The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored George Gatto Sr. as Man of the Year at its Honor and Hope Gala. “George is an extremely successful businessman, but he’s one of the most down-to-earth guys you’ll ever meet,” says Tom Reboletti, chairman of CIACO’s annual Honor and Hope Gala. “He’s not very vocal, but he’s the first to write a check and help the cause.” Scholarships to deserving high school seniors and grants to individuals in need were presented at the event. The following profile was provided by the organization. George Gatto One of six children of Dominick and Norma …

The Italian American Executives of Transportation honored a trio of luminaries at its dinner dance on Nov. 20 at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. Frank Grimaldi hailed as Man of the Year at the event, and Anthony Ambrose and Anthony Pucillo was honored as Humanitarians of the Year.  (iaet-chicago.org, 708-212-1051) The following profiles were provided by the organization: Frank Grimaldi Jr., A.A.E. Frank Grimaldi Jr. has faithfully served the Chicago airport community for nearly 40 years in senior Airfield Operations and Design and Construction capacities. He has more than 21 years of airfield operations experience and 18 years managing the design …

The enormous positive impact of Italian immigrants on America has never garnered much attention in grade and high school classrooms across the state. But when longtime Illinois educator Diana Hartmann, Ed. S., noticed that books on the subject were disappearing from the shelves of school libraries, she decided to take action. “I wanted to make sure that Italian-American contributions and experiences received the credit they were due,” says Hartmann, an educational administrator of Italian descent. “But I wanted to make sure we weren’t reinventing the wheel.” A nationwide search led her to the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission, which was …

(The following was provided by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans) The extraordinary Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington served as the venue for this year’s Columbus Day Queen Pageant. Held on Aug. 1, it was a joyous occasion for the more than 70 attendees. The day began with a reception in the hospitality room of the palatial abode. JCCIA President Ron Onesti provided guests with mimosas along with a delicious spread of dolci and finger sandwiches, free of charge. The pageant itself was hosted by the Avanti Club with its president, Pasquale Gianni, serving as emcee. First Vice President Anthony …

(The following was provided by the Grand Lodge of IL/WI, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America) Eight distinguished professional Italian Americans were presented with Leonardo da Vinci Awards of Excellence at the 20th annual Reception and Ceremony on July 18, 2021, at White Eagle Banquets in Niles. The Grand Lodge of IL/WI, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, hosted the event. Paul Loparco, President of the Grand Lodge, welcomed the honorees and guests and thanked them for their participation. He then introduced Marie Marsalli, Immediate Past President of the Grand Lodge and Chair of the event, …

When it became apparent to Eugene Giudice that he and most of the country would be riding out the pandemic at home, he took it upon himself to pen daily reflections and distribute them via email to 300 friends, colleagues and acquaintances. A senior research services training specialist with the Chicago office of Dentons US LLP, Giudice was inspired to do so by a call from firm management “to find ways to stay connected with each other,” the veteran law librarian explains. Those emails have made their way into a self-published volume titled “Reflections During a Pandemic: Thoughts While Sheltering …

When Azzurri fans heard that the Bartucci family was hosting a screening of the Eurocup final at Piazza Italia, they turned out in droves. The parking lot was awash with green, white and red as audience members gritted their way through a tense match between Italy and England. When the Azzurri emerged victorious, the crowd erupted into a celebration that poured out onto Harlem Avenue. “It was a proud day for the community and for our Little Italy,” said Harlem Avenue Little Italy Business Association President Gino Bartucci.  

The Northern Illinois University College of Law celebrated both the classes of 2020 and 2021 on May 31 in separate ceremonies at the NIU Convocation Center. Alumnus Robert Fioretti (’78) served as the commencement speaker for both ceremonies. “We are at a moment in time that is calling all of us to make a difference,” said Fioretti during his commencement address. He charged the graduates to use their talents to make a positive difference in our world. He also encouraged them to be open-minded, act as change agents, dedicate themselves to issues they are passionate about and stay true to …

Samuel J. Tinaglia Jr. recently rappelled 30 stories down the side of the Hyatt Hotel on the Chicago River during the Make-a-Wish Foundation Over the Edge fundraising event. Tinaglia and fellow rapellers raised $300,000 toward the granting of wishes for children with critical illnesses. A five-time cancer survivor and Make-a-Wish grant recipient, Tinaglia graduated with highest honors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor of science in recreation, sport and tourism. He is the son of Fra Noi correspondent Samuel J. Tinaglia Sr.  

Thirty-One Days of Italians had released its 2021-22 List with a notable Italian American selected for every day in October. On this year’s list are explorers Eusebio Francesco Chini and Enrico de Tonti, ice-rink surfacing machine inventor Frank Zamboni, best-selling author Angelo Siringo, and Francis Rogallo, known as the father of modern hang gliding, For the complete list, click here.