DeSio

The history of a noble Roman family.


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Contents

i) Ancient History

ii) The Ancient DeSio Coat of Arms

iii) Modern History
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i) Ancient History



The area of the Mezzogiorno is the Southernmost region of Italy, and was, at different times in history, the Kingdom of Naples and part of the Kingdom of the two Sicilies. Many inhabitants of this location have their origins in Roman and Greek History.

It is from this heritage, the surname De Sio (Medieval Latin as Desigius, Desijo, and associated with literary Italian desio ‘desire’.) originates. During medieval times the area came under Lombard and Byzantine rule. The Byzantines came from the east. All regions had periods of unrest due to the disputes between the ruling nations of the day.

During this time, in the history of Southern Italy, the surname DeSio emerged in Naples, which claims to be the most beautiful city in Europe.

This surname has several variations including DeCio, Decio, Desio, DeSio, Decii, Desii, DeSii, DeCii, Cio, Sio, Cii and finally Sii.
These variations are due to a number of factors such as different local dialects which can change the spelling. Languages also change over time, and the different variations in surnames often reflect this change.

During the eleventh century, the Normans gained control of Southern Italy. At this time, the DeSio family was recorded in many regions such as Naples. It is here that the ancient records state that the family originated in the ancient city of Como, as a noble Roman family. It was said that a man named Tiberio DeSio was a professor at the university of Padova as well as being a famous war consultant of his day.

In 1348 the Black Death wiped out over one third of the population of Western Europe.
In 1799, the French invaded Naples and in 1806 Napoleons brother Joseph Bonaparte took over the capital. In 1861 distinguished of the name was the Decio or DeSio family of Naples.


ii) The ancient DeSio Coat of Arms.




One side of the shield shows half an eagle placed on-top of a silver or white (argent) background, while the right-hand side shows an argent crescent on-top of black (sable). The division may represent the fusion of the early maternal and paternal sides of the family, as after marriage the wife's coat of arms is placed beside her husband's on his shield.


Meaning.

The moon represents power over mundane actions, which fits well with the fact that the black, that the cosmic object is based on, shows us grief. The eagle tells us more of the families power. It symbolises strength, bravery and nobleness, as well as the protection given through the openness of the wings. When also set on the colour of peace, we can see the true magnanimity and strength of mind of the DeSio clan.

On either sides of the Coat of Arms, are two rampant lions, the beasts of dauntless courage, matching well with the strength and power of the eagle and the crescent.

The helmet finalises the entire coat of arms, by denoting wisdom and security in defence; strength, protection and invulnerability. This connects well with the brief biography of Tiberio DeSio, of university wisdom and also the bravery and security of his consultancy over war.


Motto

The true ancient DeSio motto is unknown. On this remake of the shield, "DeSio" is the only word which appears in the scroll, at the bottom of the Coat of Arms.




iii) Modern History


Alfonso DeSio

Alfonso DeSio, son of Felice DeSio, first visited the U.S.A on the 13th of March 1910. He claimed to be visiting his brother, Antonio, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. On arrival to America, Alfonso passed through the infamous Ellis Island immigration centre. It was here that he stated his place of birth as Faidino, Salerno. Family legend had it that Alfonso came over to America in search for a new place to work and live.

At an unknown time, following his trip to the United States, Alfonso returned to Italy, and in 1912 he married Maria "Mary" Castelluccio. After this time the couple moved away from Faidino, but instead to Pontecaguano.

Antonio returned to America on the 26th of October, 1912, only this time he came with his new wife, Maria. They traveled on the San Guglielmo arriving in Ellis Island in New York. After passing through into the country, the couple set out to Pennsylvania in order to visit Maria's siblings and also Antonio DeSio (listed under the code or false name of Antonio Gaudino).

It is said that the couple stayed in New York City until they traveled to Chambersville, Pennsylvania (close to Maria's family). Descendents of Alfonso and Maria still currently live in the state of Pennsylvania.


Information derived from Ellis Island records and with the detailed research of J. & F. DeSio.