The Prosapio family "originated" in southern Italy near Salerno
with many members emigrating to the United States in between 1898 and 1910. Prosapio members in the United
State today live in Illinois, Minnesota,
California, New Jersey, New Mexico among others. In Italy the
family lives primarily in a small town called Olevano which is southeast of Salerno.
The closest town on a common map would be Battipaglia or Campagnia. Many of the relatives came originally from a small town
even further southeast, called Oliveto Citra. I welcome all inquiries about the family!
Oliveto Citra is a small town approximately
25 miles east of Salerno. Most Prosapio's trace their roots
back to that place because at one time the family owned quite a bit of farm land there. It's not on many maps outside of Italy, however it was listed on the map I got from
the Salerno Avis.
My first trip there in April of 2003 was a gorgeous, sunny cool day. My cousin Pasquale and
his Aunt Gerry and Uncle Pasquale dressed up for the trip. I didn't know it at the time but the two had not been on friendly
terms for as long as my 27 year-old cousin Pasquale could remember. Since then they have dined together and whatever happened
in their lives seems to have been put aside, in part because of my visits.
We first went to a site where the old house was located.
A major earthquake devastated the area around 1990? and many of the houses in that area are new. The property is owned by
someone else now and the house is in a different location as the family house used to stand. The first pictures are of that
area. The area is gorgeous, much more beautiful than I would have imagined because it is surrounded by mountains with plush
valleys all around.
After spending some time there which was quite emotional, we went towards the centro "downtown"
area. Prior to getting there we looked at the remains of the other family house. It is a gorgeous site that I've later found
out has been taken over by the town and a city hall will be built on it. I was told that at one time the family owned all
the land between the two properties which would have been quite a number of acres...likely in the hundreds.
Finally we arrived in the downtown area.
It is quite small with one major street running through it. At the center of town there is a courtyard with a fountain that
my Great-Grandfather used to talk of. The trees that surround the area were planted there after his departure. They supposedly
were the favorite tree of Mussolini and he had them planted during his dictatorship.
My second visit to Oliveto Citra was extremely
special because I got to go with my dad. With all the gorgeous sites in Italy,
Oliveto remains as one of my favorite places because it’s truly where our family comes from.
I would suggest contacting me before making your pilgrimage
there and I would be happy to offer some tips and suggestions. I'm sure that the local Prosapio's would be more than happy
to help as well.
