Vito D’Ambrosio jokingly says he is involved in “too many” civic organizations and volunteer efforts. The list is, in fact, astonishingly long. A resident of Westchester, in suburban Chicago, D’Ambrosio is the longtime president of the Italian American Executives of Transportation. He serves on the executive board of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and on the board of directors for the Columbian Club of Chicago. He is a member of the Fr. August Feccia Charitable Foundation, Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization, Italian American Police Association, Italian American Labor Council and Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. He …

After 39 years as a police officer, Philip Tenerelli continues to serve his community in an abundance of ways. Now happily retired and a proud grandfather, he looks back on his career with satisfaction. Growing up in the South Side of Chicago, Tenerelli knew a lot of police officers who lived in the area and, after deciding that he didn’t enjoy working in sheet metal like his father, chose to go into law enforcement. “I just thought it was a pretty cool job,” he explains. After graduating from Leo High School in Chicago, Tenerelli attended Moraine Valley Community College, where …

As a leading member of the Italian American Women’s Club of Lake County in Northwest Indiana, Gina Geiss represents its values both personally and professionally. Through the club, Geiss actively works to preserve the Italian-American heritage and culture, and serves her community by volunteering at nonprofit organizations. As an in-home beauty groomer, she further serves others by helping to improve the lives of disabled and homebound adults. Geiss joined the club in 2014 and quickly moved through the ranks to become an officer in 2016. Four years later, she was elected president, a position she continues to hold. Geiss, who …

From World War II veteran and accomplished dentist to community leader and generous philanthropist, Dr. Sam Cascio has seemingly done it all. And yet, as he approaches 100, he remains a lively and active member of his community. Cascio was born on Aug. 27, 1924, to Joseph and Josephine Cascio. His father was born in Baltimore, Maryland, while his mother was born in Cefalù, Sicily, and immigrated with her family to the United States. His parents came from modest means and worked hard to make a living, says Cascio, who grew up on the Northwest Side of Chicago and attended …