Lily Bove, New American Citizen: A Family Legacy Continues

On Tuesday, March 30, 2022, after years of dedication with hundreds of hours of English and American civics classes, a new citizen was welcomed by America.

She is one of millions from throughout the world who appreciated the values of America.

This new American is particularly important to me.  She is my beloved wife, Yiyi (Lily) Bove.

Lily could never imagine the power of a dream come true. When she was growing up in Pengxi, China, a small town on the other side of the world many years ago, she dreamed of living in America.

Her dream is now a reality. She is an American citizen, and she is deeply moved by this sacred privilege. Lily feels it is one of the most cherished experiences of her life.

Here she is, living the American dream, and she is an inspiration.  Lily is a reminder that there is nothing as real as a dream – for with dedication, faith, and devotion – despite challenges and setbacks – dreams do come true.

Being beside her for years, watching her countless hours of studying English (ESL) and American Civics, and conducting mock interview sessions with her for months, has been profoundly enriching.

The Legacy Continues

Lily also continues the legacy of my family, which began in America with the arrival of great grandparents from both the maternal grandmother and grandfather’s sides of my sister Catherine Ann Bove and I, from many years ago. 

Lily’s new journey is mystically connected with these loved ones, and millions before her from throughout the world. This journey significantly ignites with the oath of allegiance she took at a ceremony conducted by the US District Court, in Newark, New Jersey on March 30, 2022.

Effective immediately after the oath, Lily “having complied in all respects with all of the applicable provisions of the naturalization laws of the United States’’ was “admitted as a citizen of the United States of America.”

Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

This article, published on Nov. 29, 2016 memorializes our family history.  It is an honor that my wife is now part of it. 

I am also confident that Lily, like so many before her who loved America, will touch hearts, minds, and souls with her loving kindness and devotion to God, country, family, community and friends.

Honoring American Immigrants: Family, Neighbors, Heroes (Nov. 29, 2016)

America is a land of immigrants who enrich our nation with their talents, sacrifices, and character.

Immigrants represent the ideals, principles, and freedom of our country.  They are represented by our families, neighbors, and heroes.

Prior to sharing these words, I held in my hands a document very sacred to me. It is a detailed copy of my family tree, complete with names, and dates of birth, as well as dates of deaths where applicable, and a meticulous layout of the connections between each family member.

The documents were prepared for me from my beloved Aunt Josephine (Jaye) Tortora (nee Cirrito)[i] on February 14, 1996. 

These treasured documents were lovingly hand-written by her prior to her death.  She lived an amazing 105 years of life before her passing on July 18, 2011.  I was privileged to be with her on the night before she died at the Gates Manor Senior Residence Home in Montclair, NJ and prayed the rosary at her bedside.

Bove Family Tree: The Cirrito’s

This family tree document begins with Joseph (Giuseppe) Nicolosi Cirrito, one of our great grandfathers.  He was born on May 30, 1857 in Palermo, Italy.  He died on Nov. 11, 1941 at the age of 83.

Next to his name is the name of his wife, our great grandmother Gaetana (nee Buscarelli), born on Jan. 25, 1875 in Palermo, Italy. She died from Spanish Influenza on Nov. 4, 1918 at the age of 43. 

Since Gaetana passed away at an early age, our great grandfather remarried, and is seen here with his 2nd wife Carmela (nee Sarto).

These maternal great-grandparents were immigrants, representative of millions who came to America, beckoned by the words inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty:

 “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Joseph and Gaetana had the fire of America’s greatness in their souls, inspired by our nation’s promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” memorialized as inalienable rights. 

This promise is the heart of our Declaration of Independence.  These rights, along with our Bill of Rights, demand eternal protection by our government as they compliment the requirements of human dignity.

Bove Family Tree: The Rufino’s

The grandparents on our grandfather's side of the family were also immigrants.  They came from the city of Afragola, Italy.

Our great-grandfather Luigi Rufino and his wife Maria Rufino (nee Pannone) came to America to live their dream - dedication to one another, their family, and their community. They were great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, and dedicated members of the Arthur Avenue community in the Bronx.

As memorialized by documents in the possession of his grand-daughter Bonnie, Luigi Rufino was always working hard to provide for his family. His profession is listed as a mason, but he also had a candy store and peddled vegetables.

Luigi's last job was the fireman at United Hospital on 189th Street in the Bronx. He was responsible for shoveling coal into the furnace to keep the fire burning before oil and gas heat became so prevalent.

After a heart attack, Luigi retired from this job of serving the patients, staff, and visitors of the hospital.

According to published historical records, Maria Josephine Rufino (nee Pannone) was born circa 1887. Luigi was born circa 1879, in Italy. He died on March 14, 1960.  Maria Josephine  passed away on Oct 15, 1960, only months after her beloved husband’s passing, truly a marriage of love and devotion. Their love was memorialized by their granddaughters words:

“Yes, grandma died from a broken heart after grandpa died. All she did was cry. I remember because we had to take turns sitting with her to keep her company.” Marcia (Cissy) Weaver (nee Rufino). 

Luigi and Maria had one daughter, Margaret (Maggie) Mirando (nee Rufino). They also had sons named Joseph, Mario, and Vincent. 

A fascinating notation from the 1960 City of New York, Department of Health, Bureau of Records and Statistics death certificates for our great grandparents Luigi and Mary J. Rufino are the names of their parents, our great-great grandparents.

Our great grandma Mary J. Rufino's (nee Pannone) mother and father, our great-great grandparents were Joseph and Vincenza Panonne (nee Cerone). Great grandpa Luigi Rufino's parent's, our great-great grandparents, were Vincenzo and Michela Rufino (nee DeLuca). 

Bove Family Tree: Rose Bove

Although not much information is known about the great-grandparents of Vincent J. and Catherine Ann Bove from our fathers side, our first-cousin Annette Castaldi (nee Longobardo) shared this only known photo of a paternal great-grandparent.

The photo is of Rose Bove, the paternal grandmother of the father of Vincent J. Bove named Vincent A. Bove. Saverio Bove was the father of Vincent A. Bove, and Rose Bove the mother of Saverio.  

Annette noted that the photo is from her 1966 wedding album to Ralph Castaldi.

She remembers her as dying, circa 1975, in a car accident when she was about 90 years old.

She lived with Bove family members and in-laws in Ozone Park, Queens, and immigrated from Genoa, Italy.

The Bronx: A Melting Pot

Although privileged to have outstanding educational credentials, I believe growing up in the Bronx, with the richness of its diversity, is one deserving notation on a curriculum vitae.

This experience allowed the world to be our doorstep, expressed through countless encounters with classmates, friends, neighbors, and community members.

Our neighborhood in the vicinity of Gun Hill and Fordham Roads; Webster, Jerome, and Bainbridge Avenues, and the Bronx Zoo, was a melting pot. It was filled with people of every conceivable religion, culture, ethnicity, country of origin, and language.

The goodness of these people, exemplified through their work ethic, dedication to family, smiles, courtesy, and countless acts of charity is eternally etched in my memory.

Immigrants Securing America

During one of my career experiences, I managed security professionals for 12 years at sites demanding
professionalism, vigilance, and leadership.

Before employment, these security professionals, many of whom were immigrants, went through a rigorous hiring procedure. It included a meticulous review of government requirements such as proof of work authorization, federal and state fingerprint checks, a previous employment verification, written integrity exam, and drug testing. 

I personally interviewed and checked these requirements for hundreds of security personnel and police officers working as full and part-time personnel. Afterwards,  I assigned them to secure some of America’s most well-known clients. These clients represented corporate and residential properties, banks, hospitals, media, colleges, and retail enterprises.

A world map was proudly maintained in my office with pins noting where these security professionals were from. They were proud of coming to America, and cherished their coveted green cards and certificates of naturalization required by many for employment.

These officers, many of whom were eventually promoted to supervisors and managers; protected property, people, and information. They provided leadership for emergencies including lockdowns and evacuations. 

Essentially, they protected our homeland, with many receiving commendations at award ceremonies for exemplary conduct, meritorious actions, and outstanding service.

Many used these private security positions as a stepping stones to police, military, and government careers.

Immigrant Medal of Honor Recipients

America must be forever grateful for the many heroes who died serving our nation, including those not born on our soil.

Over 20 percent (over 700) of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients in U.S. wars have been immigrants.

The official guide to this medal notes, “Those who have received the Medal of Honor since it was established in 1861 as the nation’s highest decoration are as different as the melting pot of our country.”

One recipient was Mercario Garcia from Mexico who after recovery from a D-Day wound, single-handedly took two enemy machine-gun nests on Nov. 27, 1944.

Only after protecting his unit from this danger, despite being shot in the shoulder and foot, did Mercario allow himself to be evacuated for medical care.

Final Reflections

Today, there is a frenzy of emotion on immigrants and the role America must play that involves the securing our borders.

Solving this issue is achievable and critical to reawakening the nation. But, the fact remains that America is a great land because of the values, vision, and service of countless immigrants.

Immigrants are our family members, neighbors, and heroes. 

We must be forever honor their contributions to America.

Photos

1.     Yiyi Bove, Oath of Allegiance, Mar. 30, 2022, Newark, NJ. (Reawakening America LLC)

2.     Lily and Vincent Bove, Statue of Liberty, Sept. 29, 2018. (Reawakening America LLC)

3.     Vincent J Bove and Catherine Ann Bove's great grandparents Joseph with his second wife Carmella. Joseph's first wife was Gaetana Cirrito (nee Buscarelli). Joseph was born in 1858 and died in 1941 at the age of 83. Gaetana was born in 1875 and died in 1918 at the age of 43 from Spanish Influenza. Joseph and Gaetana are the parents of Vincent's beloved grandmother Catherine, who was married to Vincent J. and Catherine Ann Bove’s grandfather Vincent Rufino.

 4.  Joseph (Giuseppe) Cirrito, United States Certificate of Immigration No. 339419, Feb. 26, 1913. (Courtesy Ray Cirrito) 

5.   Illustration of immigrants on the steerage deck of an ocean steamer passing the Statue of Liberty from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, July 2, 1887. (National Park Service)

6a. Joseph (Giuseppe) Cirrito and Gaetana (nee Buscarelli) Wedding Certificate, Apr. 19, 1890, Certificate No. 4611 of the City of New York. Joseph's fathers name was Luigi Cirrito and his mothers name was Rosa Nicolosi.  The father of Gaetana was Antonio Buscarelli. Her  mother was Domenica Sena. Giuseppe lived at 304 E. 107th Street, NY, NY.  Gaetana lived at 2076 2nd Avenue, NY, NY. Both are listed as originally from Palermo, Italy. (Courtesy Ray Cirrito) 

6b. Great Grandpa Luigi Rufino U.S. Certificate of Naturalization, July 8, 1921. (Courtesy of Bonnie (Maria) Canonico (nee Rufino)

7.   Luigi and Maria Rufino (nee Pannone) with their daughter Maggie. They were the parents of Vincent J and Catherine Ann Bove’s grandfather Vincent Rufino, whose brothers were named Mario and Joseph. Their sister was named Maggie. (Courtesy of Cissy Rufino)

8.   Luigi and Maria Rufino at their Arthur Avenue home, Bronx, NY, circa 1955. (Courtesy Cissy Rufino)

9.   President Harry Truman awards the Congressional Medal of Honor to Mercario Garcia in 1945. (Photo Credit National Archives and Records Administration).

10. Birth Certificate for Joseph (Giuseppe) Cirrito, Province of Palermo, Italy, dated May 30, 1857. (Translation Courtesy Anthony Damiani) (Document Courtesy Ray Cirrito) 

11. Vincent Bove with Aunt Jaye on her 100th birthday and a page copy of her hand-written family tree. She lovingly composed it on Feb. 14, 1996 at the request of Vincent Bove.

12. Giuseppe (Joseph) Cirrito United States Declaration of Intention to become citizen, approved Sept. 7, 1911, Court of Common Pleas, New York City, NY. 

13. Wedding photo of Vincent (Jimmy) Rufino and Catherine Cirrito, Hudson Photo Studio, Jersey City, NJ. On Catherine's immediate right is her younger sister Margaret. On Vincent's immediate right is his brother Joseph. This photo has family history notes inscribed on its reverse from Dec. 3, 2005 as dictated by Aunt Jaye at her Jersey City home to Vincent Bove.  

14. United States of America, Dept. of Commerce and Labor, Petition for Naturalization for Giuseppe Cirrito (born May 30 1857), No. 4181, Dated Mar. 7, 1907. The document details that Giuseppe entered the U.S. Port of NYC on the ship Bolivia on Jan. 7, 1890. The ship left Palermo, Italy on Dec. 20, 1899. It also notes Giuseppe was a builder residing at 384 Duncan Avenue, Jersey City, NJ, and he had nine children at the time. It notes his wife as Gaetana.

15. Giuseppe Cirrito with his first wife Gaetana (nee Buscarelli) before her death in 1918 from Spanish Influenza.  Ten of their children (names inscribed) are also in the photo (circa 1916). (Courtesy Joseph Sissano, grandson of Giuseppe and Gaetana)

16. Luigi (Louis) Rufino, residing at 2497 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY, Peddler License No. 7775.  It is dated May 7, 1932 from the City of New York, Department of Public Markets. The $10.00 fee for 1932 is equated to $207.00 in 2022.  According to his grand-daughter Bonnie (Maria) Canonico (nee Rufino), it is understood that her Grandpa Rufino used this license to sell vegetables around Arthur Avenue, and possibly Scarsdale and Hartsdale, NY.

17. Great Grandpa of Vincent J. and Catherine Ann Bove - Luigi Rufino's Italian Passport, Province of Napoli, Aug. 10, 1878. (Courtesy: Bonnie (Maria) Canonico (nee Rufino))

18. Great Grandpa of Vincent J. and Catherine Ann Bove - Luigi Rufino's New York City Chauffer's License, May 27, 1935.(Courtesy: Bonnie (Maria) Canonico (nee Rufino)) 

19. Vincent and Lily Bove at Great Grandmother and Grandfather Maria and Luigi Rufino's home 2497 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, New York, June 12, 2022.

20.  Great grandparents Luigi and Maria Rufino with Marie Scaramuzzo (nee Bove / Rufino) (left side of dual photo) mother of Vincent and Catherine Bove, and her sister Trudy Maniscalco (nee Rufino).  The photo was taken in 1943 at the home of great-grandparents Rufino on Arthur Avenue, Bronx NY. (Collection of Marie Scaramuzzo)

21. Great grandparent Giuseppe Cirrito ( top middle of photo in suspenders) in summer of 1937.  Recognized in photo are his daughters Margaret (Maggie Bongiovanni), Domenica (Minnie Colletti) and Josephine (Jaye Tortora).  Two husbands of the daughters are also recognized as Frank Tortora and Phil Bongiovanni.

22. Photo of Marie Scaramuzzo (nee Rufino) and her sister Trudy Maniscalco (nee Rufino) grand-daughters of Luigi and Maria Rufino, as well as Giuseppi and Carmella Cirrito.  The photo was taken at Graymoor, Garrison, NY.  It is presumed that their parents (Vincent and Catherine Rufino (nee Cirrito) took them there for Mass. Their mother Catherine's handwriting is on the back of the photo. It notes that Marie is 5 years-old and Trudy is 2 years-old, and the year is 1941.  It is my prayerful hope that this photo, added on Sept. 23, 2022 (Feast of Saint Padre Pio) serves as a mystical prayer, uniting loved ones who have passed with those alive.  May all of us live the Gospel message, to love God and one another with the simplicity of children, with kindness, humility, and trust.

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[i] Aunt Jaye Tortora’s (nee Cirrito) Funeral Mass took place at Saint Stephen’s Church in Kearny, NJ*.  Her entombment took place at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.  Born in NYC, Aunt Jaye lived in Jersey City, Hudson County, NJ for 90 years before moving to Essex County.  

During the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, I enjoyed many visits to her home before site visits to Saint Peter’s College where I was responsible for all security personnel, and conducted numerous safety programs for officers and students. Aunt Jaye always made sure that I had a delicious lunch, and always served Welch’s Concord grape juice.

Aunt Jaye, born on April 18, 1906, worked in the garment district in NYC as a seamstress.  She was the wife of Frank Tortora.  They had no children.  She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Gaetana (Buscarelli) Cirrito, and her brothers and sisters Louis, Aloysis, Rosina, Domenica, Vincentina, Carmelo, John, Catherine and Margaret.  Aunt Jaye was the loving aunt to 27 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews. She passed away on July 18, 2011.

I remember her coming to my grandmother (Catherine Rufino’s) home, her sister, numerous times after my grandmother’s death. She always brought bags of good food.  I can vividly remember running to her as a little boy to help her carry groceries (still remember the Italian breads sticking out of the tops of the bags) as she walked from the D-train to visit us along 207th Street in the Bronx.

 *I also attended numerous other family funerals at Saint Stephens Church, Kearny, NJ over the years.  These included Masses for Margie Bongiovanni (nee Cirrito/ Aunt Jaye's sister), Margie Bongiovanni's daughter Joanne Diglio (nee Bongiovanni), Joanne's son Michael Diglio, and Joanne's sister Fran Travisano (nee Bongiovanni). 

NOTE WELL:

On Dec. 3, 2005, Aunt Jaye dictated notes, which I inscribed on the reverse of a vintage wedding photo of the grandparents of Vincent J. and Catherine Ann Bove, Catherine (nee Cirrito) and Vincent Rufino.

The notes memorialize the name of my great grandfather Joseph Nicolosi Cirrito’s second wife, Carmela ( nee Sarto).  They were introduced by a priest in NYC after the death of his first wife Gaetana (nee Buscarelli).

Joseph Cirrito was one of four brothers who as a builder.  He specialized in plumbing, maintenance and brick work.  He and his brothers worked and built houses on 106^th street in NYC in an Italian neighborhood.

Joseph and Gaetana, along with his second wife Carmela, are buried at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City, NJ.

The Cirrito’s lived at 360 Dunkin Avenue, Jersey City, NJ.  The home has since been demolished. They had ten children, noted here, from youngest to oldest:

·         Margaret (Margie) – married Philip Bongiovanni  

·        Catherine – married Vincent (Jimmy) Rufino

·         Josephine (Jaye) – married Frank Tortora

·         Carmelo (Bill) – married Ann

·         Domenica (Minnie) – married Biagio (Gus) Colletti

·         John – married Thelma

·         Vincentina (Tina) – married Frank Sissano

·         Rosina (Rose) – died at 26 years of age

·         Louis – lived in Hillside, NJ

·         Anthony Aloysius – lived in Hillside, NJ 

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, founder of Reawakening America LLC, is a national speaker and author with over 300 published works.  Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and former confident of the New York Yankees.  He is a partner with Global Security Resolutions LLC.  His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen To Their Cries.

For twenty years, Vincent has been a Board Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Board Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, Certified Police Training Commission Instructor, Crime Prevention Practitioner, and USDOJ Certified Community Anti-Terrorism Instructor Trainer.  He is also a licensed State of New Jersey / Division of State Police SORA Instructor. 

For more information see www.vincentbove.com or twitter@vincentjbove

Twitter: VincentJBove

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

This blog was updated from its original publication on Aug. 24, 2016 to include a photo of my grandfather's parents, Luigi and Maria Rufino. Both immigrated to America from Afragola, Naples.