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.

Oak Brook attorney Mario Palermo has been elected president of the Justinian Society of Lawyers’ DuPage County Chapter. Palermo grew up in New York City, attended Kent College of Law in Chicago, passed the bar in 1996 and joined the chapter 15 years ago after setting up shop in DuPage County. “The organization gave me a chance to meet people who are respected in the legal community and establish connections to help me grow my business,” he says. “I’ve made lifelong friends, and now I get to mentor younger lawyers and pay it forward.” “The people are fantastic, and the …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans honored Jennifer Lyons and Antonio M. Romanucci at this year’s Dante Awards luncheon. The organization provided these profiles. JENNIFER LYONS Jennifer Lyons received the Dante Award. She is a celebrated television news executive with more than 30 years of experience, most of it in Chicago, the third largest television market in the United States. The former vice president of news for WGN America, Lyons oversaw the design and buildout of a 24-hour newsroom and studio and the creation and launch of a new national cable news outlet. She worked in a variety of …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans has filed a complaint in the Chancery Court of Cook County against the Chicago Park District in an effort to return the Columbus statue to its original location in Arrigo Park. “On July 24, 2020, it is believed that Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered the removal of the city’s three Columbus statues, claiming it as a safety measure during protests and civil unrest,” the JCCIA noted in a press release. “It was to be ‘temporary,’ and the JCCIA’s position is that a year is long enough.” “We have reached out to the park district …

Società Santa Fara di Cinisi has been a beacon of italianità at Addison Street and Oleander Avenue in Chicago since the organization opened the doors to its social hall and chapel on the northeast corner of the intersection in 1985. The society’s light shines a little brighter now that the city has named Oleander from Addison to Waveland Avenue Honorary Via Santa Fara di Cinisi. “We approached [36th Ward] Alderman [Nicholas] Sposato with the idea, and he was more than happy to help,” says society President Carlo Vaniglia. “We need to be proud of our heritage and show that pride …

Retired Chicago police officer Frank DiMaria has been elected president of the Italian American Police Association. An IAPA member since 1997, he previously served as second vice president. Founded in 1964, the IAPA organizes and advocates on behalf of Italian Americans in law enforcement, and serves as a social, professional and charitable outlet for its membership. “When I started going to their meetings, I thought, ‘This feels right. I like the concept. I like how they conducted their business,’” DiMaria recalls. “I’ve always felt like I belong, like I’m a part of a family.” DiMaria’s plans include increasing membership and …