Family

        Giuseppe Verdi's family was quite large.  He first married Margherita Barezzi in the year of 1836. Together they had 2 children, Virginia Maria Luigia Verdi and Icilio Romano Verdi.  In 1840, Margherita passed away leaving Verdi alone for several years.  In 1859, Verdi married Giuseppina Strepponi.

        Verdi had a younger sister who died in childhood, whose name was supposedly Giuseppa; but some records say her name was Virginia.  Virginia was also Verdi's daughter's name.  Some research shows that until the 20th century, the chances of surviving childhood were not great.  Many got sick and died.

        Virginia, Verdi's daughter, lived from March 26, 1837 to August 12, 1838 and his son, Icilio Romano, lived from July,11 1838 to October 22, 1839.  Both died as infants.