Birth: October 16, 1899 in Bonefro, Campobasso, Molise, Italy
Marriage: January 15, 1917 in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States
Death: October 17, 1960 in Dedham, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States
Teresa Vaccaro was born on October 16, 1899, in Bonefro, Campobasso, Italy. She was the child of Pasqualina Porrazzo and Domenico Vaccaro.
In search of a better life, Teresa embarked on a journey to the United States on September 20, 1916. Accompanied by her father and two siblings, she boarded the Cretic, excited for the new opportunities that awaited her. While her father had already established himself in the United States, this was Teresa’s first trip to the country.
Shortly after her arrival, at the young age of 17, Teresa Vaccaro married Antonio Angelo on January 15, 1917, in Boston, Massachusetts.
By 1920, Teresa and her husband found a place to call home on East Street in Dedham, Massachusetts. As the years went by, their family expanded, and in 1930, they were residing in a rented house on Brookdale Avenue in Dedham. Their household consisted of their six children, Teresa’s brother, and his wife.
Teresa’s dedication to her family and work was apparent, as she worked as a laundress in a local laundry in 1939. That same year, she applied for and was accepted into the Massachusetts Order Sons of Italy in Boston, Massachusetts, embodying her pride in her Italian heritage.
With hard work and perseverance, Teresa and her husband were able to purchase a new house on Brookdale Avenue in Dedham, Massachusetts, by 1940. The census records show that the house was valued at $5,000. Teresa resided there with her husband and their seven children, creating a loving and nurturing home for her family.
In 1950, Teresa and her husband continued to enjoy the fruit of their labor. They were living in a house they owned, alongside two of their children. Teresa’s occupation at this time was a Presser in a Laundry, showcasing her dedication to her work and her commitment to providing for her family.
Teresa’s deep desire to fully embrace her new country led her to become a U.S. citizen in 1958. She took the oath of citizenship in the U.S. District Court in Boston, Massachusetts, a moment that represented a significant milestone in her life.
Teresa Vaccaro’s life ended on October 17, 1960, a day after her 61st birthday. Her wake was held at the Hugh Cannon Funeral Home in Dedham, Massachusetts, where friends, family, and loved ones gathered to pay their tribute and offer their condolences. A Solemn High Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church in Dedham, further honoring Teresa’s life and legacy.
Teresa Vaccaro is remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and hardworking individual who never shied away from the challenges that life presented. Her determination, resilience, and love for her family were evident throughout her life. Despite facing adversity and leaving her homeland behind, Teresa embraced her new country and its opportunities. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who knew her, a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of family.
Sources:
- Book Indexes to Boston Passenger Lists, 1899-1940
- Massachusetts: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Records, 1789-1920
- 1920 United States Federal Census
- 1930 United States Federal Census
- Massachusetts, Order Sons of Italy in America, Membership Applications, 1925-1955
- 1940 United States Federal Census
- 1950 United States Federal Census
- U.S. Naturalization Records Indexes, 1794-1995
- The Boston Globe – 19 Oct 1960 – Page 14