Frankie’s Deli has had a lot to celebrate lately. The venerable Italian food emporium marked its 50th anniversary with a five-day culinary extravaganza in late November that culminated in a visit from Italian Senator Renato Turano. “My family has been doing business with Turano Baking Co. for half a century and it was important for us to make them a part of our celebration,” says Frank Conforti Jr., son of company founders Frank Sr. and Connie. “We were truly honored that Senator Turano flew all the way in from Italy to join us!” As icing on the birthday cake, …

    Dr. James Discipio graduated from Loyola Dental School in 1984 and received a graduate degree in oral biology in 1985. But his “career” in dentistry began long before the 1980s. The son of a dentist, he grew up in the practice his father, Dr. Joseph Discipio, opened in 1954, right down the block from where the two men practice together now. J.V. Discipio & Associates Ltd reopened at the current location, 6737 Stanley Ave. in Berwyn, in 1956, and they have been there ever since. “What I find most rewarding about my profession is the ability to help …

If the rollicking boogie king and swingin’ clown prince Louis Prima was a tough act to follow in his lifetime, imagine what it must be like to bring the musician back to life on stage in a way that pleases and amazes listeners. That’s exactly the challenge Anthony Crivello has tackled with “Louis & Keely: ‘Live’ at the Sahara,” which closed at the Royal George Theater on May 17. Presented by Hershey Felder, the production traces how Prima took unknown teenager Keely Smith and shaped her into a sassy stage foil via a two-week gig on the floor of the …

Northfield CPA John L. Ferrentino stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at the organization’s annual installation gala. Joining Ferrentino as 2015 officers are First Vice President Jonathan L. Zivojnovic, Second Vice President Anthony L. Ambrose, Third Vice President Jack P. Cannata, Secretary Stuart J. Caravello, Treasurer Vincent A. Maietta and Sergeant-at-Arms Mark M. Corrado. The two-year members of the board of directors are Frank Binetti, Michael D. Russotto, John F. Curry, Daniel A. Corrado and. Frank J. Lucchese. The one-year directors are Ross A. Morizzo, John L. Ambrogi, Victor M. Guerrieri, Christopher M. Dirks and …

Casa Italia has launched a fundraising paver project that promises to place it on a secure financial footing for years to come. The pavers will line the walkway between the Italian Cultural Center and Nonna Graziella in a pair of two-foot-wide paths that will eventually be lined with landscaping and benches. With plenty of parking on the either end of the walkway, the project will be readily accessible to the public, and at a maximum distance of only two feet, each paver will be easily located and viewed. The cost is $150 for a 4-inch-by-8-inch paver and $300 for an …

Richard and Debra Kopacz of Countryside are pleased to announce the wedding of their daughter Kelly to Giuliano Cerami. Giuliano is the son of Giuseppe and Giuseppina Cerami of Chicago. The bride is employed as an administrative assistant at a law firm in Chicago. A passionate artist, she is spearheading the creation of an Art League at Casa Italia in Stone Park. The groom is working as a head receiver for a grocery chain. The two were wed this May at St. Cletus Parish in LaGrange.  

  The Italian American Political Coalition honored a trio of titans at its March 20 Heritage Celebration at Diplomat West Banquets in Elmhurst. Retired Judge Bruno Tassone received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Executive Director JoAnn Serpico earned the William Paca Award and the Public Service Award was given to Hawthorn Woods Mayor Joe Mancino. The annual event honors Italian Americans who are active in the political and governmental arenas. Pictured (from left) are IAPC Rules Chairman Rich Pellegrino, IAPC President and Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri, Serpico, Mancino and Tassone.  

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 …