was buried at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery, San Rafael, CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1914. He and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were Maltese Business Owner of Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon and Boyes Springs Resort in 1925. Samuel Vella was a Owner of Sam's Anchor Cafe on Tiburon main street since 1925; also owned Boyes Springs resort between 1925 and 1957 at Tiburon, CA, USA. He and Lillian Van Keren were listed in the 1930 US Census age 42, soft drinks proprietor in Belvedere, Marin Co., CA, USA. Samuel Vella and Emma Nixon were listed in the 1940 US Census age 50, restaurant owner in Sausalito, CA, USA. Samuel Vella and Emma Nixon were listed in the 1950 US Census age 66, bartender, bar, wholesale liquours in San Francisco, CA, USA.

Maltese In the News was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 9 July 1967: Sam's Anchor Founder Dies
Sam Vella, for 40 years the owner of Sam’s Anchor Cafe in Tiburon has died in his native Malta, it was learned here yesterday. Mr. Vella died June 29. He was about 78 years old, although his age was always a well-kept — by Mr. Vella — secret. Known as the “Mayor of Main Street” in Tiburon, Mr. Vella’s waterfront spa was the focal point for tourists, residents and, on weekends, hundreds of yachtsmen who would tie their craft at the dock on the Bay side of the restaurant and make their way to the friendly bar and groaning board. Mr. Vella opened the restaurant in 1920 aa a lunchroom for workers on the Northwestern Pacific Railway, but credited his success to Prohibition, which brought thirsty customers from all ‘ over the Bay Area to his door. He sold the restaurant in 1960, and in 1964 returned to Malta to visit relatives. He suffered a heart attack there that year, and was unable to return to Marin County. He is survived by his wife, Louise, and a sister in Malta. Samuel Vella was also known as Sam Vella.

     Emma Nixon was born in 1884 in Ireland; age 49, England, in 1940 census. She married Samuel Vella. Emma Nixon died on 5 April 1954 at Tiburon, CA, USA. She was buried at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery, San Rafael, CA, USA.
     Her married name was Vella. She and Samuel Vella were listed in the 1940 US Census age 50, restaurant owner in Sausalito, CA, USA. Emma Nixon and Samuel Vella were listed in the 1950 US Census age 66, bartender, bar, wholesale liquours in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 6 April 1954: In Tiburon, April 5. 1954. Emma Vella, adored wife of Sam Vella, beloved sister of Elizabeth Bruce of Tiburon, Thomas Nixon of Philadelphia loving aunt of Frank Nixon and William Todd of Tiburon, James C. and Robert L. Nixon of Oakland. William H. Nixon of Sacramento and Mrs. Edward Wheeler of Oakland; a native of Ireland, aged 70 years.

     Carmel Camilleri was born circa 1906 in Malta; age 34 in 1940 census.
     He was listed in the 1940 US Census age 34, sash sawer in Redwood City, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.

     Anne F. Paulsen was born on 7 June 1887 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 52 in 1940 census. She married an unknown person in 1908; Robert Anthony Galliano
1884–1951 (m. 1908.) She married Joseph Vella. Anne F. Paulsen died on 5 January 1970 at Brisbane, CA, USA, at age 82. She was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA, USA.
     Her married name was Vella. She and Joseph Vella were listed in the 1940 US Census age 52, US Post Office janitor in San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Anne F. Paulsen and Joseph Vella were listed in the 1950 US Census age 62, no occupation in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Anne F. Paulsen Parents: James Peter Paulsen
1849 – unknown

Christina Francis Garnett DeLap
1864–1942.

     Paul Gauci married Josephine Cardona. Paul Gauci died before 2014.

     Josephine Cardona married Paul Gauci. Josephine Cardona died before 2014.
     Her married name was Gauci.

     John Henry Ryan was born in Abertridw, South Wales, UK. He married Pauline Gauci, daughter of Paul Gauci and Josephine Cardona, in 1942. John Henry Ryan died on 3 December 2005 at Millbrae, CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 6 March 1953 to San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 5 December 2005: RYAN, John Henry, Sr. - Late of Millbrae, and San Mateo County resident for 28 years, entered into rest at his home on December 3, 2005. Beloved husband of Pauline Ryan for 63 years. Loving father of Carole Weldon, Joseph Ryan (his wife Amber), Carmen Staffaroni, John Ryan Jr. (his wife Carol). Dear brother of Margaret Matthews and Nancy Denny. Also survived by his nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and his nieces, nephews and cousins. A native of Abertridwr, South Wales, UK, age 85. He and Pauline enjoyed dancing and he dabbled in oil paintings.

     Joseph Ryan was born in Malta. He married Amber (?)

     Reno Gauci was born on 20 December 1920 in Birkirkara, Malta. He married Grace Scerri, daughter of Angelo Scerri and Carmela (?), on 12 June 1943 at Zabbar, Malta. Reno Gauci died on 22 June 2014 at Merced Co., CA, USA, at age 93. He was buried at Evergreen Memorial Park, Merced, CA, USA.
     Reno Gauci was also known as Nazzereno Gauci. He emigrated from Malta on 13 February 1951 to San Francisco, CA, USA. Reno Gauci was also known as Zaren Gauci.
Obituary: : Our Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Reno Gauci, passed away peacefully in his own home on June 22, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Reno was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Josephine Gauci of Malta, Europe, beloved wife Grace Gauci, eldest son Hector Gauci and his sister Salvina Hili. Reno was born December 20, 1920 in Birkirkara, Malta.
At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Royal Malta Artillery, rising to the rank of Sgt. Major. In 1943, He married the love of his life, Grace Gauci. In 1950 he left Malta to come to the U.S to make his home in San Francisco, where he obtained a job working for Stuart Radiator Company. Shortly thereafter his wife and three sons, Hector, Gino, and Paul followed, later making their home in San Bruno, Ca. In 1964, Reno and Grace were pleasantly surprised with the birth of their twins, Carmelina and Albert.
In his recreational time, Reno enjoyed being a member of the Maltese Club, where he served as President; spending weekends at the family ranch in Santa Rosa, where they raised thoroughbred racing horses, and taking the family to the Russian River on vacation. One of his greatest joys was spending time at the race track watching his horses run. He also loved to spend time with his family at home and at family events, which were often.
Eventually his career with Stuart Radiator brought him and his family to Merced, California in 1977, where he worked as a Plant Manager, ultimately retiring after 36 years of employment. After his retirement Reno and Grace became members of St. Patricks Church where they attended Mass daily and were a part of the Rosary prayer group. Additionally, Reno enjoyed spending quality time with his family and watching his favorite sports teams on t.v., the Giants and 49ers.
Reno will be missed dearly by his daughter Carmelina (Scott) McKee, Gino Gauci, Paul (Patty) Gauci, Albert (Olga) Gauci; 11 Grandchildren whom he adored and who equally adored him, Susie, Montana, Michael, Jennifer, Maria, Donald, Tasia, Elizabeth, Anthony, Camille and Katalina; 17 Great-Grandchildren, Sisters Pauline Ryan (John), Mary Dahler (Harold) of Millbrae, Ca. as well as several nieces and nephews, relatives in the Bay Area, Malta, Australia.
Family and Friends are invited to the visitation on Monday June 30, 2014 from 4pm - 7pm at Ivers and Alcorn Funeral Home, located at 901 W. Main St. in Merced. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 9:30am on Tuesday July 1, 2014 at St. Patrick's Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10:00am at St. Patrick's Church located at 617 E. Yosemite Ave. in Merced, with the entombment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park located at 4180 B Street, Merced.

     Salvina Gauci was born on 27 March 1923 in Birkirkara, Malta. She married James Galea on 13 May 1941. Salvina Gauci married Alexander Joseph Hili, son of (?) Hili, on 20 March 1968 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Salvina Gauci died on 20 November 1999 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 76. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     Salvina Gauci was also known as Salvina Galea. Her married name was Hili.
Obituary: on 23 November 1999: Hili, Salvina.Gaiea—Entered into Gods care on November 20, 1999 at age 76. A native of Malta. Beloved wife of Alex Hili; devoted mother of Mary Sammut. Carmen Grima. Reno. Paul and Tony Galea; endeared mother-in-taw to Tony. John. Linda. Leona and Kate; idolized Nanna to Liza and Joe. Natalie and Fernando. Mlchelle and Jaime. Elizabeth. Melissa. Christopher. Joseph and Rosanna: loving great-grandmother of Justin. Karina, and Julian. Also survived by loving brother Reno Gauci; and cherished sisters Pauline Ryan and Mary Dahler. She will be greatly missed by many relatives and friends. She and Salvina Galea were possibly the same person.

     Alexander Joseph Hili was born on 12 January 1930 in Malta. He married Salvina Gauci, daughter of Paul Gauci and Josephine Cardona, on 20 March 1968 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Alexander Joseph Hili died on 22 March 2009 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 79. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     He was naturalized on 1 April 1991 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 29 March 2009: Alex Hili -- Jan. 20,1930 -March 22,2009 -- At peace on March 22,2009, al the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family. Alex is preceded in death by his loving wife Salvina He is survived by his step-children Reno (Leona) Galea, Mary (Tony) Sammut, Paul Galea, Tony (Katie) Galea, and Carmen (John) Grima; his eight loving grandchildren and adored nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his family in Malta- his brother Paul and sister Mary Sciberras, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Alex was a native of Malta and was very proud of his heritage. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved.

     Mary Gauci was born on 12 August 1942 in Birkirkara, Malta. She married Harold A. Dahler on 4 April 1965 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 31 and 22. Biography Louis Vella: Mary was a fearless woman and very driven. She served on the MASC board and as secretary. She won a very hard fought election at the club.
She also helped me a lot at the consulate. Mary Gauci died on 24 July 2023 at Milllbrae, CA, USA, at age 80. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     She emigrated from Malta in 1952. She was educated at St. Boniface, San Francisco, CA, USA. She was naturalized on 29 November 1960; Mary Antoinette Mifsud. As of 1965, Mary Gauci was also known as Mary Antoinette Mifsud Name given in March 20, 1965; daughter's mother's maiden name was Mifsud. As of 4 April 1965,her married name was Dahler. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999, as part of Women's Commitee between 1999 and 2009. She and Harold A. Dahler were living in 2022 in Millbrae, CA, USA. Research: Relatives
Laura Pavloff
Leslie Ayoob
Lorraine Dahler
Trust Dahler
Eric Gollier.

     Carole Ryan was born circa 1943 in Malta. She married Bo Weldon.
     Her married name was Weldon.

     Bo Weldon married Carole Ryan, daughter of John Henry Ryan and Pauline Gauci. Bo Weldon died before 2019.

     Amber (?) married Joseph Ryan, son of John Henry Ryan and Pauline Gauci.
     Her married name was Ryan.

     Carmen Ryan was born. She married (?) Staffaroni.
     Her married name was Staffaroni.

     (?) Staffaroni married Carmen Ryan, daughter of John Henry Ryan and Pauline Gauci.

     John Ryan Jr was born. He married Carol (?)

     Carol (?) married John Ryan Jr, son of John Henry Ryan and Pauline Gauci.
     Her married name was Ryan.

     Sr Emanuela Camilleri RCSJ was born on 15 May 1911 in Naxxar, Malta; age 29 in 1940 census.¹ She was issued a Maltese Passport age 22, religious nun from St Julians, Sacred Heart Convent on 10 July 1933. Declared destination was USA.¹ She died on 16 September 1984 at Stanford Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA, at age 73.
     She was a (an unknown value) in 1938 at San Francisco College for Women, San Francisco, CA, USA. She was listed in the 1940 US Census age 29, house worker at religious institute in San Mateo Co., CA, USA. She was a (an unknown value) between 1941 and 1971 at Sacred Heart Convent, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 18 September 1984: Camilleri, Sister Emmanuels V. (Society of the Sacred Heart)—at rest in Palo Alto, Sun, Sept. 16. 1984-, sister of Brother William M. Camiileri, O.P. and Sr. Stella Camilleri both of Malta; a native of Malta; aged 73 years.
Obituary: : Emmanuela “Mani” Camilleri was born in Naxxar on May 15, 1911, to Joseph and Carmela (Vella) Camilleri, the eighth of nine children. As a child she was sickly and frail but she was a good student and was sent away to boarding school. She often thought of becoming a religious and definitely wanted to become a missionary.
Her older sister entered the Good Shepherd Order and went to Egypt; her sister Marianna became a Religious of the Sacred Heart; and her brother Carmelo became a Dominican. Soon after, on January 27, 1930, two days after Adelina Attard, Emmanuela joined the novitiate of the Society of the Sacred Heart at St. Julian’s in Malta. She made her first vows there in 1933 and immediately left for Chicago in the United States.
Between 1933 and 1935, Sr. Emmanuela served as refectorian and did housework at Lake Forest. In 1935 she returned to Chicago where she served in the refectory and vestry. Sr. Emmanuela was transferred to the San Francisco College for Women in 1938 where she was engaged in housework. The following year, she moved to Menlo Park, to the southeast of San Fran-cisco, where she worked on caps in addition to house-work.
Sr. Emmanuela’s next posting was in 1941 to the Sacred Heart Convent on Broadway Street, in San Francisco. There, for 30 years, she was engaged as a seamstress, making habits and caps. While here, in the late ‘60s, she became a teacher’s aide in the nursery school. She had a quieting and loving effect on the children and they felt right at home with her. In 1981, Sr. Emmanuela returned to Menlo Park where she assisted in the fledgling day care center for children of the faculty. One often saw her in a large sun hat walking with one or two of her charges in a stroller. While walking back to the convent on Sunday, September 16, 1984, after attending Mass, followed by a festive brunch in the parish hall, Sister Emmanuela was struck by a car outside the convent. She died a few hours later at Stanford Hospital, having received the Sacrament of the Sick. During her funeral Mass, with six priests concelebrating, the celebrant kept repeating his tribute to Sister Emmanuela, “Our gentle, humble, prayerful and loving Sister, special friend of little children….”. She witnessed the New Tag of Sr Adaline Attard RCSJ and Sr Agnes Micallef RSJC; Nuns of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: served at Lone Mountain College, and Convent on 2222 Broadway.
Sr Emanuela Camilleri RCSJ.

     Joseph George Galea was born on 20 September 1925 in San Bruno, San Mateo Co., CA, USA; age 14 in 1940 census; , Sep 1926, given in mother's Naturalization. He married Helen Marie Hill. Joseph George Galea died on 10 July 1993 at Santa Clara Co., CA, USA, at age 67. He was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA, USA.
     He was listed in the 1930 US Census of George Galea and Filomena Catania in 1930 at San Bruno, CA, USA; age 31, Pool Hall clerk. Joseph George Galea was listed in the 1940 US Census of George Galea and Filomena Catania in 1940 at Kains Ave, San Bruno, San Mateo Co., CA, USA; age 41, eight grade educ; pool room owner; and niece Salvina Galea. Joseph George Galea received military draft notice on 26 September 1943 at San Bruno, CA, USA, age 18, student. He began military service on 29 December 1945 at Camp Roberts, CA, USA, Pvt US Army.

     Abele Gatt was born on 24 March 1903 in Qormi, Malta; age 37 in 1940 census.¹ He was issued a Maltese Passport age17, assistant turner on 4 August 1920. Declared destination was New York, NY, USA.¹ He married Inez Montalvetti.
     Abele Gatt and Inez Montalvetti were listed in the 1940 US Census age 37, wire works machinist in San Bruno, CA, USA.

     John Sammut was born in 1912 in Birkirkara, Malta. He married Carmen Caruana. John Sammut died in 1984 at Birkirkara, Malta.

     Carmen Caruana was born in 1910 in Birkirkara, Malta. She married John Sammut. Carmen Caruana died in 1974 at Birkirkara, Malta.
     Her married name was Sammut.

     James Galea was born circa 1913. He married Salvina Gauci, daughter of Paul Gauci and Josephine Cardona, on 13 May 1941.

     Anthony Galea was born.

     Carmen Galea was born on 7 November 1951 in B'Kara, Malta. She married John Frank Grima, son of Joseph Savior Grima and Alice Ann Camilleri, on 16 March 1975 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Her married name was Grima. Carmen Galea and Melissa Ann Caruana were living in 2003 in 534 Holyoke St, San Francisco, CA, USA. Carmen Galea was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2006. She was living in 2020 in San Francisco, CA, USA.

     Peter Paul Xuereb was born on 25 February 1960 in Gozo, Malta. He married Laura Loreta Portelli.
     Peter Paul Xuereb was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2011. He was living in 2019 in Pacifica, CA, USA.
Maltese Cross Foundation was a member of 2nd Vice President of Maltese Cross Foundation of CA in 2020. Research.