I was happy to find your note. I, too, am descended from the same Joseph Gradenigo as you. He also had children w/a woman whose last name was Lemelle; in fact, this was his "wife," though I'm not sure they ever married (I'm not in front of my notes right now). Not being sure how much you do know of this family, please forgive me if I repeat what you already have.

The mixed race Joseph Gradenigo (son) was born of Joseph Gradenigo, a white man. Joseph, Sr. was descended from the Italian family of which you speak. I don't have all the specifics to quote right now, but it was through Joseph, Sr. where the mixing began, as best as I've been able to tell. The Opelousas area is rich in Gradenigo history &, particularly, a small town named Washington, not too far away.

I'm connected thru my g-g-g-grandmother, Melite Gradenigo. Her father was Francois. His father was Joseph, Jr., & of course, his grandfather was Joseph Sr.

Would love to hear back from you.

Blessings -- Linda Alexander