from what i know,the surname was not shortened.The surname Re, has been around for a very long time.Many of our family members lived in a town in Sicily called Licata a province of Agrigento. I know that some of my relatives left the town to sette in the States, this was many years ago,I think either before or after the war. Our family is from noble descent,infact my late father Carmelo Re's uncle has he's own school in the town. Fillipo Re Capriata,(Caprata) was he's title not he's surname. You can find this info in the net under he's title (Capriata).for my self I live in Australia, please feel free to contact my email address any time. Thankyou