Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Italian American Political Coalition will present Judge Lisa Marino with its Public Service Leadership Award, Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpico with its William Paca Award and Patrick Santoro with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Heritage Celebration on March 6 at The Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. To make reservations, call 708-369-2500. The following were provided by the IAPC.
Patrick Santoro
Lifetime Achievement Award
Patrick L. Santoro is a seasoned public adjuster with an impressive career spanning over four decades. He began his journey in the industry in 1972 and has since become a prominent figure in the field. His dedication and expertise were pivotal in the establishment of the Public Adjusters’ Regulatory Act in 1983, a significant milestone that shaped the profession.
Throughout his career, Mr. Santoro has been actively involved in various organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Department of Insurance, the Illinois Fair Plan, the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Italian American Political Coalition. His leadership and contributions have greatly impacted the regulatory landscape and consumer protection in Illinois. In 2023, he received the most prestigious business award presented by the Better Business Bureau of Chicago, the Torchbearer Award, for exemplary service to the business community. The award recognizes a person’s consistent and dedicated support of the BBB organization and their ongoing efforts to educate consumers and businesses about the importance of an ethical marketplace.
Today, Mr. Santoro continues to thrive in the industry alongside his sons, Patrick and Michael, as they operate Restore Construction, Inc. in Melrose Park, Illinois.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Santoro is deeply committed to volunteerism. He is a founding member of the Chicagoland Public Adjusters Association and actively supports several charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Cleveland Foundation, the Mayo Clinic and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Mayor Ronald M. Serpico
William Paca Award
Since 1997, Ronald M. Serpico has brought visionary leadership, bold action and unwavering dedication to his role as Mayor of Melrose Park — a community his family has proudly called home for generations. As the grandson of Domenico Serpico, who journeyed to Melrose Park in pursuit of the American dream, Mayor Serpico continues to honor his family’s legacy by championing progress and opportunity for all.
Before diving into public service, Mayor Serpico built a successful law practice while raising a family with his wife, Donna. Together, they share the joy of three children and nine grandchildren, a family legacy that inspires his work every day.
Under Mayor Serpico’s transformative leadership, Melrose Park has become a beacon of growth and innovation. His efforts have attracted powerhouse retailers like Amazon, Costco, Walgreens and Menards, solidifying the village as an economic hub. He spearheaded game-changing infrastructure projects, including the award-winning 25th Avenue railroad overpass, the Melrose Park Water Project and the revitalization of the North Avenue business corridor, as well as revitalizing the former Maywood Park Racetrack into a dynamic epicenter for retail and industry, fueling growth and innovation in the community.
Mayor Serpico’s passion extends beyond policy. As the founder of the Melrose Park Sports and Family Benefit Fund, he has raised more than $1 million to uplift youth, seniors and community programs. Guided by values of family, hard work and inclusivity, Mayor Serpico continues to shape Melrose Park as a vibrant, welcoming community where families and businesses flourish.
Hon. Lisa Marino
Public Service Leadership Award
Judge Lisa Ann Marino was elected Cook County Circuit Court Judge in 2012. She was retained in 2018 and 2024 and currently serves in Housing (Building, Health and Zoning Violation) Court.
Judge Marino brought to the bench 24 years of experience practicing law in both the government and private sectors. Prior to establishing her own law firm, she served eight years prosecuting and defending cases in the Criminal and Civil Divisions of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Judge Marino earned her B.A. (sociology) and JD from DePaul University and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the legal community and service to others. Those include the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award (JCCIA), Recognition for Efforts in Women’s Leadership (Cook County Juvenile Probation Department), Recognition for Exemplary Service in the Judiciary (Clerk of Circuit Court), Ridgewood High School Hall of Fame, Impresa Award (JCCIA Women’s Division), Gerald L. Sbarboro Leadership in Mentoring Award (Justinian Society of Lawyers) and Dedication to Law and Community Award (Cook County Commissioners).
Judge Marino has held leadership positions with several bar associations and community organizations, including serving as the second woman President of the Justinian Society of Lawyers. A co-founder and Vice President of the Illinois Italian American Judges Association, she serves on the Board of the Justinian Children’s Endowment Fund and Justinian Executive and Scholarship Committees. She has served four elected terms in the ISBA Assembly. Judge Marino is a First-Generation Mentor for the Diversity Scholarship Foundation and serves as Co-Chair of the DePaul Alumni Judges Committee.
