Pasquale Simonelli
Pasquale Isidoro Simonelli (May 4, 1878 – September 14, 1960), Commander (Commendatore) of the Order of the Crown of Italy, was an Italian-American banker.
Biography
Born in Saviano, province of Naples, Simonelli was educated at the Normal School of Naples and, at first, he worked as a bank clerk in that city.
In 1897, on the ship Oregon, he sailed from Naples Italy and, on February 10, arrived in New York city, United States of America. Here he began to teach Italian Language. In 1898–99, he worked as a librarian at St. Xavier College, New York City. In 1899, under Comm. Joseph N. Francolini, Mr. Simonelli started his banking career as a clerk with the Italian Savings Bank of New York City. The following year he was appointed secretary of the bank and in 1901, trustee. In 1902, he became a U.S. citizen and joined the Republican Party.
The medal that Enrico Caruso gave to Pasquale Simonelli, his New York impresario
Obverse:
Caruso facing left.
Lower right:
Salanto, medal maker’s signature.
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