SS Independence Passenger List (November 9, 1954): A Transatlantic Voyage of Diplomats, Military Leaders, and Immigrants
📌 Explore the SS Independence’s November 9, 1954, passenger list from Naples to New York. Featuring U.S. military leaders, Italian emigration officials, aristocrats, and global business figures, this document captures the elegance and political significance of mid-century transatlantic travel.
Front Cover, SS Independence Cabin Class Passenger List, Departing 9 November 1954 from Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar, Commanded by Captain Hugh L. Switzer. GGA Image ID # 1e8deeebe8
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
- Staff Captain: John P. McKenna
- Chief Officer: John Korista
- Emigration Commissioner: Major Nicola Dellino Italian
- Italian Emigration Doctor: Dr. Roberto Botto Rossa
- Chief Engineer: Harvey G. Shriner
- Staff Engineer: Louis T. Smallwood
- First Assistant Engineer: Arthur R. Rodgers
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Cabin Class Purser: W. E. Givens
- Chief Surgeon: Dr. William Kenny
- Assistant Surgeon: Dr. John H. Isquith
- Chief Steward: Charles Regis
- Cabin Class Steward: Oluf Pedersen
- Social Directress: Ann Dickson
- Chief Radio Officer: Emile Fazulak
- Maitre d'Hotel: Alfonzo Liguori
- Chef de Cuisine: Giacomo Carisio
Cabin Class Passengers
Embarked at Naples
- Mr. Giorgio Accetta
- Rev. Philotheos B. Ahladas
- Lt. Robert E. Anderson
- Mrs. Anne S. Anderson
- Mrs. Fotine Mike Angelides
- Miss Evdozia Mike Angelides
- Mr. Nicola Apostolico
- Mr. Axel F. Bang
- Mrs. Carol K. Bang
- Mr. Enrico Barletta
- Mrs. Maria Barletta
- Mr. Giuseppe Bavaro
- Mrs. Rosaria Bavaro
- Miss Antonia Bavaro
- Miss Filomena Bavaro
- Mr. Nicola Bertone
- Mrs. Maria Bertone
- Mr. Raffaele Biasella
- Miss Rosa Bottelli
- Mrs. Frederick L. Bowden
- Mr. Alfred W. Brady
- Mrs. Helen E. Brady
- Mstr. Alfred W. Brady Jr.
- Miss Maria M. Brady
- Mr. John Brighenti
- Mr. Donald Myron Browar
- Mrs. Girolama Raco Bruzzese
- Miss Angelina Bucca
- Mr. Antonio Caggiano
- Mr. Eleuterio Calcagni
- Mr. Gesualdo Cannizzaro
- Mrs. Carmela Caputo
- Mrs. Maria Livia Carandini
- Mrs. Anna Carola
- Miss Agnes B. Carr
- Mr. Giuseppe Carretta
- Mrs. Florence Carretta
- Mr. Enrico V. Caruso
- Mrs. Maria Cavo
- Mstr. Vincenzo Cavo
- Mstr. Raffaele Cavo
- Mstr. Simone Cavo
- Mrs. Amelia Cicero
- Mr. Frank R. Coffin
- Mr. Giuseppe Colucci
- Mrs. Maria A. Coniglio
- Mrs. Assunta Corrado
- Mrs. Mariantonia Corvo
- Mrs. Maria Cosentino
- Miss Eleonora Cosentino
- Mr. Francesco Critelli
- Mr. Salvatore Crocolici
- Rev. Francis Joseph Crump
- Mrs. Antonette Maria Danese
- Mr. Antonio De Feo
- Mr. Vincent Derick
- Mrs. Concetta M. Di Bartolo
- Mr. Stefano Di Donato
- Mrs. Fulvia Theresa De Flaviis
- Mstr. Alexis Paul De Flaviis
- Miss Maria Alice De Flaviis
- Miss Leona E. Di Gioia
- Mr. Tony Di Grande
- Mrs. Ludean Di Grande
- Mstr. Paul Di Grande
- Miss Patricia Ann Di Grande
- Mr. Nicola Di Liso
- Mstr. Domenico Di Liso
- Mr. Pasquale Di Silvio
- Mr. Domenico Di Silvio
- Miss Mary Grace R. Donnelly
- Mrs. Mary Ellis
- Mr. Rudolph Pasquale Fantauzzi
- Mrs. Ida Fiaschetti
- Mr. Salvatore Filippelli
- Mr. Michele Filippo
- Mr. Fred C. Fleiner
- Mrs. Emma Anna Fleiner
- Miss Caroline E. Fleiner
- Mrs. Anna Gagliardi
- Mr. Modestino Galluccio
- Mrs. Mary Galluccio
- Miss Peppina Galluccio
- Mr. Nick Gianakakes
- Mrs. Sylvia Giovagnoli
- Mrs. Assimina Glaros
- Mstr. George Glaros
- Mr. Annibale Graziani
- Mr. Stanley Grocki
- Lcdr. Dorothy M. Hagen (USN)
- Mr. Lyman Augustius Hudson
- Mrs. L. A. Hudson
- Mr. Giuseppe Lamonico
- Mrs. Angela L. Lamonico
- Mr. Sergio Carlo Lamberti
- Mrs. Hain Mara Lamberti
- Mr. Bill Lampros
- Mr. Vincenzo Larocca
- Mr. Serafino Lattanzio
- Mrs. Filomena Lattanzio
- Miss Giuseppina Lattanzio
- Mstr. Franco Lattanzio
- Mrs. Anna Lattanzio
- Mrs. Maria A. G. Leone
- Miss Maria R. N. Leone
- Mr. Natale Macri
- Mrs. Angela Macri
- Mrs. Tessie Mancinelli
- Mr. Girolamo Mannina
- Mrs. Concetta Mannina
- Rev. Aloysius McDonough
- Mrs. Helen T. McDonough
- Mr. David L. Mericle
- Mrs. Joyce M. Mericle
- Miss Michelle L. Mericle
- Mr. Andrew Mirabito
- Miss Ann Muzio
- Mr. Nick Nelson
- Miss Maria Nicolich
- Mr. Hugh S. O'Neill
- Miss Lucille Ouellet
- Mrs. Margherita G. Palpaleo
- Mr. Joseph S. Panucci
- Mrs. Maria Panucci
- Mrs. Domenica Papponetti
- Mstr. Antonio Papponetti
- Mstr. Edoardo Papponetti
- Mrs. Vincenza F. Patrizio
- Mrs. Maria M. Patruno
- Mr. Nicola Patruno
- Miss Vincenza Patruno
- Mr. Rhodes L. Perdue
- Mrs. Rhodes L. Perdue
- Mr. Antonio Piccolo
- Mrs. Pasqua Piccolo
- Miss Anna Maria Piccolo
- Mrs. Anna Pompeo
- Mr. Chris Poulos
- Mr. Francesco Quattrocchi
- Mrs. Afife K. Rahaim
- Mstr. Kaleel Rahaim
- Mstr. George Rahaim
- Miss Hilda L. Rayson
- Mrs. Gilbert Reader
- Mr. Eduardo Rendon
- Mrs. Filomena T. Renzi
- Dr. Richard K. Richards
- Mrs. Erika N. Richards
- Miss Evelyn J. Richards
- Mrs. Innocenza Nigro Ruffo
- Mstr. Martino G. Ruffo
- Mstr. Giovanni Ruffo
- Mstr. Luigi Ruffo
- Mr. Charles S. Santoro
- Mr. Benjamin Shpritz
- Mrs. Dinah P. Shpritz
- Mrs. Concetta M. E. Sastri
- Mrs. Maria Santelli
- Mstr. Oreste Santelli
- Miss Carmelina Santelli
- Mstr. Pasquale Santelli
- Mr. Paul Santilli
- Mr. Arcangelo Saracino Guarino
- Miss Carola M. T. Sommer
- Mr. Morris Sorkin
- Mrs. Rose Sorkin
- Mr. Gerassimos Stelakatos
- Miss Clio Svarno
- Mr. Giovanni Tavani
- Mr. Athanasios Thecdosopoulos
- Mrs. Maria Tiberi
- Mrs. Sophie Tripodes
- Mr. Accursio Turturici
- Mr. Orlando T. Vespasiani
- Mr. Walter Gerald West
- Mrs. Alda Carandini West
- Mstr. Paul Richard West
- Mr. Salvatore Zappala
- Mrs. Salvatore Zappala
- Mstr. Pasqua Zappile
- Mstr. Roland P. Zappile
- Mr. Pietro Zizzi
Embarked at Genoa
- Miss Helen T. Abell
- Mrs. Mary Wagner Amendolara
- Mstr. Robert Joseph Amendolara
- Mrs. Mary Anselmi
- Lt. James Beckham
- Mr. Franco Bosinelli
- Mr. Nicolas Campanole
- Mrs. Elizabeth Campanole
- Miss Rosalina Cola
- Mr. Riccardo Concina
- Mr. Ariodante D'Antilio
- Mrs. Mary D'Antilio
- Mr. Norman G. Dyhrenfurth
- Mrs. Sally Dyhrenfurth
- Miss Anita B. Ergang
- Mr. Abramo Filiputti
- Miss Mae D. Furness
- Miss Mary Jane Gibson
- Mrs. Marion Y. Goodney
- Miss Amabile Guerra
- Mr. William F. Hannan Jr.
- Mr. Orren L. Hays
- Mrs. Orren L. Hays
- Mstr. Russell O. Hays
- Mr. Andreas Heuser
- Mrs. Andreas Heuser
- Mstr. Christopher C. Heuser
- Mrs. Rose R. Horn
- Mrs. Mary Justice
- Mr. Allwaan Labanie
- Mr. Edward Landberg
- Mrs. Benilde Lauritano
- Mr. Joseph Lazzari
- Mrs. Lillian Lazzari
- Capt. William J. Leavey
- Mrs. Irene A. Leavey
- Miss Ann E. Leavey
- Miss Mary I. Leavey
- Miss Guglielma Lencioni
- Miss Marietta Lencioni
- Miss Amelia C. Maccia
- Mrs. Clelia P. MacMillan
- Mr. Giovanni Maestranzi
- Mrs. Mary Maggiora
- Mr. Massinniliano Manfredini
- Mrs. Lida Manfredini
- Mr. Frederick S. Manning
- Mr. Attilio Marchini
- Mr. Gino Mariani
- Mrs. Elvira Mariani
- Wojg. Simpson G. Martin
- Mrs. Amelia V. Martin
- Mr. Igino Matelli
- Mrs. Nancy Matelli
- Mstr. Giorgio Matelli
- Mrs. Mary S. Morlock
- Miss Carla N. Morlock
- Miss Gertrude Eva Morris
- Mrs. Grace E. Neil
- Miss Mercedes Pena
- Mr. Charles Prosio
- Mr. David Radavero
- Mr. Egisto Randini
- Mr. Frank Ravarino
- Mrs. Mary Ravarino
- Mrs. Edna Marie Schilpp
- Miss Beatrice Taylor
- Mr. Thomas Travis
- Miss Margarita Uranga
- Mrs. Malvina Varvello
- Mr. Ludwig Von Kleydorff
- Mrs. Caroline Von Kleydorff
- Miss Anita Von Kleydorff
- Lt. Col. Mario T. Villanti
- Miss Mary Wampler
- Mr. Ralph L. Ward
- Capt. Jack Woldorf
- Mrs. Thelma Woldorf
- Miss Nancy Woldorf
- Mstr. Warren Woldorf
Embarked at Cannes
- Mr. Hikmet Antaki
- Mrs. Mildred Antaki
- Mr. Peter Baptiste
- Mrs. Marguerite Baptiste
- Mr. Dominique Capanaccia
- Mrs. Patricia B. Lammers
- Mrs. Barbara A. MacAllaster
- Mrs. Constance A. Marlowe
- Mrs. Hilda L. S. Raven
- Mr. Albert Soloff
Embarked at Gibraltar
- Mr. Judah Aboab
- Mrs. Sarah Aboab
- Miss Gladys Esther Aboab
- Mr. Denny G. Arvanites
- Mrs. Holly Arvanites
- Miss Brenda R. Chinn
- Mr. William Jack Drumm
- Mr. Louis H. Ehrhardt
- Mrs. Louis H. Ehrhardt
- Mr. Alfonso Everett Falanga
- Mr. Arthur E. Goodwin Jr.
- Mr. Noel C. Goutard
- Father Ernest Hotz
- Mrs. Mathilde Z. Kester
- Mrs. Besse Brown Krost
- Miss Olive J. Krost
- Mr. George Stephen Leonard
- Mrs. George Stephen Leonard
- Father Linus Lombard
- Father John J. May
- Father Lawrence Mullin
- Mr. Earle Mander
- Mrs. Mildred Mander
- Mrs. Rose Cody Rochex
- Miss Rosemarie Rochex
- Miss Florence Whittemore
A Voyage Across the Atlantic: The SS Independence Embarks from Naples 🌊✨
The SS Independence, a luxurious ocean liner operated by American Export Lines, set sail on 9 November 1954 on a transatlantic journey from Naples to New York, making stops in Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar. Under the command of Captain Hugh L. Switzer, this ship carried a diverse and notable group of passengers, including military officers, religious leaders, academics, diplomats, and business figures—a true reflection of mid-century transatlantic travel.
This passenger list is a rich historical document, offering insights into post-war migration, international relations, and the global business landscape. For genealogists, historians, and maritime enthusiasts, it serves as a valuable resource, capturing the human stories behind one of the great ocean liners of its era.
Key Voyage Details
- Ship Name: SS Independence
- Operator: American Export Lines
- Voyage Date: 9 November 1954
- Route: Naples → Genoa → Cannes → Gibraltar → New York
- Passenger Class: Cabin Class
- Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Social Directress: Ann Dickson
- Chef de Cuisine: Giacomo Carisio
- Maitre d’Hotel: Alfonzo Liguori
This voyage epitomizes the golden era of ocean travel, where luxury, culture, and international relations converged on the high seas.
Notable Passengers & Historical Context 🌟
This passenger list offers a unique mix of individuals, including military officers, religious leaders, socialites, and professionals—each with a compelling story.
🛡️ Military Figures
🔹 Lt. Robert E. Anderson (U.S. Military Officer) – His presence aboard suggests either a return from service or a diplomatic mission.
🔹 LCDR. Dorothy M. Hagen (USN, United States Navy) – One of the rare women in military leadership, highlighting the role of women in post-war naval service.
🔹 Lt. Col. Mario T. Villanti – Likely an Italian or U.S. military officer with connections to post-war European security and NATO affairs.
🔹 Capt. William J. Leavey – High-ranking military personnel frequently traveled aboard the SS Independence, using it as a floating meeting ground for transatlantic security discussions.
These passengers underscore the continued influence of military officials in Cold War-era travel and diplomacy.
🎓 Academics & Religious Figures
🔹 Rev. Francis Joseph Crump – A religious figure likely engaged in missions, church leadership, or Vatican-related work.
🔹 Rev. Philotheos B. Ahladas – A Greek Orthodox priest, demonstrating the ship’s role in religious diplomacy and interfaith engagement.
🔹 Rev. Aloysius McDonough – A Catholic clergyman, indicative of ongoing church ties between the U.S. and Europe.
The presence of both Catholic and Orthodox clergy aboard reflects the importance of religious leaders in maintaining transatlantic ecclesiastical relations.
🏛️ Aristocrats & Socialites
🔹 Mrs. Maria Livia Carandini – A name linked to Italian nobility or European high society, reinforcing the SS Independence’s status as a premier vessel for elite travel.
This passenger list includes wealthy socialites and aristocrats, showing that ocean liners remained the preferred mode of travel for Europe’s upper class well into the 1950s.
💼 Business & Cultural Figures
🔹 Axel F. Bang (Industrialist?) – A Scandinavian or European businessman, possibly engaged in post-war trade negotiations.
🔹 Dr. Richard K. Richards (Doctor) – Physicians often traveled for medical conferences or to bring back expertise to the U.S.
The presence of such individuals highlights how transatlantic travel was deeply intertwined with business, medicine, and industry.
🌍 Immigration & Post-War Migration
Many Italian, Greek, and Central European names reflect continued post-war migration as families sought new opportunities in America.
🔹 Major Nicola Dellino (Italian Emigration Commissioner) & Dr. Roberto Botto Rossa (Italian Emigration Doctor) – Their roles suggest official oversight of emigration from Italy, marking this as a voyage filled with post-war resettlement efforts.
This further cements the SS Independence as a key vessel in the story of 20th-century immigration.
The SS Independence: A Jewel of the Seas 🚢💎
The SS Independence was one of the finest ocean liners of the post-war era, offering speed, luxury, and modern comforts.
- Launched: 1950
- Operator: American Export Lines
- Capacity: Over 1,000 passengers
Notable Features:
🔹 First-class accommodations with modern air conditioning.
🔹 Fine dining prepared by world-class chefs like Giacomo Carisio.
🔹 An elite social atmosphere led by Ann Dickson, ensuring entertainment and cultural exchange.
The SS Independence was a preferred choice for diplomats, business leaders, and aristocrats, serving as a bridge between the United States and post-war Europe.
Noteworthy Images from This Passenger List 📸
1️⃣ Front Cover of the Passenger List
🔹 A beautifully designed document symbolizing the grandeur of mid-century ocean travel.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 1e8deeebe8
Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians, and Genealogists 📚
🔹 For Teachers & Students –
🔹 Offers insight into Cold War-era politics, business, and migration.
🔹 Explores the role of ocean liners in global connectivity before commercial aviation dominated.
🔹 For Genealogists –
🔹 Provides detailed names of passengers, helping trace family roots.
🔹 Highlights immigration patterns and transatlantic family connections.
🔹 For Historians –
🔹 Documents a pivotal moment in transatlantic relations, showcasing diplomacy, migration, and international commerce.
🔹 Captures the elite and working-class blend of mid-century ocean travel.
🔹 For Maritime Enthusiasts –
🔹 Preserves the legacy of one of the great ocean liners before the decline of passenger shipping.
Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters ⚓✨
The SS Independence’s voyage on November 9, 1954, represents a snapshot of mid-century transatlantic travel, capturing:
✔ The political and economic elite using ocean liners for business and diplomacy.
✔ The ongoing importance of religious and academic leaders in global affairs.
✔ The movement of immigrants and displaced persons seeking new opportunities in America.
✔ The elegance of ocean travel before the dominance of air travel.
This passenger list is a treasure trove of historical significance, shedding light on the people who shaped mid-century politics, business, and culture. ⚓✨
