San
Joaquin County
Biographies
ANGELO SERVENTI
Passing
away in the prime of life, the late Angelo Serventi had already established
himself in the commercial circles of Stockton as a successful businessman. He was born near Genoa, Italy, on June 24,
1878, the oldest of five children born to Christopher and Maria (Semenza) Serventi, descended from
old families in Italy and who were agriculturists in the vicinity of
Genoa. His mother died in 1891 and soon
afterwards Christopher brought his son Angelo to San Francisco, arriving in
1891; his other children joined him later.
Angelo Serventi received a good
education in the schools of his native place until he was thirteen years of age
when he accompanied his father to San Francisco, California. On his arrival he immediately went to work,
finding employment in the establishment of a florist. However, desiring to gain knowledge in the
English language he attended night school, improving the opportunity so well he
was soon able to read and speak the language of his adopted country. He was deeply interested in the florist
business, having a natural love for flowers, working diligently and studying
the florist’s art. In a few short years
he mastered its details and he spent sixteen years at the trade in the city.
Meantime, January 26, 1901, in Stockton
he was married to Miss Margherita Battilana,
who was also born near Genoa, Italy, a daughter of Peter and Angela (Boschetto) Battilana descended
from old families in Italy who were farmers.
Her mother died in Italy in January, 1897, while her father now makes
his home in Stockton. To them were born
eight children, seven of whom are living:
John Battilana, a grocer; G. Battilana, a realtor; Mrs. Maria Gianelli
and Mrs. Paula Lagorio, all of Stockton; Mrs. Flavia Demarchi passed away in Italy in 1919; Mrs. Antonietta Ferrari lives near Genoa; Mrs. Margherita Serventi, of this
review, and Dominic, a businessman in Stockton.
Margherita Battilana
attended private school in her home locality receiving a good education. In June, 1897, she came to Stockton where she
had brothers and sisters living.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Serventi resided in San Francisco until 1905, during which time Mr. Serventi
continued at florist work. In 1905 he
came to Stockton and soon afterwards engaged in the grocery business in which
he was successful, continuing for a period of seven years, when he sold out
because of his great love for flowers and the florist’s art called him back
into the business of his delight. He
established the California Flower Company, building up a splendid business at 9
North California near Main Street, until he had the leading business of the
kind in the city. However, he was not
permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labors for he was called by death July 27,
1921, when only forty-three years of age.
Coming to America as a poor boy, he
became successful solely through his own efforts and at the time of his death
was the owner of valuable property in the south part of the city, including seven
houses. Since her husband’s death Mrs.
Serventi continues to make her home here and looks after the interests left by
her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Serventi
became the parents of one daughter, Laura, who attends St. Agnes College. Mr. Serventi was a member of the Red Men, the
Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose and the Foresters of America.
Transcribed by V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: Tinkham, George
H., History of San Joaquin County, California , Pages
1392. Los Angeles, Calif.: Historic
Record Co., 1923.
© 2012 V. Gerald Iaquinta.
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