Antonucci Chimps
Posted By thecircusblog on August 24, 2011
This photo of Al Antonucci goes back to when he started his own chimp act. The date is unknown to me, but it was some time around the early 1950’s. A personal note, if you don’t mind. Al was one of the finest people I have ever known, and between Al and my Dad, I was given great training knowledge of Chimpanzees.
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thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
6 Responses to “Antonucci Chimps”
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intested to know what other photos of dad you might have
Albert’s father was first cousin to my father, Phillip P. Chiaurro, and nephew to my grandmother, Rose Antonucci Chiaurro (Ciaurro). I would like to meet Tina Marie as I am now 86 and one of the oldest of his cousins. I knew both your father and mother well.
I have pictures of your father putting the Chimps through their paces with your mother, before they were even married, in Santa Monica.
Hello Rose Marie,
I only just saw your comment today. My e-mail address is tinagreenlaw1@mail.com please send me your e-mail address would love to get in touch with you.
I knew Al Antonucci in the mid-fifties–it was Dr. George Moldovan, veterinarian extraordinaire in Detroit who introduced Al and his Wife to me, and I saw his act twice in one of the Circuses (Shrine Circus maybe?). I just happened to check Google to see if there was anything about him and–wallahh–there was. I would like to know if Al ever wrote up his adventures or if there is some publication that Al and his act was elaborated? Is he still around? I also recall he had a marvelous vehicle in which he travelled from show to show with his Chimps. An absolutely amazing man. Thanks, Ray Pawley
George Moldovan was my grandfather and took me backstage often to visit his circus friends. The Antonuccis were very special. I remember them well and have a photo of me at age 7 holding one of their chimps. I played with their daughter, Tina, and loved their trailer. I thought it was awesome to have your whole home in such a tight space. I would love to know more about this family and their history. My grandfather was an interesting man who owned a veterinary hospital in Detroit. He loved exotic animals and once owned his own chimp and over 200 reptiles to name just a few. He died in June 1963 and that ended my trips to the circus.
Does anyone know how to get in contact with Al Antonucci’s daughter, Tina Antonucci Greenlaw? Tina had surgery when she was a little girl and stayed with my folks, my brother and I during recovery in Omaha Nebraska. Would really like to get in contact with her.
Thank you for any assistance.
Pam Johnson