Mr Luigi Finoli

Who was Luigi Finoli?

Luigi Finoli was an Italian third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic who survived the tragic sinking on April 15, 1912. Born on March 25, 1870, in Atessa, Chieti, Italy, Finoli led a life marked by frequent travels between Italy and the United States, eventually becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen before returning to his homeland in his later years.

Early Life and Background

Family Roots in Italy

Luigi Finoli was born to Vincenzo Finoli and Catherine Di Paolo. While details about his early life are scarce, it is known that he had several siblings. On August 7, 1897, at the age of 27 (twenty-seven), Finoli married Beatrice Fedele in Naples, Italy. The couple is believed to have started a family, though specifics about their children remain unclear.

A Merchant’s Journey to America

In 1899, at the age of 29 (twenty-nine), Luigi embarked on a life-changing journey:

• Departed from Naples aboard the SS Neustria
• Arrived in New York in March 1899
• Initially settled in Brooklyn and New Haven, Connecticut
• Worked as a merchant in the United States

Finoli’s dedication to his new home led him to become a naturalized U.S. citizen on January 19, 1906, in New Haven. A passport application from August of the same year provides a vivid description of his appearance:

Luigi Finoli stood at 5’ 5½" with a dark complexion, brown eyes, chestnut hair, and featured a round face, small mouth, and pointed nose.

Titanic Journey: A Fateful Return to America

Boarding the Unsinkable Ship

After a visit to Italy in late 1911 or early 1912, Luigi Finoli decided to return to the United States. He chose to travel on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, embarking at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket, number SOTON/O.Q. 3101308, cost £7 1s (7 pounds and 1 shilling).

The Night of the Disaster

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, Finoli, then 41 (forty-one) years old, found himself in a fight for survival. He was among the fortunate survivors, possibly rescued by lifeboat 15. However, his conduct during and after the sinking was reportedly poor, which would later affect his treatment by relief organizations.

Life After the Titanic

Controversial Behavior and Denied Assistance

Upon arriving in New York, Finoli’s actions raised eyebrows:

• Claimed to have lost $800 in cash and jewels in the sinking
• Received temporary clothing and shelter from the American Red Cross
• Was denied further assistance due to his questionable behavior

Continued Transatlantic Travels

Despite the traumatic experience, Luigi Finoli’s life continued to be characterized by frequent travels between the United States and Italy:

Final Years and Legacy

In 1935, at the age of 65 (sixty-five), Luigi Finoli made the decision to return permanently to his birthplace of Atessa, Italy. He spent his final years in his homeland, passing away on November 21, 1938, at the age of 68 (sixty-eight).

What can we learn from Luigi Finoli’s story?

Luigi Finoli’s life serves as a testament to the complex experiences of early 20th-century immigrants. His survival of the Titanic disaster, coupled with his frequent travels between two continents, paints a picture of a man caught between two worlds. While his behavior immediately following the sinking may have been controversial, his story provides valuable insight into the varied responses to trauma and the challenges faced by survivors of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.