Tucson grew rapidly from a population of 40,000 people before
World War II to 800,000 by the year 2000. Two decades earlier, real
estate development was aided by Evo DeConcini, who arrived here April 2, 1921
at age 19. His father had been killed in an auto accident a few months earlier while
waiting for his family to join him. Despite his youth, he managed to attend the University
of Arizona; operate a hotel with the help of his sister and mother, develop several residential
areas and serve on the Board of St. Mary’s Hospital.
Evo served as a superior court judge from 1941-1947. He and his wife, Ora, have four children — all graduated from the University of Arizona.
Son, Dennis served as a United States Senator. Son, Dino ran for Attorney General of Arizona, and son, David handles the business matters for the family.
Daughter, Danielle and her husband currently manage 4-D Properties, a real estate development company.
Ora ran for Democratic National Committeewoman and served for six years. Evo has written a book, “HEY, IT’S PAST 80!", which describes much of the growth of Tucson during his life here. It is delightful reading and is available at the public library.
In 1936, Evo was asked to call a meeting to establish an Italian American Club. Others involved were Joe Bellantoni and Orland Fiandoca. Various presidents who governed it for consecutive terms and are responsible for its longevity are Nick Butera, Art Grande, Dr. James Di Pietro, Chuck Aquilina and Betty Riccio.
For current Club information see: www.geocities.com/emat/clubdirectory/ItalianAmericanClub
Many Italian entrepreneurs operate today in Tucson.
Caruso’s Restaurant, on Fourth Avenue, has been operated by the Zagona family since 1938. Nicasio Zagona, with his wife Antoinette, immigrated from Palermo, Sicily. The original restaurant was destroyed in the 1940 flood and was moved to the present location, according to Sal Zagona, Jr., present manager of the restaurant.
Salvatore Zagona, Sr. was a Psychology Professor at the University of Arizona as well as a restauranteur.
Three generations of this family have operated the restaurant which is named for the Italian opera singer, Enrico Caruso. |
