Domenico Colombo | |
---|---|
Born | 1 March 1418 |
Died | 1496 | (aged 77–78)
Spouse | Susanna Fontanarossa |
Children | 5, including Christopher Columbus Bartholomew Columbus |
Parent | Giovanni Colombo (father) |
Domenico Colombo (English: Dominic Columbus; Genoese: Domenego Corombo; 1 March 1418 – 1496) was a weaver, the father of Italian explorer and navigator Christopher Columbus and Bartholomew Columbus.
Domenico was born in 1418. He had three brothers, who were called Franceschino, Giacomo and Bertino.[1][2]
His father had apprenticed him to the loom at age 11. Domenico, a third-generation master of his craft in Genoa, was also a shopkeeper. His position was secure and respectable in the lower middle class, but he did not have a firm work ethic. He was a poor provider but was generally liked in his community.
In the boisterous, enterprising spirit of Genoa, he worked as a cheese maker, tavern keeper and dealer in wool and wine. He married Susanna Fontanarossa.[3] Their firstborn was Cristoforo,[4] in 1451; sons Giovanni Pellegrino, Bartolomeo,[5] Giacomo (also called Diego),[6] and daughter Bianchinetta were born after.
When he was found in financial difficulty, he was helped economically by Christopher. Forsaking the loom, two of his sons – Bartholomew and Christopher – went to the sea.
Domenico's daughter-in-law was Filipa Moniz Perestrelo[7] and his grandsons were Diego Columbus and Ferdinand Columbus.[8] He also had one natural granddaughter, Maria.