The Order Sons of Italy’s Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin hosted its 13th annual Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence Gala on May 4 at BeauJolie Banquets in Schiller Park. Sharing the spotlight were Lo Duca Brothers Inc., Michael A. Rizzo Insurance Agency and Giuffre Brothers Cranes Inc. (Business of Distinction.); Stan J. Mill and Sebastian Busalacchi (Community Leadership); Paul Loparco (Education); Dom & Phil De Marinis Pizza (Entrepreneur); Michael Fricilone and Sam S. Pulia (Government); Judge Luciano Panici (Jurisprudence); and Drs. Piero Antuono, Mary C. Boyle, Victor G. Cimino, John M. Santaniello and Louis B. Scannicchio (Medicine). (708-403-7822)

  State Rep. Anthony DeLuca convened with spiritual leaders from across the district at his 14th annual clergy breakfast. DeLuca presented his agenda for the upcoming legislative session at the breakfast, answered questions and received comments from the attendees regarding the funding of local government, proposed budget cuts and education. “We are fortunate to have so many members of the clergy participate, listen to our concerns and provide sound advice,” DeLuca said. “I always look forward to hearing about all they are doing to help our friends and neighbors.”

  by Raffaella Lostumbo IC Catholic Prep’s “Ciao Italia” Italian club hosted another wonderful St. Joseph’s Day Table on March 19. Thanks to generous parental support, there was a large variety of Italian traditional foods, sweets, and beverages. Italian music provided a lively atmosphere for conversation and just plain fun. This event, held annually, is open to the members of the Italian club and their families. Alumni and Staff are also welcome to attend. This event offers the opportunity not only for the students to bond and have a good time, but also for families to socialize with other families. I …

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Joe Calafiore as Humanitarian of the Year at its Honor & Hope Gala on April 18 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. When you first see Joe, the words “Serve and Protect” seem so appropriate, and not just because he was a police officer. He’s an imposing figure; a big guy with slick black hair. When he’s serious, he’s very serious, but somehow you know he wouldn’t hurt a fly. And when he smiles you know everything is going to be okay. That’s why, when his name came up as a candidate for …

  Two longtime local leaders of the Italian American War Veterans’ Ladies Auxiliary have risen to positions of prominence. Angela Rinaldi (right, in photo above) was elected to the post of national president in August at the national convention in Las Vegas, and Mille DiGilio (left) was elected state president in September at the state convention in Harwood Heights. Rinaldi began her involvement in the organization in the early 1990s when she joined the Guido Belmonte Auxiliary #4. She was elected state auxiliary president in 1995, serving a two-year term. In this position, she received recognition from the Illinois Department …

by Tina Valentino West suburban pizza-making maestro Jack Curatolo earned top honors at a competition hosted by the St. John Vianney Knights of Columbus Cardinal Cody Council #8070 in Northlake. When Grand Knight John Ainsworth put out the call for local pizzerias to duke it out at a best pizza competition in January, 17 well-known parlor’s rose to the challenge. A fundraiser with serious bragging rights for the winner, the competition was judged by Northlake Mayor Jeff Sherwin, Police Chief Robert Crawford and Cuomo Catering owner Tom Cuomo. Nearly 100 guests paid a nominal fee to get in on the …

Easter is a joyous time for Christians around the world, an event that represents the triumph of life over death. Before that momentous Sunday, however, a brief but intense period of mourning commences, culminating on Good Friday, the day Christ was crucified, died and was buried. For centuries, towns and villages across Italy have expressed their collective sorrow with masses and processions that rival any other on the religious calendar. “The Good Friday celebration is the most spectacular in Italy, even more so than even Easter Sunday,” the Rev. August Feccia explains. “This memory is cherished very deeply by the …

Italian-American culture was on display in all its glory at the Orland Park Public Library through April. The Italians in Chicago’s traveling exhibit will be on display throughout the month along with memorabilia gathered from local Italian Americans. The exhibit and related events are being spearheaded by Casa Italia’s Dominic Candeloro and the Order Sons of Italy in America’s Richard Della Croce. http://www.orlandparklibrary.org/italians-chicago.htm    

  Fra Noi website columnist Ron Ricchio once again rallied family and friends to participate in the Kohl’s Step Up For Kids fundraiser at the AON building in Chicago. The event allows “steppers” to raise money for the hospital by climbing the stairs of one of the world’s tallest buildings. Proceeds benefit the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. The Ricchio Climbers have raised thousands of dollars annually for the last four years to celebrate the successful treatment of Ron’s son Francesco at Lurie’s.

Attorney Michael Monico was honored at St. Ignatius College Prep’s 34th annual Law Luncheon on Feb. 27 at the Union League Club. Recognized as one of the premier criminal defense attorneys in the country, Monico served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois from 1973 through 1977 and has spent the last 35 years representing defendants in white collar, Medicare, antitrust, public corruption and securities fraud investigations and prosecutions throughout the United States. He co-authored a treatise on federal criminal law titled “Federal Criminal Practice: A Seventh Circuit Handbook,” now in its thirteenth edition, and has …