Emilio Ilario Giuseppe Portaluppi

Who was Emilio Ilario Giuseppe Portaluppi?

Emilio Ilario Giuseppe Portaluppi was an Italian-American stonemason and Titanic survivor, known for his remarkable escape from the sinking ship and his subsequent long life. Born on October 15, 1881, in Arcisate, Italy, Portaluppi’s journey on the Titanic and his survival story have become part of the legendary tales surrounding the ill-fated vessel.

Early Life and Immigration

Italian Roots

Emilio Portaluppi was born in Arcisate, Province of Varese, Italy. His early life in Italy shaped his skills as a stonemason, a trade that would later define his career in America.

Journey to America

At some point before 1912, Portaluppi emigrated to the United States, settling in Milford, New Hampshire. This move was part of the larger wave of Italian immigration to America in the early 20th century, as many sought new opportunities across the Atlantic.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding the Titanic

In 1912, at the age of 30 (thirty), Portaluppi boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France. He was a second-class passenger, holding ticket number C.A. 34644, which cost £12 14s 9d. Portaluppi was returning to his home in Milford, NH, after a visit to his native Italy.

The Night of the Sinking

On the night of April 14, 1912, Portaluppi’s life would change forever. His account of the Titanic’s sinking provides a unique perspective on the tragedy:

1. Initially mistook the collision for docking in New York
2. Went on deck in a bathrobe, then returned to dress fully
3. Attempted to board a lifeboat but fell into the water
4. Claimed to have swum for about two hours before rescue

Controversial Survival Story

Portaluppi’s survival story has been a subject of debate among Titanic historians. According to his account:

“Many people seem to have slept through the shock of the collision, and the tale told by Emilio Portaluppi, a second cabin passenger, shows that he was first awakened by the explosion of one of the ship’s boilers. He hurried up to deck one and strapped on a lifebelt. Following the example of others, he then leapt into the sea, and held on to an icefloe, with the help of which he managed to keep afloat until he was seen by those in the lifeboats and rescued.” — The Times, April 20, 1912

However, the explosion of boilers is not consistent with other accounts of the sinking, adding an element of mystery to Portaluppi’s story.

Rescue and Arrival in New York

If Portaluppi’s account is accurate, he was likely picked up by Lifeboat 14, commanded by Fifth Officer Lowe. The Carpathia, the ship that rescued Titanic survivors, docked in New York on the evening of April 18th. Portaluppi, like other survivors, was spared the usual immigration formalities upon arrival.

Life After the Titanic

Return to Milford

On April 20, 1912, just days after the sinking, Portaluppi was welcomed back to Milford by his friends. This homecoming was significant enough to be reported in the local press, highlighting the impact of his survival on the community.

Later Life and Career

By 1938, Portaluppi had moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he continued his work as a stonemason. He was employed by A. Farranda & Son in Woodside, New York, indicating that he maintained his trade skills throughout his life.

Legacy and Final Years

Emilio Portaluppi lived a long life after his Titanic ordeal. He passed away on June 18, 1974, at the age of 92 (ninety-two). In a poetic turn of events, he was buried in his birthplace of Arcisate, Italy, bringing his life’s journey full circle.

Portaluppi’s story remains a fascinating chapter in the Titanic’s history, blending elements of heroism, controversy, and the immigrant experience. His survival and subsequent long life serve as a testament to human resilience in the face of one of the 20th century’s most infamous maritime disasters.