BARRICELLI, GIOVANNI ALFONSO

BARRICELLI, GIOVANNI ALFONSO (22 Feb. 1873-16 Apr. 1934) was a cardiopulmonary specialist but is best known as one of the early leaders of the Italian community in Cleveland. Born in Benevento, Italy, to Pietro and Lucia (Cangelicri) Barricelli, he attended the University of Naples, completing courses in physics and chemistry. In 1889, at the age of 16, he arrived in the U.S., remaining in New York City for 8 years after passing his pharmacy examination, where he owned and operated 3 drugstores. He studied medicine at St. Francis College of New York and completed his studies at the University of Illinois in Chicago, receiving his M.D. degree in Nov. 1902. In Cleveland, following postgraduate work in New York, Barricelli opened his cardiopulmonary practice at 419 Woodland SE in the area known as BIG ITALY.

Barricelli originated the Cleveland chapter of the Order of Sons of Italy and was its Grand Commander for a period of time. During WORLD WAR I, he served as a member of the U.S. Volunteer Medical Corps, as head of the Roman Legion in Cleveland, and as chairman of all the Liberty Loan campaigns among the Italians in Cleveland. He was made a Knight of the Crown of Italy for his services rendered to the Allies during the war. On 1 Sept. 1923, Barricelli married Orfea Malpezzi (d. 1981) known in Italy and America as a scholar of philosophy and literature. The Barricellis had 1 son, Gianpiero. Barricelli died in Cleveland in 1934.


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