History of the Caprotti and Venosta families

The Caprotti family and sport: my maternal grandmother Luisa Quintavalle – a skiing enthusiast – with her daughter Giorgina Venosta

Of course, in keeping with family tradition, Grandma Luisa also passed on her passion for skiing to her children: in the photo on the left she is with Giorgina, perhaps at Sestrière in the 1950s, and in the one on the right with Giuseppe at Cervina, probably in the 1960s. Her elegance was famous.

Food and Retail History History of Esselunga History of Italy History of the Caprotti and Venosta families Local History

The Caprotti family, the birth of Esselunga and US counter-espionage: James Hugh and James Angleton

Film buffs who have seen Robert De Niro's 2006 film The Good Shepherd - The Shadow of Power may know that the main character, played by Matt Damon, is inspired by James James Angleton, one of the most legendary and controversial figures in American intelligence. However, the figure of James Hugh [Angleton], the father, is also of extreme interest ...

History of the Caprotti and Venosta families

The Caprotti family and sport: uncles Ferruccio known as Illo and Ida Quintavalle, tennis, 1940s

Bruno and Adele Quintavalle's other children were also sportsmen, and at a high level: both Ferruccio, known as Illo, and Ida, grandmother Luisa Quintavalle's twin sister, were tennis champions at national level, and Ferruccio also internationally, reaching the Wimbledon Tournament and the Davis Cup. Once his competitive activities were over, Illo was the driving force behind the Autobianchi car company, which produced the legendary 'Bianchina'.

History of the Caprotti and Venosta families

Caprotti’s ancestors: my maternal great-grandfather Umberto Quintavalle

His great-grandfather Umberto, an engineer, was a great manager who came to the Milanese Magneti Marelli factory thanks to his brother Bruno Antonio who had married Paola, the founder's daughter. Bruno Antonio and Umberto's connection with the Fascist Party brought many benefits to the factory, which was visited several times by famous people.

History of the Caprotti and Venosta families

The Caprotti family: Uncle Giuseppe Caprotti, called Beppo Venosta, brother of my mother Giorgina Venosta

Uncle Giuseppe, known as Beppo, who appears in many photos as a child with my mother Giorgina, became a journalist, specialising in the Middle East and writing for important magazines such as 'Panorama', 'Il Mondo', 'Il Sole 24 Ore' and the Secolo XIX. He was also an original guy, like many in the family; unfortunately he passed away in 1999.