San Joaquin County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



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 
business man. 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, Cal. 
On his arrival he immediately went to work, finding employment in the 
establishment of a florist. However desiring to gain knowedge 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 business man 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 
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.
 
History of San Joaquin County, California � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 
1923
p       1392   
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.