Tag Archives: Ron Onesti

The Italian American Executives of Transportation celebrated a trio of luminaries at its dinner dance on Nov. 19 at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. Mariann Gullo was honored as Woman of the Year and Michael Allred as Humanitarian of the Year, with Ron Onesti receiving a special recognition award. The following profiles have been provided by the organization. MARIANN GULLO — WOMAN OF THE YEAR Mariann Gullo is the Chief Operating Officer of Gullo International and a tireless activist on behalf of her Italian heritage. Located in Elk Grove Village, Gullo International Development Corporation has been a leader in real estate …

The Italian American Executives of Transportation have donated $6,500 from the proceeds of their 2022 fashion show to Casa Italia. The check was presented to Casa Chairman Ron Onesti by Fashion Show Committee Co-Chair Dr. Michele Monica Daly at the IAET’s July meeting. The event was also co-chaired by Theresa Cascio and Grace Galletta, with Jadon Quaglia as chair. “Casa Italia has been a home away from home for the Chicago-area Italian-American community for more than two decades,” says IAET President Vito D’Ambrosio. “We encourage everyone to open their hearts and wallets on the Casa’s behalf.”

The Chicago area was blessed in April with a first-ever visit by the renowned Choir of the Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation. One of the world’s premier Catholic choruses, the ensemble undertook a whirlwind tour that included five concerts in as many days. The first stop was on April 19 at the opulent Sanfilippo estate in far north suburban Barrington. On April 20, the ensemble paid a quick visit to Casa Italia, where they were wowed by the hand-carved 1/100-scale replica of St. Peter’s Basilica and Square on the third floor of the Italian Cultural Center. Moved to song, they were recorded …

Girder by girder, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans President Ron Onesti is strengthening ties with ethnic groups across the Chicago area. On April 20, he represented the community at an international flag presentation during the Chicago Department of Health’s HIV summit. While there, he reached out to a contingent from the Potawatomi tribe (pictured). Four days later, he took part in a rally against anti-Semitism at a Glenview middle school. “There’s strength in numbers,” Onesti says. “The more we show up when other groups need us, the more they’ll show up for us.”  

A standout basketball and baseball player in high school and college, Jerry Colangelo became a multisport luminary thanks to inspiration drawn from his humble Italian roots in Chicago Heights. When Jerry Colangelo was 7 years old, he was given his first basketball, a simple act that ignited the fuse to an extraordinarily successful career in national and international sports. “I smelled the leather, and it was the beginning of a love affair that has lasted a lifetime,” Colangelo tells Fra Noi in a wide-ranging interview about his life and myriad achievements as a player, coach, administrator, owner and overall leader. …

(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 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 …

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame will offer a special salute to Tommy Lasorda at a virtual gala and induction ceremony on June 23. “Tommy Lasorda was one of the Hall’s biggest fans,” NIASHF President Ron Onesti says. “It’s only fitting to pay tribute to him.” Testimonials by Kirk Gibson, Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser, Ron Cey, Mike Scoscia, Reggie Smith, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Franco Harris and more will be aired during the live-streamed celebration. The Class of 2020 will be ushered into the Hall at the gala, and the Class of 2021 will be announced. The 2020 …

After a 25-year hiatus, the Harlem Avenue Little Italy Business Association is returning with loads of enthusiasm, a new logo and plenty of gear. Funds to kick-start the organization are being generated through the sales of T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other branded items available on the organization’s website and at member businesses. “Gear is a great way to raise money as well as profile,” says recently elected President Gino Bartucci. “We want the world to know we’re back in business and ready to start promoting our culture and community again.” Some readers may be asking, “Which Gino Bartucci?” That’s a …

On March 14, 1891, 11 Sicilian immigrants who had been falsely accused of murdering the police chief of New Orleans were shot and hung by a mob of thousands in the largest mass lynching in American history. The 130th anniversary of that dark day was marked in Chicago with a moving commemoration in Arrigo Park hosted by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. The event was emceed by JCCIA President Ron Onesti and attended by an impressive array of ethnic and political leaders. More than a dozen of those leaders took to the microphone to share a portion of …