Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Michael Cimaglia was recently elected president of the Italian American Civic Organization of Berwyn.
Born and raised in Berwyn, he attended grammar, middle and high school in his hometown, graduating from Morton West High School. When he turned 21, he began his career in law enforcement.
Currently a division commander of the Berwyn Police Department, Cimaglia has been a police officer in Berwyn since 1987, working his way up through the ranks from auxiliary police officer, full time patrol officer, detective, sergeant, watch commander and finally division commander.
Cimaglia has been a member of IACOB for three decades, joining the organization when he was 18 years old. Like many other members, he has strong family ties to IACOB, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and several uncles, and counting several cousins as fellow members.
He has served on the IACOB board of directors, and was treasurer the same year his father was president. “This is the first time in the history of the organization that both a father and his son have served at president of the organization,” he points out with pride.
Cimaglia has fond childhood memories of attending family events and functions like the annual picnic and bocce tournament, helping to pass out holiday baskets to the needy, and hanging out at the club with his father on the nights that the club was open.
And the tradition continues. His three children — Dominic, Toni Marie and Michael Jr. — have all attended events hosted by the organization, his older son is already a member of the organization, and Cimaglia is looking forward to his younger son joining, too, when he comes of age.
Of his involvement in IACOB, Cimaglia says. “I like the fact that we are a civic organization and that we participate in several community events. I enjoy the time we spend at the club, and the camaraderie we have. It’s a great place for Italian Americans to come together, support our heritage and share stories of how it was in the old days compared to how it is now with others who have experienced similar times and events.”
Cimaglia’s fellow officers are Tom Howard, first vice president; Frank Amaro, second vice president; Michael Laudizzio, treasurer; Michael Roti, corresponding secretary; Raymond Pope, recording secretary; and Fred Pincente, sergeant-at-arms.
For more information, call 708-795-9473.
