Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Carme Forte Jr. will ascend to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at a black-tie installation dinner on Jan. 27 at Medinah Country Club. For reservations, call Christopher Derks at 847-275-3130.
Forte has been a member since 2015. “My father has been a member of the club for 20 years or more, and I always loved attending events with our family,” he explains. “I wanted to become more involved in a wonderful organization that furthers our Italian heritage and gives so much back to the community.
“The CCC is a great group of men who are dedicated to fostering our tradition and supporting our youth and others in need, and they know how to enjoy a great meal and the pleasure of each other’s company,” he adds. “We all come from different walks of life, and are successful in our own ways, but we all know that we must honor our ancestors and all the sacrifices they made to pave the way for that success.”
Forte previously served as a director of the club and chaired several events, including the annual golf outing, bocce tournament and Christmas party. He also served as bylaws chairman, parliamentarian, and scholarship committee member.
“It’s a great honor to hold the position of president for this year,” he says. “I follow in the footsteps of all the great men who have led the club since 1939, which is humbling. I hope that I can serve the members of our club in the most impactful way this year.”
Forte’s goals are to expand membership, host more social events for members and their families, strengthen bonds with other Italian-American organizations, and work with them to advocate for and honor their shared heritage.
A partner and shareholder at the Westmont-based law firm of Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Forte concentrates in municipal law and serves as the village attorney for Campton Hills, assistant village attorney for Schaumburg and Vernon Hills, and special counsel for River Grove.
“I was very involved in the Justinian Society of Lawyers during law school and beyond, and I was mentored very early on by the great legal minds of Albert Gallo, Leonard Amari and Donald Storino,” he says. “Their guidance and support helped me begin my career as an attorney while honoring my roots.”
He lives in Campton Hills with his wife, Ashley, and two sons, Jack and Cal.
Forte’s fellow officers are First Vice President Christopher Derks, second Vice President Gerard Iannuzzelli, Third Vice President: Edoardo Izzi, Secretary Michael Quaid, Treasurer Frank Binetti and Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Rosciano.
One-year directors are Dr Frank Martusciello, Robert Trocchio, Angelo Rainone, Christopher Caponigri and Mark Laudadio.
Two-year directors are Christopher Gapistone, Rocco Sarli, Ross Morizzo, Salvatore Palazzolo and Anthony Ambrose.
Columbian Club Foundation trustees are Stuart Caravello, Mike Russotto, Peter Volpe, Ralph Del Monico, John Curry, Victor Guerrieri, Frank Lucchese, Carmen Forte Jr., Mike Campanile, Mike Spilotro and Sam Gray.
Founded in Columbian Club of Chicago is a professional and philanthropic association drawing its members from a wide range of businesses and professions. The club hosts an installation in January, a St. Joseph Table in March, a golf outing in July and a spaghetti dinner in October, all of which are open to the public. They also host members-only events throughout the year.
The Columbian Club Charitable Foundation annually bestows several scholarships to high school seniors and undergraduate/graduate students of Italian descent who meet academic and character requirements.
For more information, visit columbianclub.org.
