As the head of a flourishing business, dealing in essential commodity, that of food products, Pietro Chichi has by honest endeavor, perserverance, and thrift, established himself substantially in the local business circles of Passaic.
Mr. Chichi is a native of Geraci Siculo, Province of Palermo, Italy, his birth having occurred there March 6, 1878. He comes from a long line of descent and his people were prominent in their native land. His father, Thomas Chichi, was a manufacturer of ice there by the native method, which is quite unique and interesting when compared to American ice manufacturing. It was his custom to gather tons of clean snow, and pack it in forms, layer after layer, which caused it in time to become a heavy bed of ice. Besides this he was the owner of a dry goods business, and in both of these enterprises he spent many years of his life with success, and is now living retired there at the venerable old age of eighty-one years. Thomas Chichi served gallantly in the service of his country, being called to the military in 1860, was wounded in battle against the Austrians in 1866, and after recovery he again joined his regiment, continuing in active service until his honorable discharge in 1867. He and his wife, Josephine (Maggio) Chichi, the latter, who is still living at the advanced age of seventy-four, are the parents of the following children: Maria, Stepheno, Rosina, Giacomo, Pietro, of further mention; Josephine, deceased; and Nunziata.
Pietro Chichi received a good education in the schools of his native land and later took a course in music. Following his school years he became connected with his father and there received a business training. With the ambition to embark for himself, he emigrated to America in 1899, locating at once in Passaic, New Jersey. He had but seventeen cents in his pocket when he landed, but with a fixed determination to succeed, a strong mind back up by brawn, he accepted the first job that came along, that of a laborer. Knowing that he was fitted for a more advantageous position, he became employed in the Delawanna Bleachery, where he remained for seven years. He saved from his meager earnings a little capital, and in 1906 he began in a small way to manufacture macaroni products, his first place of business being at No. 40 Aspern street, Passaic. Later he moved to No. 8 Main avenue, and in 1911 he built his present property. His business has grown from year to year, by virtue of his integrity and the high quality of his goods. Besides this, he deals extensively in flour, his present factory and warehouses being at 28-30 Water street, Passaic. Mr. Chichi has taken an interest in everything concerning his adopted land. He became a citizen in 1910. He is a staunch Republican, but places his vote where it best fits the service of the people. He has done much welfare work amongst his countrymen who have come to this country, and is ever trying to make them better grounded in their principles in American citizenship. He is widely known in Italian circles, being a member of the Italian Citizenship Club, Circolo Nazionale, and the Passaic Union Republican Club. Mr. Chichi has travelled considerably in this country, going on different trips to California, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, and other States west, as well as in the east.
He married in Passaic, December 24, 1905, Marie, daughter of Bartolo and Marie (Corradino) Baldanza. Bartolo and Marie (Corradino) Baldanza are the parents of six children, as follows: Liborio, Josephine, Grace, Marie, who is Mrs. Pietro Chichi; Muncia, and Lena. Mrs. Chichi was born in the same town as her husband, December 27, 1880. To Mr. and Mrs. Chichi have been born two children: Thomas, born June 24, 1907; and Josephine, born April 29, 1910. Mr. Chichi and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church, and they have a fine residence at No. 137 Lexington avenue, Passaic.
Mr. Chichi is an accomplished musician. In Italy he led in musical organizations, and shortly after his arrival here, organized the Atna Brass Band of which he as leader until 1912.
From: History of Passaic and its environs: historical, biographical. By Scott, William W. Published 1922.
