Frank Boitano, a farmer, was an early pioneer of Solano County. We believe that he was born in Vincenzo, Italy, as this is where his sister is said to have lived.
Mary Lavezzi, granddaughter of Theresa Boitano-Giacomini, remembers her grandmother as being "a small person with dark silver hair, combed up and rolled into a 'doughnut' on the top of her head. On her it looked good. Her complexion was dark from sunburn, I suspect. She could neither read, write, or speak, other [than] Genovese. . .Teresa and Catterina [her sister] did not have an ongoing social life, but did see each other as often as possible. I do not recall seeing Catterina more than a few times, the last time being just before her death.
Mary's mother died in 1918 and her grandparents, Teresa and Gaspare Giacomini cared for her children.
Special thanks to Mary Lavezzi for providing the photos, information, and memories!
F. Boitano, a respected pioneer settler of Solano County, who lives
about three miles northeast of Suisun is very ill with an attack of
diabetes. Up to a short time ago Mr. Boitano was apparently in good health,
but since being attacked by this disease, looks very emaciated.
However, the attending physician thinks that with proper care, the patient
may recover his health.--From The Solano County Republican, Friday, September 5, 1902
Frank Boitano, an old and respected resident of this vicinity, died
at his home north east of Fairfield, early Wednesday morning. As was
stated in last week's issue of the Republican, Mr. Boitano became
seriously ill about four weeks ago, his ailment being diabetes. When
last seen in town, Tuesday, the 2ed instant, he presented an emaciated
appearance, the shadow of death having already asserted itself. Mr.
Boitano suffered a three months' siege of rheumatism about eight years
ago, since which time he has not been in the most robust health. However,
the announcement of his illness followed so closely by his death, came as
a surprise to his friends.
The deceased came to Suisun Valley in 1869, settling on the place
which continued as his home up to the time of his death. He was married
nineteen years ago, and leaves to morn his loss, besides his widow, four
daughters, Mary, Jennie, Lena, and Anna.
The funeral took place Thursday and was conducted by the Rev. Father
P. J. Quinn. The interment was made in the Catholic cemetery. Among the
relatives who came to Suisun to attend the funeral were William
Galmarino, his daughter, Miss Mary Galmarino, and his three
sons, Frank, James, and
John, Mrs. Jacomini and son, all of Oakland.--From The Solano County Republican, Friday, September 12, 1902
