Welcome!

     Thank you for visiting the on-line edition of our Family History.  My Parents are John "Shorty" and Marion (Dosen) Lotito, who raised our family in South Chicago.  My Dad's Parents were James and Angeline Lotito from 9800 Commercial Avenue.

     My Grandmother Angeline's parents, Francesco and Maria Lotito, came to the United States with their children at the turn of the century.  Michael (Mary Sparano), Ralph (Theresa Ponte), Rose (Antonio Adams) and Angeline (James Lotito) all began raising their own families within a half-mile of each other in the same South Chicago neighborhood.  Today their descendants are spread out coast to coast, but gathered together here in the pages of my web site.

     I began to gather information on our ancestors in November 1997, with the hope of someday providing my grandson with knowledge of his family roots.  No previously compiled record of our ancestors was available, other than individually held birth, death and marriage documents, etc..  I began by calling my sister and brothers first, then aunts, uncles and cousins, eventually leading to either a visit or phone conversation with nearly every living relative included in the following pages.  I didn't know that this hobby (at times an obsession) would turn into such a rewarding experience for me.

     The following web pages are the result of my research as of today's date.  The information is in outline format for easy reading and reference.  Over 1200 people spanning 10 generations are included.  Photographs of over 400 people have been added so far.  I continue to receive more photos and information every week, so this project is still far from completion.

     I can still use some help.  If you can fill in the blanks where information is missing, please e-mail me or give me a call.  I would love to eventually include a photo of each person in this report.  If you can send any photos, I'll copy and return them to you.  Also, if you see any discrepancies regarding names, dates or locations, please let me know.

     Please forward your e-mail addresses to expedite the exchange of information.  I'll notify you of updates and pass along family news from time to time.

     This still looks like a lifelong project for me.   After gathering all the basic information, I plan to add some of the stories, events and memories (perhaps a favorite recipe) the family members have shared with me.  And in keeping with the Italian tradition,  I have taken the vow of silence regarding the chapters of our Family History which are best kept private!

     Thanks to all who have contributed the information included in the following pages.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to update me with wedding or birth announcements.  Please bookmark this site and visit again soon.

      Wishing you God's Blessings of Health and Happiness!

                                                                                                           John