Person Page - 29

     Kevin Grech was born in 1998 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Juliet Grech was born in 2000 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Joseph Paul Grech was born on 9 March 1908 in Mosta, Malta; age 22 in 1930 census; age 32 in 1940 census.^1,3,2 He was issued a Maltese Passport age 21, laborer on 10 July 1920. Declared destination was USA.² He married Carmela Quattromani circa 1927; age 21 and 18.^1,3 Joseph Paul Grech was issued a Maltese Passport age 21, laborer on 10 July 1929. Declared destination was USA.² He died on 9 February 1993 at Concord, CA, USA, at age 84.¹
     Joseph Paul Grech was also known as Giuseppe Fortunato Giovanni Grech.² He emigrated from Malta on 5 September 1929 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.^1,3 He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 25 September 1929 going to New York, NY, USA; age 21, laborer; noted: wife Carmela; brother Paul Grech. He and Carmela Quattromani were listed in the 1930 US Census age 22, laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ Joseph Paul Grech and Carmela Quattromani were listed in the 1940 US Census age 32, lock co. laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁴
Obituary: on 10 February 1993: GRECH, Joseph ‘Wlzu’ — On Feb. 9. 1993. Concord; a native of Mosta, Malta; aged 84 years. he was a 17 year resident of Concord, a prior San Francisco resident; a machinist for 40 years with Schlage Lock Co. in San Francisco; beloved husband of 64 years to Carmela ‘Wlza' Grech of Concord; dearest father of Mary and son-in-law Nell Hogan of Concord & Paul and daughter-in-law Pat Grech of San Bruno; loving brother to Georgia Bezzina of San Francisco; devoted grandfather to Kathy Hogan Worzella. Joseph, Jeffrey. Clifford & Paul Grech John Hogan: and great grandfather to 5. Joseph Paul Grech also went by the name of Wizo.
Joseph Paul Grech Family name = Ta Minha (Windmill.)

     Carmela Quattromani was born on 13 July 1909 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 22 in 1930 census; age 30 in 1940 census.^1,2 She married Joseph Paul Grech, son of Michael Angelo Grech and Maria Vella, circa 1927; age 21 and 18.^1,2 Carmela Quattromani died in January 2003 at Concord, CA, USA, at age 93.
     Her married name was Grech.¹ She emigrated from Malta on 5 September 1929 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.^1,2 She and Joseph Paul Grech were listed in the 1930 US Census age 22, laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² Carmela Quattromani and Joseph Paul Grech were listed in the 1940 US Census age 32, lock co. laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ Carmela Quattromani was also known as Wiza.

     Mary Grech was born on 24 January 1932 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 8 in 1940 census.^1,2 She married Neil John Hogan.¹
     As of 1932, Mary Grech was also known as Marie Grech.² She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Paul Grech and Carmela Quattromani in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 32, lock co. laborer.³ As of 2012, Mary Grech lived at 2945 Ryan Rd, Concord, CA, USA; hoganneil@aol.com. She contributed her family's genealogy to MHS in 2012.

     Neil John Hogan was born on 5 September 1926 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He married Mary Grech, daughter of Joseph Paul Grech and Carmela Quattromani.¹ Neil John Hogan died on 29 July 2011 at age 84.¹

     Kathleen Louise Hogan was born on 13 July 1956 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     John Joseph Hogan was born on 19 November 1961 in Sacramento, CA, USA.¹

     Jack Connolly Hogan was born on 21 December 1990 in San Jose, CA, USA.¹

     Bridget Kathleen Hogan was born on 4 February 1993 in San Jose, CA, USA.¹

     Antonia Muscat was born on 17 January 1915 in Mosta, Malta; age 34 in 1940 census.^1,2 She married Joseph Tonna Jr, son of Guiseppe Tonna and Carmela Camilleri, on 5 June 1933 at Mosta, Malta.¹ Antonia Muscat died on 10 November 2013 at Santa Rosa, CA, USA, at age 98.¹ She was buried at Calvery Cemetery, Santa Rosa, CA, USA.
     As of 5 June 1933,her married name was Tonna.¹ She emigrated from Malta on the ship Conte di Savoia on 4 July 1933 to New York, NY, USA.³ She and Joseph Tonna Jr were listed in the 1940 US Census age 33, own retail furniture store, salesman, owner in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.²
Obituary: on 17 November 2013: Antonia (Nina) Muscat Tonna; Jan. 13, 1915~Nov. 10, 2013; 98 Years Young We, the family of Nina, share a mixture of joy and sadness that Mom is no longer with us. She joins Dad and our brother Charlie in Heaven. A native of Mosta, Malta, our mother met the love of her life in 1933. At 18, she married Dad, also a native of Mosta, and the newlyweds left their birth home for life in America. Antonia Muscat Tonna took pride in her love of God, her commitment to the Catholic Church, her children and most especially, her husband, Joseph Tonna, whom she lost over seventeen years ago. Our mother loved cooking, knitting and painting. She especially loved entertaining her large family. Visiting mom always felt like returning home. She leaves behind her sons, James Tonna (Cecilia), Patrick Tonna (Jennifer), Richard Tonna, and her daughters, Marianne O'Brien (John), Rosalyne Gunderson (Howie), and Christina Dalton (Jeffrey). She has been blessed with 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She will always be their "Nana".¹ Antonia Muscat was also known as Nina.¹

     Joseph Tonna Jr was born on 23 March 1908 in Mosta, Malta; age 21 in 1930 census.¹ He married Antonia Muscat, daughter of Giomarie Muscat and Ursula Camilleri, on 5 June 1933 at Mosta, Malta.² Joseph Tonna Jr died on 28 September 1996 at Santa Rosa, Sonomo Co., CA, USA, at age 88. He was buried at Calvery Cemetery, Santa Rosa, CA, USA.
     Joseph Tonna Jr was also known as Giuseppe Tonna. He was listed on a passenger list with Pacifica Tonna and Anna Tonna on 28 June 1920 at New York, NY, USA; age 15, with 2 syblings; Destination San Francisco, to father. Joseph Tonna Jr emigrated from Malta on 23 October 1920 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He and Carmela Camilleri were listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 23 October 1920 going to New York, NY, USA; age 49, laborer; destination husband Giuseppe Tonna, in San Francisco. Joseph Tonna Jr was listed in the 1930 US Census of Guiseppe Tonna and Carmela Camilleri in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 65, none.¹ Joseph Tonna Jr emigrated from Malta on the ship Conte di Savoia on 4 July 1933 to New York, NY, USA.³ He and Antonia Muscat were listed in the 1940 US Census age 33, own retail furniture store, salesman, owner in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁴ Joseph Tonna Jr and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were Maltese Business Melita Furniture Store, co-owned by Thomas C. Fenech and Joseph Tonna Jr in 1940. Joseph Tonna Jr was naturalized on 24 April 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA; upholsterer & furniture dealer.
Thomas Charles Fenech Co-owners Melita Furniture Co. in 1942. Joseph Tonna Jr was listed in the 1950 US Census age 52, furniture store partner in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 30 September 1996: TONNA, Joseph — Passed away in Santa Rosa, September 28,1996. Loving husband of Antonia Tonna of Santa Rosa. Beloved father of James Tonna of Santa Rosa, Charles Tonna of Windsor, Marianne O'Brien of Granite Bay. Rosealyne Gunderson of Chandler, AZ, Patrick Tonna of San Jose, Richard Tonna of Modesto and Christina Zahn of Oakley. Also survived by fourteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren. A native of Malta. Age 88. Mr. Tonna served as a Chief Petty Officer during World War II in the US Coast Guard Reserves. He was a parishoner of Resurrection Parish and a member of the Happy Hearts of Resurrection Parish. He was the former owner of Melita Furniture Store in San Francisco.

     Charles Frederick Tonna was born on 26 January 1937 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 3 in 1940 census.^1,2 He died on 31 May 2001 at Santa Rosa, CA, USA, at age 64.¹ He was buried at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
     He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Tonna Jr and Antonia Muscat in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 33, own retail furniture store, salesman, owner.² Charles Frederick Tonna began military service Service Info.:      SP4 US ARMY. He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Tonna Jr in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 52, furniture store partner.
Obituary: on 7 June 2001: TONNA. Charles F. — Passed away in Sanîa Rosa May 31. 2001. Loving son of Antonia Tonna of Santa Rosa & the late Joseph Tonna. Sr. also known as Joe Melita; dear brother of Marianne (John) O'Brien of Granite Bay. Rosalyn Gunderson of Arizona. Christina (Robert) Zahn ot Oakley. James (Cecilia) Tonna of Santa Rosa Patrick (Holly) Tonna of San Jose and Richard (Rose) Tonna of Modesto. He is also survived by numerous nieces & nephews. A native of San Francisco. CA. Age 64. A U.S. Army Veteran -Third Armored Division. He served in Germany in the early 60s.

     Joseph Tonna was born on 10 March 1929 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 11 in 1940 census.¹ He married Jane Frances Barulich on 25 September 1953 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² Joseph Tonna died on 30 January 2006 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 76. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed in the 1930 US Census of Margarita Rose Zammit and Michael Angelo Tonna in 1930 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 25, shipyard laborer. Joseph Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Angelo Tonna and Margarita Rose Zammit in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 37, no occupation.¹ Joseph Tonna was a furniture mfg. apprentice carpenter in 1950. He and Margarita Rose Zammit were listed in the 1950 US Census age 42, divorced, Shlage Lock co. assembler in San Francisco, CA, USA. Joseph Tonna was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Helped with remodel of new Maltese Club location in 1991 at South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
Obituary: on 1 February 2006: Joseph Tonna Native of San Francisco, late of Millbrae and San Mateo County resident for 21 years, entered into rest on January 30, 2006 at the age of 76. "I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you" Isaiah 42:6 Beloved husband, father, son-in-law, grandfather (Didi) and "Uncle Joe" has joined our Lord after recently being diagnosed with cancer. He will be deeply missed by his wife "honey" Jane; son, David, (Marilyn) Tonna; daughters, Nancy Tonna, Diane (Rich) Pieretti, Debra (Gary) Prince; grandchildren, Stephen Tonna, Stephanie Tonna, Lauren Pieretti, Garrett Prince and soon to be Margery Blain Tonna; son-in-law to Frances Barulich; stepbrother to George (Thelma) Gardiner; brother-in-law to John (Teresa) Barulich. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Michael Angelo Tonna, Margaret Tonna Gardiner; step-father, George "Curly" Gardiner and little sis, Diane Tonna Andrews and brother-in-law, Dave, Andrews. Born March 10, 1929, Joe was a true native San Franciscan, and a proud union member of the United Food and Commercial Workers (formally butcher's union) for 39 years. He very much enjoyed reminiscing with his family and friends about the "good ol days" in the Bay View and sharing stories about "Butcher Town". He always looked forward to the next reunion with his old pals. Joseph believed in strong work ethics, and his character reflected a man of integrity and faith. Everyone had respect for "Joe". The family thanks everyone for their prayers, visits, cards and phone calls, which lifted his spirits.³

     Joseph Tonna was born on 21 May 1945 in Rabat, Malta. He married Elizabeth Kennedy on 30 December 1967 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Joseph Tonna married Ramona Simons. Joseph Tonna died on 15 June 2007 at Las Vegas, NV, USA, at age 62.
     He emigrated from Malta in December 1952. He began military service in 1966 Enlistment Branch:      ARMY
Enlistment Date:      26 Jul 1966
Discharge Date:      16 Jul 1968; Vietnam.
Obituary: on 17 June 2007: JOSEPH TONNA Joseph Tonna, 62, of Las Vegas, died June 15, 2007. He was a retired police officer and served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, Ramona Simons; and sons, Daniel Joseph, and Paul Michael, both of Las Vegas, and Robert John of Fremont, Calif.
Obituary: on 24 June 2007: Joseph Tonna Age 62, passed away peacefully Friday, June 15, 2007. Beloved husband of Ramona Simons. Devoted father of Daniel Joseph, Robert John, and Paul Michael. Loving grandfather of Nicolas Anthony, Christopher Ryan, Daniel Alfonso, Christian Emanuel, and Jordon Paul. Son of Margaret Tonna. Brother of Jane R. Young, Marian V. Bugliarello, Mary L. Wetherell, Charles A. Tonna and Lisa Tonna. Retired San Francisco Deputy Sheriff and U.S. Marine veteran (Vietnam).¹

     Joseph Spiteri was born on 4 March 1923 in Hamrun, Malta.¹ He married Carmela Raphela Josephine Gajetana Spiteri, daughter of Gorgio Spiteri and Gajtana Spiteri, on 24 November 1946 at Hamrun, Malta.^1,2 Joseph Spiteri died on 22 December 2010 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 87.¹ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta Departed Malta in Dec 1946 on 5 January 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He emigrated from Malta on SS America, at NY, NY; Aunt Grace Bajada Fenech helped them out on arrival on 13 January 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.^1,2
Joseph Spiteri MHS questionnaire:
Memories of voyage: The first ship from Malta to South Hampton had separate quarters for men and women so we couldn't stay together at night. Then we stayed with my wife's uncle in South Hampton. We had to wait for the S.S. America to leave South Hampton. While traveling across the Atlantic, we encountered a storm, so it took longer to get to New York than scheduled. My wife, Carmen was very seasick. We had to sleep outside on the deck chairs so that she wouldn‘t be sick. We then had to take a train. When the train stopped in Reno, we were allowed to get off to buy something to eat but all we had was 25 cents left and we bought an apple to share. A soldier felt sorry for us and gave us a chocolate bar. Then we found out that the train stopped in Oakland and not San Francisco. We were afraid that my aunt would not be a the station and we wouldn't know how to get to San Francisco or have money for a taxi. But they were there waiting for us.     
Regarded immigration as permanent.
Jobs: Shoemaker making Ice Skates, also a security guard for Best Foods Co., and bartender at the Maltese American Social Club. Joined MASC in Jan 1947.
Has returned to Malta for a visit.
Spouse is Maltese. Has 4 children. Regards himself as a Maltese American.
First language was Maltese.
Schools: Preschool = Ta Nuna in Hamrun
Grammer School = Daughters of the Sacred Heart, in Hamrun; grades 5/6; liked reading and History of Malta; played soccer in December 1947. He in 1947. Joseph Spiteri and Carmela Raphela Josephine Gajetana Spiteri were listed in the 1950 US Census age 27, skating shoe mfg. shoemaker in San Francisco, CA, USA. Joseph Spiteri was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Treasurer, 58-61; awarded bar conversion, 62; Counsellor, 72; auditor, 76; treasurer, 80-81; recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club between 1958 and 1981 at San Francisco, CA, USA.

Joseph Spiteri was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 8 May 1985: Notice of Dissolution of Partnership: Notice is hereby given that JOSEPH SPITERI. EMANUEL FALZON. FRANK SPITERI (Frank Spiteri passed away in 1984. however prior to doing so he transferred his interest to the Frank Spiteri Living Trust wich continued as a partner) and EMANUEL SPITERI, heretofore doing business at 2490 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, Calfiomia as Partners under the firm name of SPITERI INVESTMENTS -at said address, have dissolved their Partnership as of April 8.1985, and by mutual consent JOSEPH SPITERI has the sole authority to pay and discharge all liabilities of the partnership, collect and receive all moneys payable to the partnership (if any), and to act In any manner which he deems nècessary to wind up the affairs of the partnership.
Per Josie Spiterie: This is my father’s business with my uncles. The 2 spiteri’s and the one falzon are my mother’s brothers and brother-in-law. Per son George: hat was the partnership dad was in for the building only.
The business was incorporated in 1974.

Joseph Spiteri was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 18 February 1992: Sculpting Skates For Olympic Feet -- Family’s clients take home medals -- BY TORRI MINTON
CHRONICLE Staff Writer
Before Joseph Spiteri took a boat to America, he had never seen ice. He was a shoemaker from Malta who was sick of making shoes. He’d been making them since age 12, working where rats crawled behind the leather. Once he picked up a sole shape soaking in water — but it was a dead rat Leaving his tools behind, he and his new wife, Carmen, arrived in America. They took a train from New York to Oakland, nearly broke. Soldiers bought them apples in Reno. They had 25 cents left when they arrived in the Bay Area, Jost enough to call relatives to bring them to San Francisco. They arrived on a Saturday in 1947. By Monday, Spiteri was back making shoes. “I never did like it,’* says Spiteri, 68, the smell of boot glue strong in the air around him. “But I had no choice.“ He did it for 15 years, making ballet slippers, tap shoe«, cowboy boots, flamenco shoes, sandals and a kind of shoe he’d never seen — ict skates. You’d think he would have had enough. But no. Spiteri started his own skate company in 1963, with a $20,000 loan from family and friends. Family-run SP-Terl of South San Francisco is now the second-biggest maker of skating boots in the country. It makes almost half the ice skates for American figure-skaters at the Olympics, and for Olympic skaters from England to Russia and beyond.
Shaping Skates of The Stars
Pair figure skaters who won gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals in the past few days bought SP-Teri boots: Unified Team members Artur Dmitriev, Natalia Mishkutionok, Denis Petrov and Elena Bechke; and Canadians Lloyd Eisler and Isabelle Brasseur. Handmade S P-Terls have covered the feet of champions like Tal Babilonla and partner Handy Gardner in 1960 and Scott Hamilton, 1984 Olymplc gold medalist. You'd think that by now, Joseph Splterl would quit making shoos. He's only boon doing it for 56 years.
But no. He still works six days a week. "It's in ny blood, to come here," he says. standing amid stacks and rolls of leather and flat foot-shaped boot linings, half- made boots ind the rumbling of leatherstiching sewing machines. Although his job of president has been tuned over to the Spiteri's son George, 42. Joseph is still in charge of soles and heels, and cuts patterns for custom boots. Carmen Splterl, 71, and daughter Teresa Lencioni, 37, clean the insides of the boots and lace them. They are the final inspectors. The family bufcness is a small operation, with 22 employees, making about 36 pairs of skate a day. All are handmade, one-quarter of them custom, costing as much as $500, not counting blades, which run from $140 to $440 for fancy freestyle Jumpers. Cousin Joseph Falzon, vice president, is working next to a veiny white plaster cast of the foot of Edith, an ice skater with large bunions. She has a corn on her second toe and her feet bend inward. She wants custom skates, and she will get them. So will a coach from Colorado who wants pink suede skates with a red heart at the ankle. So will Snoopy. S P-Teri is working on an order for the woman who plays Snoopy at Chartes Schulz’s ice rink in Santa Rosa. Pedro Becerra, bootmaker to the stars, is in charge of things like red hearts at the ankle. Before his 20 years at S P-Teri, he made boots for musicians like Santana and The Who, boots with secret hollow heels and extra zippers strategically placed. George Spiteri came to this business the way his father did. He wasn't looking forward to it He wanted to go into accounting and took a job in skates just to pay for college. By the time he graduated, he started to like the work. He was getting to know skaters, watching them grow up, watching them compete. The Spiteri family attends four to five major skating competitions a year. George says he’s become close friends with some, skaters, like Charles Tickner, winner of the Olympic bronze in I960.


He and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were Maltese Business was the founder of SP-Teri, Inc., a world famous skating shoe company.

Joseph Spiteri was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 9 February 2002: WINTER OLYMPICS / Skates fit for champions / Family firm crafts stars' custom boots
Anastasia Hendrix, Chronicle Staff Writer, Feb. 9, 2002
A glance at Joseph Spiteri's gentle hands reveals the toll taken by making more than a million stiff leather boots for ice skaters' feet.
His swollen fingers are stained from 50 years of exposure to the paints and glues used on every one -- fumes so familiar he can no longer detect them. The tip of his right pinky is missing, the result of accidentally activating a leather-cutting machine more than 20 years ago.
The calluses and cuticles caked with boot polish symbolize the perfectionism that has made his boots the choice of the biggest stars on ice --including U.S. Olympic figure skating team favorites Michelle Kwan and Timothy Goebel. As she strokes her way to the center of the rink later this month in her quest for a gold medal, Kwan will probably be wearing one of the three pairs of custom-made boots Spiteri, 79, designed and delivered to her in October. Men's skating star Timothy Goebel has become famous for his record-setting quadruple jumps, made in boots that were stitched, soled and styled by hand at Spiteri's South San Francisco factory.
Spiteri cut the pattern for Goebel's size 7B and Kwan's size 5AAA boots himself, in the garage of his Portola district home in San Francisco on a standard manila folder -- just as he has since he first started making boots shortly after coming to America from his native Malta at age 23. It's quieter at home, he explained, and he can concentrate better than amid the whirl of activity at his 10,000-square-foot warehouse. In contrast to the modern machinery inside, Spiteri's methods for finding the perfect fit haven't changed since he founded his namesake company in 1963. Working from a pencil tracing of the skater's bare foot, Spiteri calculates the specific angles and adjustments needed to support the skater. He must take into consideration every spur, fallen arch, knobby joint and twisted toe, as well as the age and weight of the skater. Some orders from far away include detailed photographs, which he uses to formulate the final design. The whole mathematical process takes him about 20 minutes. "After a while, you begin to figure it out automatically," he said, pointing to the various fractions and abbreviations written on the paper pattern. "But I feel like I am still learning because everyone's feet are so different." Spiteri said he has come to love the intricacies of designing scalloped lacing holes or creating special shapes for skaters with missing toes or physical abnormalities, but he admits his fondness for the craft did not come naturally.
He had hoped to leave his shoe-making days behind when he and his new wife arrived in the Bay Area, but there were bills to pay, and he was good at it, so he quickly returned to the trade he had learned in the "old country." Spiteri was later hired by Louis Harlick. He learned to make skating boots from the man whose San Carlos company remains one of his biggest competitors. It was 1963 when Spiteri split with Harlick and started his own business, which he named SP-Teri because he thought it would be easier for people to pronounce and remember than his last name. There were many difficulties at first, said Spiteri, shaking his head and laughing at the recollection of the confusing business letters he sent while learning English.
But the boots spoke for themselves. The business grew, and so did his family. He and his wife, Carmen, raised two sons and two daughters, although none of them became serious skaters. His son George, 52, married a skating coach and is now president of the company. Daughter Tessy Lencioni and her mother are in charge of lacing the boots, fitting them with custom insoles and packaging them. Now that George's oldest son, Aaron, works at the company, there are three generations under the same roof.
George Spiteri, who lives in Redwood City, has watched his father's company outgrow two San Francisco workshops, moving to its current site between Highways 280 and 101. He also oversees the final fittings when customers come to pick up their prized skates -- which can cost more than $1,000 once the blades are attached. Part of the process involves heating the boot in a Toastmaster convection oven in the lobby. After five minutes at 200 degrees, a blue plastic kitchen timer rings and the skater puts on the warm, now pliable, leather boot to mold to the foot as it cools. The process may be novel, but so are some of the custom skates they've made over the years. Though the majority of the skates are white, beige or black, boots with leopard-, giraffe- and zebra-print leather have become quite popular, mostly among coaches who no longer have to coordinate them with sparkly costumes for competitions. During Operation Desert Storm, a skater in Texas ordered camouflage leather boots. More recently, some skaters have asked to have an American flag stitched on the side of their boots. Because the majority of serious ice skaters are young girls, skates in purple and pink suedes are perennial favorites. And some customers have asked the Spiteris to sign the bottom of their skates or autograph the box holding their brand-new boots. But the Spiteris don't expect Olympic fever to result in more orders for skating boots, even though the extensive coverage traditionally boosts profits at ice rinks and apparel shops. Parents of beginning skaters and those who skate occasionally usually wait until they are more skilled or serious about the sport before investing in SP-Teris. Even George Spiteri opted to buy his daughter's first skates from a rival manufacturer instead of making them himself.
He may be practical about skates, but he admits he's less pragmatic when it comes to watching a skater wearing SP-Teri boots perform in a high-stakes competition.
"It's just too nerve-racking," he says, wincing at the thought of watching Kwan compete. Joseph Spiteri said he would "probably watch," then looked skyward and said, "Oh God, oh God, I pray for her." More than likely, the Spiteris will be at the factory while the skaters perform, tending to orders from those aspiring to fill Kwan's boots one day.
Obituary: on 27 December 2010: Joseph Spiteri Resident of San Francisco Born in Hamrun, Malta, March 4, 1923, passed away in his sleep on December 22, 2010. Leaving a loving wife, Carmen, of 64 years, also from Hamrun. His sons Charles and George, daughters Tessy Lencioni and Josie Ghiglieri, 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, 3 brothers and 2 sisters, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-laws also survive him. Joseph immigrated to San Francisco with his wife in January 1947. He worked as a shoemaker on Market Street, above the Embassy theatre. He began making ice and roller skating boots with his employer and eventual partner shortly afterwards. In August 1963 he founded his own company, SP-Teri Company, making skating boots. His first shop was on 7th Street, and then moved to San Bruno Avenue in the Portola District. For the last 20 years he has been in South San Francisco. Up to his last week many of his customers would see him in the office. He continued to cut the custom patterns, preparing materials for the workers, and doing the final inspection on boots before they were packed. His custom and stock made skates were relished all around the United States, Canada, and Europe and now in Asia. Many National, World and Olympic skaters and champions wore his boots as well as show skaters and professional coaches. He was an active member of 64 years in the San Francisco Maltese American Social Club. The Club was originally on Oakdale Street in San Francisco; but eventually moved to South San Francisco. He became a member immediately upon arriving in San Francisco. Many of the members knew him as il Lovey or JS. During the earlier days he would be socializing or playing cards at the club 6 days of the week. In the last 15 years he visited the club on Sundays and for special events. He was also a 26-year member of the St. Elizabeth-Maltese Society at the St. Elizabeth Church; and, the Maltese Cross Foundation on the Peninsula. In September 2009 the Prime Minister of Malta, along with other Maltese government officials as well as the Ambassador from Malta, visited him. They honored him at his factory with a plaque presented by the Prime Minister for his achievement. And this year he was awarded an Honorary Life Club Membership by the Hamrun Spartans Football Club. Joseph was proud in having immigrated to San Francisco where many of his family members also immigrated after him; and created many new friends in his community. His devoted family and close friends, surely, will miss him.³
Joseph Spiteri MASC dedicated the bar at the club as the J.S. Bar, and awarded him a plaque that hangs at the club for his years of service: "The J.S. Bar, Joseph Spiteri, Honorary Member, In recognition of 64 years (1947-2010) of continuous membership and service to the Maltese Club, which he loved so dearly. His loyalty and exemplary character served as an inspiration to all who knew him. Joe earned the respect and admiration of his fellow members. 29th Day of December 2010"
on 29 December 2010.

Joseph Spiteri was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle in December 2019: SP-Teri: A Family Affair
from November/December 2019 PS Magazine by Professiona Skaters Association
By Terri Milner Tarquini
Joseph Spiteri was both a product and the embodiment of The Greatest Generation. Known as such because the men and women born in 1900 through the 1930s did not set out to seek fame or recognition, The Greatest Generation believed that whatever they chose to do should be done well. These are the values that make up the fabric of a man who founded and built a company that is still one of the leading custom boot manufacturers in the U.S. and the world. “Once my dad became committed to making skates, he believed they should be the best skates they could be,” said son George Spiteri of Joseph, who founded SP-Teri Boots over five decades ago. “He believed in working five, six, seven days a week—whatever it took— to satisfy the customer.” Joseph had been a cobbler in his native Malta, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, before migrating to San Francisco in 1946 as a newly-married 23-year-old. He soon heard of Joe Galdes, also from Malta, who owned a shoe shop and was partners with Louis Harlick.

“He thought he would work there for a little while, get some money in his pocket and move on to other opportunities,” George said of the shop that constructed such offerings as riding boots, ballet slippers, flamenco boots, and dance shoes. But fate intervened in 1947 when some ice dancers who were in need of skates approached Harlick. Back then, skating boots were really only available in Minnesota, Chicago, and New York and were essentially two layers of leather—basically a riding boot, but cut lower and with laces. Harlick saw an opportunity in the industry. In short order, Joseph became the head designer of skates for the company and, Galdes having been previously bought out, a partner of Harlick’s in the 1950s, along with Jack Henderson. “During this time, they developed one stock boot and one custom boot for figure skaters,” George said, “and they stopped making all other lines of footwear. So, skating was it.” Those were the years when George was putting in time at what would one day be his future—although he didn’t know it then. “I wasn’t even a teenager yet and my dad was still with Mr. Harlick,” George said. “I’d go sweep the floors and empty garbage cans for four hours and Mr. Harlick would give me a dollar—which was a big deal back then.” In 1960, at a time when there was no cure, Harlick was diagnosed with cancer. He decided to liquidate his ownership, selling to Henderson and his brother, Bob, thereby giving them 80 percent of the company. In 1962, Joseph sold his 20 percent to the Hendersons, resulting in what is still Harlick Skate Company, and in August the following year, Joseph started his own business. “My dad never thought about making skates for Olympic and World skaters; he just knew that there were skaters out there who needed skates,” George said. “And he had a wife and four kids to provide for. My dad had spent 15 years making skating boots, so that’s what he knew how to do—and he knew how to do it well.”

What those humble beginnings ended up growing into was something that always boggled the mind of Joseph, the one-time cobbler from Malta. “We were making boots for the Santees when they were 10 years old; we didn’t know what they would go on to do, we just knew that there were these two brothers out there who needed skates,” George said. “Paul Wylie, Charlie Tickner, Dorothy Hamill, Nicole Bobek, Christopher Bowman—they were all just kids who needed skates. You don’t know when they’re young that they’re going to go on and become these big names.” While George’s path to the world of skating manufacturing might seem more predictable than that of his father, it actually was not. “My dad told me throughout high school to go work for the government,” George said. “’You’ll have insurance. You’ll have vacation time.’ So that’s what I did.” But it was while working at a naval shipyard as a draftsman in 1969, George had a low draft number and knew the Vietnam War was about to come calling, that he enlisted. When he got out of the service, he went to college, while working at the family skate business, and graduated with an accounting degree in 1978. “By then, we had moved to a bigger location and we were one of the boot makers for higher level skaters,” George said. “I was running a lot of the business because I understood finances and we were growing and growing—we had 10 to 12 weeks of back logs for orders. It hadn’t been the plan, but I decided to stay with the family business.” In a facility they have inhabited for the last 30 years, and after more than a half-a-century as a family-owned and operated business, George made the call earlier this year to sell the manufacturing assets of SP-Teri Co. Inc. Now SP-Teri LLC, the manufacturing operations have moved to Tennessee under new president Bill Fauver. George has been traveling to the new site to aid in the transition and will continue as a consultant for the company.
In addition, the formerly SP-Teri Co. Inc. will be renamed to A & G Skate Shop, run by George and his son, Aaron. Located in their same location in south San Francisco, they will continue to sell skates and accessories and provide sharpening services. “I have files going back 15 years of custom boots with patterns and instructions,” George said. “My goal is to aid Bill, who I have known and worked with for a very long time, to have everything he needs and to establish wonderful relationships with the dealers and the coaches.” Fauver, a five-time national pairs skater, with four silver medals and one bronze medal, and a two-time Olympian, was also a dealer of SP-Teri boots, worked closely with George through the years, and knew a good product when he saw it. “The number one thing is that the materials used are the highest quality possible and none of that is going to change,” Fauver said. “Each recipe, if you will, for each boot is slightly different, but the materials and craftsmanship is unparalleled. The boots are made from leather, which articulates with the foot and has a natural return to it. While we plan on marketing it in a more expansive way with a new website and expanding into social media, the base of the company is the same and we are carrying on the heritage.” Part of that heritage, and the success that SP-Teri has continued to enjoy, is grounded in evolution. “My dad started with two models: a stock boot and a custom boot,” George said. “Now SP-Teri has 10 models. We have always developed through the years, while maintaining the quality, and I know that that will continue.”
Fauver, a Level V ranked and master-rated coach, is keenly aware that injuries are becoming more frequent in figure skating and that it needs to be a priority for skate manufacturers to address these concerns. “We will be stocking the same core quality products, but we are looking at introducing some additional offerings that will still be manufactured using the same equipment and the same materials, but have some additional benefits,” Fauver said. “If we can introduce a product that increases safety and improves performance, it would do so much for the sport.” Fauver, founder and president of Avanta Skating Boots from 2012-2014, was at a U.S. Figure Skating boot summit about 10 years ago where the major boot companies put their heads together. “Following the summit, U.S. Figure Skating came out with four recommendations they were looking for in skates,” Fauver said. “A slightly lower heel, more flexibility, lateral support and shock absorption on jump landings.”
Almost a decade later, a unique idea from 2010 might now come to fruition: Fauver holds a patent on the Variable Flexion Resistance Sports Boot.
“The patent is for a boot design that has the first three things that U.S. Figure Skating was looking for,” Fauver said. “Additionally, I designed an air bladder for inside a skate that is also covered in the patent and it would address the fourth.” Fauver likens the air bladder to the air discs inside football helmets—an addition that, when the player is hit, the disc compresses, lengthening the shock absorption process. “This would eventually be another offering in skating boots,” Fauver said. “I think there is more than an itch for an increasingly well-made, high quality boot that can do even more for the skater.”
As George Spiteri, 70, is helping in the transition, and is eyeing some time to spend more time fishing with his son, go swing dancing and ballroom dancing with his wife, and continue in local community theater, the future of the company his father started 56 years ago is still at the forefront.
“The most important thing, and I do not doubt this, is that I know the new company will maintain the quality and fit of the current models, while developing new models that will continue to move the company, and what it can provide the skating world, forward,” George said. “It’s still the SP-Teri name; that’s our family name. What that name has meant to skaters through the years—all of that will continue.”. Joseph Spiteri also went by the name of il Lovey or JS.

     Carmela Raphela Josephine Gajetana Spiteri was born on 30 May 1919 in Hamrun, Malta.¹ She married Joseph Spiteri, son of Francisco Spiteri and Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada, on 24 November 1946 at Hamrun, Malta.^1,2 Carmela Raphela Josephine Gajetana Spiteri died on 11 February 2011 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 91.¹ She was buried at Holy Cross, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     She emigrated from Malta Departed Malta in Dec 1946 on 5 January 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ She emigrated from Malta on SS America, at NY, NY; Aunt Grace Bajada Fenech helped them out on arrival on 13 January 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.^1,2 She and Joseph Spiteri were listed in the 1950 US Census age 27, skating shoe mfg. shoemaker in San Francisco, CA, USA. Carmela Raphela Josephine Gajetana Spiteri was a Worked with husband at SP-Teri Company. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Treasurer, 58-61; awarded bar conversion, 62; Counsellor, 72; auditor, 76; treasurer, 80-81; recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club between 1958 and 1981 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She witnessed the Newspaper of Joseph Spiteri and Maltese In the News on 18 February 1992; Sculpting Skates For Olympic Feet -- Family’s clients take home medals -- BY TORRI MINTON
CHRONICLE Staff Writer
Before Joseph Spiteri took a boat to America, he had never seen ice. He was a shoemaker from Malta who was sick of making shoes. He’d been making them since age 12, working where rats crawled behind the leather. Once he picked up a sole shape soaking in water — but it was a dead rat Leaving his tools behind, he and his new wife, Carmen, arrived in America. They took a train from New York to Oakland, nearly broke. Soldiers bought them apples in Reno. They had 25 cents left when they arrived in the Bay Area, Jost enough to call relatives to bring them to San Francisco. They arrived on a Saturday in 1947. By Monday, Spiteri was back making shoes. “I never did like it,’* says Spiteri, 68, the smell of boot glue strong in the air around him. “But I had no choice.“ He did it for 15 years, making ballet slippers, tap shoe«, cowboy boots, flamenco shoes, sandals and a kind of shoe he’d never seen — ict skates. You’d think he would have had enough. But no. Spiteri started his own skate company in 1963, with a $20,000 loan from family and friends. Family-run SP-Terl of South San Francisco is now the second-biggest maker of skating boots in the country. It makes almost half the ice skates for American figure-skaters at the Olympics, and for Olympic skaters from England to Russia and beyond.
Shaping Skates of The Stars
Pair figure skaters who won gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals in the past few days bought SP-Teri boots: Unified Team members Artur Dmitriev, Natalia Mishkutionok, Denis Petrov and Elena Bechke; and Canadians Lloyd Eisler and Isabelle Brasseur. Handmade S P-Terls have covered the feet of champions like Tal Babilonla and partner Handy Gardner in 1960 and Scott Hamilton, 1984 Olymplc gold medalist. You'd think that by now, Joseph Splterl would quit making shoos. He's only boon doing it for 56 years.
But no. He still works six days a week. "It's in ny blood, to come here," he says. standing amid stacks and rolls of leather and flat foot-shaped boot linings, half- made boots ind the rumbling of leatherstiching sewing machines. Although his job of president has been tuned over to the Spiteri's son George, 42. Joseph is still in charge of soles and heels, and cuts patterns for custom boots. Carmen Splterl, 71, and daughter Teresa Lencioni, 37, clean the insides of the boots and lace them. They are the final inspectors. The family bufcness is a small operation, with 22 employees, making about 36 pairs of skate a day. All are handmade, one-quarter of them custom, costing as much as $500, not counting blades, which run from $140 to $440 for fancy freestyle Jumpers. Cousin Joseph Falzon, vice president, is working next to a veiny white plaster cast of the foot of Edith, an ice skater with large bunions. She has a corn on her second toe and her feet bend inward. She wants custom skates, and she will get them. So will a coach from Colorado who wants pink suede skates with a red heart at the ankle. So will Snoopy. S P-Teri is working on an order for the woman who plays Snoopy at Chartes Schulz’s ice rink in Santa Rosa. Pedro Becerra, bootmaker to the stars, is in charge of things like red hearts at the ankle. Before his 20 years at S P-Teri, he made boots for musicians like Santana and The Who, boots with secret hollow heels and extra zippers strategically placed. George Spiteri came to this business the way his father did. He wasn't looking forward to it He wanted to go into accounting and took a job in skates just to pay for college. By the time he graduated, he started to like the work. He was getting to know skaters, watching them grow up, watching them compete. The Spiteri family attends four to five major skating competitions a year. George says he’s become close friends with some, skaters, like Charles Tickner, winner of the Olympic bronze in I960.



Obituary: on 13 February 2011: Carmen Spiteri May 30, 1919 February 11, 2011 Passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side. She was predeceased by her dearly beloved husband of 64 years, Joseph. She leaves behind children Charles (Bonny), George (Jacki), Tessy Lencioni (Emil), & Josie Ghiglieri (Steve); 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Falzon of San Bruno, CA and Emily DeGiorgio of Malta; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Born in Hamrun, Malta, Carmen was a devout parishioner of St. Elizabeth Church, a 26 year member of its Maltese Society, a proud longtime member & friend to the Maltese American Social Club, and belonged to the Maltese Cross Foundation of the Peninsula. Traveling to Europe with her family-especially to her beloved Malta-was one of her life's greatest joys. A tireless woman, she also enjoyed working alongside her husband at the SP-Teri Ice Skating Boot Company for many years, helping to make its products world-renowned. An affectionate and doting mother, Carmen was happiest when surrounded by her family. Ensuring her family's well-being, coupled with her deep faith were the true sources of her joy for living. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Friends may visit on Tuesday after 4:00PM, with a rosary at 7:30PM all at Valente Marini Perata & Co., 4840 Mission St., San Francisco and the funeral mass will be held on Wednesday at 10:00AM at St. Elizabeth Church, Somerset and Wayland Sts., San Francisco. Committal to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma. Carmela Raphela Josephine Gajetana Spiteri was also known as Carmen Spiteri.

     Francisco Spiteri was born on 31 March 1893 in Sannat, Gozo, Malta.¹ He married Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada, daughter of Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada and Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese.¹ Francisco Spiteri died on 18 September 1953 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 60.¹ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was a Sargent in Maltese Army between 1940 and 1945. He emigrated from Malta Entire family emigrated. on 12 March 1948 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ As of 1950, Francisco Spiteri was also known as Francis Spiteri. He and Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada were listed in the 1950 US Census age 57, no occupation in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 19 September 1953: SPITERI In this city, September 18. 1953. Frank, beloved husband of Josephine Splterl. devoted father of Charles, Frank, Joseph, Anthony. Sam, Gaeto, Spiro, Paul and Margaret Splterl snd Mrs. Mary Galdez, a native of Malta. Francisco Spiteri was also known as Cikku Spiteri. Francisco Spiteri was also known as Frank Spiteri.
Francisco Spiteri Family nickname: Ta Katit.

     Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada was born on 9 January 1899 in Hamrun, Malta.¹ She married Francisco Spiteri, son of Joseph Spiteri and Margaret Vella.¹ Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada died on 15 February 1970 at Palo Alto, CA, USA, at age 71.¹ She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Spiteri.¹ She emigrated from Malta on 29 March 1948 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ She and Francisco Spiteri were listed in the 1950 US Census age 57, no occupation in San Francisco, CA, USA. As of 1950, Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada was also known as Josephine Spiteri. She was naturalized on 24 March 1964 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 16 February 1970: SPITERI, Josephine — In Palo Alto Feb. 15. 1970. Josephine Spiteri. beloved wife of the iate Francis Spiteri. devoted mother of Charles, Frank. Joseph. Anthony. Sam, Gaeto. Spiro and Paul Spiteri. Mrs. Mary Galdes and Mrs. Margaret Galdes; endeared sister of Charles. Anthony and Spiro Bajada and Mrs. Grace Fenech; loving grandmother of thirty-four grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren-, a native of Malta, a member of the Third Order of St. Francis of St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and the Legion of Mary.
Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada Ta'Somma.

     Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada was born on 6 June 1868 in Hamrun, Malta; age 60 in 1930 census; age 71 in 1940 census; Munxar & Sannat, Gozo also given.¹ He married Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese, daughter of Salvatore Genovese and Maria Teresa Bugeja, on 3 June 1894.³ Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada was issued a Maltese Passport age 45 on 26 May 1913. Declared destination was Baltmore, MD, USA.² He died on 22 September 1943 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 75.¹ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada was also known as Saverio Bajada.² He was a grocer and lace merchant at Hamrun, Malta.
Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada issued a passport for Tunis, Tunisia. on 26 March 1912.
Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada to enter Baltimore, MD USA from Malta (Passport #991) on 26 May 1913. Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada left in 1914 to Argentina; He then went to Canada and then to San Francisco. His son, Charles went with him. He emigrated from Malta where he was rejected for entrance in to the USA due to Trachoma on 31 March 1914 to USA.¹ First Maltese in America (?) was among the first Maltese in San Francisco, CA He was traveling with his son Carmelo BAJADA b. 28 AUG 1896 who passed the immigration physical and was among the first Maltese in San Francisco, CA in 1914. When Saverio was rejected for immigration, he went to Argentina where he leased land for farming for two years. His farming was unsuccessful and he then immigrated in 1917 to San Francisco, CA, USA. in 1917 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada and Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese were listed in the 1930 US Census age 60, wood industry laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁴ Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada and Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese were listed in the 1940 US Census age 71, none; and "son Charles Bajada" 21 (~1919), Malta, wool fuller; per Josie Ghiglieri, this was her uncle Charles Spiteri in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁵
Obituary: on 24 September 1943: BAJADA In this city, Sept. 22, 1943, Saverio, beloved husband of Carmela Bajada, devoted father of Charles, Anthony and Splro Bajada, Mrs, Josephine Splteri and Mrs. Grace Fenech; a native ol Malta, aged 76 years. Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada was also known as Salvatore or Saverio Bajada.
Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada Ta' l-Imghieret.
Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada Family nickname: Ta Summa
also given “Tal-Hanut”. Research: Greatgranddauther Josie Ghighieri says that there were no children named Charles; a Charles Bajada listed as "son" in 1940 is Charles Spiteri; census; but 1943 obit gives son Charles.

     Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese was born on 31 August 1874 in Samra Village, Qormi, Malta; age 34 in 1920 census; age 55 in 1930 census; age 66 in 1940 census.¹ She married Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada, son of Michel Angelo Bajada and Grazia Angela Maria Bugeja, on 3 June 1894.¹ Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese died on 27 January 1944 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 69. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Bajada.¹ She was living in 1920 in Hamrun, Malta. She emigrated from Malta Contact: brother Giuseppi Spiteri on 19 July 1926 to New York, NY, USA.² She and Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada were listed in the 1930 US Census age 60, wood industry laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese and Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada were listed in the 1940 US Census age 71, none; and "son Charles Bajada" 21 (~1919), Malta, wool fuller; per Josie Ghiglieri, this was her uncle Charles Spiteri in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁴ Research: Ancestry family tree gives parents as Salvatore Genovese and Maria Teresa Buttigieg; Death index: Mother's Maiden Name
Buttieg
Father's Surname
Genuis.

     Lawrence Charles Bajada was born on 15 September 1920 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 9/12 in 1920 census; age 9 in 1930 census; age 19 in 1940 census.¹ He married Mary Fenech, daughter of Philip Fenech and Antonia Cutajar, on 14 December 1941 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Lawrence Charles Bajada died on 23 August 1999 at Sacramento, CA, USA, at age 78.
     Lawrence Charles Bajada was also known as Lorenzo Bajada. As of 1920, Lawrence Charles Bajada was also known as Charles Bajada.² He was listed in the 1920 US census of Samuel Bajada and Carmela Bugeja in 1920 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; Sam, age 36, sugar refinery laborer; next door to Frank Sammit, age 35.² Lawrence Charles Bajada was listed in the 1930 US Census of Samuel Bajada and Carmela Bugeja in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 45, fruit dealer.¹ Lawrence Charles Bajada was listed in the 1940 US Census of Samuel Bajada and Carmela Bugeja in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 56, shipyards janitor.³ Lawrence Charles Bajada began military service on 14 February 1942 WWII Draft. He began military service on 9 November 1942 enlistment. He attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962.
Obituary: on 24 August 1999: BAJADA LARRY Born September 15 1920 in San Francisco Ca Passed away August 23 1999 at age 78 He leaves behind his beloved wife Mary of 57 Years Loving daughter Marilyn and her husband Mike Jones of Vienna Va His adored grandchildren Jeff and Stephanie Jones His dear sisters Mary Devoti of San Mateo and Rita Aufort and husband Rene of Milil-brac Ca He will also be missed by sister in law Jo Mencil and her husband George and many nieces nephews and friends Larry moved to Sacramento 57 years ago working for the US Government for 33 Years of service as a young man he was a talented musician and was affiliated with the Southern Pacific Band and other orchestras in San Francisco He was a member of the River Park Garden Club and Sons in Retirement Branch No 117.

     Mary Josephine Bajada was born on 1 January 1909 in Hamrun, Malta; age 12 in 1920 census; age 21 in 1930 census; age 31, CA, in 1940 census.² She married Joseph Maria Cauchi, son of Nicola Paola Cauchi and Michelina Camilleri, on 14 January 1934 at San Francisco, CA, USA; also Feb 11, 1934.³ Mary Josephine Bajada married David Devoti on 27 November 1976 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Mary Josephine Bajada died on 17 September 2004 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 95.
     She emigrated from Malta on 28 July 1916 to New York, NY, USA. She and Carmela Bugeja were listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 28 July 1916 going to Boston, MA, USA; age 30, to husband Salvatore Bajada, in San Francisco. Mary Josephine Bajada was listed in the 1920 US census of Samuel Bajada and Carmela Bugeja in 1920 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; Sam, age 36, sugar refinery laborer; next door to Frank Sammit, age 35.² Mary Josephine Bajada was listed in the 1930 US Census of Samuel Bajada and Carmela Bugeja in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 45, fruit dealer.¹ Her married name was Cauchi.³ Mary Josephine Bajada was naturalized in 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She and Joseph Maria Cauchi were listed in the 1940 US Census age 35, building construction laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ Mary Josephine Bajada and Joseph Maria Cauchi were listed in the 1950 US Census age 44, grocery warehouse in San Francisco, CA, USA. As of 27 November 1976,her married name was Devoti.
Obituary: on 21 September 2004: DeVOTI, Mary J. (Cauchl) - Passed away at her home Sept. 17.2004. at age 95. Dearly beloved mother of Ann Starck. Gerald Cauchl and Arlene Evans. Devoted grandmother of Kathleen M. Kesten. Karen Gürtler. Gerald J. Cauchl. David L. Cauchi. Leslie A. Longman. Lisa M. Frederick. Patrica L. Swartz. Joseph D. McClelland. Sean J. O’Shea and Jonn W. McClelland. Cherished great-grand mother of 14. Loving sister of Rita Aufort. A native of Malta. Mary was a member of AARP and the Gregorian’s. She was active at the San Mateo Senior Center An avid bridge player, playing with many social bridge groups.

     Louise Bajada was born on 30 May 1917 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 3 6/12 in 1920 census.¹ She died on 1 July 1928 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 11. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     She was listed in the 1920 US census of Samuel Bajada and Carmela Bugeja in 1920 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; Sam, age 36, sugar refinery laborer; next door to Frank Sammit, age 35.¹
Obituary: on 4 July 1928: Bajada—In this City July 1. 1928 Louise Bajada. a native of San Francisco.

     Charles P. Spiteri was born on 15 April 1919 in Hamrun, Malta.¹ He married Ruth Schlueter on 3 January 1947 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Charles P. Spiteri died on 15 March 1994 at Napa Co., CA, USA, at age 74.²
     He emigrated from Malta on 29 July 1937 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada and Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 71, none; and "son Charles Bajada" 21 (~1919), Malta, wool fuller; per Josie Ghiglieri, this was her uncle Charles Spiteri.³ Charles P. Spiteri and Ruth Schlueter were listed in the 1950 US Census age 30, hardwood floor co. foreman in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 20 March 1994: SPITERI, Charles P. Died March 15. 1994; h was a long-time resident of So. San Francisco and Napa County; survived by his wife Ruth; his 4 sons Frank, Michael. William, Ronald: 4 grandchildren; one great grandchild; he was a native ot Malta.

     Spiro Bajada was born on 5 April 1908 in Hamrun, Malta; age 21 in 1930 census; age 33 in 1940 census.^1,2 He was issued a Maltese Passport age 18, laborer; to reach his father on 30 June 1926. Declared destination was USA.³ He married Consolata Grech, daughter of Joseph Grech and Angela Sammut, on 17 January 1932 at St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church, San Francisco, CA, USA.^2,4 Spiro Bajada married Berty Hammers. Spiro Bajada and Berty Hammers were divorced in October 1968 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA; also 23 Mar 1978. Spiro Bajada married Cora Palma. Spiro Bajada died on 13 June 1986 at Burlingame, CA, USA, at age 78.
     Spiro Bajada was also known as Spiridione Bajada He was nicknamed “Sonny Boy” because he enjoyed Al Jolson’s songs. He emigrated with Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese on 19 July 1926 at New York, NY, USA; Contact: brother Giuseppi Spiteri.⁵ Spiro Bajada emigrated from Malta Daughter Dolores: my grand parents were first to arrive in the U.S in the 1920's with my parents. Father had an eye infection / something that wasn't accepted at Ellis Island so he went to Canada and then to South America. He stayed there for several years. on 19 July 1926 to USA. He was listed in the 1930 US Census of Saverio Nicola Antonio Bajada and Carmela Margherita Grazia Giorgia Genovese in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 60, wood industry laborer.¹ Spiro Bajada was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was One of the charter members per obit. He and Consolata Grech were listed in the 1940 US Census age 33, lock factory laborer; living next door to father Saverio in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁴ Spiro Bajada received military draft notice on 16 October 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA, age 32, Schlage Lock Co. He and Consolata Grech were listed in the 1950 US Census age 41, unemployed in San Francisco, CA, USA. Spiro Bajada was naturalized on 1 May 1970 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a witness One of the attendees at first Club elders dinner conceived of by President Joe Vella, honoring of the last ten surviving charter/pioneer members with a dinner and dance, specifically dedicated to them in October; The Honorees were: Spiro Bajada, John Tonna, Peter Camilleri, Frank Vella (Mgarr), Charles Borg, Joe Sapiano, Frank Cuschiere, Joe Vella (Gozo), Joe Schembri and Dominic Mifsud. We're sure that this must have been the nicest gesture these old-timers ever received from our club. with Joseph Jason Vella in October 1980.
Obituary: on 18 June 1986: BAJADA. Spiro — At rest: Friday, June 13. 1986; beloved husband of Cora Palma Bajada and the late Connie Grech Bajada; father of Dolores Herrera, Fred Bajiada and step-farther of Yolanda Vedovato and Mario Palma: father-in-law of Oscar Herrera and Mary Jo Bajada; loved by seven grandchildren, fourteen step-grandchildren and three great-grandsons; dearest brother of Anthony Bajada and Grace Fenech.- survived by several nieces, nephews and friends; born on the Isle of Malta 78 years ago and a Charter Member of Maltese/American Social Club, SF; retired Member of Machinists, Dist. 115.

     Frank Xavior Spiteri was born on 13 August 1920 in Hamrun, Malta. He married an unknown person at Malta; Married to mother of Eileen. He married Martha Gutierrez on 5 January 1952 at San Francisco, CA, USA; 2nd wife. Frank Xavior Spiteri died on 27 July 1994 at Menlo Park, CA, USA, at age 73. He was buried on 5 August 1994 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 12 March 1948 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Francisco Spiteri and Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 57, no occupation. Frank Xavior Spiteri was naturalized in 1955 at San Francisco, CA, USA; a barber.
Obituary: on 31 July 1994: SPITERI, Frank July 27. 1994, aged 73 years; beloved husband of the late Martha Spiteri; loving father of Benjamin and Eileen; cherished grandfather of Rena, Victoria and Michael; dear brother of Joseph. Anthony, Sam, Gaitu, Spiro Spiteri and Mary and Margie Galdes and the late Paul and Charles Spiteri; dearest father-in-law of Annette; loving companion of Natalie Mancuso. He will be missed by other loving relatives and friends. He was a Barber with the U.S. Naval Exchange on Treasure Island for 28 years. A resident of Menlo Park.

     Anthony Spiteri was born on 25 March 1924 in Hamrun, Malta.^1,2 He married Mary Baldwin, daughter of Frank Baldwin and Aristea Cassar, in 1945.² Anthony Spiteri died on 12 April 2014 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 90.³ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 15 April 1950 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was a head barber at the naval shipyard at Treasure Island.

Anthony Spiteri was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and held the Presidency of MASC the most times; Held multiple different MAS Club offices for 24 years: A/Sec 53-57, 74, 83; Secretary 59- 60, 71; Vice President 61, 64-66; President 57, 62-63, 65, 68-69, 72-73, 75-76; organized a Malta trip in 68; awarded resolution of appreciation at Club's 40th Anniv in 1969; awarded medal for Malta Migrant Conference in 69; rewarded a plaque in 72; served on revision of by-laws committee, 68, 72, 81; awarded certificate of appreciation, 82; named Honorary President 1984; Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999; was club Historian in 2004.
He witnessed the naturalization of Andrew Scerri on 16 October 1974 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; Joseph C Grech and Anthony Spiteri were witnesses.
Anthony Spiteri For the 75th Anniversary of the Club, Tony Spiteri wrote a history of the Maltese American Social Club, recording club information from 1929 to 2004. Joe Tanti, then President, and the Board of Directors edited the original version. The first 7 pages, numbered with roman numerals, are an introduction. Forty-three pages are a year by year history of the club from 1929 to 2004. Pages 47 to 59 are various lists.

on 2 October 2004.
Obituary: on 17 April 2014: Anthony Spiteri (1924 - 2014) -- 53 year resident of Millbrae, passed peacefully on April 12, 2014 at the age of 90. Survivors include wife of 68 years, Mary Spiteri, 6 children, Carmen Attard, Fina Fortes, Frank Spiteri, Anthony Spiteri Jr., Veronica Galea and Mark Spiteri, 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 1 brother and 2 sisters. Born in Malta, Anthony immigrated to U.S. in 1950 and pursued a 26-year career at Treasure Island Naval Base. Anthony served the Maltese Community through his life, achieving "Honorary President", Maltese American Social Club.³
Research in April 2022: Vera Spiteri Galea, the daughter of Anthony Spiteri, is currently in possession of the original copy of the History of the Maltese Social Club, written by her father for the 75th Anniversary of the MASC. This historical treasure is the only existing history of the MASC's early history.


Anthony Spiteri Family nickname: Pretty Boy.

     Savior Gerard Spiteri was born on 16 January 1926 in Hamrun, Malta.¹ He married Pauline Georgina Fenech, daughter of Joseph Fenech and Fortunata Vella, on 21 January 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Savior Gerard Spiteri died on 30 October 2011 at San Bruno, CA, USA, at age 85. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 13 June 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 13 June 1947 going to New York, NY, USA; age 21; from London, Eng; mother Josephine Spiteri in Hamrun; with brother Gaetan Spiteri; Destination San Francisco, uncle Anthony Bajada. He was a An upholsterer. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2000.
Obituary: on 2 November 2011: Sam Gerard Spiteri --On a glorious sunny afternoon at 3:22 PM we lost our dearly beloved father. He was a kind and gentle man who was loved by all. He will be truly missed and never forgotten. Born 1-16-26 Died 10-30-11, age 85. Born in Hamrun, Malta to Josephine and Frank Spiteri. Our father served with the British Army during World War II. He immigrated to the United States in 1947. He met and married the love of his life the deceased Pauline Spiteri. Together they raised seven children, Matthew, Joe, Marian, Frank, Larry, Patrick and Suzanne. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Survived by two brothers Anthony & Spiro Spiteri, and two sisters Mary & Margie Galdes. Preceded in death by 6 brothers. He also leaves behind many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends here and in Malta. Proud member of the Maltese American Club. Savior Gerard Spiteri was also known as Sam Gerard Spiteri.

     Gajanto Spiteri was born on 10 June 1926 in Hamrun, Malta.^1,2 He married Sharalyn Long.² Gajanto Spiteri died on 30 May 2009 at age 82.¹
     He emigrated from Malta on 13 June 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Francisco Spiteri and Giuseppa "Josephine" Gaetana Angiolina Bajada in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 57, no occupation. As of 1950, Gajanto Spiteri was also known as Gajetan Spiteri. Gajanto Spiteri was also known as Gaeto Spiteri. Gajanto Spiteri was also known as Gagetan Spiteri.²