Francesco ‘Frank’ Bivona was born into an era when Argentina was a prime destination for European immigrants, particularly from Italy. His parents were part of a massive wave of Italian immigration that began in the late 19th century and continued through the early 20th century, driven by economic hardship in Italy and the promise of opportunity in the Americas. Mendoza, where Frank was born, had become a hub for agricultural development, attracting many immigrants to its burgeoning wine industry.

As Frank reached adulthood, the world was undergoing significant turmoil. The Great Depression (1929-1933) severely impacted economies worldwide, including the United States, where Frank would later settle. This period saw widespread unemployment and poverty. Additionally, the lead-up to World War II was marked by political instability and the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe. Despite these challenges, New York remained a melting pot of cultures and a land of potential for immigrant families like the Bivonas.

The Brooklyn neighborhood where Frank’s family lived was emblematic of the diverse ethnic enclaves that characterized New York City at the time. Assembly districts such as the ones mentioned were often home to close-knit communities of immigrants who maintained cultural traditions while assimilating into American life. By the 1940s, the United States was experiencing economic growth due to wartime production, which provided employment opportunities for many residents, including those in immigrant communities.

When Frank passed away in 1969, it was a time of great social change in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement had made significant strides towards equality, and the Vietnam War was at its height, leading to widespread protest and societal division. It was also the year of the Apollo 11 moon landing, symbolizing technological progress and optimism for the future. Frank’s lifetime spanned some of the most transformative periods of the 20th century.

Last Name Origins

The surname Bivona is of Italian origin, derived from a place name. It likely traces back to the town of Bivona in the province of Agrigento on the island of Sicily, Italy. Surnames based on geographic locations were commonly adopted in Italy during the Middle Ages when individuals moved from their birthplace and took the name of their hometown as a means of identification. The name Bivona would have been used to signify someone who was from that particular town.