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Ciuffo Family History
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Gaspare Ciuffo
1881-1943
Our grandfather Gaspare Ciuffo founder of the Ciuffo furniture was
one born in Palermo, Italy in 1876. At the age of 22 he married
Petrina Destefano with whom he and four children while living in
Palermo, Salvatore was the oldest, Nancy then Alfonso then Philamina.
In 1912 they all immigrated to the United States and settled in
New York City. That is where our furniture heritage all started.His
shop produced ecclesiasticial wood sculpture for the catholic church,
as well as hand carved furniture for the general public. Many of
the sculptures Grandpa Ciuffo carved can still be seen in New York
City. Some locations and the subjects are: Manhattan City college-the
virgin and child, St. Joseph, the 12 stations of the cross. On Mulberry
Street in New York City is located the shrine to St. Elois. Ciuffo
and Ciuffo furniture was Gaspare and Alfonso in business in mid
to late 1930s. The business lasted until 1940 when Alfonso moved
upstate to Oneida, New York to work and raise his family.
Our grandfather continued to work until his death from cancer in
1943.
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Salvatore Ciuffo
1906-1992
Born in Palermo, Italy, son of master carver Gaspare Ciuffo, came
to New York City in 1912, grew up working with his father doing
woodworking and, later, went on his own doing custom upholstery
integrated with carvings and custom furniture. In 1931, his son
was born Gaspare Ciuffo who, himself, became a master craftsman.
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Alfonso Ciuffo
1909-1960
Alfonso Ciuffo was born in Palmero Italy, on the island of Sicily,
in 1909. His family immigrated to the United States in 1912 and
settled in New York City. He was educated in the New York City school
system and attended schools art there.
When he was the young man, before he married, he worked as bench
carver for W. J. Sloan and company. As a bench carver he was responsible
for carving such things as chair legs, table legs, case goods, fret
work of, apron and anything else that needed carving. His skills
as a created wood carver were extensive.
During Alfonso's tenure with W. J. Sloan he was chosen to carve
various items of furniture as gifts for President Roosevelt paid
for by ardent supporters.
In 1934 he moved to Oneiida New York to take a job as a wood carver
and furniture maker. Alfonso was once again employed by the Mastercraft
Co. during the war. After the war he started his own business and
called it Ciuffo Studio. This business survived for a few years
but not long enough to really become established. His middle son
Lawrence would later reestablished Ciuffo studio in San Diego CA
which are eventually became L. Ciuffo Studios in 1986.
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Angelo Ciuffo
1922-19???
Son of Gaspare Ciuffo, Born in 1922, taught by his father, master
wood worked, Gaspare Ciuffo. Learned to carve at the age of fifteen
back at Gaspar’s studio in Manhattan. He kept active in wood
working his entire life and now passes on all his knowledge to his
two nephews Gary and Michael Ciuffo. Angelo still steps into the
factory at least two times a week just to make sure we are still
doing it right.
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Lawrence Ciuffo
1941 - present
Furniture for most people is something to sit on or something in
which to store linens or clothing. For Larry Ciuffo of Poway, furniture
is a work of art and a way of life. Since 1974 he has owned and
operated Ciuffo Studios, a furniture restoration and re-finishing
business, specializing in preservation of wood to its original color
and luster. Mr. Ciuffo is a third generation furniture craftsmen.
Many of the old world methods he uses today were learned from his
father and grandfather. His grandfather, Gaspare Ciuffo, was a stone
sculptor in Palermo, Italy who immigrated to Manhattan and opened
a furniture business in 1911. Alfonso, his father, carried on the
family tradition of woodcarving. According to Mr. Ciuffo who grew
up making furniture. By the time he was twenty years old he had
served his apprenticeship to emerge as a bonafide furniture builder,
restorer and re-finisher. A career in the military and construction
business interrupted his work until 1974 when he and his family
moved to Rancho Penasquitos. He started his furniture business in
his garage where before long he out grew it. This growth and expansion
of Ciuffo Studios necessitated a move to larger quarters in Poway,
where this burgeoning cottage industry is currently located.The
reputation and integrity of his craftsmanship is promoted by word
of mouth and quite often he does work for people in another states,
as well as San Francisco and Beverly Hills.
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Gaspar Ciuffo
1909-presentSon of Salvatore Ciuffo, Born in 1931-2003
in Brooklyn, NY, founder of Cabinetry by Design, Father of Gary
and Michael Ciuffo, taught by his father and uncles at an early
age all phases of millwork. He learned first hand all the methods
of the Ciuffo’s old world skill and quality that was handed
down from his grandfather. He helped carry these techniques into
the new century and led the way for sons Gary and Michael to take
it and introduce these methods and lay the grounds for the next
decades to come.
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Gary Ciuffo
1965-presentBorn 1965, son of Gaspar Ciuffo, started
wood working at the age of twelve, helping his father do wood working
jobs and ran with this knowledge throughout school. Gary kept active
in wood working with his father, being trained on how to do all
phases of millwork. After graduating high school Gary took front
seat right away with the company and worked side by side with his
father and brother and built the business to what it is today. Gary
has two sons, Joseph and Christopher Ciuffo who he hopes to teach
the family history and skill of master craftsmanship.
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Michael Ciuffo
1971-presentBorn 1971, son
of Gasper Ciuffo, worked his whole life as a wood worker, worked
his way at a young age to a master craftsman. He was also trained
by Gaspar Ciuffo and Gary Ciuffo. Mike has helped taking old world
skill and introduced new world technology together and is currently
active with all phases of hands on craftsmanship and building of
millwork combined with CNC Technology to create today’s best
custom millwork there is to offer.
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