Editor’s Note: As we approach year-end, here are some of the stories we couldn’t get to earlier this year, with our sincere apologies for the delay.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson hosted “A Celebration of Italian Heritage” at Fordham University’s McShane Campus Center in honor of Italian Heritage Month on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The annual event recognized what Gibson said is the “enduring cultural, civic, and economic contributions of the Italian American Community to The Bronx.”

The evening, emceed by Marissa Santorelli, reporter for News 12 The Bronx, featured musical selections by Luigi Trombetta, and remarks from Amanda Caputo, assistant director of community affairs at Fordham University, deputy consul Alessandra Oliva of the consulate general of Italy in New York, and by Gibson, highlighting the shared values of family, faith, and community that unite Bronx residents.

“From entrepreneurship and education to cuisine and family traditions, Italian Americans have helped shape the cultural fabric of our borough for generations,” said Gibson. “Their influence can be felt in every corner of our borough, and I am proud to recognize this year’s honorees for continuing that legacy of pride, perseverance, and community,”

This year’s honorees included Francis Palazzolo, artist in residence and activity coordinator at BronxWorks; Carolina DiFuccia, owner of G&R Deli; Peter Magistro, president and founder of Bronx Pro Group; Joseph DiCrescenzo, principal of P.S. 048, the Joseph R. Drake School; and Josephine Florio, owner of Delilio Pastry Shop.

Additionally, the Youth Award was presented to Alivia Toapha, a student at Preston High School, and a special presentation was delivered by Nancy J. Indelicato, board member of the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee of New York.

Magistro thanked Gibson for what he said was her “constant service to our wonderful Bronx.” He continued, “Thank you for continuing to celebrate the diverse heritage of The Bronx that is an important part of building community.”

Meanwhile, DiCrescento said it was an “absolute honor” to join Gibson for what he said was “an incredible evening celebrating the vibrant Italian American community.” He added, “Thank you, Borough President Gibson, for your continued leadership and for bringing our Bronx family together in such a meaningful way.”

For his part, Palazzolo thanked the residents who live in Bronx shelters, safe havens, and homes who he said have been open to trusting and collaborating with him. “As an artist, I greatly appreciate the support and belief in my social practice that my BronxWorks colleagues provide, particularly Aaron Ciprolina and Gianna Dell’Olio, and especially Noel Concepcion, the vice president of Homeless Services,” he said.

Palazzolo continued, “I am immensely grateful to the Bronx borough president, Vanessa Gibson, for honoring my work, especially as one of the many Italian Americans having a positive impact in The Bronx. Her passionate dedication provides me with further inspiration.”

Sponsors of the night`s event included Ponce Bank, MetroPlus Health, and the Belmont Business Improvement District.

Meanwhile, Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. (A.D. 80)  hosted the inaugural Italian American Heritage Dinner at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Hall on Friday, Oct. 24, celebrating Italian culture and heritage in the local community and honoring who he said are/were the many great Italian Americans past and present.

 

“The Italian community has been at the heart of The Bronx for generations,” the assemblyman said. “From the South Bronx to the North Bronx, Italian families have left their mark on our neighborhoods, and we are proud that the traditions of yesterday continue to thrive today.”