Tag Archives: Pasquale Gianni

When the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations hosted an Italian American Future Leaders conference in January (see page 6), the Chicago area was ably represented. Pasquale Gianni trekked down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to take part in the three-day conclave. While there, he was able to network with other young adults of Italian descent and share his expertise as the founder and president of the Avanti Group. “I’m proud to say that the Avanti Group is the only organization of its kind in the nation,” Gianni reports. “I’ll be working with young adults in other parts of …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans marked the 700th anniversary of the passing of Dante Alighieri with a standout media luncheon on Sept. 14. Galleria Marchetti in Chicago was bursting at the seams with journalists, elected officials and community leaders who had come to honor CBS President and General Manager Jennifer Lyons and Chicago attorney Antonio Romanucci. Lyons was the recipient of the divine poet’s namesake award, while Romanucci accepted the inaugural Dominic DiFrisco Lifetime Achievement Award. Seated at the dais along with the honorees were past Dante Award recipients Dina Bair, Greg Caputo, Janet Davies, Mary Laney, Vince …

(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 Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans came roaring out of the gate at its first official meeting following the January installation of its 2021-22 officers. Recently elected President Ron Onesti and a burgeoning cadre of JCCIA leaders have the organization hitting on all cylinders as they upshift into their two-year terms. The meeting was held on Feb. 24 in the recently renovated Italian American Community Room in the Community Center at Casa Italia. On full display were the 80 plaques already sold as part of the Casa’s massive fundraising campaign. More than 60 community leaders representing 30-plus organizations were …

On Feb. 26, the JCCIA Young Professionals Division will host its first event, “Festa di Carnevale,” as the re-branded Avanti Club. The event will run from 8-10 p.m. at Victory Italian, 434 W. Ontario St. Chicago. Tickets are $35 per person and cover cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres and Vero gelato. “All young professionals of Italian descent, and non-Italians seeking camaraderie and fun on behalf of a wonderful cause are encouraged to attend,” says club President Pasquale Gianni. “Join us in a chance to network while celebrating the enduring Italian spirit in Chicago.” RSVP to avanti@jccia.com.    

The Cook County Board recently honored the passing of Dominic DiFrisco with a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Peter Silvestri. On hand were (from left) Commissioner John Daley, daughter Nina Mariano, grandson Pasquale Gianni, widow Carol Loverde, Silvestri and Pressident Toni Preckwinkle. The resolution reads as follows: WHEREAS, on April 27, 2019, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called Dominic DiFrisco from our midst; and WHEREAS, Dominic DiFrisco was the beloved husband of Carol (nee Loverde) and loving father of Nina (Robert) Mariano; and WHEREAS, Dominic DiFrisco was the proud grandfather of Pasquale Gianni and fond brother of Carmela Soricelli of …

Community leaders turned out in force on Dec. 13 at Venuti’s in Addison to ring in the holidays and oversee the changing of the guard at the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. Outgoing president Enza Raineri passed the gavel to Sergio Giangrande at a festive event filled with camaraderie, acknowledgements and honors. Cook County Circuit Court Judges Elizabeth Ciacci-Lezza and Lisa Marino presided over the induction of President Giangrande along with First Vice President Lisa Ryan, Second Vice President Ron Onesti, Third Vice President John Galluzzi, Secretary Joseph Rago, Treasurer Christine Caliendo-Cerami and Sergeant-at-Arms Pasquale Gianni, the grandson of President …