What's In A Name?

Altobell or Altobelli?

In the early 1920's Michael's great grandfather, Paul Altobelli, wanted to get married. The woman he loved would only agree to marry him if he dropped the vowel at the end of his last name. Unfortunately, during that era, immigrant Italians were not looked upon with respect. The dark skin, strange language and heavy influx of thieves, ex-convicts and other types of Italian riff-raff created prejudices towards all Italians during that period. A few years passed; the marriage did not work out. Paul, however, never added the "i" to his last name and become, unofficially, Paul Altobell.

Fast forward to the 1990's. Michael's father, Paul Altobell, is frustrated. For most of his life people mutilate the pronunciation of his last name: "Attabell," "Aughtobell," "Adabell," "Atbell," "Taco Bell," to mention just a few. He decided that with his new job he would add the "i" back to his last name. Lo and behold, people almost immediately were able to pronounce Altobelli. So, in the same way Paul the first never legally dropped the "i" Paul the second has not added the vowel officially. That is until now.

Officially, Michael Santino's last name is Altobelli. By year's end, Michael's parents will legally sign the Christmas cards Paul, Lisa, Rachel, and Michael Altobelli.