Person Page - 33

     Francis De Bono was born on 25 April 1937 in Naxxar, Malta; Naturalization: Floriana.¹ He married Louisa Patricia Scicluna, daughter of Charles Scicluna and Hilda Vella, on 29 November 1958 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Francis De Bono died on 28 July 2009 at Santa Rosa, CA, USA, at age 72.
     He was a iFrank became an employee of the City, which became his career of over 35 years. He worked several different jobs. His favorite job was being a landscaper and gardener for the City Parks Department. at Sunnyvale, CA, USA. He was listed on a passenger list with Joseph De Bono and Maria Joseph Bonavia on 25 July 1947 at New York, NY, USA; age 39, laborer. Vincent Bonavia in Naxxar Destination San Francisco; sister in law Mula. Francis De Bono emigrated from Malta on the Marine Shark on 25 July 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph De Bono and Maria Joseph Bonavia in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 46, punch press operator, lock manufacturer. Francis De Bono began military service circa 1955 US Army. Francis De Bono was also known as Frank DeBono.

     Vincent De Bono was born on 26 October 1939 in Floriana, Malta.¹ He married Marie Dolores “Penny” Maher on 22 November 1958 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Vincent De Bono died on 14 July 2019 at Sacramento, CA, USA, at age 79.¹
     He was listed on a passenger list with Joseph De Bono and Maria Joseph Bonavia on 25 July 1947 at New York, NY, USA; age 39, laborer. Vincent Bonavia in Naxxar Destination San Francisco; sister in law Mula. Vincent De Bono emigrated from Malta on 25 July 1947 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph De Bono and Maria Joseph Bonavia in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 46, punch press operator, lock manufacturer. Vincent De Bono began military service US Army Reserves. He was a warehouseman to Operations Manager at General Tire and then Diamite Jewelry Company. He and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were a . Later Vincent and his son, Vince owned and operated Launch Pad Distribution. Vincent De Bono was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was per MASC records in 2009. He lived in 2009 at 704 Pepper Ave, San Bruno, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 18 July 2019: Vincent DeBono Passed away at the age of 79 on July 14, 2019 surrounded by his loving family after a long illness.
He was born in Floriano, Malta and moved to the United States at the age of 8. He attended Balboa High School, and enlisted in the Army Reserves. He started his career at General Tire, and after many years was co-owner in Launch Pad Distribution. He loved his vacations in Lake Tahoe, deer hunting, and spending time with his family. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Marie, his son Steven, his mother Maria, father Joseph, his sister Mary Gatt, and brothers Frank and Edward. He is survived by daughters Laurie Pellegrini (Tom) and Kelly Saavedra, son Vincent, and his sister Josephine Busuttil. He had 4 grandchildren Monica, Danielle (Michael), Shauna, Anthony, and great-granddaughter, Jessica.
Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 beginning at 4:00 pm with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm at Chapel of the Highlands, 194 Millwood Drive in Millbrae. The Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Dunstan's Church, 1133 Broadway in Millbrae. Committal at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma
Published in San Francisco Chronicle on July 21, 2019. Research: Dennis Debono
Sharon Debono
Kimberly Debono
Pauline Debono
Tony Debono
Michael Debono
Esther Debono.

     Edward Joseph DeBono was born on 7 October 1941 in Naxxar, Malta.¹ He married Elaine Massagli on 1 October 1960 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Edward Joseph DeBono died on 14 April 2009 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 67. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed on a passenger list with Joseph De Bono and Maria Joseph Bonavia on 25 July 1947 at New York, NY, USA; age 39, laborer. Vincent Bonavia in Naxxar Destination San Francisco; sister in law Mula. Edward Joseph DeBono was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph De Bono and Maria Joseph Bonavia in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 46, punch press operator, lock manufacturer. Edward Joseph DeBono began military service US Army. He was a He worked in the dairy industry. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club in 2000.
Obituary: on 16 April 2009: Edward Joseph De Bono Resident of Millbrae, entered into rest on April 14, 2009. Beloved husband and best friend of Elaine De Bono for 48 years. Loving father of three. Loving brother of Josephine, Frank and Vince. Also survived by his five cherished grandchildren. A native of Naxxar, Malta, age 67. A proud husband, father and grandfather whose whole life revolved around his family (and Artichoke Joe's).

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Apr. 16, 2009.

     Francis Xavier Joseph Busuttil was born on 14 March 1952 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He married Veronica Fullkrug.¹
     Francis Xavier Joseph Busuttil was living in 2018 in Mountain View, CA, USA. He was living in 2020 in Modesto, CA, USA. He and Francis Xavier Busuttil were possibly the same person.

     Rosemarie Busuttil was born on 4 December 1956 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ She married Manuel James Garcia on 8 October 1977 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Her married name was Garcia.¹ Rosemarie Busuttil was a member of the Maltese Heritage Association in 2021. She and Manuel James Garcia were living in 2024 in South San Francisco, CA, USA; 3630 Baldwin Hills Ct Apt C, South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 784-1282
rosielgb@yahoo.com.

     Manuel James Garcia was born circa 1954. He married Rosemarie Busuttil, daughter of Joseph Busuttil and Josephine Margaret Therese De Bono, on 8 October 1977 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Manuel James Garcia and Rosemarie Busuttil were living in 2024 in South San Francisco, CA, USA; 3630 Baldwin Hills Ct Apt C, South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 784-1282
rosielgb@yahoo.com.

     Charlotte Spiteri was born.¹

     Angelo Sciberras was born circa 1881 in Malta; age 29 in 1910 census.¹
     He emigrated from Malta hired man, laborer, construction camp in 1909 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He was listed in the 1910 US Census with Bartolomeo Vassallo and Charles Muscat in 1910 at Portola Road, San Bruno, San Mateo Co., CA, USA; age 23, construction camp laborer; also listed as Maltese: Joseph Roberts, 19; Thomas Bugga, 40; Nicholas Rogers, 20
Bertu given as "Alberteo Valsallo.^1,2 " Angelo Sciberras was a hired man, laborer, construction camp in 1910 at San Bruno, CA, USA.¹ He and Michael Angelo Sciberras were possibly the same person.

     Frank Sammut was born circa 1885 in Malta; age 25 in 1910 census; age 35 in 1920 census; age 59 in 1940 census.¹ He died on 10 September 1946. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta 1906 in 1920 census in 1907 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was listed in the 1910 US Census with Bartolomeo Vassallo and Charles Muscat in 1910 at Portola Road, San Bruno, San Mateo Co., CA, USA; age 23, construction camp laborer; also listed as Maltese: Joseph Roberts, 19; Thomas Bugga, 40; Nicholas Rogers, 20
Bertu given as "Alberteo Valsallo.^1,2 " Frank Sammut and John Jamet (Sammut?) were listed in the 1920 US Census, age 35, single, hotel porter, in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ Frank Sammut was listed in the 1940 US Census age 59, no occupation in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁴

     Paul Camilleri was born on 24 January 1884 in Malta; age 26 in 1910 census; age 34 in 1920 census; age 45 in 1930 census; age 55 in 1940 census.^2,1 He was issued a Maltese Passport age 22 on 4 September 1906. Declared destination was USA.¹ He died on 6 October 1968 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 84.³ He was buried on 8 October 1968 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Paul Camilleri was also known as Paolo Camilleri.¹ He emigrated from Malta 1908 in 1920 census in 1907 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² He was listed in the 1910 US Census with Bartolomeo Vassallo and Charles Muscat in 1910 at Portola Road, San Bruno, San Mateo Co., CA, USA; age 23, construction camp laborer; also listed as Maltese: Joseph Roberts, 19; Thomas Bugga, 40; Nicholas Rogers, 20
Bertu given as "Alberteo Valsallo.^2,4 " As of 1910, Paul Camilleri was also known as Paul Cammelot.² He was listed in the 1920 US Census, age 34, wrecking company laborer, in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁵ As of 1920, Paul Camilleri was also known as Paulu Camilleri.⁵ He was listed in the 1930 US Census age 45, single, house wrecker in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁶ He was listed in the 1940 US Census age 55, house wrecker laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.⁷ He began military service in 1942 Draft.
Obituary: on 7 October 1968: CAMILLERI, Paul In this city, Oct. 6. 1968, Paul Camilleri, beloved brother of Manuel Camilleri of Malta; loving uncle of Saviour and Andrew Galea, Mrs. Charles Camilleri and Mrs. Ann Mallea; a native of Malta.

     Angelo Galea was born on 1 October 1884 in Mosta, Malta; age "56" in 1910 census; age 44 in 1930 census.¹ He was issued a Maltese Passport age 23 on 15 July 1907. Declared destination was USA.² He died on 6 May 1938 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 53. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1907 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ First Maltese in America (?) was among the first Maltese in San Francisco, CA immigration in 1907 in 1907. Angelo Galea was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 14 August 1907 going to New York, NY, USA; age 23, laborer. He was listed in the 1910 US Census with Bartolomeo Vassallo and Charles Muscat in 1910 at Portola Road, San Bruno, San Mateo Co., CA, USA; age 23, construction camp laborer; also listed as Maltese: Joseph Roberts, 19; Thomas Bugga, 40; Nicholas Rogers, 20
Bertu given as "Alberteo Valsallo.^3,4 " As of 1910, Angelo Galea was also known as Angelo Gallica.³ He and Carmelo Felice were listed in the 1930 US Census age 44, sugar mill refinery laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Joseph J. Vella was born on 14 March 1940 in Imsida, Malta.¹ He married Helena Dueri on 31 August 1963 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Joseph J. Vella emigrated from Malta on 20 August 1952 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Tresurer, 96-97, 2013 in 1996. He lived in 2009 at 822 Crossway Rd, Burlingame, CA, USA. He contributed his family's genealogy to MHS in 2012. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Treasurer of Maltese American Social Club between 2013 and 2024. He and Helena Dueri were living in 2021 in Burlingame, CA, USA.

     Helena Dueri was born on 18 April 1941 in Potosi, Bolivia; also Aug 25, 1941.¹ She married Joseph J. Vella, son of Saviour Vella and Rosina Mifsud, on 31 August 1963 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Helena Dueri emigrated from Malta in August 1960.¹ Her married name was Vella.¹ She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Tresurer, 96-97, 2013 in 1996. She and Joseph J. Vella were living in 2021 in Burlingame, CA, USA.

     Monique J. Vella was born on 12 October 1964 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹
     She was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was ByLaws Committee, Maltese Club; she did first draft of new ByLaws in 2016. She was living in 2021 in Redwood City, CA, USA.

     Suzanne Vella was born on 8 January 1966 in Burlingame, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.¹ She married Jeffrey Scott Wisdom.¹
     Her married name was Wisdom.¹ Suzanne Vella was living in 2021 in Lake Forest, CA, USA.

     Jeffrey Scott Wisdom was born circa 1967. He married Suzanne Vella, daughter of Joseph J. Vella and Helena Dueri.¹

     Dr. Chantal Anne Vella PhD was born on 5 February 1969 in Burlingame, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.¹ She married Jeff Bryan Langman. Biography Chantal A. Vella, Ph.D., graduated from The University of New Mexico with a doctorate in Exercise Physiology from the Department of Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences. Her post-doctoral work in Endocrinology and Metabolism focused on factors associated with glucose regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes. Professor Vella’s education and research expertise give her a unique perspective on chronic disease prevention across the lifespan. Her primary research focus is understanding the health benefits of physical activity and health consequences of sedentary behavior. Specifically she is interested in understanding the independent effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on cardiometabolic disease risk factors such as obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. She also works with grizzly bears as they are showing promise as a unique animal model for studying obesity, inactivity, and insulin resistance.

In 2014, Vella was awarded the University of Idaho Presidential Mid-Career Faculty Excellence Award for excellence in research, teaching and engagement. She is a certified Exercise Physiologist and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and is actively involved in ACSM as well as the American Heart Association.


Awards and Honors

University of Idaho Presidential Mid-career Faculty Excellence Award for excellence in research, teaching and engagement, 2014-2016

Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine, 2013

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Minority Access to Research Careers Conference Travel Award, 2010

Outstanding Performance for Securing Extramural Funding, University of Texas at El Paso, 2009

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Minority Access to Research Careers Conference Travel Award, 2009

Endocrinology Scholar Award, American Federation for Medical Research, Western Regional Conference, 2006

See: https://www.uidaho.edu/ed/mvsc/faculty/chantal-vella in 2023.
     Dr. Chantal Anne Vella PhD was educated B.S., Nutritional Science, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
M.S., Kinesiology and Exercise Science, California Polytechnic State University. Her married name was Vella-Langman. She graduated in 2004 at University of New Mexico, NM, USA; PHD, Exercise Physiology. She and Jeff Bryan Langman were living in 2021 in Moscoe, ID, USA. Dr. Chantal Anne Vella PhD was a Professor, Interim Program Coordinator, Director of the Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences: Department of Movement Sciences in 2023 at University of Idaho, ID, USA.

     Christopher Wisdom was born on 3 April 1998 in Los Altos, CA, USA; L. A. given.¹

     Casey Wisdom was born on 29 February 2000 in Los Altos, CA, USA.¹

     Saviour Vella was born on 21 May 1908 in Mellieha, Malta.¹ He married Rosina Mifsud, daughter of Martin Mifsud and Victoria Borg.¹ Saviour Vella died on 8 December 1978 at Burlingame, CA, USA, at age 70.¹ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 30 October 1950 to New York, NY, USA. He was naturalized on 6 May 1958 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 10 December 1978: VELLA. Saviour (Sam) J. — In Burlingame. Dec. 8. 1978. late of Burlingame. Calif; beloved husband of Rorzina Vella: loving father of Joseph J. Vella of Burlingame and Mary Rose Burette of Aptos. Calif; dear brother of Vincent Vella of S.F-; dear grandfather of Monique Suzanne and Chantal Vella, all of Burlngame, Julie, Laurie and David Durette, all of Aptos; a native of Mellieha. Malta; aged 71 years. Saviour Vella was also known as Sam J Vella.

     Rosina Mifsud was born on 30 May 1907 in Mellieha, Malta; Passinger List: May 27, 1907.^1,2 She married Saviour Vella, son of Carmelo Vella and Paola Camilleri.¹ Rosina Mifsud was issued a Maltese Passport age 30, pleasure trip on 17 August 1937. Declared destination was Italy.² She died on 8 August 2005 at CA, USA, at age 98. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA; Gives Rose Borg.
     Rosina Mifsud was also known as Rosa Vella. Her married name was Vella.¹ As of 1937, Rosina Mifsud was also known as Rose Mifsud.² She emigrated from Malta on 20 August 1952 to New York, NY, USA.¹ She was naturalized on 10 September 1999 at San Francisco, CA, USA. She lived at Burlingame, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 9 August 2005: ROSE VELLA Of Burlingame, peacefully at rest August 8, 2005. She was the beloved wife of the late Saviour Vella and loving mother of two. Grandmother of six, great-grandmother of five. Sister of Carmen Borg. Mother-in-law of two. A native of Mellieha, Malta, age 98, she was a longtime resident of Burlingame.
Published in Inside Bay Area on Aug. 9, 2005.

     Martin Mifsud was born on 11 October 1873 in Mellieha, Malta; Mellicha given.^1,2 He married Victoria Borg.¹ Martin Mifsud was issued a Maltese Passport age 40, field laborer; stone cutter; Has relatives in Sydney and Tasmania on 10 November 1913. Declared destination was Australia.² He died in 1951 at Malta.¹
     Martin Mifsud was also known as Martino Mifsud.²

     Victoria Borg was born in 1875 in Mellieha, Malta.¹ She married Martin Mifsud, son of Giovanni Mifsud.¹ Victoria Borg died in 1972 at Malta.¹
     Her married name was Mifsud.¹

     Carmelo Vella was born on 13 August 1871 in Mellieha, Malta.^1,2 He married Paola Camilleri.¹ Carmelo Vella was issued a Maltese Passport age 42; Has relatives who have promised him work on 29 September 1913. Declared destination was San Francisco, CA, USA.² He died in September 1927 at Malta at age 56.¹

     Paola Camilleri was born in 1875 in Mosta, Malta.¹ She married Carmelo Vella, son of Giuseppe Vella.¹ Paola Camilleri died in October 1926 at Malta.¹
     Her married name was Vella.¹

     Rita Marie Grech was born on 19 May 1933 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 7 in 1940 census.¹ She married Albert Joseph Semenero on 21 June 1953 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹
     Rita Marie Grech was listed in the 1940 US Census of Charles Grech in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 52, chemical laborer.² Her married name was Semenero.¹ Rita Marie Grech was listed in the 1940 US Census of Charles Grech and Ann J. (?) in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 62, railway co. laborer. As of 2012, Rita Marie Grech lived at 1201 Ladera Way, Belmont, CA, USA; alritasem@comcast.net.¹ She contributed her family's genealogy to MHS in 2012.
Rita Marie Grech Family Nick Name: Ta Gerella.

     Albert Joseph Semenero was born on 17 February 1930 in Sheatown, PA, USA.¹ He married Rita Marie Grech, daughter of Charles Grech and Maria Borg, on 21 June 1953 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹

     Charles Grech was born circa 1888 in Mosta, Malta; age 40 in 1930 census; age 52 in 1940 census.² He married Maria Borg, daughter of Anna (?), circa 1912; ages 21 and 19.¹ Charles Grech married Ann J. (?) Charles Grech died before 1968. He died on 30 January 1968. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Charles Grech was also known as Carmelo C. Grech.² He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 24 April 1911 going to New York, NY, USA; age 27. Destination San Francisco, to friend Giuseppe Borg. He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 23 October 1920 going to New York, NY, USA; age 33, a gardener. He emigrated from Malta on 24 February 1926 to New York, NY, USA. He and Maria Borg were listed in the 1930 US Census age 40, wool pulling laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Charles Grech was listed in the 1940 US Census age 52, chemical laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ He and Ann J. (?) were listed in the 1950 US Census age 62, railway co. laborer in San Francisco, CA, USA.

     Maria Borg was born circa 1893 in Mosta, Malta; age 37 in 1930 census.^1,2 She married Charles Grech, son of Michele Grech, circa 1912; ages 21 and 19.² Maria Borg died on 12 January 1937. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Grech. She was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 3 February 1926 going to New York, NY, USA; age 34, with 3 children. She and Charles Grech were listed in the 1930 US Census age 40, wool pulling laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² As of 1930, Maria Borg was also known as Mary Grech.²

     Pauline Maria Grech was born in 1914 in Mosta, Malta; age 26 in 1940 census.¹ She married James P Galea. Pauline Maria Grech died on 2 June 1991 at Redding, CA, USA.
     Pauline Maria Grech was also known as Paola Grech. She was listed on a passenger list with Maria Borg on 3 February 1926 at New York, NY, USA; age 34, with 3 children. Pauline Maria Grech was listed in the 1940 US Census of Charles Grech in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 52, chemical laborer.¹ Her married name was Galea.
Obituary: on 5 June 1991: GALEA, Paulina Victoria Grach Died In Redding, June 2, 1991; beloved wife of the late James Galea; loving mother of Charles Galea of Sebastopol, Maria Galea of Santa Rosa, and Paul Galea of Redding; devoted grandmother of Charles Jr., James, Amy 8. Angela Galea; dear sister of John Grech of Daly City, Victoria Ferguson of Sacramento, Ann Fratessa of San Bruno, and Rita Semenero of Belmont; a 30 year resident of Daly City; age 78 years. Pauline Maria Grech was also known as Pauline Victoria Grech.