Pugliese powerhouse Pat Capriati

Well-known in the larger Italian-American community, he has emerged as a passionate advocate for the region of his birth.

When it comes to celebrating and advocating for the beautiful Italian region of Puglia, few in this country can say they’ve dedicated as much time and energy to the cause as Pasquale “Pat” Capriati.

A member of the Ufficio di Presidenza del Consiglio Generale dei Pugliesi nel Mondo, president of the Federazione Regione Puglia Chicago, co-founder of Associazione Regionale Pugliese d’America and co-founder and first president of the Confederation of Pugliese Organizations in North America, Capriati has embarked on innumerable projects in that regard over the decades.

In 2004, he commissioned the creation in Putignano, Bari, of a 30-foot-high papier-mâché float celebrating Puglia, which he had shipped and assembled in Chicago for the Columbus Day Parade.

In 2023, he rallied $100,000 in funding from Puglia to support the Columbus Day Parade in Chicago and orchestrated a celebration of the region’s culture that attracted several Pugliese mayors.

In 2024, he organized a U.S. trade delegation to Puglia involving buyers from major retail chains. In 2025, he spearheaded the formation of the Sister Cities relationship between his native Mola di Bari, a town of about 25,000 residents in Puglia, and the Chicago suburb of Roselle. In June, he organized the Italian American Liberty Gala held in suburban Chicago spotlighting the cuisine and culture of Puglia.

Capriati is well known within Chicagoland’s Italian-American community. He writes a column for Fra Noi, serves as second vice president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, helms the Italian pop band Diamanti, produces and hosts the weekly radio program “Domenica Insieme” and acts as an emcee when high-profile Italian acts come to town.

A longtime senior manager at the Italian Trade Agency, Capriati tells Fra Noi about his passion for music, his deep-seated love for family and how Puglia has shaped his identity.

ELENA FERRARIN: You were born in Mola di Bari and immigrated to the Chicago area with your family at age 13 in 1967. What was that major transition like for you?

PATRICK CAPRIATI: Moving across the ocean at age 13 was a life-changing experience and one of the defining moments of my life. Leaving my hometown and starting over in America was both exciting and challenging. That experience shaped who I am today and influenced both my personal and professional journey. My deep appreciation for my Italian roots, combined with the opportunities I found in the United States, allowed me to build a life that bridges two cultures I love equally.

EF: After earning a degree from Loyola University, you built a career in international business and have spent many years as a senior manager with the Italian Trade Agency. What does your work involve?

PC: A major part of my work with the Italian Trade Agency involves helping leading U.S. supermarket chains expand their selection of authentic Italian food, beverages and wines. I also organize and lead trade missions that bring American retail buyers to Italy’s most important food and beverage exhibitions. In a marketplace filled with products that imitate Italian traditions, I am proud to help promote genuine Italian excellence while creating lasting business relationships that support Italian producers and bring high-quality products to American consumers.

EF:  In 1969, you formed the band Diamanti, which specializes in Italian pop music. Do you still perform, and where does your love of music come from?

PC: I often say that music is part of my DNA. My father loved music and played both mandolin and accordion at home. He encouraged my brother and me to develop that same passion by buying a guitar for my brother and a small keyboard for me. Around the same time, my uncle purchased a drum set, and before long, Diamanti was born. Music became a lifelong passion and even helped me finance part of my education at Loyola University through performances and scholarships. More than 50 years later, I am still performing with the band and enjoying every moment.

EF: Over the years, you have become a passionate advocate and ambassador for your native Puglia. How would you describe the region to someone who has never visited?

PC: Puglia is defined as much by its people as by its stunning landscapes. From the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas to the endless groves of ancient olive trees rooted in rich red soil, the region is filled with natural beauty. But what truly makes Puglia special is its spirit. Traditions are treasured, hospitality is heartfelt and life revolves around family, friendship, music and food. It is a place where visitors are not treated as tourists but welcomed as part of the family.

EF: Why does Puglia hold such a special place in your heart?

PC: Puglia is not simply where I was born. It is a part of who I am. It remains present in my daily life through the food I enjoy with family and friends, and the values of faith, family and community that have guided me throughout my life. Those same values have been passed on to our daughters and grandchildren. Puglia continues to inspire me and remains at the heart of everything I do.

EF: How has being from Puglia shaped the person you are today?

PC: Growing up in Puglia taught me the importance of family, hospitality, hard work and respect for tradition. It gave me a strong sense of identity and pride in my heritage. Perhaps most importantly, it taught me the value of building relationships and bringing people together. I consider myself fortunate to serve as a bridge between Italy and America, sharing the best of both cultures while helping strengthen the ties that unite them.

EF: You are the founder of the Federazione Regione Puglia Chicago. What does this organization focus on?

PC: The Federazione Regione Puglia Chicago was founded to preserve, promote and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Puglia while strengthening the connection between our large Pugliese-American community and our ancestral homeland. Our mission is to keep alive the traditions, values, language, music, cuisine and history of Puglia, so they can be passed on to future generations. One of our greatest accomplishments has been helping to raise awareness of Puglia throughout the United States through cultural programs, educational initiatives, business exchanges and community events. We have worked to strengthen relationships between institutions in Puglia and communities across North America while encouraging younger generations to embrace and celebrate their heritage.

EF: You were named a Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia in 2017. What did that honor mean to you?

PC: Being named a Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia was one of the most meaningful and humbling moments of my life. It represented recognition not only of my own efforts but also of the values and sacrifices of my family, especially my grandparents who helped raise me and instilled in me a deep pride in my Italian heritage. It was equally a tribute to my wife, Carmela, my children and the many organizations, colleagues and volunteers with whom I have shared this journey. This honor has reinforced my belief that preserving our culture and passing it on to future generations is both a privilege and a responsibility. It continues to inspire me as I work to promote the culture, values and excellence of Italy and my beloved Puglia, throughout the United States.

PC: You’ve been married since 1979 to your high school sweetheart, Carmela Mallardi. What’s your secret to a long-lasting marriage?

EF: I am not sure there is a secret formula, but I believe a successful marriage is built on love, respect and a shared commitment to growing together through every stage of life. Carmela and I have been blessed to share a journey that began as high school graduates and has now lasted for more than 47 years. Communication, patience and mutual support have always been essential. We have celebrated life’s successes together, supported each other through challenges and remained grounded in the values that first brought us together. Raising our daughters, Rosanna and Costantina, and now enjoying the blessing of our grandchildren has given us a shared purpose and many cherished memories. Working together to support our community and preserve our Italian heritage has also strengthened our bond over the years.

EF: What are your plans for the future?

PC: I have always believed that the future should be guided by purpose rather than retirement. While I am proud of what I have accomplished, I remain energized by opportunities to serve my community, promote Italian culture and strengthen the ties between Italy and the United States. I plan to continue my work as a cultural ambassador for Puglia and Italy through community organizations, media, music, educational initiatives and international exchanges. I remain passionate about fostering business relationships and helping younger generations appreciate the language, traditions and values that have shaped my heritage. Most importantly, I look forward to spending more time with my wife, Carmela, our daughters and our grandchildren. Family has always been my greatest source of pride and happiness. My hope is to pass on the lessons, traditions and values I inherited from my parents and grandparents, so that our rich Italian heritage will continue to thrive for generations to come.

The above article appears in the August 2026 issue of the print version of Fra Noi. Our gorgeous, monthly magazine contains a veritable feast of news and views, profiles and features, entertainment and culture.

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