Puffer Genealogy

Living



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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Living

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. Living
    2. CARANCI, Jessica Ann was born on 19 Jul 1999 in Omaha, NE; and died.
    3. CARANCI, Jillian Louise was born on 31 Jan 2002 in Des Moines, IA; and died.

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  CARANCI, John CharlesCARANCI, John Charles was born on 21 Jan 1945 in Providence, RI (son of CARANCI, John Charles and FRENCH, Norma Imogene); died on 16 May 2016 in Bellevue, NE; was buried on 20 May 2016 in Council Bluffs, IA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 11
    • Residence: 1950, Providence, RI; Address:
      14 Winchester Street
    • Residence: 1980, East Hartford, CT
    • Residence: 1986, Council Bluffs, IA
    • Residence: 1989, East Hartford, CT; Address:
      520 Burnside Avenue Apt B1
    • Residence: 1991–1993, Council Bluffs, IA

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=162726285

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=162726285

    John married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Living
    Children:
    1. 1. Living
    2. Living


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  CARANCI, John CharlesCARANCI, John Charles was born on 7 Feb 1922 in Greenville, RI (son of CARANCI, Giovanni Carmine and MARZUCCA, Georgianna Maria); died on 14 Jul 1970 in Centerdale, RI; was buried in Johnston, RI.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Social Security Number: 035-18-5559
    • _COLOR: 6
    • Residence: 1930, North Providence, RI; Address:
      Eddy Street
    • Residence: 1 Jan 1936, Greenville, RI
    • Milit-Beg: 17 Oct 1942, Providence, RI
    • Milit-End: 5 Feb 1946, Fort Devens, MA
    • Residence: 1951, North Providence, RI; Assistant Foreman at Brown & Sharp Machine
    • Residence: 1952, Johnston, RI; Assistan Foreman at Brown and Sharp Machine
    • Residence: 1953, Johnston, RI; Assistant foreman at Brown & Sharp Machine
    • Residence: 1957, Alexandria, VA

    Notes:

    John Caranci Sr. was a toolmaker turned spy. He worked for the CIA from 1955 till his retirement. He was credited with inventing innovative ways of spying during the post-war period in Japan and broke up a major spy-ring during that time with the "James Bond" type of spy gadgets he invented and made.

    He worked as a plumber with his brother Anthony in North Providence and also at Brown & Sharpe where he learned the tool making trade; Uncas Manufacturing (where he broke his leg playing semi-pro football); and Pratt & Whitney in Providence. When P&W moved to E. Hartford, CT. Uncle Buddy (Charles Boorom) moved with them commuting at first from Providence then moving to Windsor Locks, CT for a short period. Through his brother Joseph, John got a job with the CIA as a tool maker.

    He served in the US Army in the Field Artillery 1942-1943; and as a surgical tech in the Medical Corps 1943-1946 during WWII, in the Aleutian Islands (Attu and Shemya) June 1945-Jan 1946. He received the Good Conduct Medal; Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon; American Theater Campaign Ribbon; and the Victory Medal decorations. According to his army records he enlisted as a PVT on October 17, 1942. His term of enlistment was for 5 years or '..for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months,....' . He had 2 years of high school education.

    Curiously, John was offered the grounds keeper job at Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT before Grampa (Charles French) was, through Carl Storey, who was business manager there. His wife Janet, was sister to Aunt Helen Mason (French), Uncle Stanley's wife.

    Places lived: Morgan Avenue, Johnston; Waterman Avenue, Centredale; Greystone Ave, Graniteville; Mineral Spring Ave, N. Providence; Indian Head, MD; Alexandria, VA; Yokohama/Yokosuka, Japan; Alexandria, VA; Frankfort, Germany; Centredale, RI.

    He met his wife, Norma I. French, at dances held at St. Edwards Church in N. Providence on Friday nights. They separated for a short time some where between 1948-1950.

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=63090701

    Residence:
    He attended William Winsor Public School and was in the 9th grade. He had had the measles

    Milit-Beg:
    A surgical tech in the Army. He attained the rank of E-5 (T5) and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. He spent 7 months in the Aleutian Islands of Attu and Shemya at the 329th Station Hospital, just after WWII.

    Residence:
    Edsall Road

    John married FRENCH, Norma Imogene on 19 Jun 1943 in Centerdale, RI, and was divorced on 21 Sep 1964 in Alexandria, VA. Norma (daughter of FRENCH, Charles Kimball Worcester and SMITH, Frances Alma) was born on 25 Feb 1925 in Bar Mills, ME; was christened on 19 Jun 1932 in Providence, RI; died on 21 Jun 1991 in Torrington, CT; was buried on 24 Jun 1991 in Buxton, ME. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  FRENCH, Norma ImogeneFRENCH, Norma Imogene was born on 25 Feb 1925 in Bar Mills, ME; was christened on 19 Jun 1932 in Providence, RI (daughter of FRENCH, Charles Kimball Worcester and SMITH, Frances Alma); died on 21 Jun 1991 in Torrington, CT; was buried on 24 Jun 1991 in Buxton, ME.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Cemetery: Buxton, ME; Address:
      South Buxton Cemetery
    • Ref#: 939
    • SSN issued: RI
    • Social Security Number: 036-18-3382
    • _COLOR: 6
    • Confirmation: 16 Feb 1936, Providence, RI
    • Residence: 1940, Providence, RI
    • Residence: Oct 1961, Lakeville, CT
    • Residence: 1990, Torrington, CT

    Notes:

    In the 1930 Census she was listed as residing in the household of her aunt, Hazel Marie (Smith) Pinkham, in Hollis, ME. She went to live with them as her father and mother were not able to keep all their kids together during the Depression.

    Norma moved from Alexandria VA to Lakeville, CT in Oct of 1961, after being separated from her husband of 19 years. Prior to that she lived in Providence, RI where she met her husband. She lived in Japan from 1957-1961 with her family.

    She was employed for most of her life (30 years) as a printer for The Hotchkiss School, a private prep school in Lakeville, CT. She also had jobs as a secretary, bookeeper, and waitress. She was a recovering alcoholic.

    She never remarried after her divorce and raised her children alone. She was eulogized as a tireless, hard working woman and loving mother who did her best during difficult times to support and raise 4 boys virtually on her own.

    St. Thomas Episcopal Church

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=63078014

    Confirmation:
    St. Thomas Episcopal Church

    Residence:
    Meadowview St.

    Died:
    Charlotte Hungerford Hospital

    Buried:
    43.608949, -70.539350

    Notes:

    Divorced:
    The legal grounds or cause of divorce was "Desertion". My mother and her children were told by my father to "get out", from what little information I got from her. She never told the whole story of their separation/divorce. He was the plaintiff in the divorce and it's hard to imagine that desertion was the cause, when he was the one to tell us all to get out.

    Children:
    1. 2. CARANCI, John Charles was born on 21 Jan 1945 in Providence, RI; died on 16 May 2016 in Bellevue, NE; was buried on 20 May 2016 in Council Bluffs, IA.
    2. Living
    3. Living
    4. Living

  3. 6.  PENKER, Raymond W.PENKER, Raymond W. was born on 11 Nov 1907 in Cooper Township, IA; died in Dec 1981 in IA; was buried in Defiance, IA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 11

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=15355743

    Raymond married HULSEBUS, Francile L.. Francile was born in 1920 in IA; died in 2001 in IA; was buried in Defiance, IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 7.  HULSEBUS, Francile L.HULSEBUS, Francile L. was born in 1920 in IA; died in 2001 in IA; was buried in Defiance, IA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 11

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=15355736

    Children:
    1. 3. Living


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  CARANCI, Giovanni CarmineCARANCI, Giovanni Carmine was born on 3 Jul 1895 in Campobasso, Isernia, Molise, Italy (son of CARANCI, Giusseppi Carlo and MANCINI, Philomena C., son of CARANCI, Carlo Giusseppi and MANCINI, Filomena C.); died on 7 Dec 1958 in Providence, RI; was buried in Pawtucket, RI.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6
    • Arrival: 14 Jan 1918, New York, NY; according to son, John
    • Residence: 1937, Greenville, RI; Address:
      Smith Avenue

    Notes:

    The 1917-18 WWI Draft Registration Card shows him living on Stillwater, Smithfield, RI. His occupation is a mill hand at Centredale Worsted Mills, Stillwater, RI.

    According to Ellis Island records, he came to the US on November 5, 1912 aboard the ship SS Berlin. He sailed from Naples on October 25th, 1912 and landed in New York, at Ellis Island. He is listed on the ship's manifest (page 0965 & 0966, on line 15). He was 17 at the time, listed his home as Campobasso, Castelpizzuto, Italy. He was single and his occupation was listed as farmer(?). He could read and write and he listed his nearest relative as his mother, "Mancini, Filomena" who lived in Castelpizzuto. He listed his final destination as RI, Providence. He paid for passage by himself. He had $26 in his possession when he landed. He had never been in the US before and was going to join a relative (cousin ??) at 298 Douglas Avenue in Providence (near Providence College). He answered "no" to being a polygamist and anarchist. He was in good health, was 5'1" tall and had a ruddy complexion. He had brown hair and eyes. He had a scar over his left eye. He lists Campobasso, Castelpizzuto as his place of birth. He also arrives back in the US on Oct 31, 1914 aboard the Patria with his mother, Filomena, he is 17 yo.

    The Berlin: Built by A. G. Weser Shipbuilders, Bremen, Germany, 1909. 1 7,323 gross tons; 613 (bp) feet long; 69 feet wide. Steam quadruple expansion engines, twin screw. Service speed 16 knots. 3,212 passengers ( 266 first class, 246 second class, 2,700 third class).Two funnels and two masts.

    Built for North German Lloyd, German flag, in 1909 and named Berlin. Bremerhaven-New York and Mediterranean-New York service. Transferred to German Navy, in 1914. Converted to a minelayer service. Seized by British Admiralty, British flag, in 1919. Troopship by Britain to India service. Under P&O management. Sold to White Star and Dominion Lines, in 1920 and renamed Arabic. Trans-Atlantic service. Chartered by Red Star Line, Belgian flag, in 1926. New York - Plymouth - Cherbourg - Antwerp, then Liverpool to NY service. Refited to 177 cabin, 319 tourist and 823 third cl passengers. Broken up in Italy in 1931.

    According to the 1920 census he was living in Smithfield, RI with his wife, Georgiana, mother Philomena; his brothers John and Antonio; two boarders Larry and Bernardino Avino; and children Joseph and boarders Larry and Bernadina Acciero. He listed his occupation as cordwood salesman.

    According to the 1930 census he was living at 64 Eddy Street, Centredale, RI with his wife, Georgiana and children Joseph, Anthony, Philomena and John. He listed his occupation as a fireman in the worsted Mill.

    His WWII US Draft registration card lists him as Charles (Carmine) and his date of birth as July 2, 1895 in Castelpizzuto, Italy. His draft serial number was U1747. He was living at 64 Eddy Street, Centredale, RI . He had a telephone, Centredale exchange, 0905 was the number. His employer was Collins and Aikmen Co. in Lymansville, RI, makers of automobile upholstery fabrics.

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=77612797

    Giovanni married MARZUCCA, Georgianna Maria on 25 Apr 1915 in Providence, RI. Georgianna (daughter of MARZUCCA, Giusseppi and CAPUTO, Maria Rosa) was born on 21 Jul 1897 in Salerno, Campania, Italy; died in Mar 1980 in North Providence, RI; was buried in Pawtucket, RI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  MARZUCCA, Georgianna MariaMARZUCCA, Georgianna Maria was born on 21 Jul 1897 in Salerno, Campania, Italy (daughter of MARZUCCA, Giusseppi and CAPUTO, Maria Rosa); died in Mar 1980 in North Providence, RI; was buried in Pawtucket, RI.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Social Security Number: 037-10-9972
    • _COLOR: 6
    • Arrival: 1 Jan 1910, New York, NY; according to son John
    • Residence: 1915, Smithfield, RI

    Notes:

    On immigration records her first name is sometimes spelled Giorgina, her last name sometimes is Mazzucco.

    The 1920 census has her living in Smithfield, RI with her husband, Charles (Carmine). She came to the US in 1910 and was naturalized in 1919. She could read and write and speak English and listed her occupation as a twister at the Worsted Mill.

    According to the 1930 census she was living at 64 Eddy Street, Centredale, RI with her husband, Charles and children Joseph, Anthony, Philomena and John. She listed her occupation as a spinner in a worsted mill for Crown Manufacturing Co., in Providence, RI.

    Her SSN was 037-10-9972.

    Ellis Island immigration records shows she landed on November, 11, 1937 with her daughter Filomena (17 yo) returning from Italy (a trip back home) . She lists her address as Smith Ave, Greenville, RI.

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=77612869

    Notes:

    Residence:
    A mill operator

    Children:
    1. CARANCI, Joseph Ralph Sr. was born on 8 May 1916 in Smithfield, RI; died on 17 Jul 1966 in Warwick, RI; was buried in Johnston, RI.
    2. CARANCI, Anthony Charles was born on 15 Jul 1918 in Georgiaville, RI; died on 28 Nov 1975 in Centredale, RI; was buried in Johnston, RI.
    3. CARANCI, Philomena C. was born on 1 Oct 1920 in Providence, RI; died on 3 Aug 2000 in Providence, RI; was buried in Johnston, RI.
    4. 4. CARANCI, John Charles was born on 7 Feb 1922 in Greenville, RI; died on 14 Jul 1970 in Centerdale, RI; was buried in Johnston, RI.

  3. 10.  FRENCH, Charles Kimball WorcesterFRENCH, Charles Kimball Worcester was born on 14 Feb 1898 in Columbia, ME; was christened on 3 Mar 1934 in Providence, RI (son of WORCESTER, Charles Kimball and FRENCH, Mary Pendlegras); died on 26 Nov 1967 in Lakeville, CT; was buried in South Buxton, ME.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Ref#: 900
    • _COLOR: 6
    • Residence: 1900, Columbia, ME
    • Residence: 1910, Columbia, ME; Address:
      Saco Road
    • Residence: 1935, Providence, RI

    Notes:

    He is named after his biological father, Charles Kimball Worcester and was given his mother's maiden name.

    According to the 1900 Federal Census he was living with his grandfather, Talbot and mother, Mary Pendlegras French, in Columbia, Maine.

    According to the 1910 Federal Census he was living with his stepfather, Harvey Holly Smith and mother, Mary Pendlegras French Smith, in Columbia, Maine.

    According to the 1930 census he was living on Branch Avenue in Providence, RI, with his wife, oldest son, and youngest son and daughter.

    According to his WWI Draft Registration Card, 1917-1918, he was a laborer for the Northern Maine Packing Company, Corinna, ME.

    Lived at 14 Winchester Street, Providence, RI in 1940s.

    He was known as "Charlie K. Smith" as a boy as his step-father was a Smith (according to Charles Drisko, local Columbia, ME historian who knew him as young man).

    In an interview with his daughter, Mary Edith French on July 18, 1999 she said "Grampa's mother and step-father were strict Baptists. They made him stay dressed on Sunday and walk around outside reading the Bible".

    He worked at the Steere textile mill off Veazie Street in Providence, RI as a boilerman. He was burned on his arm, head and chest. He lost all his hair in the incident. He then went to the Wanscutt mill on Branch Ave, Providence, RI as a boilerman and watchman. He also worked at Brown University as a watchman. He became sick for several years and his wife had to go to work in the mills. He was an excellent housekeeper, cook, baker and he sewed. He was also an excellent carpenter and cabinet maker. He was strict with his children teaching them to share. The family considered themselves "poor". Two of their children (Norma and Carol) were sent to live with his half sister Hazel because of their poverty. The family lived in several "row" houses owned by the mills (Winchester Street) and he ultimately purchased the duplex house he lived in on Winchester Street when the mill closed.

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=63090891

    Residence:
    living with his mother and step-father

    Charles married SMITH, Frances Alma on 7 Nov 1917 in Columbia, ME. Frances (daughter of SMITH, Bartlett Campbell II and DORR, Bessie Graham) was born on 24 Jan 1901 in Columbia, ME; was christened on 7 Dec 1930 in Providence, RI; died on 18 May 1979 in Canaan, CT; was buried in South Buxton, ME. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  SMITH, Frances AlmaSMITH, Frances Alma was born on 24 Jan 1901 in Columbia, ME; was christened on 7 Dec 1930 in Providence, RI (daughter of SMITH, Bartlett Campbell II and DORR, Bessie Graham); died on 18 May 1979 in Canaan, CT; was buried in South Buxton, ME.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6

    Notes:

    Frances's mother, Bessie G. Dorr, died shortly after her birth. She was raised by her grandmother Augusta "Gustie" (Small) and her 2nd husband, Nelson Wallace . She was born in the old Ed Puffer home (then lived in by Roberta Puffer), in the little corner room next to the road. "I remember so well when the Dr. came, he put his satchel bag in a chair and put his coat on it. Mama wanted Cliff and I to go to bed so she told us the doctor had a baby in that bag and put his coat on it to keep the little dear warm, that he was going to leave the baby with Bessie, and sure enough he did, for when we came down stairs the next morning there was a darling baby girl in bed with Bessie". by Elizabeth Roberta Puffer. The 1910 Federal Census shows Frances living with her grandmother and step-grandfather Augusta Small and Wallace Nelson. She is 9 yo.

    Per letter from the directory to my mother, Norma I. Caranci date 14 May 1942.

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=63090930

    Notes:

    Married:
    By a Justice of the Peace

    Residence:
    He was a laborer at the Northern Maine Packing Co. Corrinna, ME

    Residence:
    Worked in the Wanskuck Mill on Branch Avenue

    Children:
    1. FRENCH, Stanley Nelson Sr. was born on 15 Jan 1918 in Columbia, ME; died on 18 Nov 1983 in Waynesboro, VA; was buried in Norfolk, VA.
    2. FRENCH, Owen Forrester was born on 6 Dec 1922 in Buxton, ME; died on 9 Apr 2010 in Ocala, FL; was buried in Ocala, FL.
    3. FRENCH, Mary Edith was born on 30 Dec 1927 in Providence, RI; died on 30 Mar 2005 in Providence, RI; was buried in Pawtucket, RI.
    4. 5. FRENCH, Norma Imogene was born on 25 Feb 1925 in Bar Mills, ME; was christened on 19 Jun 1932 in Providence, RI; died on 21 Jun 1991 in Torrington, CT; was buried on 24 Jun 1991 in Buxton, ME.
    5. FRENCH, Carol Westford was born on 14 Nov 1926 in Columbia, ME; died on 20 Apr 1996 in Providence, RI; was buried on 22 Apr 1996 in Pawtucket, RI.
    6. GLEASON, Joseph D. was born on 7 Jun 1929 in East Providence, RI; died on 7 Feb 1982 in Alexandria, VA; was cremated on 7 Feb 1982 in Alexandria, VA.