Sassano, Aniello

Aniello Sassano, born in Naples, Italy, on May 27, 1865, was a skilled craftsman and viticulturist who built a prosperous life in California after arriving on June 13, 1888. Educated in his native land, he began an apprenticeship in the shoemaker trade at the age of fifteen before migrating directly to Fresno. He initially worked at his trade for the local firm Radin and Kamp until 1898, when he chose to open his own independent business on I Street. In 1907, he permanently relocated his shoe and shoe-repair operations to the town of Clovis, establishing himself as a reliable merchant in the community.

Beyond his commercial success, Mr. Sassano expanded into agriculture in 1905 by purchasing twenty acres of land located three miles northwest of Clovis. Through hard work, he brought this property to a high state of cultivation, dedicating the acreage to raising muscats, Thompson grapes, and wine grapes. He constructed a residence and essential farm buildings on this land, making it a home for his family. He was married in Fresno to Virginia Marino, a native of Italy who arrived in California in 1897, and together they raised three children named Marion, Lawrence, and Paul. A politically active Republican, he also held memberships in the American Order of Foresters, the Druids, and the California Associated Raisin Company.