Kira Oppici

When asking my family about my heritage I learned some information that I had never known about. First, I spoke to my father’s side. My grandfather, Brian R. Oppici, was born in Jersey City. Which is where both his parents were also born. My grandfather’s grandfather however (my great-great grandfather), Anthony Oppici, was born in Boca, Italy and met my great-great grandmother, Anne, when he immigrated to Jersey City. My grandfather’s mother’s story really intrigued me. My great grandmother came over on a boat with her mother from Wicklow, Ireland. My great-great grandfather had came over through Ellis Island years before and had to send over money in order to send his wife and children. My great-great grandmother then had to come over with her 17 children on a small rowboat all the way to Ellis Island from Ireland. To this day there is still a picture of her and her children up in the Ellis Island museum. 


My dad’s mother, Patricia Oppici, was also from Jersey City. I found out that both of my great grandparents on her side were from New Jersey. Her father was from Weehawken and her mother was from Jersey City as well. Her grandfather on her mother’s side, Fred Hansen, was originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, her grandfather on her father’s side was from Italy. Her grandfather, William Rice, was originally William Riccio. He changed his name after being in the US and not being able to find a job due to discrimination against the Italians at the time. 


My mother’s side does not have such an in-depth knowledge on their history but I was able to find out some information. While both of my grandparents were born in New Jersey all four of my great grandparents on my mother’s side were born oversees. My great grandparents on my grandmother’s side were both born in Holland. My great grandparents on my grandfather’s side were born in Denmark and Scotland and than met after coming to the United States.