Nicola Reina Biography

Submitted by Phil Pollacia

Nicola came to the USA aboard the Italia on 23 November 1896. Landing at Ellis Island, he was 33 years old and began working at various jobs. The lumber industry and corresponding opportunities for jobs was the motivation to settle in Bon Ami. His three brothers, Gaetano, Salvatore, and Giovanni eventually returned to Corleone, Italy. Nicola remained and married Lucia DiCarlo (buried in Lake Charles). They had 5 children – Joe, Bessie, Angelina, Josephine, and Frances. He died 1909 (39 years old) of pneumonia.