John Pantalone, one of the leaders of the Italian colony of Amsterdam, is a young man of ability, enterprise and determination who has made rapid progress toward the goal of success and is now prominently identified with monetary affairs of the city. He was born July 14, 1886, in Matrice, Italy, a son of Francisco and Anna Pantalone, also natives of that country. In 1888 the father joined the tide of immigration to the United States and after he had become established in business, sent for the mother, who came to America in 1892, with their three children, a son and two daughters, reaching Kingston, New York, on the 3d of August. Francisco Pantalone was an excavator and followed that business as a contractor in Kingston, West Hurley and Albany, New York. In 1893 he transferred the scene of his activities to Amsterdam and did much important work of that character in this city, where he passed away on the 17th of May, 1906.
In the acquirement of an education John Pantalone attended a country school at West Hurley and completed his studies in the public schools of Amsterdam. He obtained work in the carpet mills in this city and in 1913 entered the employ of George Vet & Son, owners of a private bank in Mechanicville, New York. He found the banking business much to his liking and readily mastered the intricate details of modern finance. Mr. Pantalone remained with that firm for three years, gaining valuable experience, and in 1917 returned to Amsterdam. With a small capital he entered upon his independent business career and is now a successful financier, doing a large business in foreign exchange, while he also conducts a steamship agency. His business is chiefly with his fellow countrymen, who have the utmost confidence in his ability and integrity, and he has faithfully executed every trust reposed in him.
On April 25, 1909, Mr. Pantalone was marred to Miss Jennie Vet, a daughter of George Vet of Mechanicsville, and they have four children: Anna, who was born May 27, 1910; Concetta, whose natal day was April 5, 1913; Frank, who was born on the 26th of March, 1915, and John, born August 6, 1920.
Mr. Pantalone casts his ballot for the men and measures of the republican party and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs but has never aspired to political office. He is numbered among the energetic members of the Amsterdam board of trade and also belongs to the society known as the Sons of Italy. He has depended upon his own efforts for advancement and every step he has taken toward a successful career has been in the right direction. His financial operations have brought him a wide acquaintance and the sterling traits of his character have established him high in public regard.