Ciuffo Family History

Gaspare Ciuffo
1881-1943

Our grandfather Gaspare Ciuffo founder of the Ciuffo furniture was one born in Palermo, Italy in 1876. At the age of 22 he married Petrina Destefano with whom he and four children while living in Palermo, Salvatore was the oldest, Nancy then Alfonso then Philamina. In 1912 they all immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. That is where our furniture heritage all started.  His shop produced ecclesiastical wood sculpture for the catholic church, as well as hand carved furniture for the general public. Many of the sculptures Grandpa Ciuffo carved can still be seen in New York City. Some locations and the subjects are: Manhattan City college-the virgin and child, St. Joseph, the 12 stations of the cross. On Mulberry Street in New York City is located the shrine to St. Elois. Ciuffo and Ciuffo furniture was Gaspare and Alfonso in business in mid to late 1930s. The business lasted until 1940 when Alfonso moved upstate to Oneida, New York to work and raise his family.
Our grandfather continued to work until his death from cancer in 1943.

Salvatore Ciuffo
1906-1992

Born in Palermo, Italy, son of master carver Gaspare Ciuffo, came to New York City in 1912, grew up working with his father doing woodworking and, later, went on his own doing custom upholstery integrated with carvings and custom furniture. In 1931, his son was born Gaspare Ciuffo who, himself, became a master craftsman.

Alfonso Ciuffo
1909-1960

Alfonso Ciuffo was born in Palmero Italy, on the island of Sicily, in 1909. His family immigrated to the United States in 1912 and settled in New York City. He was educated in the New York City school system and attended schools art there.
When he was the young man, before he married, he worked as bench carver for W. J. Sloan and company. As a bench carver he was responsible for carving such things as chair legs, table legs, case goods, fret work of, apron and anything else that needed carving. His skills as a created wood carver were extensive.
During Alfonso's tenure with W. J. Sloan he was chosen to carve various items of furniture as gifts for President Roosevelt paid for by ardent supporters.
In 1934 he moved to Oneiida New York to take a job as a wood carver and furniture maker. Alfonso was once again employed by the Mastercraft Co. during the war. After the war he started his own business and called it Ciuffo Studio. This business survived for a few years but not long enough to really become established. His middle son Lawrence would later reestablished Ciuffo studio in San Diego CA which are eventually became L. Ciuffo Studios in 1986.

Angelo Ciuffo
1922-19???

Son of Gaspare Ciuffo, Born in 1922, taught by his father, master wood worked, Gaspare Ciuffo. Learned to carve at the age of fifteen back at Gaspar’s studio in Manhattan. He kept active in wood working his entire life and now passes on all his knowledge to his two nephews Gary and Michael Ciuffo. Angelo still steps into the factory at least two times a week just to make sure we are still doing it right.

Lawrence Ciuffo
1941 - present

Furniture for most people is something to sit on or something in which to store linens or clothing. For Larry Ciuffo of Poway, furniture is a work of art and a way of life. Since 1974 he has owned and operated Ciuffo Studios, a furniture restoration and re-finishing business, specializing in preservation of wood to its original color and luster. Mr. Ciuffo is a third generation furniture craftsmen. Many of the old world methods he uses today were learned from his father and grandfather. His grandfather, Gaspare Ciuffo, was a stone sculptor in Palermo, Italy who immigrated to Manhattan and opened a furniture business in 1911. Alfonso, his father, carried on the family tradition of woodcarving. According to Mr. Ciuffo who grew up making furniture. By the time he was twenty years old he had served his apprenticeship to emerge as a bonafide furniture builder, restorer and re-finisher. A career in the military and construction business interrupted his work until 1974 when he and his family moved to Rancho Penasquitos. He started his furniture business in his garage where before long he out grew it. This growth and expansion of Ciuffo Studios necessitated a move to larger quarters in Poway, where this burgeoning cottage industry is currently located.The reputation and integrity of his craftsmanship is promoted by word of mouth and quite often he does work for people in another states, as well as San Francisco and Beverly Hills.



Gaspar Ciuffo
1909-present

Son of Salvatore Ciuffo, Born in 1931-2003 in Brooklyn, NY, founder of Ciuffo Cabinetry, Father of Gary and Michael Ciuffo, taught by his father and uncles at an early age all phases of millwork. He learned first hand all the methods of the Ciuffo’s oldworld skill and quality that was handed down from his grandfather. He helped carry these techniques into the new century and led the way for sons Gary and Michael to take it and introduce these methods and lay the grounds for the next decades to come

Gary Ciuffo
1965-present

Born 1965, son of Gaspar Ciuffo, started wood working at the age of twelve, helping his father do wood working jobs and ran with this knowledge throughout school. Gary kept active in wood working with his father, being trained on how to do all phases ofmillwork. After graduating high school Gary took front seat right away with the company and worked side by side with his father and brother and built the business to what it is today. Gary has two sons, Joseph and Christopher Ciuffo who he hopes to teach the family history and skill of master craftsmanship

Michael Ciuffo
1971-present

Born 1971, son of Gasper Ciuffo, worked his whole life as a wood worker, worked his way at a young age to a master craftsman. He was also trained by Gaspar Ciuffo and Gary Ciuffo. Mike has helped taking old world skill and introduced new world technology together and is currently active with all phases of hands on craftsmanship and building of millwork combined with CNC Technology to create today’s best custom millwork there is to offer.