Pisani

Francesco Adragna was born in Piana di Greci (since 1941 called Piana degli Albanesi) Sicily in 1879. He spoke several languages, could read and write was a macon that was specialised in making the arches of entrances. He moved to Algeria where he met his second wife Livia Mazzella. Later he followed his brother Salvatore to the US. There he apparently owned a jewerly store. His daughter was born in Rockford in 1910. The story is also that he went to the market to sell melons with hash inside. In self defense he shot a mobster who came to claim the 'protection money'. As he now was in trouble he moved to his brother Matteo Adragna who lived in Morocco. The family was composed by Antoine Assante, son of Olivia Mazzella, Francesca Adragna from a first marriage and her half sister Francesca Adragna, Livia Mazzella and himself. It is said that he helped construct the lighthouse of el Hank in Casablanca, Morocco. This is unlikely as the lighthouse was built in 1905 and the family only arrived in 1915 or 1916 in morocco. Francesco might have helped in the renovation of the lighthouse (1914-1917). He was known as Monsieur François and well respected. He did go to the first world war, but not to the hell of the north but possibly as a translator in the Balkan (his greek albanese background might be an asset). He was always armed and was handy with shotguns as well. He made his own cartridges filled with pepper and salt and wasn't afraid to shoot people in the 'derrière' with it. When he became a widower in 36 he moved in with his daughter Francesca Adragna and Carmelo Pisani. He died in Azemmour, Morocco around 1948-50.

DEATH: The exact date is not known, died when Jean Ange was around 10years old.