Stories Page 2 – Other Family Stories
Published in print and letters
Alien Registration Case.
19 December 1919
At the Dover Police Court on Friday last, before Dr. C. Wood (in the chair) and Mr. W. J. Palmer, Euginio Dimarco and Anna Maria Dimarco, his wife, were charged with being aliens (Italians), duly registered Glasgow, failing to furnish to tbe Registration Officer the district particular of the date on which their address was to be changed and their intended residence. Both defendants pleaded guilty. Chief Constable Fox, Registration Officer under the Aliens Act, said the defendants arrived in Dover at the end of last month, and came to the Police Station to notify their arrival. Under a new system, papers should have been sent from Glasgow, but as these were not received he wrote and found that they had left Glasgow without reporting. On Wednesday, the 10th inst., he requested the defendants to come to the Police Station, and he cautioned them. Asked when they left Glasgow, they both said “On November 27th,” and when asked if they had registered there they said ” Yes.” They said they did not understand having to notify their departure. He (witness) believed they did it in ignorance. There were large notices issued at the time of the Registration Act coming into force, showing its requirements, but he was afraid there was no notice that on the permit papers themselves. There was now a fresh system under the new regulations whioh avoided this. In reply to the Bench, the Chief Constable said the male defendant returned to England May 27th. having served in the Italian Army. He had previously lived at Glasgow, and his five children were born there, witness believed. The Chairman said that though they would not accept plea of ignorance, they believed there was no intention of doing wrong. Defendants would be fined 10s.
Published in the Dover Express – Friday 19 December 1919
19 December 1919
At the Dover Police Court on Friday last, before Dr. C. Wood (in the chair) and Mr. W. J. Palmer, Euginio Dimarco and Anna Maria Dimarco, his wife, were charged with being aliens (Italians), duly registered Glasgow, failing to furnish to tbe Registration Officer the district particular of the date on which their address was to be changed and their intended residence. Both defendants pleaded guilty. Chief Constable Fox, Registration Officer under the Aliens Act, said the defendants arrived in Dover at the end of last month, and came to the Police Station to notify their arrival. Under a new system, papers should have been sent from Glasgow, but as these were not received he wrote and found that they had left Glasgow without reporting. On Wednesday, the 10th inst., he requested the defendants to come to the Police Station, and he cautioned them. Asked when they left Glasgow, they both said “On November 27th,” and when asked if they had registered there they said ” Yes.” They said they did not understand having to notify their departure. He (witness) believed they did it in ignorance. There were large notices issued at the time of the Registration Act coming into force, showing its requirements, but he was afraid there was no notice that on the permit papers themselves. There was now a fresh system under the new regulations whioh avoided this. In reply to the Bench, the Chief Constable said the male defendant returned to England May 27th. having served in the Italian Army. He had previously lived at Glasgow, and his five children were born there, witness believed. The Chairman said that though they would not accept plea of ignorance, they believed there was no intention of doing wrong. Defendants would be fined 10s.
Published in the Dover Express – Friday 19 December 1919
A Dual Offence.
24 December 1920
At the Dover Police Court Friday before Messrs. H. Hayward (in the chair), C. E. and Hobday, Frank John Francesco, of 23, Soar , gate St., was summoned for employing child after nine o’clock on Saturday; and, further, with selling cigarettes after time. The defendant, having first given a explanation, was recommended not guilty. Mr= J. Jailor prosecuted; and Leeming said that on 4th inst., he was near the defendant’s shop when he saw a sailor coming out the shop in the act of taking some cigarettes out a packet. From information, witness found that he had obtained them from the defendant’s shop. Witness then went inside the shop and found that Amelia (Emilea) Dimarco , aged twelve years, had served the cigarettes. The defendant came back later 10 35 p.m., and said that he left the shop at ten o’clock to get drink but gave instructions that the girl was not to serve anyone. In reply to the Magistrates’ Clerk, Mr. Taylor said that refreshments could served in the shop until eleven o’clock. The defendant said that when went out he met a friend, which delayed him a little while. The girl had told him that the sailor had “prayed her” to give him some cigarettes. The defendant was fined 10s. on each offence; and the Chairman said that he hoped defendant would that children were bed earlier in future.
Published in the Dover Express – Friday 24 December 1920
24 December 1920
At the Dover Police Court Friday before Messrs. H. Hayward (in the chair), C. E. and Hobday, Frank John Francesco, of 23, Soar , gate St., was summoned for employing child after nine o’clock on Saturday; and, further, with selling cigarettes after time. The defendant, having first given a explanation, was recommended not guilty. Mr= J. Jailor prosecuted; and Leeming said that on 4th inst., he was near the defendant’s shop when he saw a sailor coming out the shop in the act of taking some cigarettes out a packet. From information, witness found that he had obtained them from the defendant’s shop. Witness then went inside the shop and found that Amelia (Emilea) Dimarco , aged twelve years, had served the cigarettes. The defendant came back later 10 35 p.m., and said that he left the shop at ten o’clock to get drink but gave instructions that the girl was not to serve anyone. In reply to the Magistrates’ Clerk, Mr. Taylor said that refreshments could served in the shop until eleven o’clock. The defendant said that when went out he met a friend, which delayed him a little while. The girl had told him that the sailor had “prayed her” to give him some cigarettes. The defendant was fined 10s. on each offence; and the Chairman said that he hoped defendant would that children were bed earlier in future.
Published in the Dover Express – Friday 24 December 1920
Shops act prosecution
27 August 1926
At the Dover Police Court on Friday, before Messrs W. B. Brett, T. Francis and H. J. Burton, Eugineo Dimarco, 23, Snargate St., confectioner was charged with keeping open after the closing hour for the sale of chocolates. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr. Hurry, Inspector under the Shops’ Act, said on Saturday, 31st July, at 10.25 p.m. he gave instructions for an agent to go to the defendant’s shop and purchase a 1s. bar of Cadbury’s chocolate He returned with the agent to the shop and brought the offence to the notice the defendant’s daughter, Mary (Maria) Dimarco. Closing time was 10 o’clock. Defendant said that was away that evening and his wife was in charge of the shop and she was under the impression that she could keep open until 10.30 on Saturday. Mr. Temple pointed out that those regulations were brought to the defendant’s notice on the 27th August, when he was fined for somewhat similar offence. Defendant was fined £1
Published in the Dover Express – 27 August 1926
27 August 1926
At the Dover Police Court on Friday, before Messrs W. B. Brett, T. Francis and H. J. Burton, Eugineo Dimarco, 23, Snargate St., confectioner was charged with keeping open after the closing hour for the sale of chocolates. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr. Hurry, Inspector under the Shops’ Act, said on Saturday, 31st July, at 10.25 p.m. he gave instructions for an agent to go to the defendant’s shop and purchase a 1s. bar of Cadbury’s chocolate He returned with the agent to the shop and brought the offence to the notice the defendant’s daughter, Mary (Maria) Dimarco. Closing time was 10 o’clock. Defendant said that was away that evening and his wife was in charge of the shop and she was under the impression that she could keep open until 10.30 on Saturday. Mr. Temple pointed out that those regulations were brought to the defendant’s notice on the 27th August, when he was fined for somewhat similar offence. Defendant was fined £1
Published in the Dover Express – 27 August 1926
The wedding of Luigi Di Paolo and Emelia Dimarco
Saturday 17 February 1951
The wedding took place at Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church, St. Leonards, Monday, The bride was attended by Mrs. Attlllo Demarco (bride’s sister). Mrs, Serafino Dimarco (bride’s sister-inlaw) and Miss Olivia Capaldi
Emilia Dimarco was the daughter of Lorenzo Dimarco, my grandfather’s cousin. The best man, standing next to Luigi is Phil (Serafino) Dimarco, Emelia’s brother. Luigi went on to found a sucessful cafe and Ice Cream parlour in Bexhill on Sea, (read story above).
Sadly most of these businesses have closed but on a recent trip to Hastings, my son Nick De Marco stopped at Bexhill to photograph the De La Warr Pavilion and called in at Di Paolo’s Cafe opposite. He was surprised and delighted to discover the family connection and that Luigi and Pasquale Di Paolo and their cousin Joseph DiMascio were running the shop.
The premises were bought from my godfather Luigi Capaldi who was married to Carmella De Marco, my father’s cousin and, she, in turn, was the cousin of Luigi Di Paolo’s wife Emilia Dimarco. My sister Nina remembers Luigi Di Paolo and Emilia from our childhood days and my sister also knew their son Giovanni Di Paolo and his wife Christine and I am sure they in turn remember my father Giacinto (George) De Marco.
Mrs. Anna Maria Demarco
Hastings and St Leonards Observer – Saturday 14 June 1952
The death occurred at her home. 7, Pelham-place, Saturday, of Mrs. Anna Marla Demarco wife of Mr. Eugenio Demarco, she was 67, and leaves a widower, two sons and four daughters. Tha funeral was on Wednesday. Requiem Mass was celebrated the Church of St. Mary Star-of-the-Sea, and the Interment followed at the Borough Cemetery. The Rev. M. P. Walsh (rector) officiated.
The immediate mourners were:- The widower, Mr. and Mrs. Attilio Demarco, Mr. Eduardo Demarco, Mr. and Mrs. H. Simpson, Mr. S. O. Glenlster, Mr. F. Donfrancesco, Mis U. Boldrin, Mr. George Demarco, Mr. Gerardo Demarco, Mr. E. Jaconeili, Mr. A. DeFelici, Mr. Ernesto Demarco, Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Demarco, Mr. and Mrs. D, Margiotta, Mrs. L. Capaldl. Mr. D. Capaldr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Dimarco, Mr. and Mrs. M. Dimarco, Mr. and Mrs. A. Demarco, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Glenlster, Mr. C. Pelosi, Mr B. Rossi and Miss T. Rossi, Mr. and Mrs. A. Grilli, Mr. R. Forte, Mr. S. Forte, Mrs. M. Galo, Mr. D’Ambrosio, Mr. F. Rea, Mr. Massarella, Mr. B. Mattasa, Mr. R. Lloyd Dawson, Mr. J. Priest, Mr. and Mrs. S. Phillips, Mr, O. Rossi, Mr. A. Down, Mrs. V. Hutchinson (representing the staff of Messrs. Demarco), Mr. Tony Mlnchella, Mrs. G. Fabbria, Mrs. A. Forte. Mrs A. Divito, Mr, R. Passi and Mrs. E. Harmer.
Flowers were from:
Eugenio; Attillo and Mary; Millie and Eduardo; Mary and Henry; Caroline; Elvira and Emanuele; Francesco: Emilia; Linda, Tony and Paul (grandchildren); Agostino and Marlaclvlta (Picinlsco, Italy); George and Renee Demarco and family (Brighton); and Eleanor Demarco (Hove); Vic, Alf, Eddie, Doretta and family; Mr. and Mrs. U. Demarco, (40, Promenade, Portohello); Tamm! and families; Ernest, Fllomena and Giuseppe; Maria and family (71, Seaside, Eastbourne); Domenico and Concetta Margiotta; Phil and Tony Margiotta; Mr. and Mrs. D. Capaldl; Mr. and Mrs. W. Buckle and family; Mr. and Mra. L. Capaldl and family; Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Dimarco Mr. and Mrs. Michele Dimarco; Mr. and Mrs. Luigi DiPaolo; Mr. and Mrs. Seraflno Dimarco; Mr. and Mrs. D’Ambrosio and family; Mr. and Mrs. Pia and family: Mr. R. Forte and family; Mr. B. Rossi and family (Folkestone); Mrs. M. Gaio and family; Mr. and Mrs. Pelosl and family (Edinburgh); Umbertina. Mr. and Mrs, Grilll and family; Mr. and Mrs. G. Abate (Dover): Mr. and Mrs. Cascarini; Marietta and Peter Capoccl; The DiLieto family (London): Mr. and Mrs. A. Divito and family (Hastings); Edith and Harry; Guiseppa; Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Glenister: Mr. and Mrs. Massarella and family; Mrs. Mattasa and family; Mrs. S. Mamone and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Rea and family: Mrs. Robert Riley and Francis; Mr. and Mrs, L. Valente; Angela; Mrs. C, E. Castle; and Mr. Down: Mrs. Glenister and all at 18, St. Helens crescent: Reg Gray; Robert and Terry Hutchinson; Mr. Peter Magino and family; Reginald, Beate and Bernard Malerbi; Mrs. Mitchell and babies: Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Middleton (Eougemont); Mr, and Mrs. S. S. Phillips; Mr. and Mrs. John Priest (Lloyds Bank, St. Leonards); Mr. and Mrs. Pike; the staff; Mrs. V. E. Smith; from all at 3. Pelham Arcade; Arthur Wm. Wall; with deepest sympathy and respect, from friend; two friends. Mr. Eugenio Demarco and family desire to express thanks for the messages of sympathy and the beautiful flowers received. Please accept this as the only intimation. The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bryant and Sons, Queen’s-road..
Story supplied by Luigi Di Paolo (Left)
Like many Italian families in the UK ice cream business, the Di Paolo family originates from the Valle De Comino region of Lazio in Italy. In the late 1890’s, Lorenzo Di Marco came to England from Picinisco. Upon his arrival, he worked in his uncle’s ice cream parlour/confectionery business in Eastbourne. His uncle made the ice cream, and a young Lorenzo would take it up to the famous ‘Beachy Head’ to sell it from his ice cream barrow. Lorenzo met his wife Orazia Pellosi and went back to Picinisco to marry her. When they both returned to England, they decided to open their own café/ice cream parlour in 1905 at Wellington Place in Hastings. They built up a very successful and highly regarded business and forged a relationship with the Ice Cream Alliance. The family were very successful in the national competitions winning a first prize gold medal in 1934 and then going on to win the prestigious ‘Fachinni’ Silver cup in 1937 and flowing that, numerous diplomas and diplomas of merit right up to the late 1950’s.
Lorenzo and Orazia had four children, Maria, Michele, Emilia and Serafino. Their daughter Emilia married Luigi Di Paolo in 1952. Lorenzo then expanded the business by buying premises next door and so “Di Marco Bros” was born. This new state-of-the-art café/restaurant seated 200 people and was fitted out with a modern kitchen which served hot and cold meals, snacks and take away food. A separate table service section was included within the restaurant and a Classic ‘Edoni’ batch freezer was also installed in the window of the restaurant so that customers could watch the ice cream being made.
Luigi Di Paolo was made a partner in the business and along with Emilia and her brothers, they took the business even further by turning the basement of the existing premises into an ice cream production facility. The business then expanded and ice cream was made and supplied to their own vans and local hotels as well as meeting the demand from the ice cream parlour.
Sadly, this business closed in 1985, but Emilia and Luigi’s son Giovanni had opened a new café at 5 Marina, Bexhill On Sea along with his wife Christine in 1981.
They bought this business from a cousin, Luigi Capaldi, who also had been making ice cream on the premises since 1946. Giovanni and Christine had to work hard to turn the business around to meet the demands of more modern consumers so they increases their menu to provide restaurant type cuisine and they totally revamped the rear of the café which was originally Mr Capaldi’s ice cream factory into a table-service restaurant to cater for the increase` in trade and also private functions and parties.
It is now Giovanni’s and Christine’s children, Luigi and Pasquale and their cousin Joseph DiMascio who run the business and they are now talking the family business and its traditions well into its fourth generation of ownership.
Luigi is ‘Capo Gelateriere’ the head artisan ice cream chef. He has benefited from three generations of experience and knowledge and has recently been trying new ideas and flavours to reflect a more classic Italian style to suit today’s trends. Luigi is also working towards perfecting the presentation of the ice cream and has also made the step of sourcing ingredients for making ice cream from a local dairy farm, which he says has greatly improved the recipe. He says “The ice cream we produce now is typically Italian Gelato, with use of sorbet for fruit flavours and a low-fat but creamy ice cream for vanilla, Stracciatella, Frutti di Bosco and other classic Italian variegato flavours etc..”. Luigi also makes his own Chocolate mix to make dark Belgian chocolate and for flavours such as Gianduia.
Pasquale works as a manager in the business. He has been trained in all aspects so he is able to help Luigi with making the ice cream and also take responsibility for all other aspects of the business from cooking to ordering and most importantly, making sure that the customers are happy.
Joseph had worked in the business since it opened in 1981 and he was first to take on a managerial role from Giovanni and Christine. Joseph is responsible for all of the food preparation covering everything from fresh local fish & chips to classic pasta dishes and all day breakfasts. He also specialises in homemade scones, cakes and apple crumble and cherry pies. Private functions and themed events are still also catered for. As much as possible, food from local suppliers and producers is used for the restaurant.
Giovanni and Christine are still very much active within the family business, mainly in the restaurant, but are now very happy to leave the day-to-day running of the business to the next generation, who are all very enthusiastic about carrying the business on into another generation and continuing to provide good food, personal service and a warm family orientated atmosphere that continues to delight both regulars and visitors and keeps them coming back time and time again. Luigi tells me that he has discussed many new ideas for taking the business forward with his brother and his cousin. One of the things they did discuss was a re-fit. Luigi told me “We want to create a totally new look by somehow combining its traditions with a modern feel”. I would definitely say watch this space!
Like many Italian families in the UK ice cream business, the Di Paolo family originates from the Valle De Comino region of Lazio in Italy. In the late 1890’s, Lorenzo Di Marco came to England from Picinisco. Upon his arrival, he worked in his uncle’s ice cream parlour/confectionery business in Eastbourne. His uncle made the ice cream, and a young Lorenzo would take it up to the famous ‘Beachy Head’ to sell it from his ice cream barrow. Lorenzo met his wife Orazia Pellosi and went back to Picinisco to marry her. When they both returned to England, they decided to open their own café/ice cream parlour in 1905 at Wellington Place in Hastings. They built up a very successful and highly regarded business and forged a relationship with the Ice Cream Alliance. The family were very successful in the national competitions winning a first prize gold medal in 1934 and then going on to win the prestigious ‘Fachinni’ Silver cup in 1937 and flowing that, numerous diplomas and diplomas of merit right up to the late 1950’s.
Lorenzo and Orazia had four children, Maria, Michele, Emilia and Serafino. Their daughter Emilia married Luigi Di Paolo in 1952. Lorenzo then expanded the business by buying premises next door and so “Di Marco Bros” was born. This new state-of-the-art café/restaurant seated 200 people and was fitted out with a modern kitchen which served hot and cold meals, snacks and take away food. A separate table service section was included within the restaurant and a Classic ‘Edoni’ batch freezer was also installed in the window of the restaurant so that customers could watch the ice cream being made.
Luigi Di Paolo was made a partner in the business and along with Emilia and her brothers, they took the business even further by turning the basement of the existing premises into an ice cream production facility. The business then expanded and ice cream was made and supplied to their own vans and local hotels as well as meeting the demand from the ice cream parlour.
Sadly, this business closed in 1985, but Emilia and Luigi’s son Giovanni had opened a new café at 5 Marina, Bexhill On Sea along with his wife Christine in 1981.
They bought this business from a cousin, Luigi Capaldi, who also had been making ice cream on the premises since 1946. Giovanni and Christine had to work hard to turn the business around to meet the demands of more modern consumers so they increases their menu to provide restaurant type cuisine and they totally revamped the rear of the café which was originally Mr Capaldi’s ice cream factory into a table-service restaurant to cater for the increase` in trade and also private functions and parties.
It is now Giovanni’s and Christine’s children, Luigi and Pasquale and their cousin Joseph DiMascio who run the business and they are now talking the family business and its traditions well into its fourth generation of ownership.
Luigi is ‘Capo Gelateriere’ the head artisan ice cream chef. He has benefited from three generations of experience and knowledge and has recently been trying new ideas and flavours to reflect a more classic Italian style to suit today’s trends. Luigi is also working towards perfecting the presentation of the ice cream and has also made the step of sourcing ingredients for making ice cream from a local dairy farm, which he says has greatly improved the recipe. He says “The ice cream we produce now is typically Italian Gelato, with use of sorbet for fruit flavours and a low-fat but creamy ice cream for vanilla, Stracciatella, Frutti di Bosco and other classic Italian variegato flavours etc..”. Luigi also makes his own Chocolate mix to make dark Belgian chocolate and for flavours such as Gianduia.
Pasquale works as a manager in the business. He has been trained in all aspects so he is able to help Luigi with making the ice cream and also take responsibility for all other aspects of the business from cooking to ordering and most importantly, making sure that the customers are happy.
Joseph had worked in the business since it opened in 1981 and he was first to take on a managerial role from Giovanni and Christine. Joseph is responsible for all of the food preparation covering everything from fresh local fish & chips to classic pasta dishes and all day breakfasts. He also specialises in homemade scones, cakes and apple crumble and cherry pies. Private functions and themed events are still also catered for. As much as possible, food from local suppliers and producers is used for the restaurant.
Giovanni and Christine are still very much active within the family business, mainly in the restaurant, but are now very happy to leave the day-to-day running of the business to the next generation, who are all very enthusiastic about carrying the business on into another generation and continuing to provide good food, personal service and a warm family orientated atmosphere that continues to delight both regulars and visitors and keeps them coming back time and time again. Luigi tells me that he has discussed many new ideas for taking the business forward with his brother and his cousin. One of the things they did discuss was a re-fit. Luigi told me “We want to create a totally new look by somehow combining its traditions with a modern feel”. I would definitely say watch this space!
King Cone ends a Famous Ice Age
11 York Place Brighton – Photo Giacinto De Marco
One of the last of the original ice cream makers is leaving Brighton. Giacinto De Marco, known as George to his friends, is getting ready for a life of leisure after years in a family business.
At one time, the De Marco family had shops in Eastbourne, Hastings, Dover and Brighton. When the York Place Brighton shop closes there will only be George’s cousins in Hastings to carry on the tradition.
The (first) Brighton shop opened in 1927 in St. James’ Street. Then it was an old style ice cream parlour – now it is more of a cafe. “When the customers knew that I was leaving some of them cried” said George aged 75. “I don’t quite know what I shall do with my time yet. Probably, I will be miserable for the first few months”
The De Marcos first came to England in 1880, but they never lost their links with Italy. George still travels back home to the little village of Picinisco, between Rome and Naples.
“So many people came to England from the village that there must be a De Marco in every English town.” he said. “The Fortes of Brighton came from there, too. “When I go home there is no need to speak Italian. Everyone speaks English”
Problems
George’s ties with both countries caused him problems in his younger years, He went back to Italy for a three month’s stay and ended up doing military service.
“The first three months I hated it,” he said “But I hardened up and enjoyed It In the end.” But problems really started with the Second World War. George’s father was interned on the Isle of Man and his mother was forced to move from Hove where they lived to Redhill.
“We’d lived in England most of our lives and it was breaking my mother’s heart . I was hounded out of my post as a senior ARP Warden but because of my dual nationality, I was still called up explained George.
He was sent to the Pioneer Corps, and even though he was spotted as officer material, he always refused to take rank. I thought I’d had a bad deal and I was determined to leave as I had Joined,” he explained. George said that he could never fight the Italians and was posted to Swansea, Cardiff and Slough. The war over, he and wife Renee joined the family ice cream business.
11 York Place Brighton – Photo Giacinto De Marco
One of the last of the original ice cream makers is leaving Brighton. Giacinto De Marco, known as George to his friends, is getting ready for a life of leisure after years in a family business.
At one time, the De Marco family had shops in Eastbourne, Hastings, Dover and Brighton. When the York Place Brighton shop closes there will only be George’s cousins in Hastings to carry on the tradition.
The (first) Brighton shop opened in 1927 in St. James’ Street. Then it was an old style ice cream parlour – now it is more of a cafe. “When the customers knew that I was leaving some of them cried” said George aged 75. “I don’t quite know what I shall do with my time yet. Probably, I will be miserable for the first few months”
The De Marcos first came to England in 1880, but they never lost their links with Italy. George still travels back home to the little village of Picinisco, between Rome and Naples.
“So many people came to England from the village that there must be a De Marco in every English town.” he said. “The Fortes of Brighton came from there, too. “When I go home there is no need to speak Italian. Everyone speaks English”
Problems
George’s ties with both countries caused him problems in his younger years, He went back to Italy for a three month’s stay and ended up doing military service.
“The first three months I hated it,” he said “But I hardened up and enjoyed It In the end.” But problems really started with the Second World War. George’s father was interned on the Isle of Man and his mother was forced to move from Hove where they lived to Redhill.
“We’d lived in England most of our lives and it was breaking my mother’s heart . I was hounded out of my post as a senior ARP Warden but because of my dual nationality, I was still called up explained George.
He was sent to the Pioneer Corps, and even though he was spotted as officer material, he always refused to take rank. I thought I’d had a bad deal and I was determined to leave as I had Joined,” he explained. George said that he could never fight the Italians and was posted to Swansea, Cardiff and Slough. The war over, he and wife Renee joined the family ice cream business.
In Memorium
Attilio (Tilly) on 24th July 2007 aged 95, peacefully in St Augustine’s Nursing Home. Much loved father of Anthony, father-in-law of Pauline, grandfather of Nicholas and Anthony. Grateful thanks to all the staff at St Augustine’s Nursing Home and at Old Hastings House. Funeral Service at St Mary Star-of-the-Sea Church on Tuesday 7th August at 10.00am. Family flowers only please, donations for St Augustine’s Nursing Unit c/o A.C Towner Ltd. 2-4 Norman Road, St Leonards TN37 6NH.
Attilio (Tilly) on 24th July 2007 aged 95, peacefully in St Augustine’s Nursing Home. Much loved father of Anthony, father-in-law of Pauline, grandfather of Nicholas and Anthony. Grateful thanks to all the staff at St Augustine’s Nursing Home and at Old Hastings House. Funeral Service at St Mary Star-of-the-Sea Church on Tuesday 7th August at 10.00am. Family flowers only please, donations for St Augustine’s Nursing Unit c/o A.C Towner Ltd. 2-4 Norman Road, St Leonards TN37 6NH.
Originally published in Hastings Observer on 03 August 2007
From the Daily Mail – 26 April 2009
Alfonso De Marco has lived in the same house for 100 years after arriving in England from Italy as a seven year-old. Mr De Marco, who lives in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was born in Italy in 1902 but moved to England when he was seven when Edward VII was on the Throne and Manchester United won the FA Cup for the first time.
When he turned 100, Mr De Marco received a certficate from the Pope, the equivalent of a 100 year old receiving a telegram from the Queen.He is now an avid fan of north London team Tottenham Hotspur, and has Spurs memorabilia all over the walls of his house.And he has vowed he will never live anywhere else
Mr De Marco is pictured (left) with a certificate sent to him by Pope John Paul II, while (right) his father stands outside the same Eastbourne address in 1919 Photo: M&Y
Mr De Marco was born (in Picinisco) near the southern Italian city of Cassino in 1902 before moving to Eastbourne to join his father Guiseppe who had relocated to East Sussex in 1885. They ran an ice cream parlour from the same seaside building Mr De Marco still calls home.
Upon turning 100 – and receiving a certificate from Pope John Paul II – Mr De Marco was offered the chance to live with one of his three daughters; Pierina Caira, 78, Elisa Fieldwick, 74, and Anita Dipilla, 62, but he turned them down. The great-great grandfather said: “I love it here, it is my home. I could have moved somewhere else but I have never wanted to. My daughters have asked me to move in with them, but I am happy here.
Alfonso De Marco has lived in the same house for 100 years after arriving in England from Italy as a seven year-old. Mr De Marco, who lives in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was born in Italy in 1902 but moved to England when he was seven when Edward VII was on the Throne and Manchester United won the FA Cup for the first time.
When he turned 100, Mr De Marco received a certficate from the Pope, the equivalent of a 100 year old receiving a telegram from the Queen.He is now an avid fan of north London team Tottenham Hotspur, and has Spurs memorabilia all over the walls of his house.And he has vowed he will never live anywhere else
Mr De Marco is pictured (left) with a certificate sent to him by Pope John Paul II, while (right) his father stands outside the same Eastbourne address in 1919 Photo: M&Y
Mr De Marco was born (in Picinisco) near the southern Italian city of Cassino in 1902 before moving to Eastbourne to join his father Guiseppe who had relocated to East Sussex in 1885. They ran an ice cream parlour from the same seaside building Mr De Marco still calls home.
Upon turning 100 – and receiving a certificate from Pope John Paul II – Mr De Marco was offered the chance to live with one of his three daughters; Pierina Caira, 78, Elisa Fieldwick, 74, and Anita Dipilla, 62, but he turned them down. The great-great grandfather said: “I love it here, it is my home. I could have moved somewhere else but I have never wanted to. My daughters have asked me to move in with them, but I am happy here.
“The street has changed a lot since I was a boy. I remember seeing horses pulling carts up and down this street, and smelling chestnuts being roasted. It is different now, it is much noisier, but I still love it – there are a lot of memories for me in this house. My daughters grew up here, and my father lived here, so I cannot imagine living anywhere else, or anywhere better.”
The house has barely changed since Alfonso first moved in with its Victorian wood-panelled exterior and single-glazed windows. Inside, memorabilia of Alfonso’s beloved Tottenham Hotspur and photographs of the family tracing right back to the early 1900s cover the walls. Apart from brief stint doing National Service in his native Italy with the prestigious Bersagliere regiment apart, Alfonso has lived and worked in Eastbourne for the last century.
Daughter Elisa added: “The De Marco family has been in this building almost 125 years, and even though the rest of the road has changed and become more like a shopping precinct, our little house remains the same as it always was.
“The house is like another member of the family, really. My sisters and I all grew up here and the whole family has a great connection with the place – we all still come round here for Christmas to see him and to be in the house. Dad is not interested in moving – this used to be his ice cream parlour so he is comfortable with his surroundings and the house is really an extension of him now. He goes into respite care every six weeks, but he is always desperate to get home.”
Alfonso’s eldest daughter Pierina added: “It is incredible that he has lived here for so long – there can’t be many people who have lived in the same house for as long as he has. He can still get up and down the stairs on his own, and he still laughs and jokes about. His sisters lived to ripe old ages as well, so he must have good genes – either that or all the ice cream he has eaten has done the trick.”
Photo: Well-wishers help Alfonso De Marco celebrate his 107th birthday
Alfonso’s recipe for a long life
Olive oil, a good woman and a glass of wine are the three ingredients that make up a long and healthy life, according to 107-year-old Alfonso De Marco.
The house has barely changed since Alfonso first moved in with its Victorian wood-panelled exterior and single-glazed windows. Inside, memorabilia of Alfonso’s beloved Tottenham Hotspur and photographs of the family tracing right back to the early 1900s cover the walls. Apart from brief stint doing National Service in his native Italy with the prestigious Bersagliere regiment apart, Alfonso has lived and worked in Eastbourne for the last century.
Daughter Elisa added: “The De Marco family has been in this building almost 125 years, and even though the rest of the road has changed and become more like a shopping precinct, our little house remains the same as it always was.
“The house is like another member of the family, really. My sisters and I all grew up here and the whole family has a great connection with the place – we all still come round here for Christmas to see him and to be in the house. Dad is not interested in moving – this used to be his ice cream parlour so he is comfortable with his surroundings and the house is really an extension of him now. He goes into respite care every six weeks, but he is always desperate to get home.”
Alfonso’s eldest daughter Pierina added: “It is incredible that he has lived here for so long – there can’t be many people who have lived in the same house for as long as he has. He can still get up and down the stairs on his own, and he still laughs and jokes about. His sisters lived to ripe old ages as well, so he must have good genes – either that or all the ice cream he has eaten has done the trick.”
Photo: Well-wishers help Alfonso De Marco celebrate his 107th birthday
Alfonso’s recipe for a long life
Olive oil, a good woman and a glass of wine are the three ingredients that make up a long and healthy life, according to 107-year-old Alfonso De Marco.
A Family Gathering
Photo – Alfonso and his family
Alfonso celebrated his 107th birthday last Friday at his home in Seaside, Eastbourne, where he has lived for the past 98 years.
He was joined throughout his special day by members of his family and to mark the occasion Alfonso was presented with a birthday cake from his carer Becky Hillier and team leders Kevin Roberts and Finola Castle, of Prime Care’s Eastbourne team, who provide daily care to enable him to live in his own home.
A bouquet of flowers was given by John Chibnall, business development manager at Wealden and Eastbourne Lifeline.
During his working life until retirement in 1973, Alfonso ran De Marco’s Ice Cream Parlour in Seaside that was opened in 1885 by his father Giuseppe.
In 1936 Alfonso was awarded a diploma from the Ice Cream Association for the high standard and quality of his ices. The diploma, along with memorabilia from his favourite football team Tottenham Hotspur, still hangs in his home today.
Alfonso has three children Lisa Fieldwick, Anita Dipilla and Pierina Caira, nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Anita and her husband Raffele were joined by Lisa and granddaughters Sandra Donoghue and Romina Compton for the birthday celebrations.
Published in the Hastingd observer – 03 April 2009
Photo – Alfonso and his family
Alfonso celebrated his 107th birthday last Friday at his home in Seaside, Eastbourne, where he has lived for the past 98 years.
He was joined throughout his special day by members of his family and to mark the occasion Alfonso was presented with a birthday cake from his carer Becky Hillier and team leders Kevin Roberts and Finola Castle, of Prime Care’s Eastbourne team, who provide daily care to enable him to live in his own home.
A bouquet of flowers was given by John Chibnall, business development manager at Wealden and Eastbourne Lifeline.
During his working life until retirement in 1973, Alfonso ran De Marco’s Ice Cream Parlour in Seaside that was opened in 1885 by his father Giuseppe.
In 1936 Alfonso was awarded a diploma from the Ice Cream Association for the high standard and quality of his ices. The diploma, along with memorabilia from his favourite football team Tottenham Hotspur, still hangs in his home today.
Alfonso has three children Lisa Fieldwick, Anita Dipilla and Pierina Caira, nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Anita and her husband Raffele were joined by Lisa and granddaughters Sandra Donoghue and Romina Compton for the birthday celebrations.
Published in the Hastingd observer – 03 April 2009