A genealogical record of the DiLoreto lineage is maintained, and we would love to hear from any relatives with updates. An updated copy of the complete family tree can be sent as a PDF to family members.

996 - 1330

How many DiLoretos live in Italy?

Historical and Heraldic Information on the DiLoreto Stock

Excerpts from the Istituto Genealogico Italiano:

"The family descends from D'Aquino stock of Longobard origin, whose forefather was Atenolfo, Lord of Capua in 996. Among the feudal holdings of this important family were L'Aquila, Alvito, Loreto and many others. The branch of the family that became known as DI LORETO presumably took its surname from the town of Loreto, their feudal holding. The first DI LORETO of documented record is one Berardo in 1330."

1295 - 1528

Location of DiLoreto Homestead in Alfedena, L'Aquila, Italy.

Excerpts from "The Historical Research Center"

Submitted by Joanne Monroe (1993):

"The surname Loreto is of Italian origin, and is a locational name from the famous town of Loreto in the province of Ancona in Italy. Loreto became famous through the legend of the 'Holy House,' where tradition states that the house where the Virgin Mary lived and was visited by the Angel, was miraculously carried to Loreto in 1295 by angels from the Holy Land."

"In the 14th century, a family named Di Loreto, having originated in the above-named town, became quite prominent. The first documented reference to the name was in 1528, when one Luca di Loreto was recorded. It is from this point in time that the ancestral history of the family began to be carefully followed."

Coat of Arms - DiLoreto Family of Genua

Coat of Arms

Blazon: "Azure, a tree on a grassy plain all proper, overall a fess gules."

The tree signifies antiquity and knowledge. The fesse represents the military belt of honor. Crest: Three ostrich plumes. Origin: Italy.

1600s

Map of Abruzzo pointing to Alfedena at the bottom

We Came from Alfedena

Alfedena is a comune (municipality) in the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of Italy. A small village of about 700 inhabitants, it sits along the Sangro River in a narrow valley at about 3,000 feet elevation.

1886

Loyal Wing Club's Facebook Group

The Loyal Wing Club

Migration from Alfedena to Detroit began in 1886, with about 100 arriving by 1900. By 1960, there were 1,680 Alfedenese in Detroit (compared to 1,430 in Alfedena itself), and by 1979 that number had grown to 2-3 thousand.

The Loyal Wing Club ("Club Ala Fidente") was founded in 1919 by the Alfedenese community in Detroit. The club's name derives from the legend that Alfedena defended the right wing of the army of Rome against Hannibal in 216 BC.

1909

Immigration to the U.S.

Remo DiLoreto, one of 13 children of Panfilo and Eufrasia Gigante, emigrated to the United States. He married Marianna D'Amico in 1911 (one of 11 children). They settled in the Eastern Market area of Detroit. Their children were: Panfilo, Oscar, Gilbert, and Emma.

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Hand-drawn family tree (1797-1938)

Panfilo (1847-1920) & Eufrasia (1854-1928)

Remo DiLoreto

1913 - 1923

Antique Postcards from Alfedena, Italy

These postcards were sent between 1913 and 1923, between family members in Alfedena and those who had emigrated to Detroit and Rochester.

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1913

The wedding of Gaetano D'Amico and Cleonice DiLoreto with Remo and Marianna (D'Amico) DiLoreto (Aug. 23, 1913).

Gaetano D'Amico & Cleonice DiLoreto's Wedding

August 23, 1913

circa 1919

DiLoreto children (c. 1919)

Photo of DiLoreto children, c. 1919. If you have additional information about this photo, please contact us.

circa 1938

Nick and Mary (Monacelli) DiLoreto with sons William and Julio in their store in Erie, PA.

Nick & Mary's Store in Erie, PA

Nick and Mary (Monacelli) DiLoreto with sons William and Julio.

1943 - Detroit Free Press Article

Remo DiLoreto's Life in America Exemplifies Strength of U.S. System

By Paul M. Deac, Detroit Free Press, 1943

The article chronicles Remo DiLoreto's journey from Alfedena, Italy to Detroit, where he built a successful life as a tile setter and raised a family. It details his apprenticeship, difficult early days, path to citizenship, and the achievements of his four children: Oscar (auto worker), Gilbert (soldier), Panfilo (draftsman), and Emma.

1946 Landscape Photos

A G.I.'s Visit to Alfedena

These photos were taken by Gilbert DiLoreto during his visit to Alfedena in 1946.

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1946 Alfedena Relatives

A G.I.'s Visit to Alfedena

Gilbert DiLoreto visited relatives in Alfedena and Rome after World War II.

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1965

Family Reunion

About 150 family members attended the DiLoreto family reunion in Harper Woods, Michigan. A genealogical database of more than 500 descendants has been compiled, tracing ancestors back to the mid-1600s.

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DiLoreto Family Reunion Program (1965)

Family tree dating back to the mid-1600s

1979

Armand DiGuilio's Report

"Where We Came From" — An extensive historical and archaeological research paper presented at the 1979 DiLoreto family reunion. The report covers the history of Barrea and Alfedena, the Samnite tribes, the Roman conquest, migration patterns, Panfilo's career as City Clerk, the Gigante family origins, and land holdings.

2004

Photos by Bob Brunetti

June 2004. Contact: rgbprocare1@americarecorp.com

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A bridge and garden near the entrance to the village, over a branch of the Sangro River.

Ancient ruins in Alfedena.

Oldest homes in Alfedena on Via Casili.