Joel Conte Genealogy

10/31/2025

06/23/2025

Southern Italians should be able to check a box for Mediterranean. Olives matter 🫒

05/15/2025

Ancestry Discovers Pope Leo XIV’s Sicilian Roots

Genealogists at Ancestry uncovered compelling documents that trace the paternal line of Robert Prevost, now known to the world as Pope Leo XIV.

The pope’s paternal grandfather was born Salvatore Giovanni Gaetano Riggitano in 1876 in Milazzo, in the province of Messina, island of Sicily, Italy. His grandfather later took the French surname “Prevost” which was the maiden name of his wife’s (Suzanne Fontaine) mother, Jeanne Eugenie Prevost.

A real American story made possible by immigrants. Not the typical American story that first comes to mind with "The First American Pope", but relevant and significant nonetheless.

Learn more about some of the interesting discoveries Ancestry genealogists discovered about Pope Leo XIV's family history.

05/15/2025

Genealogist discovered Pope Leo XIV's maternal family (Martinez) descended from Black Creole roots, settled in New Orleans, and migrated to Chicago. A real American story, but not the typical American story from the history books.

"Robert Francis Prevost, the Chicago-born man who became Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, has Black family roots in New Orleans, Louisiana, records show.

ABC News has obtained several records, including U.S. Census records from the early 1900s, demonstrating that the first American pope's family tree reflects the complex racial history of this country.

Both of Leo XIV's maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié, are described as Black or mulatto in several census documents."

Pope Leo XIV's family tree reflects America's complex racial history, according to records obtained by ABC News.

04/24/2025

Google: "From Tree to Roots book". When I tried this, my book appeared next to "Roots" by Alex Haley. It is such an honor to be near the shady tree of giants. 🌳 Get your copy today! 📘 https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Roots-Heritage-Travel-Guide/dp/B0F1YPTDFZ/

04/04/2025

04/03/2025

My new and book to , "From Tree to Roots" is free this week on Amazon until April 6th. Get the ebook on Amazon Kindle. I'm trying to get the first 50 reviews. 📚 Give the book a look 👀 and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ , please, and thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Roots-Heritage-Travel-Guide/dp/B0F1YPTDFZ/

While prices are going up everywhere, this promotional price is FREE this week only. 50 reviews will help Amazon KDP promote the book to more online shoppers. Thank you for your support.

03/29/2025

🌸 A Tree Grows in DC 🌸 Where am I?
📚 New Book Tour. I need reviews, please. Contact me for a discount or free copy. https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Roots-Heritage-Travel-Guide/dp/B0F1YPTDFZ/ 👀
If you guessed the White House in Washington D.C. for the cherry blossom festival, then you are correct.

03/29/2025

🌸 A Tree Grows in DC 🌸 Where am I?
📚 link in bio 👀
Washington D.C.'s iconic cherry blossoms are a gift from Japan, symbolizing friendship, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates their arrival, with peak bloom occurring around late March to early April, according to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

03/20/2025

Introducing my first book "From Tree to Roots: A Heritage Travel Guide to Italy" Discover your Italian ancestors and explore the homeland. Finally, a book that combines a passion for heritage and travel, built on years of trained experience doing Italian family history.

"From Tree to Roots: A Heritage Travel Guide to Italy" is a comprehensive guide designed to help individuals trace their Italian ancestry and explore their family roots in Italy. This book is perfect for anyone looking to connect with their heritage and learn more about the rich history and cu...