Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Local realtor Christopher DeSanto has stepped up to the presidency of the Calabresi in America Organization, continuing a legacy of leadership begun by his mother, Mary.
DeSanto’s grandparents came to America from Castrolibero and Rende, Calabria. Both of his parents were members of CIAO from the club’s inception, and his mom was a perennial volunteer and longtime board member.
“For the last decade or so, my mother and I served on the board together,” DeSanto says. “When I became vice president, she was so happy, and she knew the day would come when I would become president. The best feeling was knowing my mother was so happy.”
DeSanto’s involvement in the community dates back 40 years, to when he joined the Italian American Civic Organization of Berwyn. He signed up with CIAO in 2001 and has served in several leadership roles over the last two decades. He was recently elected second vice president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and represents CIAO on the Casa Italia board.
DeSanto and the rest of the CIAO officers are working to re-establish the organization’s annual trip to Calabria while maintaining a busy schedule that includes a St. Joseph Table in March, a frittata party in April and the Feast of San Francesco di Paola in August, which they co-sponsor with Società San Francesco di Paola. (calabresiinamerica.org)
