Person Page - 3

     Jean Marie Dimech was born on 26 June 1926 in Mosta, Malta.¹ She married Joseph V. Camilleri Sr.² Jean Marie Dimech died on 6 April 1994 at Sonoma, CA, USA, at age 67.¹
     She emigrated from Malta in 1949 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Her married name was Camilleri.²
Obituary: on 7 April 1994: Camilleri, Jean Mary — April 6. 1994 at home in Sonoma: wife of Joseph V. Camil- leri; mother of Mary S. Smith. Janet R. Hardwick, Joanne H. Fiorucci. Theresa G. Cotter, Joseph V. CamiHeri, Jr; sister of Angelo Dimech, Manuel Dlmech and Rose Desira; grandmother of 13 and great grandmother of three: an active member of the ICF, Legion of Mary and St. Francis Parish; a meat packer for 15 yrs. for Dur buque Meat Co.. S.S.F.: a Sonoma resident since 1991; a native of Mosta, Malta; aged 67 years.

     Joseph Lawrence Dimech was born on 6 January 1928 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He died on 6 September 1983 at Dearborn, MI, USA, at age 55.¹
     He emigrated from Malta in 1948 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He served in the military US Army for 21 years; he served in Korea and Vietnam; master sergeant; #RA 16292195. He and Charles Dominic Dimech began military service at Fort Ord, Monterey Co., CA, USA, US Army.

     Emanuel Dimech was born on 30 May 1933 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Mary D Camilleri, daughter of Gio Maria Camilleri and Carmela Borg, in 1955 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Emanuel Dimech died on 9 April 1999 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 65.¹ He was buried on 16 April 1999 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1953 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was living in 1996 in Kelseyville, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1996.
Obituary: on 14 April 1999: DIMECH. Emmanuel - Lote of South San Francisco, and a Kelseyviiie resident for 6 years, entered.into rest at home on April.9, 1999. Beloved husband of Mary Dimeu.i for 44 years. Loving father of Joe, Christopher, Charles Dimech. and. Frances Krantz;dear brother of Angelo Dimech. Rose Désira, and the late Paul, Joe, Dominic Dimech; Jean Camilleri; loving grandfather of Jac, Michellet, Jacquelyn, and Monica. Also.survived by many other relatives here and in Malta. A native of Mosta, Maita aged 65 years; Emmanuel was a member of the So. San Francisco Maltese Club, and was formerly employed by Martinelli's for over 13 years.

     Rose Dimech was born on 6 November 1935 in Mosta, Malta.¹ She married Michael Desira.
     Her married name was Desira. Rose Dimech emigrated from Malta in 1966.¹ She was naturalized on 18 May 1984 at South San Francisco, CA, USA. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Supported remodel of Maltese Club between 1992 and 2009 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She was living in 1999. Rose Dimech was also known as Rosa T. (?)

     Fred Anthony Aquilina was born on 24 January 1941 in Gzira, Malta.¹ He married Ida Salvina Muscat, daughter of Angelo Antonio Guiseppe Muscat and Dorothy Karkeet Toupin, on 4 July 1964 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Biography Passage to America by CDR Fred Aquilina USNR (Ret)

It strains my memory to recount the events of 1947, some 72 years ago. I know, however, that on January 11, 1947, my mother, Philippa, her youngest daughter, Victoria “Vicky”, her second youngest son, Ronald, and myself, Fred, her youngest son, embarked on a journey that was to change the fate of our family of 10 children, two in-laws and four grandchildren forever. My memory evokes not a continuous narrative of events, but rather snippets of events that impressed me as a five-year- old.

Fred, Gzira, Malta, July 1944

Malta in 1946 was still recovering from the devastation of the War. Our family owned a home in Gzira with part of the first floor converted to a small neighborhood grocery store, a boon during wartime when food supplies were almost impossible to obtain. One of those snippets comes to mind. Owing to the food shortage, and despite owning the store, I remember Mom tasking the younger children with harvesting garden snails from the empty field behind our nearby parish church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. She would give us empty pots and we would bring them back filled with snails so she could feed the family. Since we lived within a mile or two of the main targets, the dockyards, our family was constantly heeding the air raid sirens and we seemed to be always running to the basement of our church. As we little ones slowed down the rest of the family, my mother used to take potato or flour sacks, and the older brothers would put us in them, feet first, and haul us to the air raid shelter at the church to wait out the bombings. The all clear did not come soon enough as the crowded, noisy, smelly shelter was an uncomfortable environment. As my parents were not happy with this arrangement, my father, Michael, and my older brothers Charlie and Manuel, dug an air raid shelter under the floor of the store which became our shelter for the duration of the War.
Having been born in January of 1941, at the time the Luftwaffe had joined the Italians in the campaign to destroy and occupy Malta, the air raids were incessant. They were more so at the time because the HMS Illustrious, a British aircraft carrier, was undergoing repairs at French Creek within a mile and a half of our home.
On January 9 the carrier, as part of Operation Excess, was on convoy duty from Alexandria, Egypt to Malta and when she was northwest of her destination, the Luftwaffe went after her with a vengeance. Forty Junkers bombers and Stukas viciously dive-bombed and wounded the Illustrious. That attack was shortly followed by a second attack by even more Ju-88 bombers. Severely damaged, with her steering gear out of commission and with 126 of her crew killed, she managed to limp into the Grand Harbour.
I was born at home during a horrendous air raid on the dockyards. Mom would never forget that day. During the late afternoon on the day of my birth, she was in her bedroom being attended to by a neighbor midwife. Although she was resting upstairs in bed, my father had arranged a cot under the stone staircase below their bedroom in the event she could not get to the shelter. By nightfall, with the sirens blaring, my father herded the family to the nearby air raid shelter. Alone with the midwife, under those stairs in the midst of the air raid, she gave birth. She would recall that the attacks on the dockyards were constant and the explosions loud from the bursting of the 1000 pounders which shook the house. The skies were filled with many Stukas and Junkers bombers that unleashed their lethal payloads on the dockyards of Malta. It was one of the most horrific and frightening days of her life.As a youngster, I recall about a dozen neighborhood children congregating in front of our store, and a couple of older boys would form us up like a small army. Then we would parade down Reid Street toward Manoel Island bridge. We marched and sang Maltese songs denouncing Hitler and Mussolini while the two older boys dangled effigies of the two enemies from broomsticks. It was like a scene out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Once we arrived at the middle of Manoel Bridge, the two boys took out matches and ignited the effigies of the hated Axis leaders. We all cheered as they burned, and when the fire was close to their hands, the boys heaved the burning remains into the water. It was an unforgettable experience for a youngster. Although I attended Stella Maris College for boys in Gzira, the only memory that comes to mind of school days is playing in the schoolyard rubble where we used to dart between the rocks and mounds of dirt with sticks in hand mimicking a rifle while shooting at an imaginary enemy. Another memory of that period is that we would line up and take some sort of medication (cod-liver oil?) or tablets to ward off illness. After the War, my mother made one of the most important decisions of her life. Although our family consisted of 10 children, only nine of us went through the bombings in Malta. The oldest son, Joe, in 1939, at the age of 22, embarked on the SS Queen Mary and immigrated to San Francisco. As we had cousins there, he had been corresponding with them quite frequently. They wrote about how great America was and sent him postcards displaying the beauties of the United States. One in particular, taken of Mt. Tallac in Lake Tahoe, not only created a life-long memory, but inspired him, as an amateur artist, to paint the scene of the alpine mountain. Mt. Tallac is unique because in early summer, when most of the snow has melted, there remains a huge snow-filled crevasse on the side of the mountain which forms a Christian cross laying on its side. These images of the beauty of America hooked him on moving to the States. In the U.S., he learned to be an upholsterer while working for his cousin, Tom Fenech, who owned a furniture store and whose wife, Jeanne, was my dad’s niece. All was going well until the War broke out with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The following year, although still not a citizen of the U.S., he was drafted into the Army and shipped to the Aleutian Islands. A young man, who had spent most of his life in the warmer climes of the Mediterranean, had been sent to the desolate, cold, windy and wet Arctic Aleutians. One day while on patrol there, Joe found himself in a blinding snow storm and blacked out from the cold. He was found lying unconscious in the snow, rescued and taken back to the base by native Aleuts. Shipped back to California for medical treatment, he was in a coma for quite a few months.
In October of 1946, while Joe was still in hospital recuperating and undergoing therapy, Mom had undergone enough worrying and heartache and told Dad of her plans to go visit him in the States. She would take the three youngest children with her while the rest of the family would continue running the store till her return. That's what she said. But that would change once she experienced life in the States. That day of departure in January 1947 was a sad day for my father and the remaining four daughters and two brothers. My sister Jane recalls weeping incessantly and kept asking why Mom was not taking her to America. Mom replied that her father needed Jane to help the older sisters assist Dad with all the chores that would be required.

Citta di Tunis

We boarded the Italian ferry Citta di Tunis at Valletta on that cold, breezy, winter evening and settled down for the first leg of our trip, the sea voyage to Toulon, France. As the lights of Valletta disappeared on the horizon, Mom explained to my brother and sister that they had to help her keep an eye on me. And they did until by morning the effects of the choppy sea and the undulation of the ship got to my brother. He was so seasick he could no longer keep me company. Of course, I got bored as I had no one to play with. I did not get seasick and, in fact, I actually enjoyed riding through the swells, so much so that I wandered to the main deck of the ship to see the action outside. I don't know how I slipped my Mother's watchful eye, but I did. Once there, I looked around and could see the cargo on the deck and even a couple of trucks lashed down. I meandered to the forecastle enjoying the motion of the rising and fall of the ship and noticed an oval opening in the starboard bow. It was a couple feet high and a couple feet wide. Although I did not know it at the time, I had discovered the hawsehole (in the Navy, we knew it as the hawsepipe) the hole through which the anchor chain passes as it is released and falls into the sea. A perfect spot to enjoy riding the swells for a boy55], a couple weeks short of his sixth birthday. I made my way there, then I laid prone on the cold deck and stuck my head and chest out the hole. And I had the ride of a lifetime. As the bow cut through the waves, my jutting head would go down towards the foaming sea. My small head seemed to be kissing the waves, then the ship would rise up again. The cold, misty ocean spray jolted me at first but the thrill of the ride overcame the cold spray. I don't know how long I "rode the waves" as I was oblivious to anything but enjoying the moment. Up and down. Up and down. The fun and enjoyment were abruptly interrupted by a deck hand pulling my prone body out of the hawsepipe. Although he tried to put on a stern face, I could see a slight smile on it. He was glad to have found me, but probably thought, "what kids will do". He took me by the hand and escorted me back to the main cabin. A crowd of passengers and crewmen were gathered around my mother and siblings. Apparently, the ship had gone to "general quarters" in the search for me. Heads were shaking, there were dour faces and smiles of relief and astonishment. Although I don't remember being scolded for my escapade, I imagine I received plenty of admonishment and an ear full from my mother along with some slaps to my backside. I do remember that the deck hand who found me came by later, and he presented me with a dozen metal soldier toys in various battle poses. I suppose he did that with the hope that I would play with them and not go wandering off again.

As we approached the port of Toulon a day or so later, many passengers were leaning over the rails to view the spectacle that was unfolding before us. All the strange shapes that they had seen from a distance jutting out of the water were now identifiable. Everywhere in the harbor were masts of sunken ships. Smoke stacks aimed like missiles at the sky. Half- submerged huge battleships with some of their almost visible naval guns being lapped by the sea. Debris littered the harbor. I never forgot this astonishing and memorable sight of massive destruction. Two or three tugs nestled up to the Citta di Tunis and gingerly herded the ferry into the port. The port of Toulon by the 1940s was France's most important naval base and home to the majority of her fleet. In November of 1942, it was under the control of the Vichy government. Germany feared that the French fleet would either fall to the Allies, or that the French ship captains would defect to the Allies, so they decided to invade the port to control the fleet. The Vichy government, however, ordered the French captains to scuttle and destroy the fleet to thwart the Germans. They consequently scuttled 77 vessels which included three battleships, two cruisers, and many destroyers, submarines, torpedo and patrol boats, various auxiliaries and tugs. Most of these submerged hulks remained in the harbor and were still being removed when we sailed into Toulon. From Toulon we traveled by train for over 700 miles to Cherbourg, the port on the northwestern coast of France. Although the trip went through Paris, the one thing I recall on this leg of the voyage was that somewhere near one of the train stations, there was a huge locomotive that was de-railed. Laying there like a stranded whale dying on a beach. The port of Cherbourg was reminiscent of Toulon as it too was littered with sunken vessels and obstacles. Besides these obstructions, the port area was congested with jeeps, trucks, heavy equipment and various war materiel that was being returned to the U.S. My brother Ron remembers that when we were exploring around the port, he uncovered a bag full of coins. We ran excitedly to Mom to show off our find. She identified the booty as American coins and told us she would hold on to them so when we got to America, we could use them to buy candy. The ferry trip from Cherbourg to Portsmouth, England lasted a few hours and was uneventful as was the 75- mile train trip from Portsmouth to London. We spent the night in London and the next day we headed to the airport to board our flight to the States. This was the era of the beginning of mass migration by air from Europe. Airlines were few and commercial airplanes were still in their infancy. In 1946 there were only 16 commercial flights to the U.S. with some Maltese passengers. Our flight was the second in 1947 carrying Maltese emigrants. But a minuscule amount compared to those arriving by ship. The reasons were twofold. The cost was expensive, and probably more of a factor was the fear of flying. The aircraft we flew in was originally a C-69 military transport, a four-engine aircraft designed and built by Howard Hughes. With the end of the War, the U.S. government cancelled the Hughes contract, so he converted the C-69s to commercial airliners, changed the designation to L0-49 Constellation and sold them to the airlines. One buyer was American Export Lines, the passenger ship company. Congress disapproved the sale as they believed the shipping line would have a monopoly on the passenger traffic between the U.S. and Europe. So American Export Lines created a subsidiary called American Overseas Airlines which eventually became American Airlines. The company called their airliners "Flagships" and named them after cities or countries. Coincidentally, the Constellation we flew in was called Flagship America.

L0-49 Constellation Flagship America

What I recall about the flight was that we boarded the “Connie” in the afternoon. My mother set me down in a window seat over the front of the port wing; she took the aisle seat and put Ron and Vicky in the two seats behind ours. Although I was elated and excited to be on the plane, I must have been worn out from all the excitement as I slept shortly after take-off. I don't remember flying during daylight. What I will never forget, however, is the noise of the four Wright R3350 engines. Nor, will I forget, as I gazed out the window into the dark, cold, winter night over the Atlantic, the even more memorable sight of the exhaust flames shooting out the manifolds from behind the whirling propellers. Awesome.
Upon landing at Laguardia airport in New York in the early hours of January 18th, there was snow falling as we taxied towards the wooden, two-story terminal. Needless to say, I had no idea what was falling from the sky. It was strange, white, powdery and beautiful and was settling on the wing. The other 10 Maltese on our flight were probably just as mystified. As we made our way off the Connie, we must have been the last four passengers as Mom was struggling with the bags, and corralling her three children. A uniformed crew member and a stewardess came to her aid. The man lifted me up and carried me into the terminal, the stewardess escorted my mother, another crew member took my brother and sister by the hand and led them into the warm terminal. My first impression of Americans was a joyful one of thoughtful, caring people going out of their way to be helpful. That impression has lasted a lifetime as Americans are still one of the most generous people on the planet. I think my Mom breathe a sigh of relief once in the warm terminal. We were finally in America. The country where so many Maltese aspired to immigrate and one that held out so much hope, so many freedoms and so much bounty. The country that had played such a pivotal role in the battle of Malta. From the USS Wasp transporting Spitfires to the Island, to the American tanker SS Ohio delivering its precious fuel which prevented Malta from capitulating to the Axis. Our long train trip from New York to California must have been beautiful at that time of the year. Don't remember much about that trip, but I do remember the train station in Chicago. The station was a scene of pandemonium. People were rushing around to catch trains or meet someone and the noise was almost unbearable as it echoed through the station. Through all that chaos there was an elderly Chinese fellow getting some shut eye. He was sprawled across a bench. His legs were spread, his body slouched, and his hat covered his eyes. Remember that bag of coins we found in Cherbourg? Well, we did buy that candy. My brother and I were eating some of it, and had accumulated a hand full of empty wrappers. When I was done eating the candy, I approached the sleeping man from behind the bench and carefully deposited the handful of candy wrappers on his tilted hat. I then exited the scene and joined my brother who couldn't help but laugh at what I had done. We waited and watched. After some time, the man awoke and began to stir. All the candy wrappers rained down on his lap but as he was half asleep, he had no clue as to what had happened. He looked around for a perpetrator, then shook his head, fixed his hat and walked away. My brother and I were still laughing when my mother returned from taking my sister to the bathroom. I'm not sure if my mother found out what I had done as I don't recall any consequences for my mischievous behavior. Had she seen what I had done, she probably would have shaken her head and tried to hide a laugh. When the train finally pulled in to Oakland, California, I imagine Mom felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The passage was nearing the end. One last ferry boat board and then sail across San Francisco bay. She took in the magnificence of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge and finally the Ferry building, with huge letters emblazoned across it announcing "Port of San Francisco". We were met by our cousins and my brother, Joe. It was a typical Maltese welcoming - loud, joyful crying, hugging, and quite boisterous. My mother would not stop hugging and kissing her oldest son. It had been so many years. So much worry and anguish. Though my mother had told Dad and the family that she would return to Malta, it did not take her long to fall in love with America and change her plans. She began making arrangements for bringing the entire family to her new homeland. Within a year and a half, Dad, my sisters Pauline, Stella and Jane, along with my brothers Manuel and Charlie and his wife Maggie all sailed on the Polish ship SS Sobieski to New York. They then made their way to San Francisco. An interesting sideline to that trip was the fact that when the Polish ship was off New York in U.S. territorial waters, Charlie's wife, Maggie, gave birth to their son, Austin. As he was born on a Polish ship, of Maltese parents, in U.S. territorial waters, he was entitled to citizenship from three different countries. Since the remaining oldest sister, Mary, was married with three children, she remained in Malta and finally joined the rest of the family in 1950. My Mom's dream had finally been realized as she had united the entire family in America. As I reflect on that passage to America, I am still grateful, amazed and in wonderment of my mother’s adventure. At the ripe age of a month shy of 50 , with a fourth grade education, and a rudimentary knowledge of English, bravely and without trepidation, for the first time in her life, took three of her youngest children in hand, and set off for the new world and temporarily left the rest of her family. Traveling thousands of miles, she boarded ocean ferries, rode multiple trains, and even took a flight on a fledgling airline on an almost new airplane to reunite with her oldest son and to better the lives of all her family. Further, editating on the past, I am astonished that my father at the age of 58, when most are looking towards retirement, without an education, unable to speak English, nor able to read or write, having never driven an automobile, for the love of his wife and family, uprooted his life. He followed the love of his life and joined her in a strange foreign country. That takes fortitude, faith and love. For their sacrifices I will always be indebted and grateful. And I wonder what life would have been like to have remained in Malta. Many years have passed since their death. The family has grown and prospered by leaps and bounds all owing to those two courageous immigrants. Thanks, Mom & Dad. in 2020.
     Fred Anthony Aquilina was also known as Alfredo Anthony Aquilina.¹ He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 18 January 1947 going to New York, NY, USA; age 5, with syblings Victoria & Rinaldo. He emigrated from Malta on 18 January 1947 to San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer. Fred Anthony Aquilina was educated from August 1953 to August 1957 at St. Anthony's Seminary, Santa Barbara, CA, USA, Fred was first Franciscan seminarian from St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church. FYI, I entered SAS in Aug. 1953 at the ripe age of 12 as I had to "jump" 8th grade and went from 7th grade to ninth. I was the youngest student at SAS when I joined and as Fr. Herbert and Martial counseled me when I told them I did not believe I should go to SLR (I was only 16), that due to my maturity, "...give God a chance by going to SLR and if you still feel priesthood is not for you, God bless." When I entered SLR, I told that to Fr. Brian (the Rector) and he understood, and said if I changed my mind, either way, it would be God's Will.
He was educated from August 1957 to June 1959 at San Luis Rey College, San Luis Rey, CA, USA, Franciscan seminary college for 2 years. He began military service in 1963 Fred served in the Navy from 1963 to 1990. He attended flight schools in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas and then served in Vietnam. He completed his Naval career at various locations in the United States. After 27 years of service, he retired having reached the rank of Commander.¹ As of 31 January 2012, Fred Anthony Aquilina lived at 3971 Ciarlo Ln, Vacaville, CA, USA; isaquifa@yahoo.com; aquifa@yahoo.com. He contributed to his family's genealogy to MHS on 31 January 2012.
Fred Anthony Aquilina He was honored by the MHS for his military service during the Vietnam War on 18 November 2018. Research.
Fred Anthony Aquilina St. Anthony's Seminary in Santa Barbara.

     Michael Aquilina was born on 16 January 1890 in Msida, Malta.¹ He married Philippa Maria Fenech, daughter of Salvatore Fenech and Maria Muscat, on 20 July 1916 at St. Paul's Bay, Malta.² Michael Aquilina died on 26 September 1977 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 87.¹ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 29 March 1948 going to New York, NY, USA; age 58, plasterer; relative Carmela Darmanin in Hamrun; Destination San Francisco; to wife Phillipa Aquilina; on same ship as son Charles. He emigrated from Malta on 29 March 1948 to New York, NY, USA. He and Philippa Maria Fenech were listed in the 1950 US Census age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer in San Francisco, CA, USA. Michael Aquilina attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as being a member of this parish in 1962.
Obituary: on 25 September 1977: AQUILINA, Michael — Sept 22, 1977, beloved husband of Phillipa Aquilina, devoted father of Joseph. Charles, Pauline, Emmanuel, Ronald and Fred Aquilina, Mary Andrews, Stella DeCesare, Jane Zwicker and Victoria Tanti; loving brother of Charles. Emmanuel and Philip Aquilina; loving grandfather of 39 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; a native of Malta, aged 87 years; a member of the Holy Name Society and Third Order of St Francis of St Paul of the Shipwreck Church.

     Philippa Maria Fenech was born on 16 February 1897 in Mellieha, Malta. She married Michael Aquilina, son of Maria Calleja, on 20 July 1916 at St. Paul's Bay, Malta.¹ Philippa Maria Fenech died on 24 August 1982 at Burlingame, CA, USA, at age 85.² She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Aquilina. She was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 18 January 1947 going to New York, NY, USA; age 49, with 3 children, from London by American Overseas Airline, to son Joseph in San Francisco. She emigrated from Malta on 18 January 1947 to 1766 Gerard St., San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. She was naturalized on 12 October 1948 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She and Michael Aquilina were listed in the 1950 US Census age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 26 August 1984: Aquilina, Phillipa.. In Buriingame, August 24, 1982. Phillipa A Aquilina; wife of the late Michael Aquillina; beloved mother of Joseph Aquillina of S F., Charles Aquillina of So. SF., Emanuel Aquillina of San Jose, Ronald Aquillina of Millbrae, Alfred Aquillina of San Bruno, Mary Andrews of So. S.F., Pauline Aquillina of San Bruno, Stella DeCesare of So. S.F., Jane Zwicker of Torrance and Victoria Tanti of Lakeport; dear sister of Moses Fenech of Malta; dear grandmother of 39 and great-greatmother of 11; a member of the Third Order of St. Francis and Holy Name Society: a native of Malta; aged 86 years. Research: Rosceline Aquilina stated that her uncle Moses Fenech owned the Paradise Bay and Golden Sands hotels.
Philippa Maria Fenech Moses Fenech owned the Paradise Bay and the Golden Sands Hotels.

     Ida Salvina Muscat was born on 26 September 1941 in Mellieha, Malta.¹ She married Fred Anthony Aquilina, son of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech, on 4 July 1964 at San Francisco, CA, USA.²
     Ida Salvina Muscat emigrated from Malta on 24 January 1953 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. Her married name was Aquilina. She was a After graduation from San Francisco State College, she was a school teacher in San Francisco schools. She paused her teaching career after her marriage to Fred to raise their children , but returned to teaching in San Bruno, CA once the children were raised. She retired from teaching in 2004.² She contributed her family's genealogy to MHS on 31 January 2012.

     Joseph John Aquilina was born on 27 August 1917 in Gzira, Malta.¹ He married Pauline C. Mousu, daughter of Charles Mousu and Josephine Cassar, on 4 August 1951 at Floriana, Malta.^2,3 Joseph John Aquilina died on 22 August 2006 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 88. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 5 June 1939 going to New York, NY, USA; age 21, a painter. He emigrated from Malta then to San Francisco, CA on 5 June 1939 to New York, NY, USA. He was a Wholesale furniture company; apprentice upholsterer in 1940. He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Thomas Charles Fenech and Jeanette Mary Aquilina in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; Thomas Fenech, age 36, wholesale furniture comp. unpholsterer.¹ Joseph John Aquilina received military draft notice on 16 October 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA, age 23, working for Charles Sherry. He began military service on 9 November 1942 Although still not a citizen of the U.S., he was drafted into the Army and shipped to the Aleutian Islands.
A young man, who had spent most of his life in the warmer climes of the Mediterranean, had been sent to the desolate, cold, windy and wet Arctic Aleutians. One day while on patrol there, Joe found himself in a blinding snow storm and blacked out from the cold. He was found laying unconscious in the snow, rescued and taken back to the base by native Aleuts. Shipped back to California for medical treatment, he was in a coma for quite a few months. He was naturalized on 8 May 1943 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer. Joseph John Aquilina was a An upholsterer. He attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962.
Joseph John Aquilina were close friends.
Obituary: on 26 August 2006: Joseph J. Aquilina A native of Malta, passed away peacefully in San Francisco, August 22, 2006 at the age of 89. Dearly beloved husband of 55 years of Pauline Aquilina; loving father of Charles, John, Mary Ann and Rose; cherished grandfather of Sarah, Serrita, Phillip, Lisa and Rachel and great grandfather of Justice. He will be greatly missed by his dear brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.⁴
Joseph John Aquilina Family nick name: Ta Fenech (rabbit.)

     Mary A. Aquilina was born on 3 January 1920 in Gzira, Malta.¹ She married Hector John Andrews, son of William Andrews and Elena Tabone, on 9 October 1945 at Gzira, Malta.² Mary A. Aquilina died on 25 November 2013 at Napa, Napa Co., CA, USA, at age 93; age 93. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     Her married name was Andrews. She emigrated from Malta on 12 April 1950 to New York, NY, USA. She attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962.
Obituary: : Daughter of Michael and Philippa Aquilina in Malta. She married Hector Andrews on Nov. 25, 1923, and enjoyed 34 years of marriage before he passed.
Mary is survived by six children; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Joseph and Charles, and sisters-in-law Marylou and Pauline.

     Hector John Andrews was born on 25 November 1923 in Senglea, Malta. He married Mary A. Aquilina, daughter of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech, on 9 October 1945 at Gzira, Malta.¹ Hector John Andrews died on 21 August 1979 at San Mateo, CA, USA, at age 55.
     He emigrated from Malta on 12 April 1950 to New York, NY, USA. He was naturalized on 20 September 1955 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a a welder. He attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962.
Hector John Andrews British ancestry.

     Charles John Aquilina was born on 6 January 1923 in Gzira, Malta. He married Margaret Angela Darmanin, daughter of Carmela (?), on 8 June 1947 at Hamrun, Malta.¹ Charles John Aquilina died on 18 September 2002 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA, at age 79. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 29 March 1948 going to New York, NY, USA; ages 25 & 22, boiler maker; mother Carmela Daranin in Hamrun; Destination San Francisco, to friend Emmanuele Pulis. As of 29 March 1948, Charles John Aquilina was also known as Carmel Michael Emmanuel Aquilina.¹ He emigrated from Malta on 29 March 1948 to New York, NY, USA.² He and Margaret Angela Darmanin were listed in the 1950 US Census age 27, marble co. marble shiner in San Francisco, CA, USA. Charles John Aquilina was naturalized in 1953; occupation marble sawer. He attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962.
Obituary: : Entered into rest on September 18, 2002 at the age of 79. Beloved husband of 55 years to Margaret A. Aquilina; loving father of Austin Aquilina, Carmen (Ronald) Haydel, Michael (Kathy) Aquilina, Margie (Denis) Edgington and Shirley (Jeff) Avila; brother of five sisters and four brothers. His passion was being with his family, he had a hobby of collecting stamps and his favorite pastime was watching wrestling on television.

     Pauline Aquilina was born on 5 February 1926 in Gzira, Malta.¹ She died on 15 March 2019 at age 93.¹
     She was listed on a passenger list with Michael Aquilina on 29 March 1948 at New York, NY, USA; age 58, plasterer; relative Carmela Darmanin in Hamrun; Destination San Francisco; to wife Phillipa Aquilina; on same ship as son Charles. Pauline Aquilina emigrated from Malta on 29 March 1948 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer. Pauline Aquilina attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962. Pauline Aquilina was also known as Polly Aquilina.

     Stella M. Aquilina was born on 3 April 1928 in Gzira, Malta. She married Francis X. DeCesare on 24 June 1950 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Stella M. Aquilina died on 3 May 2021 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 93. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     She was listed on a passenger list with Michael Aquilina on 29 March 1948 at New York, NY, USA; age 58, plasterer; relative Carmela Darmanin in Hamrun; Destination San Francisco; to wife Phillipa Aquilina; on same ship as son Charles. Stella M. Aquilina emigrated from Malta on 29 March 1948 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer. Her married name was Decesare.
Maltese Cross Foundation was a member of Maltese Cross Foundation Award in 2015. Stella M. Aquilina was living in April 2018 in 389 Heather Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 11 May 2021: Born on April 3, 1928 in Malta was called to her Heavenly home on May 3, 2021. Stella died in the comfort of her own home. Stella will be dearly missed by her daughter Eileen (Doug) Vivion, son Tony DeCesare, grandchildren Jeremy Jalilie (Michele), Hilary Keller, Christina Jalilie, Angela Piegaia, Christopher DeCesare, Brittany (Lucas) Hagan, great grandchildren Christiana Jalilie, Jeremiah Jalilie, Bri O’Brien and Cali O’Brien, Max Simpson, Gracyn Hagan, Alex Hagan and Mikael Hagan . Brothers Ronald Aquilina and Fred Aquilina, sister Jane Zwicker. Preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank DeCesare, daughter MaryJane Piegaia, parents Michael and Phillipa Aquilina, brothers Joe Aquilina, Emmanuel Aquilina, Charles Aquilina, sisters Mary Andrews, Pauline Aquilina and Vickie Tanti.
Stella came to the United States in 1948. She left behind the love of her life Frank. They met as teenagers. In 1950 Frank came to the United States and married Stella. They had 2 daughters and a son together. They were married for 64 years. Stella retired from Metropolitan furniture company where she worked as an upholsterer. She did an exceptional job upholstering furniture. She was also an excellent seamstress who sewed beautiful clothing. One of Stella’s favorite pastimes was playing bingo. At times she would go and play bingo several times a week. She also loved to cook and bake. If you went to her house she would always want to feed you. She cooked Maltese pastizzis. They were delicious!

Stella volunteered her time and efforts for over 28 years of service (well over 5,000 hours) to SSF Kaiser hospital as a volunteer patient assistant. She would spend endless hours knitting blankets, scarves, slippers and hats. They were donated to patients in the hospital, nursing homes, homeless shelters and the women’s battered shelter. She was a dedicated parishioner of Mater Dolorosa church for 60 years. She volunteered at all of the fun events. She volunteered her time at several other places. She was the recipient in 2015 of the Maltese cross foundation award for all of her hard work. She was the president at the Moose Lodge in Daly City for 1 year.

Stella loved, above all else her family, her friends, her church, and traveling to many places around the world. She would get together many people to go on cruises and also bus trips. She went back to visit Malta a few times. She had a lot of fun traveling throughout her life. Stella had a heart of gold! If someone needed her help, she wouldn’t let them down. She will be missed by many.

     Francis X. DeCesare was born on 7 March 1925 in Sliema, Malta. He married Stella M. Aquilina, daughter of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech, on 24 June 1950 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Francis X. DeCesare died on 11 May 2015 at San Jose, CA, USA, at age 90; age 90. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was naturalized in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 15 May 2015: Frank X. DeCesare Entered into rest on May 11, 2015 at the age of 90. Beloved husband of Stella M. DeCesare for 65 years. Loving father of Eileen Jalilie & Doug Vivion and Tony DeCesare and wife Peggy. Adoring Grandfather of Hilary Keller, Jeremy Jalilie and wife Michele, Christina Cox, Angela Piegaia, Christopher DeCesare and Brittany DeCesare and adoring great-grandfather of Christiana Jalilie, Jeremiah Jalilie and Cali Cox. Member of the Odd Followers Lodge and its former treasurer and President, Member of Apollo Lodge #123, So. SF Elks Lodge #2091, member of the So.SF Grand Avenue Seniors, One time avid hunter, very generous giving donations to numerous charities, Lived and breathed SF Giants and SF 49ers, but the most enjoyment was his family and being around them.²

     Emanuel David Aquilina was born on 13 January 1931 in Gzira, Malta; 1930 & Sielma given in Obit; Fred Aquilina gave 1931. He married Clara Borg, daughter of Joseph Borg and Mary Deguara, on 9 February 1954 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Emanuel David Aquilina died on 26 July 2014 at Palo Alto, CA, USA, at age 83; age 84.
     He was listed on a passenger list with Michael Aquilina on 29 March 1948 at New York, NY, USA; age 58, plasterer; relative Carmela Darmanin in Hamrun; Destination San Francisco; to wife Phillipa Aquilina; on same ship as son Charles. Emanuel David Aquilina emigrated from Malta with 3 syblings Jane, Stella, Pauline on 29 March 1948 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer. Emanuel David Aquilina began military service circa 1951 at Korea US Army, corporal, US56144735; served for 5 years. He attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962.

Emanuel David Aquilina was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1974: Manny, general foreman of Hayward BART repair station, was quoted about poor workmanship of new BART cars: "The main problem seems to be the way the car is built."
Emanuel David Aquilina Emanuel was a major contributor to building the new St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church.
Obituary: on 30 July 2014: Emmanuel David Aquilina January 13, 1930 - July 26, 2014 Resident of San Jose
Emmanuel David Aquilina, age 84, born January 13, 1930 in Sielma Malta to Michael and Philippa Aquilina. Entered into eternal rest in Palo Alto on July 26, 2014 with his loving wife of 60 years Claire (Borg) Aquilina and his children by his side. Loving father to six children, David (Sheri), Gary (Pamela), Robert (Pam) Aquilina, Janet (Dale) Smyers, Paul and Craig Aquilina. Grandfather to 9 grandchildren, Jamie (Ricky) Tavares, Veronica, Dawn, Joseph, Matthew, Paige, Sarah, Mitchell, and Adam Aquilina. Great Grandfather to 3 great grandchildren, Shane and Chase Tavares and Alexander Cao. Loving brother to 9 siblings, uncle to 38 nieces and nephews.
Emmanuel arrived in San Francisco at the age of 18 bringing 3 of his younger siblings with him. He served in the U.S. Army for 5 years during the Korean War. He started his 23 year career with Southern Pacific Railroad, Bayshore Yards, and upon retirement went to work for Bay Area Rapid Transit District, Hayward Yards, for 15 years. Emmanuel along with his brothers was vital in the building of St. Paul of the Shipwreck Catholic Church in San Francisco. As the last FISWA standing, Emmanuel enjoyed the yearly picnics with lifelong friends from San Francisco. He was an avid San Francisco Giants and San Francisco Forty Niners Fan and enjoyed watching the games on TV. A stroke survivor of 22 years he enjoyed his daily routine of greeting the neighbors as they passed by his home in San Jose each day.¹

     Jane Rosina Mary Ann Carmela Aquilina was born on 20 April 1933 in Gzira, Malta. She married Marvin Edward Zwicker on 12 June 1954 at San Francisco, MA, USA.
     Jane Rosina Mary Ann Carmela Aquilina was listed on a passenger list with Michael Aquilina on 29 March 1948 at New York, NY, USA; age 58, plasterer; relative Carmela Darmanin in Hamrun; Destination San Francisco; to wife Phillipa Aquilina; on same ship as son Charles. Jane Rosina Mary Ann Carmela Aquilina emigrated from Malta on 29 March 1948 to New York, NY, USA. She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer. As of 12 June 1954,her married name was Zwicker. Jane Rosina Mary Ann Carmela Aquilina was naturalized on 24 August 1962 at Los Angeles, CA, USA; housewife. She was living in 1996 in Auburn, CA, USA. She was living in 2023 in Laguna Woods, CA, USA.

     Marvin Edward Zwicker was born on 29 February 1932 in Lemon, SC, USA. He married Jane Rosina Mary Ann Carmela Aquilina, daughter of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech, on 12 June 1954 at San Francisco, MA, USA. Marvin Edward Zwicker died on 26 March 1996 at Roseville, CA, USA, at age 64.
     He began military service between 1950 and 1953 US Marines.
Obituary: on 28 March 1996: Marvin E. Zwicker A memorial service for Marvin Edward Zwicker, formerly of Ferndale. will be at I I a.m. Saturday al St. Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn.
Mr. Zwicker died Tuesday. March 26, 1996, in Roseville. Calif. I le was 64.
Born Feb. 29, 1932, to Ed and Emma Zwicker in Lemmon, S.C., he graduated from Ferndale High School in 1950.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1953, and worked for United Airlines in Los Angeles for 35 years. I ic was an avid fisher and enjoyed volunteering in the Auburn Thrift Shop.
Survivors include his wife, Jane Zwicker, of Auburn; sons Steven Allan Zwicker of Spokane. Glenn Edward Zwicker of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., and Dean Adam Zwicker of Redondo Beach. Calif.: sisters Luella Erb of Ferndale and Arlene Duell of Everett; and two grandchildren.

     Ronald Aquilina was born on 12 December 1936 in Gzira, Malta. He married Mary Lou Vassallo, daughter of Bartolomeo Vassallo and Rose Marie Fenech, on 20 August 1960 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Ronald Aquilina married Nida Ching.
     Ronald Aquilina was also known as Rinaldo Aquilina. He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 18 January 1947 going to New York, NY, USA; age 11, by airplane to San Francisco, to brother Joseph. He emigrated from Malta on 18 January 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer. Ronald Aquilina was living in South San Francisco, CA, USA. He was living in 2022 in Millbrae, CA, USA. He and (?) Maltese Elders were living in 2024 in 531 Anita Ave, Millbrae, CA, USA.

     Victoria Aquilina was born on 17 January 1937 in Gzira, Malta; 2/13/1937 on naturalization app. of mother.¹ She married John Joseph George Tanti on 26 October 1957 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Victoria Aquilina died on 6 February 2018 at Lakeport, CA, USA, at age 81.¹
     She was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 18 January 1947 going to New York, NY, USA; age 9, from London, by airplane, to brother Joseph, San Francisco. She was listed in the 1940 US Census of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 59, wholesale marble factory laborer. Her married name was Tanti. Victoria Aquilina was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2005.
Obituary: on 17 February 2018: Victoria Tanti, a long-time resident of Lakeport, California, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. Victoria was born in Sliema, Malta, on January 17, 1937, to the late Michael and Philipa Aquilina. She was one of five brothers and four sisters. Victoria was married for over 60 years to John Tanti. She is survived by her four loving children, Theresa (Carlos), Mark, Julie (Darin), and Charles; nine grandchildren, Josh (Jennifer), Steven (Clare), Jaclyn, Garrett, Janae (Ben), Shane, Kristen, Mitchell and Jacob; and four great-grandchildren, Gemma, Dylan, Josie and Hunter. She was adored by her family and always held her family close to her heart. Victoria loved to cook; she cooked organic before organic was popular. Always surrounding the ones she loved by delicious meals and conversation. She enjoyed knitting and became a master knitter, making blankets and scarves for her family and friends. For many years she knitted baby blankets for children that were diagnosed with terminal diseases. Making beautiful gifts for children gave her a sense of purpose and pride. She will be missed but her memories will carry us all through the days ahead.

     John Joseph George Tanti was born on 27 February 1937 in Victoria, Gozo, Malta. He married Victoria Aquilina, daughter of Michael Aquilina and Philippa Maria Fenech, on 26 October 1957 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     John Joseph George Tanti was naturalized in 1952 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2005. Research: Janae Tanti
Laura Tanti
Julie Tanti.
John Tanti likely duplicate. John Joseph George Tanti was living in 2021 in Lakeport, CA, USA.

     Joseph Borg was born in 1913 in Malta.¹ He married Rita Portelli, daughter of Michele Paul Joseph Portelli and Josephine Falzon, on 17 May 1936 at Qormi, Malta.¹ Joseph Borg died on 9 February 1989 at Malta.¹ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed in the 1950 US Census age 37, married, furnace co. helper in San Francisco, CA, USA. He emigrated from Malta on 20 November 1950 to San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 12 February 1989: BORG, Joseph At rest February 9. 19S9 dearly beloved husband for 53 years of Rita ; Borg; devoted father of Jane Catania, Mary j Smith, Betty Debattista, Monte and George , Borg; loved by nine grandchildren; a native of Malta; aged 75 years: a member of , Maltese American Club of S.F.

     Rita Portelli was born on 4 June 1914 in Qala, Gozo, Malta.¹ She married Joseph Borg, son of Charles Borg and Battista Deguara, on 17 May 1936 at Qormi, Malta.¹ Rita Portelli died on 8 June 2013 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 99; age 99. She was buried at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Borg.¹ She emigrated from Malta on 20 November 1950 to San Francisco, CA, USA. She was naturalized on 4 November 1964 at New York, NY, USA. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 1999.
Obituary: on 11 June 2013: Rita Borg -- Passed away peacefully in Millbrae, CA on June 8, 2013. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Borg. Loving mother of Jane (her late husband Joe) Catania, Monte (his wife Rose) Borg, George (his wife Rita) Borg, Mary (her husband Robert) Smith and Betty (her husband Joe) DeBattista. Dear grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 7. She was born in Qala Gozo, Malta, age 99 years. She immigrated to San Francisco in 1950 and was an honorary member of the Maltese American Social Club. Her family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to Miriana, Lelani, Joe and Maria at the Millbrae Paradise Care Home for their excellent care and outstanding attention offered.²

     Jane Borg was born on 16 February 1937 in Qormi, Malta.¹ She married Joseph Paul Catania, son of (?) Catania, on 1 June 1957 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Jane Borg died on 6 July 2019 at Hillsborough, CA, USA, at age 82. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     She emigrated from Malta on 20 November 1950 to New York, NY, USA. As of 1956,her married name was Catania.¹ She was naturalized at San Francisco, CA, USA. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club; Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999 in 1991. She was living in 2019 in Sunrise Retirement; TBI after fall.
Obituary: on 9 July 2019: Jane was born in 1937 in Qormi, Malta, she was the oldest of 5 children to Joe and Rita Borg. In 1950, she immigrated with her family to the U.S., settling in San Francisco. Jane graduated Balboa High School, then went to work at Swiss American Sausage Co. She met and fell in love with Joe, whom she married in 1957, their love endured 55 years until Joe's passing in 2013. Joe and Jane lovingly raised 3 children, began many successful family businesses including auto repair and later apartment rentals. Jane loved her garden and her animals. She was a long-time member of the Maltese American Social Club of San Francisco. When Jane was not working, she enjoyed traveling with Joe to their beloved Malta, where they still have many family and friends. Jane passed away peacefully on July 6th with family by her side. She is survived by her sons: Chuck & Danny; daughter Diana Gulart (Dan); grandsons: James & Matthew; sisters: Betty & Mary, brother George; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. She is predeceased by her husband Joe and brother Monte. The family would like to thank the caregivers from Homecare California and the staff at Sunrise Senior Living in Burlingame for their kindness and care.

     Joseph Paul Catania was born on 30 January 1935 in Mosta, Malta; 7/30/1935.¹ He married Jane Borg, daughter of Joseph Borg and Rita Portelli, on 1 June 1957 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Joseph Paul Catania died on 12 January 2013 at Hillsborough, CA, USA, at age 77. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Michigan in 1953 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He emigrated from Malta on 17 January 1953 to Detroit, MI, USA. He was a auto clinic owner in 1953. He was naturalized on 14 June 1966 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club; Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999 in 1991.
Obituary: on 15 January 2013: Joseph P. Catania Joe was born in Mosta, Malta in 1935, immigrated to the United States in 1953 at the age of 17 and worked as an assembly line worker at Ford Motor Company in Detroit. He moved to San Francisco where he met Jane and in 1956 were married. He worked as a welder at Bethlehem Steel, later starting his own auto repair shop, gas station, towing service, home building and apartment owner. Through their hard work and perseverance they achieved success. He was a long-time member of the Maltese American Social Club of San Francisco. A native of Malta and a proud citizen of the United States, each country held a special place in his heart. Joe passed peacefully on January 12th. He is survived by Jane his loving wife of 56 years, their two sons Chuck and Danny, their daughter Diana Gulart (Dan) and her sons James and Mathew, his sister Anne Zammit in Malta, and many in-laws, nephews and nieces.
Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living in Belmont, Vitas Hospice Care, and Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City for their kindness and care.²

     Mary Jane Borg was born on 12 August 1944 in Qormi, Malta.¹ She married Robert Smith on 16 October 1965 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Mary Jane Borg was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Mary started going to the Club at age 13 in 1957. In 1996 she started the Women's Social Committee for the ladies of the club. She was the first woman on the Board of Directors as secretary. Secretary, 1996-97; Ass. Sec, 98; Parlimentarian, 2018; and was the first woman elected Vice President, 2020; She was Entertainment Chairperson many times and served on other committees such as Grievance Committee and Nominating Committee; was on the entertainment committee, 2004 in 1957. She was naturalized on 18 November 1958 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Her married name was Smith.¹ In Jan. 1996, the Women's Social Committee was formed with Mary Smith as chairperson. For the first time in the club's history, a woman was on the Board of Directors; Mary J. (Borg) Smith was elected as Secretary in 1997.. Mary's secretarial and computer knowledge was essentially useful for the dissemination of the club's publications, especially during the period of transition and major remodeling. She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club; Bob helped with remodel of new Club location; She was on the house committee, 2004 between 1997 and 1999 at South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. She was associated in 2022; Mary Borg Smith was sworn in as a member of the Millbrae Sister Cities Committee. She was living in 2022 in Millbrae, CA, USA.

     Robert Smith was born on 31 July 1941 in Santa Rosa, CA, USA.¹ He married Mary Jane Borg, daughter of Joseph Borg and Rita Portelli, on 16 October 1965 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Robert Smith died on 11 March 2018 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 76. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club; Bob helped with remodel of new Club location; She was on the house committee, 2004 between 1997 and 1999 at South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
Obituary: on 14 March 2018: July 31, 1941 - March 11, 2018 -- Robert "Bob" Smith of Millbrae passed away after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, March 11, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 76. He was a devoted husband to Mary of 52 years. Loving father to Terrie Smith-Aquino and Michael Smith (Kristina). Fun-loving Papa to Gracie Aquino and Paige and Eddie Smith. Bob served in the United States Navy for four years in the Pacific and was honorably discharged. He then worked for the Teamsters Local 85 for 45 years and then retired with Pacific Agri in 2006. Bob was an avid fisherman. Lake, stream, ocean or river - it didn't matter to him. He just loved being on the water and being outdoors. He loved to camp and travel, but most of all, his home he shared with his wife at Lake Almanor. He was a hard-working, easy-going, and generous man who will missed by many friends and family here and afar. Robert Smith was also known as Bob Smith.

     Betty J. Borg was born on 25 February 1949 in Qormi, Malta.¹ She married Joseph Mary DeBattista, son of Gracio (Horace) DeBattista and Adelina Bugeja, on 28 June 1980 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Her married name was DeBattista.¹ Betty J. Borg was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was was on the entertainment committee, 2004 in 1996.

     Joseph Mary DeBattista was born on 23 June 1952 in Paola, Malta.¹ He married Betty J. Borg, daughter of Joseph Borg and Rita Portelli, on 28 June 1980 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Joseph Mary DeBattista emigrated from Malta in July 1974 to San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Sec 1977-1978, 1983; was vice president for 2 years; and worked on bylaws; President 2020 in 1977. He was naturalized on 11 June 1985 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was was on the entertainment committee, 2004 in 1996. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was ByLaws Committee, Maltese Club; she did first draft of new ByLaws in 2016. He was a Construction/mining equipment manufacturing in 2020.

Joseph Mary DeBattista was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was President of Maltese American Club from 2020 to 2021.
As of March 2020, Joseph Mary DeBattista lived at 527 Cypress, San Bruno, CA, USA; joedebly@yahoo.com.
Joseph Mary DeBattista Joe told Charlie Vella a very colorful version of MASC Hx.

Joseph Mary DeBattista was also known as Joe DeBattista.

     Amante (Monte) Joseph Borg was born on 10 June 1938 in Qormi, Malta.¹ He married Rose A. Schnelle on 12 January 1979 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Amante (Monte) Joseph Borg died on 26 August 2015 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 77. He was buried on 3 September 2015 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was naturalized on 29 January 1957. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was In 1995, recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club; Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999 in 1984. He was a Owned A & C Auto on Oakdale Ave. He and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were Maltese Business owned and ran the A&C Auto Clinic for over 35 years.
Obituary: on 30 August 2015: Amante Joe Borg, June 10, 1938 to August 26, 2015
Amante (Monte) passed away peacefully at his home on August 26, 2015 at the age of 77. Monte was born in Qormi, Malta to Joseph and Rita Borg. He came to the United States at the age of 12 with his brother and sisters - George, Jane, Mary and Betty. His family settled in San Francisco. When Monte was young he worked as a newspaper delivery boy for The Examiner. After graduating from Balboa High School he worked at Cariani Sausage Company and American Can Company. He then bought an automotive repair shop from his brother-in-law. Monte owned and ran A&C Auto Clinic for over 35 years. He retired in 2004. Monte's favorite past time was fishing. He always had his fishing pole and fishing gear ready to go. Monte was married to his wife Rose for over 36 years. His beloved daughters are Kathy and Karen. He had a special place in his heart for his grandson Devon Amante and granddaughter Francisca Elizabeth. He will be missed by his brother George (Rita), sisters Jane (Joe), Mary (Bob) and Betty (Joe). We wish to express our special thanks to Dr. Helen Hong of Kaiser Hospital and also to Hospice by the Bay.
Monte was proud to be a member of the Maltese American Social Club for many years. He also was a member of the Yerba Buena Fishing Club.
Family and friends may visit after 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 and attend the 7:00 PM Vigil service at CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, 194 Millwood Dr. at El Camino Real in Millbrae. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 3, 2015 at St. Dunstan Catholic Church, 1133 Broadway in Millbrae. Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the American Heart Assn.
Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 30, 2015.²
Amante (Monte) Joseph Borg Family was from Gozo.