Avery Street to Electric Ave

Updated May 18, 2025

Paolotto (sometimes spelled Paolotta or Paulotto) family roots are in Collesano Sicily, a town about 43 miles from the capital of Palermo. Founded in the 10th century BC by Arabs it was previously named Bagherino and Golisano. The current population is about 3,650.

There are two trees: the first tree shows the Paolotto family members; the second tree shows limited information on Charles Paolotto’s ancestors in Sicily. Genealogy research is much less digitized in Sicily compared to other regions.

Charles Paolotto and Marian Tomasso Family Tree

Ancestors of Calogero Santo “Charles” Paolotto

Francisco (Frank) Paolotto first arrived age 17 on April 15, 1914 along with 13 others from Collesano. He was going to meet his cousin Guiseppe Mazzola in Marcus Hook, PA.

He entered the Army as a Private on June 14, 1917 and was discharged on June 25, 1919. He re-enlisted November 14, 1920 and was finally discharged July 31, 1921.

We have a copy of his September 1922 passport application so we can assume he returned to Collesano sometime after that date to marry Rosa Maschelino.

Rosa arrived February 11, 1924 with son Calogero (Charles) age 3.

The 1930 census shows Frank and Rosa living at 5 Albon St. He was a naturalized citizen by then but Rosa was still listed as an Alien. The 1940 census shows the family living at 8 Hope Place. The 1950 census shows them living at 82 Avenue C.

However, Charles and Marion are not listed at the above address in the 1950 census–the year they married. There is a 1950 Rochester directory which shows them at 8 Lorimar St.