Once a Campofelicesi, Always a Campofelicesi

Campofelice di Fitalia, Sicily, is a small mountain town in the province of Palermo with a legacy that reaches far beyond its borders. Over generations, many families from this close-knit community immigrated to the United States, settling primarily in Kansas City and Dallas. Familiar surnames include Arnone, Benanti, Biancavilla, Brancato, Cariddi, Cirrincione, Cusimano, Cuttitta, DiMiceli, Inzenga, Lalumia, Nuccio, Passantino, Rustici, Satariano, Spitaleri, Terranello/Terranella, Valenti—and so many more.

The bond among the Campofelicesi is truly remarkable. While Italian immigration to the United States largely slowed after World War II, people from Campofelice di Fitalia continued making the journey. Those who remained in the town embraced their American cousins in a way that is rare in much of Italy. Campofelicesi are always welcomed home with open arms.

In 1937, Club Campofelice di Fitalia was formed in Kansas City. Over the years, like many Italian clubs, it eventually faded. In 2012, the Kansas City Campofelicesi brought it back. When word reached Campofelice that we were resurrecting the club, one thing was immediately clear—the Campofelicesi in Sicily were just as excited and passionate about its return as we were. One of them, Domenico Gambino, even drew our club logo. One of Club Campofelice’s most meaningful yearly traditions is celebrating the birthday of our town.

Today marks the 75th birthday of our little town. On February 1, 1951, Campofelice di Fitalia gained its autonomy from Mezzojuso, of which it had been a frazione for 100 years. This hard-won victory was made possible in large part through the financial support of Campofelicesi living in America—a powerful reminder that no matter how far we roam, our roots continue to bind us together.

I am proud to be American. I am proud to be Sicilian. I am proud to be a Campofelicesi.

A small town, a shared heritage, and a family that spans generations and oceans—once a Campofelicesi, always a Campofelicesi. Viva Campofelice! 🇮🇹

To see more pictures of our beautiful town and hear our song Inno A Campofelice, please go to:

Inno A Campofelice

Are you a Campofelicesi? Do you have a story about your ancestral town to share? We’d love to hear it—please let us know.

• Picture: Campofelice di Fitalia 02-01-1951

• Picture: List of supporters for Campofelice's independence, which includes the names of some American Campofelicesi

• Picture: Campofelice di Fitalia postcard

• PIcture: Campofelice di Fitalia, Sicily (PA)

• Picture: Tile commemorating the 50th anniversary of the town's autonomy

• Picture: Club Campofelice di Fitalia, Kansas City's logo drawn by Campofelicesi Domenico Gambino

Respectfully,

Jody Valet

(816) 807-7048

kcitalians.com/