Italiano 
Vallelunga Pratameno is a small agricultural center in the province of Caltanissetta, Sicily. In 1901 Loreto Francesco Federico left Vallelunga together with some fellow villagers for the United States, with little money in his pocket and a suitcase full of dreams and hopes. Last April 30th, after more than a century, the grandchildren Philip and Michael Federico came to Vallelunga to learn about the places where their ancestors lived and meet the relatives discovered thanks to meticulous research carried out by the professional genealogist Marcello D’Aleo.
The brothers Philip and Michael Federico with their cousins from Vallelunga are received by the Mayor Dr. Giuseppe Montesano
After a visit to Caltavuturo (place of origin of the oldest ancestors of the family), the Federico brothers arrived in Vallelunga, welcomed by their relatives and the Mayor Dr. Giuseppe Montesano. During their short stay they visited the Main Church and the museum of rural civilization, walking along those streets traveled by their ancestors more than a century ago. The emotion in the faces of everyone present was evident.
Philip Federico receives a reproduction of the municipal banner from the Mayor Dr. Giuseppe Montesano
Philip said: The excursion to Caltavuturo and the subsequent visit to Vallelunga were the highlights of the trip. Going to the town where my most distant ancestors lived and visiting the ruins of the ancient medieval village was an extraordinary experience. In Vallelunga, it was very nice to meet our cousin Lina and her ninety-year-old father, Salvatore. See real family, hug real family, laugh with real family; it was all so real. We greatly appreciated the cordial welcome of the Mayor, who received us in his study. Furthermore, visiting the local museum gave my brother and I a clear idea of how our ancestors lived.
In the United States, when my brother and I were children, it wasn’t very popular to be Italian. There were prejudices and our father did his best to raise us as Americans. Unfortunately we never learned to speak Italian. As my brother and I grew up, being Italian in America became more acceptable. Today, Americans fully appreciate Italian culture and lifestyle. Let’s say that today there are two types of people in America: those who are Italian and those who would like to be!
My brother Michael and I feel so lucky to be of Sicilian descent. We are truly proud of our roots.
The brothers Philip and Michael Federico with the professional genealogist Marcello D’Aleo
At the end of the visit, cousin Lina Zingarello said: Knowing that people who live on the other side of the world wanted to know their origins, places and relatives was exciting…
Even though we spoke different languages and even though there was little time, I found cousins, albeit fourth degree ones, whose existence I didn’t know! In particular, Philip reminds me a lot of my uncle Vincenzo and I felt that he inherited his goodness, altruism and genuineness. He is a humble person, despite the fact that he is a famous and successful lawyer. Meeting Philip and Michael really pleased me, I really hope to see them again here in Vallelunga!
Michael Federico receives a reproduction of the municipal banner from the Mayor Dr. Giuseppe Montesano
Philip and Michael Federico with their cousins from Vallelunga
We thank the Federico brothers for choosing us and invite all those who are interested in reconstructing their family history to contact us!
