January 2011

IL CAVALIERE
VOL. 7 NO. 1 JANUARY 2011
O F F I C I A L B U L L E T I N O F T H E A M E R I C A N S O C I E T Y O F T H E I TA L I A N L E G I O N S O F M E R I T
45th Meeting
and Gala Success
The night belonged to Dominic Massaro. As, indeed, he deserved. Notwithstanding ample recognition of Lucio
Caputo and Lawrence Auriana, each a
Cavaliere di Gran Croce newly elected as
president and secretary general of the
Society, respectively (see related story),
speakers at the 45th Annual Dinner continued to re-focus on the jurist (and, it
must be said, lauded Congressman
Frank Guarini, invested with Italy’s highest grand cross decoration).
Stepping down as president following three successful terms as the Society’s chief executive, Justice Massaro’s
six years in office marked the longest
and, on the written record, surely the
most visible administration since the
Society’s founding after World War II.
Cavalieri from across the nation
renewed bonds of fraternity at the
event, which was held on Friday, December 3, filling to capacity one of New
York’s most sought-after ballrooms: The
Union League Club on Park Avenue. The
elegant black tie dinner party, under the
patronage of His Excellency Giulio Terzi
di Sant’Agata, Ambassador of Italy to the
United States, played host to a full
house. Chairing with her usual precision was Gr. Uff. RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo, assisted by Comm. Dott. Claudio C. Cifoni, Cav. Giulio Picolli and
Comm. Dr. Aileen Riotto-Sirey, co-chairs.
The dinner followed on the heels of a
prior day of meetings of the Society’s
board and general membership at the
Consulate General of Italy (see story on
page 2). That evening, a lecture was given at the Society’s Columbus Townhouse headquarters followed by a welcoming reception (see story on page 4).
continued on page 2
Caputo Takes Helm
Auriana Secretary General;
Officers for 2011-12 in Place
Dr. Lucio Caputo, since
1987 president of the International Trade Center in
New York, a public relations
firm created to expand the
presence of Italian products
and services in the United
States, has been named
President of the American
Society of the Italian Legions
of Merit.
The Society, which is
national in scope, is comprised of those who because
of some personal quality or
because of some special
service have been decorated
in a chivalric Order conferred
by the Republic of Italy.
Throughout the United
States, there are some 700odd cavalieri so decorated,
enrolled mainly either in the
Order of Merit of the Italian
Republic or the Order of the
Italian Star of Solidarity.
Both are internationally recognized state orders.
A high personality for four
decades, the new president
is well known on both sides
of the Atlantic. He is one of
only eighteen individuals resident in the United States to
hold Italy’s highest decoration, Cav. di Gran Croce the
Order of Merit. Joining him
in office as Secretary General
of the Society is another
grand cross decorato,
Lawrence E. Auriana, among
the nation’s leading Italian
American figures.
Lucio Caputo
The former Italian Trade
Commissioner in New York,
Dr. Caputo established the
largest Italian Government
commercial office in the
world. Afterwards, in a variety of private endeavors, he
distinguished himself in significant ways in favor of
Italy’s economic growth
through stimulating commerce in the shops and
stores that serve the American consumer. In particular,
his business acumen and
professional approach in
conducting promotional initiatives and trade shows of
all kinds has contributed
greatly to the high profile
and wide acceptance of the
“Made in Italy” label in the
competitive American marketplace.
Dr. Caputo is the founder
and president of the nonprofit Italian Wine and Food
Institute, and serves as president of the Gruppo Esponenti Italiani (GEI), comprised of the most important Italian entities doing
business in the United
States. Active in Italian
American circles as well, he
serves as Secretary of the
Conference of Presidents of
Cav. di Gran Croce
Dr. Lucio Caputo
Major Italian American
Organizations.
Listed in “Who’s Who in
the World,” he was first conferred by Italy in 1974; in
2003 he received Italy’s highest decoration from President Ciampi. Born in Sicily,
he received a degree in Journalism and doctorates in
Law and Political Science, all
from the University of Palermo. He was an editor of the
Giornale di Sicilia, one of
Italy’s major daily newspapers. Admitted to the bar,
he began a legal career. Following completion of military service as a lieutenant
in the Italian Air Force, he
joined Italy’s Foreign Trade
Institute, seeing assignments to London and Hong
Kong. In Philadelphia, he
became the youngest Italian Trade Commissioner
abroad, arriving in New York
in 1972, where he still resides
with his wife.
In 1975, he founded the
Italian Wine Center, conductcontinued on page 8
IL CAVALIERE
2
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
45th Annual Meeting and Gala Success
CONTINUED FROM COVER
The evening of the dinner was memorable. Guests ascended a seasonally decorated marble staircase to the main floor
reception room guarded by plumed carabinieri at attention in
full dress uniform. Cocktails flowed; hors d’oeuvres were
passed. A silent auction was offered.
Upward to the second floor Concert Hall, anthems of Italy,
the European Union and the United States were followed by
selections masterfully performed by the international vocalist Cristina Fontanelli. A live auction followed. Guests were
then ushered into the Club’s third floor, two-story mahogany
paneled ballroom. It was festooned for the holidays with
sparkling wreaths, the tables set in antique gold satin accented with cream colored roses, holly leaves and burgundy buds.
Master of Ceremonies
Accredited diplomats mixed with high military, church and
government personalities, as well as numerous decorati conferred with orders of chivalry other than those of Italy, which
added color and interest to the evening. With carabinieri
flanking the podium, master of ceremonies Caputo moved
the program, calling upon Gr. Uff. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to
deliver the invocation.
Toasts were then offered by seven toastmasters: Comm.
Joseph Del Raso, President of the National Italian American
Foundation: “To the President of the Republic of Italy, ‘Head’ of
all Italian Orders of Chivalry”; Comm. Joseph Di Trapani, Prescontinued on page 5
Board Actions
Welcomed by Italy’s Consul General in New York, Minister
Francesco M. Talò, at the imposing Park Avenue Consulate
General, the Society’s Board of directors convened its 45th
annual meeting on Thursday, December 3. As reported to the
General Membership meeting which followed, its actions
included:
- continuing support for outreach to ambassadors from
Italy’s neighboring countries assigned to the United
Nations and the United States;
- continuing support for the Companion(s) of Merit program open to members of other recognized chivalric
orders;
- continuing support for the Mini Grant program;
- calling for the reinstatement by the American College
Board of the nationwide Advance Placement Italian Language examination;
- calling for the continued monitoring of United States support vis-a-vis the non-marginalization of Italy in any reorganization of the United Nations Security Council;
- hiring of a Society executive director.◆
IL CAVALIERE
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Well done! New York Supreme Court Justice
Dominic R. Massaro, outgoing president (center),
accepts a leather bound gift of Michaud’s monumental 19th century masterpiece, two-volume History of
the Crusades, illustrated by Gustave Doré. Incoming
president Dr. Lucio Caputo and RoseMarie GallinaSantangelo, Society chief of protocol, do the honors.
Consul General Talò, in his comments at the board
of directors meeting, called Massaro’s work with the
Society “likewise monumental.”◆
Il Cavaliere is an official publication of the
American Society of the Italian Legions of
Merit, a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization
legally incorporated in the State of New York.
Comm. Stefano Acunto, 914-966-3180, x110, Publisher
Gina Marie Balog, Production Manager/Designer
Cav. Vito Catalano, 718-946-3124, Photographer
Address all mail to: Editor, Il Cavaliere, American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit,
Eight East 69th Street, New York, New York 10021.
Tel. 646.430.0481 • Email: info.asilm@yahoo.com • Web: www.asilm.org
IL CAVALIERE
3
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
American Society of the
Italian Legions of Merit
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS 2011-2012
Cav. di Gran Croce
Dr. Lucio Caputo
F
PRESIDENT
Uff.
Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Cav. di Gran Croce
Lawrence E. Auriana
SECRETARY GENERAL
Cav.
Salvatore M. Salibello
TREASURER
Gr. Uff.
Hon. Guido Calabresi
Comm.
George M. Pavia, Esq.
CHANCELLOR
COUNSELOR
Cav. di Gran Croce
H.E. F. Paolo Fulci
SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE (ROME)
Gr. Uff.
RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo
CHIEF OF PROTOCOL
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
Comm.
Robert V. Allegrini
Comm.
Dr. Eugene Casagrande
NORTH CENTRAL
SOUTHWEST
Cav.
Dr. Thomas Bellavia
MID-ATLANTIC
Comm.
Frank J. DeSantis
Cav.
Kevin A. Caira
Uff.
Mark Fehrs Haukohl
NORTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
PACIFIC
Cav.
Mary Ann Anselmi-Ravarino
WEST
DIRECTORS
Cav. di Gran Croce
Hon. Dominic R. Massaro
CHAIRMAN
Comm. Stefano Acunto ‘12
Congressman
Guarini
Gran Croce
Comm. Joseph Colagiovanni ‘11
Comm. Robert J. Barbera ‘11
Comm. Beatrice H. Guthrie. ‘11
Gr. Uff. John F. Calvelli ‘12
Cav. Marcella Leonetti-Tyler ‘11
Gr. Uff. Marco Cangialosi ‘12
H.E. Cesare Maria Ragaglini, ex officio
Comm. Dr. Claudio C. Cifoni ‘12
H.E. Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, ex officio
Hon. Francesco M. Talò, ex officio
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Filomena Ricciardi
rank J. Guarini, of New Jersey, has
been named Cavaliere di Gran
Croce of the Italian Order of
Merit. His naming brings to eighteen
Cav. di Gran Croce
Frank J. Guarini
those residing in the United States
who hold Italy’s highest decoration.
Born in Jersey City, he received his bachelor’s degree
(1947) from Dartmouth College, earned his Juris Doctor
(1950) and Master of Law (1955) degrees from New York
University School of Law, and pursued advanced studies at
The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands.
During World War II, Mr. Guarini received a naval commission and saw active combat as a young Lieutenant in
the Pacific Theater. He received the Naval Commendation
Medal and three Battle Stars.
Admitted to the practice of law in New Jersey, New York,
the District of Columbia and before the United States
Supreme Court, he served for many years on the National
Board of Governors of the American Trial Lawyers Association.
A member of the New Jersey State Senate for two
terms, he went on to serve for seven terms in the United
States House of Representatives from the State. Guarini
was a delegate to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) Convention in London, and was subsequently
appointed by President Clinton to serve as U.S. Representative to the General Assembly of the United Nations. Upon
retiring from Congress, he became active in major development projects along the New Jersey Waterfront.
The Congressman’s extensive involvement in civic affairs
includes service on the National Board of Governors of the
American Red Cross; chairman of the Board of Regents
and trustee of St. Peter’s College in New Jersey; and as a
trustee and important benefactor of John Cabot University in Rome. He served as both president and chairman of
the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) in Washington, D.C., and was instrumental in the recent effort to
restore Italian Language Advanced Placement testing by
the American College Board. First decorated by Italy in
1992, he is a long time supporter of the American Society of
the Italian Legions of Merit.◆
IL CAVALIERE
4
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Risorgimento Lecture Timely
“Il Risorgimento: Art Portraying History”
was offered to a full house audience by
Comm. Marco Grassi as the Society’s 2010
annual lecture. Professor Grassi, a graduate of Princeton known on both sides of the
Atlantic, is a distinguished art historian and
conservator. Held at its Columbus Townhouse headquarters as part of two days of
meetings and gala dinner, the topic was a
timely choice in light of the upcoming celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy.
As the title suggests, the accent of the
lecture was on preceding events of the long and violent national struggle toward unification - - as seen by artists who were
often, themselves, participants and witnesses to those events.
Comm. Grassi chose over twenty images to illustrate his talk,
images well and lesser-known, but all powerful depictions of
soldiers at war.
The revolutionary movements that percolated throughout
Italy after the re-establishment of the status quo in 1815 following the fall of Napoleon came to a violent head in 1848. The
expulsion of the Austrians in the North was followed by two
“wars of national independence.” These events were recorded
by artists varied in their styles.
The principal protagonists of the Risorgimento - - the political
philosopher Mazzini, the warrior Garibaldi,
and the statesman Cavour, along with King
Victor Emanuel II of Sardinia - - were also the
subjects of portraits. Giuseppe Garibaldi, “the
hero of the two worlds,” was particularly
favored by artists inspired by his legendary
feats of daring and utter devotion to the
nationalist cause. Contrasting, Michele
Gordigiani’s Portrait of Countess Castiglione
added a note of glamour and intrigue: she
became the mistress of Emperior Napoleon III
of France, and probably spied on him for
Cavour in aid of the Italian cause.
One artist, remembered as a true martyr of the Risorgimento, was Ippolito Caffi. His Victor Emanuel II Entering Naples in
1860 recorded a pivotal moment of the struggle, uniting the
Bourbon Kingdom with that of the Savoy, but he was to perish
in 1866 at the Battle of Lissa, accompanying a naval expedition
during the last phase of yet a “third war of independence.”
The talk ended, appropriately, with a stirring depiction of
Bersaglieri at Porta Pia by Michele Cammarano. The victorious
event, adding Rome to the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, was the
culminating moment of the struggle for unification.
The lecture was followed by a convivial reception, hosted by
Cav. di Gran Croce Lawrence E. Auriana, the Society’s new Secretary General.◆
“The principal protaginists:
the political philosopher
Mazzini, the warrior
Garibaldi and the
statesman Cavour…”
1
5
2
6
1 Comm. Prof. Marco Grassi, the evening lecturer
2 William Bernhard, Cristina Grassi and Sharon Flesher
3 Cav. Julius Demarcus Jackson, KHS
4 Donald Fox and Annabelle Mariaca
5 Catharine Cahill and Marie Fe’ Hernandez
3
7
8
4
9
6 Uff. John Leopoldo Fiorilla, Esq.
7 Adolfo Cosi
8 Irene Grassi and her husband Steven Osborne
9 Cristina Fontanelli and Gr. Uff. RoseMarie Gallina Santangelo
Photos by Cav. Vito Catalano
IL CAVALIERE
5
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
45th Annual Meeting and Gala Success
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Cav. di Gran Croce
Dr. Lucio Caputo
Cav. di Gran Croce
Justice Dominic Massaro
Gr. Uff. Bishop
Nicholas Di Marzio
ident of the Order Sons of Italy in America: “To the American
Society of the Italian Legions of Merit”; Uff. Joseph Sciame,
Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian
American Organizations: “To the 150th Anniversary of the
Unification of Italy”; Comm. Stefano Acunto, Chairman of The
Italian Academy Foundation: “To the 500th Anniversary of
Palladio”; Cav. Prof. Anthony J. Tamburri, Dean of the John D.
Calandra Italian American Institute: “To the resumption of
Italian Language testing by the American College Board”;
Colonel Giuseppe Coco, Military Attache at Italian Mission to
the United Nations: “To the allied American and Italian military forces in the War on Terrorism”; and Comm. Dr. Aileen
Sirey, Chairperson of the National Organization of Italian
American Women: “To the United States of America.” Each
toast brought forth a hearty “Hear, Hear” from the assemblage. Numerous personalities in the audience were then
announced.
1
2
1 The Concert Hall at capacity
2 Dama Carole Acunto (DML) introduces the featured performer
3 Opera singer Cristina Fontanelli
Cav. di Gran Croce Ambassador
Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata
President’s Remarks
When Lucio Caputo brought the out-going president to
the podium, he did so with the words “some daydream about
what must be done, Dominic does it; he regained the Society’s
original luster, refocused on its high purpose, re-instilled its
sense of mandate.”
Massaro, of course, can best be identified with posturing
the Society as a constant monitor - - some might say fierce
watchdog - - of White House policy vis-a-vis the non-marginalization of Italy in any reorganization of the United
Nations Security Council. His strong stance on repatriating
Italian art and artifacts illicitly removed to the United States
gained high praise for the Society from Italy’s cultural authorities, as did his “Italy’s Good Neighbor” program from foreign
ministry officials. This a program which outreaches to desigcontinued on page 9
3
4
4 Comm. Dott. Vincent A. Zuccarelli, Comm. Prof. Robert V. Piluso,
KCHS and Cav. Antonio Rummo, KHS
Photos by Cav. Vito Catalano
IL CAVALIERE
6
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
1
4
11
2
5
6
12
3
7
13
1 Comm. Giorgio and Antonia Pavia, Esq.
2 Comm. Salvatore Salibello and Uff., Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi
3 Loyse Berardi and Rebecca Madsen
4 Comm. Robert Allegrini
5 Colonel Giuseppe Coco
6 Cav. Prof. Anthony Julian Tamburri, Ph.D.
7 Comm. Renata Archini De Giovanni
8 Newark Consul Dott. Andrea Barbaria
8
14
9
15
9 Comm. Dott. Claudio C. Cifoni
10 Comm. Frank J. De Santis
11 Uff. Joseph Sciame and Maria Beard Plante
12 Cav. Dott. Riccardo Strano
13 Comm. Aileen Riotto Sirey, Ph.D.
14 Mary Ann Re, Ph.D
15 Comm., Dr. and Mrs. Eugene R. Casagrande
16 Leandro Rizzuto, Jr.
10
16
IL CAVALIERE
7
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
17
18
21
24
19
22
25
17 Cav. Dott. Berardo Paradiso and Gr. Uff. Angelo Gimondo, Ph.D.
18 Stephen Madsen, Esq. and Comm. Stefano Acunto
19 Comm. Joseph and Anna Maria Del Raso, Esq.
20 Nina and Frank Truglio
21 Cav., Dr. Thomas Bellavia and his wife, Teresa
with Judge William Martini
22 Rita “Babe” Rizzuto and Suzie Rizzuto Flanchaum
23 Cav. Ferruccio Milani and Gr. Uff. RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo
20
23
26
27
28
24 Cav. Angelo Vivolo and Uff. Justice Eugene L. Nardelli
25 Cav. di Gr. Cr. Lawrence E. Auriana and Ambassador
Umberto Vattani, President, Italian Trade Commission
26 Cav. Thomas Pecora, KM
27 Estella and Michael Zampardi
28 Gr. Uff. Dott. Vincenzo Centofanti
Photos by Cav. Vito Catalano
IL CAVALIERE
8
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Caputo Takes Helm
CONTINUED FROM COVER
ing massive marketing, advertising and promotional efforts,
which saw the wines of Italy come to dominate the market for
imported wine in the United States.
He started the Italian Tile Center in 1979 to educate Americans
about the quality and versatility of ceramic tiles from Italy, and
followed this with the Italian Fashion Center, the Italian Jewelry
Center and the Italian Shoe Center. In 1981 Dr. Caputo opened the
Italian Trade Center, which, in short order, became the largest
trade center of any foreign country in the United States. In 1982
he became president of Ital Trade USA, promoting and marketing
Italian products here. Active on the lecture circuit as a specialist
on economic and international trade topics, he has served as
executive chair on numerous committees in charge of organizing the programs for visits of foremost Italian Government representatives to the United States.
Lawrence E. Auriana
Among the nation’s leading Italian American personalities,
Lawrence E. Auriana was conferred Cavaliere di Gran Croce in
Italy’s Order of Merit by President Napolitano in 2009; he was
first knighted by Italy in 2002.
Raised in Manhattan’s East Harlem, he went on via Fordham
University to Wall Street, and, in 1986, co-founded the Federated
Kaufman Fund. Today, the ten billion dollar enterprise is the
best performing mid-cap growth fund in the United States,
according to analytical services. In 2001 the fund was sold to Federated Investors under a long-term management contract.
One of the world’s most extensive collectors of 20th Century
Italian sport cars, Mr. Auriana also has a prized collection of Italian graphic art that dates to the last days of the 19th Century. Elements of both collections are often “on loan” for public display.
Perella Named to
Order of Merit
Since 1993, Joseph Perella had been identified with “Morgan
Stanley,” one of the world’s foremost financial groups. With
high grades from Leigh, a master’s from Harvard and a stint at
First Boston where he directed “mergers and acquisitions,” in
2006 he formed his current financial company, Perella Weinberg, with offices in New York and London. A benefactor to both
his alma mater and Yale, his service to the Italian American Cancer Foundation, Italian Culture and Art Foundaton and the
Columbus Citizens Foundation, to name but three, were cited in
the motivation for his decoration as Cavaliere of Italy’s Order of
Merit.
Shown, Consul General Francesco M. Talò (at left) presents
the diploma marking the occasion, a highlight of the Society’s
45th annual dinner.◆
As chairman of the Columbus
Citizens Foundation, he fostered its
two million dollar annual scholarship program and promoted New
York’s Columbus Day Parade, the
largest celebration of Italian heritage in the world. Nor was he hesitant to use the Foundation’s pulpit
in challenging the biggest names
in Hollywood in defense of Italian
American imagery. Other commitments include the presidency of
Cavaliere di Gran Croce
Boys’ Town of Italy and directorLawrence E. Auriana
ships of the American University
of Rome and the National Italian
American Foundation (NIAF). Mr.
Auriana is a long-time benefactor of the Society.
Founder of the Filangieri Philosophical Society of America, a
sponsor of the PBS documentary about the history of the
Giglio festival, he has been recognized on both sides of the
Atlantic. In 2004, he received Milan’s Il Sigillo Lombardo and a
Proclamation of Merit from New York’s City Council. In 2003, he
received the Primo per Gli Italiani nel Mondo from the Ministry
of Italians Abroad. The American University in Rome granted
him an honorary degree in humane letters and the Association
of Italian American Educators presented him with its Leadership Award, both in 2002.
Mr. Auriana resides in Greenwich, Connecticut, with his wife
and daughter.
Two other officers newly elected include Gr. Uff. John F. Calvelli, Esq., of New York, executive vice president at the World Wildlife
Conservation Society, and businessman Gr. Uff. Marco Cangialosi, of New Jersey. All of the remaining officers and directors
whose terms expired in 2010 were re-elected through December 31, 2012.◆
IL CAVALIERE
9
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
45th Annual Meeting and Gala Success
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
nated “Companions of Dignity,” that is,
ambassadors posted to Washington, D.C.,
and at the United Nations in New York
from Italy’s neighboring countries in the
Mediterranean.
Massaro’s recasting of the Society’s
highest accolade into a Gold Medal limited to heads of state and leaders of government brought great international prestige. Three presidents (Ciampi, Bush and
Napolitano) and two legislative leaders (Pelosi and Fini) have
accepted it at the Quirinale Palace, the White House and in
the Halls of Parliament and of Congress in Rome and Washington. All the while, membership increased and the awarding
of grants multiplied.
With kudos to RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo, “my nearest
collaborator these past half dozen years,” and affectionate
regard for Ambassador Terzi “dear Giulio, friend of long standing with whom I’ve stood on many a rampart,” Massaro spoke
to the United States-Italy transatlantic relationship in his
remarks, delivered with the full force and vigor for which he is
known. “The Society stands firm,” he emphasized, “in the
belief that whenever the best interests of the United States
can be better served by supporting the best interests of her
trustworthy friend and ally, Italy, it is our consensus that these
best interests be supported. Continuing, he noted, “it follows, in any rational calculus of American foreign policy-making, that Italy’s proven track record over many decades provides a bright line to the strategic logic of supporting her
inclusion, at the highest levels, in the ever-evolving international context of guaranteeing peace, insuring security, protecting human rights and providing for global governance.”
Switching to informality, he ruminated “on what I might
say tonight particularly in last utterance as President of the
Society. I was perplexed: should I insight a prophetic observation?, perhaps intone a somber pronouncement?, maybe soliloquize a discourse? But I had an epiphany passing a favorite
restaurant which had closed without notice or forwarding
address. A handwritten sign on the door provided the answer,
said it all. It read: “Gone fishing. Thanks for everything. It’s
been great.” His audience loved it and gave him almost a full
minute standing ovation.
Dominic was the Society for all these
years, and cer tainly gave it unique
momentum. Under him, the Society has
grown, both in importance and image.”
Contrasting, he likened Massaro’s three
terms of leadership to “replacing what
was a pathway to Italy to a great eightlane bridge, a veritable ‘golden bridge’
between our two countries.”
The ambassador, well known to and
well appreciated by his audience, began his prepared remarks
by observing “the affinities between our countries are embedded in history, in the quintessential values of the Risorgimento,” referencing the upcoming 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy in 2011. “No other periods of Italian and American history have as much in common as the decades leading,
on the Italian side, to the Risorgimento and, on the American
side, to the end of the Civil War. The principles of man’s freedom and dignity were pivotal in leading the Italian people
to unity. In America, they led President Lincoln to aspire to a
Union where all men were equal, thus implementing the
promise held in the Declaration of Independence. Abraham
Lincoln and Giuseppe Garibaldi are historical giants who verily embody that enormous struggle for freedom.”
Turning to language as a foundation of national identity, he
commented “Every decorato is a partner in our collective
effort to ensure that the Italian language continues to be
spread, studied and enhanced; we could not better celebrate
the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy. And, indeed,
this association was the first to answer the call for action
which ultimately led to reinstating AP Italian Language testing by the American College Board for advanced college credit.” He noted that 27,000 American students go to Italy each
year for study.
Touching upon the bilateral relationship between the countries, the ambassador pointed to “Italy’s vision of security as
being solidly centered on our friendship with the U.S. Italian
foreign policy is fully consistent with American objectives on
all the most crucial aspects of current international affairs,” he
emphasized to applause.
“In the most challenging situations - - such as Afghanistan:
Washington looks at Italy as a reference model. Just a few
days ago, at the Lisbon Summit, President Obama said: “when
countries like Italy are willing to come in and step up - - that’s
a testament to the confidence they have in our plans to
achieve our ultimate end in Afghanistan”, he noted.
The ambassador closed his remarks with “the honor of
conferring my country’s highest decoration on a leading figure
in the Italian American community, one widely recognized
and whose exceptional dedication is matched only by his personal generosity for our shared cultural patrimony: Congressman Frank Guarini (see story on page 3).”◆
A handwritten sign
on the door said it all:
“Gone fishing.
Thanks for every thing.
It’s been great.”
Ambassador’s Remarks
Ambassador Terzi opened with the glib repost that he
knows, following two decades of friendship, that “the judge
doesn’t fish,” guaranteeing the audience that “he will continue, indefatigably, to be there for our Society, continue to
instill in our association those strong ideals which distinguish the history and culture of Italians in the United States.”
Crediting Massaro as “one of our community’s most influential and effective troubleshooters,” he observed: “In a sense,
IL CAVALIERE
10
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
In Memoriam…
Frank Stella,
Led NIAF
Helen Boehm,
Princess of Porcelain
Gr. Uff. Frank D. Stella, of Michigan, Chairman Emeritus of the
National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and a long-time
Society director, has died at 91. Enjoying an illustrious career as
a successful entrepreneur, civic personality and public servant, his
name has been a household one in Italian American leadership
circles for the past six decades.
A graduate of the University of Detroit, and with World War II
service behind him (entering the Army Air Corps in 1941 as a
private and discharged five years later as a major), in 1946 he
founded The F.D. Stella Products Company, in Detroit. The company designs and distributes large scale food services and commercial dining equipment.
Listed in Who’s Who, his biography is a litany of achievement
highlighted by appointment to numerous boards, commissions
and delegations under five presidents - - Nixon, Ford, Reagan,
Bush and Clinton. A regular on the White House dinner list to
great visiting Italian dignitaries, for many years as chairman of
the National Republican Heritage Groups Council, he interacted
with numerous nationality leaders across the nation. He saw
service as a trustee of his alma mater, of the North American College in Rome, of John Hopkins University, and of Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida.
On the local level, directorships included the Michigan Opera,
Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Public Television, Detroit
Historical Society and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, as
well as service on the boards of numerous medical research
facilities. A leader in the revitalization of Detroit, mayors and governors also utilized his acumen on a variety of government committees. He continued to chair Detroit’s Income Tax Board of
Review until quite recently. Any number of universities conferred him with honorary doctorates, as far back as Gentium
Pacem University in Rome in 1979 up to and including Cleary University in Howell, Michigan, in 2005.
First conferred with Italy’s Order of Merit in 1983, he was a
charter member of NIAF and served for two terms as its chair.
His Italian American and Catholic Church affiliations are legion.
He was the recipient of scores of awards and citations given
both here and in Italy, was “Man of the Year” time and time
again (including the Society’s in 1986), and received the Ellis
Island Medal of Honor, Naples’ International Guido Durso Prize
and the University of Rome’s “Humanitarian Leadership Award.”
In addition to his high Italian conferral, he was a Knight of the
Roman Catholic Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.◆
Comm. Helen Boehm, a self-made businesswoman known
as the Princess of Porcelain, founded the E.M. Boehm Studios in
Trenton in 1950 with a $1,000 loan. Under her stewardship, the
company grew into a multimillion-dollar business, employing
more than 400, with outlets in high-end stores and showrooms in leading cities. For six decades, her company’s elaborate sculptures graced the coffee tables of numerous heads of
state. Ill for some years, she died at home in West Palm Beach,
Florida. She was 89.
Launching the business with her husband, Edward Marshall Boehm, whom she married in 1944, neither knew a thing
about porcelain. He was trained in animal husbandry, she
was an optician. But Mr. Boehm was also a gifted sculptor of
animals as a pastime, and she a natural promoter.
Highly collectible, Boehm porcelains often depict flora and
fauna and are known for their handpainted colors and lifelike
detail. Pieces can be found in museum collections, including
the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Vatican. They
have been owned by luminaries like Queen Elizabeth II, Pope
John Paul II and Sophia Loren.
In a marketing coup scored decades ago, Boehm pieces have
been presented to every United States president from Eisenhower to Obama. For years they have been the de facto state
gift from the White House to foreign dignitaries.
After Mr. Boehm’s death in 1969, she continued to run the
company with characteristic savvy. She was named Commendatore of Italy’s Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity in
1974. Among her many recognitions, she received the prized
Amita Award in 1976. In 1985 she authored a memoir, “With a
Little Luck: An American Odyssey” (Rawson).
The daughter of working-class Italian immigrants, Elena
Franzolini was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Bensonhurst.
Her father, a cabinetmaker, died when she was 13, and Helen, as
she was known, worked as a dressmaker to help support the
family. As a young woman, she became an optician. Mrs.
Boehm leaves no immediate survivors.◆
Errata Corrige
With great pleasure we retract the erroneous reporting of
Cav. Frank M. Grazioso, Esq., of Connecticut, in a recent “In Memoriam”. Cav. Grazioso is in his customary vibrant and productive
mode and we offer him our most sincere apology.◆
HELPCORNER
Cavalieri who may have mislaid their rosetta or spilla
and wish to replace this lapel insignia or pin (or any
other decoration device for that matter) are invited to
write to: Gr. Uff. RoseMarie Gallina Santangelo, Chief of
Protocol, American Society of the Italian Legions of
Merit, Eight East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021.
Replacements are available at nominal cost according
to specified rank.
IL CAVALIERE
11
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Giunta Awarded Congressional
Medal of Honor
Cavalieri he news…
in t
Comm. Stefano Acunto (New York) honored by the
Dante Society of Nassau County.
Cav. Gilda Rorro Baldassarri (New Jersey) appointed
Chair of the Italian and Italian American Heritage
Commission.
Cav. Mary Anselmi Ravarino (Utah) honored with the
Distinguished Woman Award by the Salt Lake City
chapter of the American Association of the University Women.
Uff. Joseph Sciame (New York) promoted in rank to Ufficiale in the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.
In an emotional White House ceremony attended by top military
brass, President Obama presented the nation’s highest award for valor to Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore A. Giunta. He earned it on the battlefield fighting against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. The grandson of Italian immigrants, Giunta, a native of Iowa, is now stationed
in Italy.◆
Cavalieri who receive honors and other recognitions should
send information and a bust photograph to: Editor, Il Cavaliere, American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit,
Eight East 69th Street, New York, New York 10021.
Cavalieri Whereabouts???
The Society has lost contact
with the following cavalieri.
If you know of any current
home address or whereabouts, please let us know
at: (646) 430-0481 or
info.asilm@yahoo.com .
Cav. Francesco Camera, Texas
Cav. Maria Rosaria Corbo, New York
Comm. Luigi Maria De Luca, Maryland
Gr. Uff. Valter Della Nebbia Texas
Cav. Alessandro Di Bagno Guidi, Texas
Cav. Robert Freda, New Jersey
Cav. Abele Galletti, California
Uff. Dr. Vincenzo Genovese, Pennsylvania
Col. Eugene V. Lombardo, New York
Comm. Anthony Magliulo, New York
Comm. William Mason, Illinois
Uff. Albert R. Materazzi, Maryland
Cav. Frank Micale, California
Uff. Paul M. Montrone, New Hampshire
Cav. Leo Moriconi, Michigan
Comm. Anthony Piccinini, Michigan
Cav. Daniel M. Rendine, Esq., Pennsylvania
Cav. Serena Scaiola Ziska, Ohio
Cav. Paul Sorvino, Pennsylvania
Cav. Sadowa Spadola, New York
Comm. Giuliano Testa, Illinois
Comm. Gianfranco Zaccai, Massachussets
Cronaca
Since his election by acclamation on November 29, 2004, the President of the Society, Cav. di Gran Croce Hon.
Dominic R. Massaro, continues to represent it until years end at the following chivalric, diplomatic and beneficent events:
October 6, 2010: by invitation of Hon.
Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the
City of New York, on the occasion of a
reception in favor of Italian Heritage
and Culture Month.
October 9, 2010: by invitation of Frank
Fusaro, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, on the occasion of
the 64th Annual New York City Columbus Day Banquet.
October 11, 2010: by invitation of H.E. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York,
on the occasion of the 33rd Annual
Columbus Day Mass.
November 4, 2010: by invitation of Cav.
di Gran Croce Baroness Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò, on the occasion of the
20th Anniversary of the Casa Italiana
Zerilli-Marimò.
November 6, 2010: by invitation of Comm.
Stefano Acunto, publisher of Il Cavaliere,
on the occasion of a reception in favor of
H.E. Ambassador Giorgio Radicati.
November 15, 2010: by invitation of Cav.
Berardo Paradiso, Delegate of the
Italian Academy of Cuisine, on the
5th Anniversary of the New York
Chapter.
December 10, 2010: by invitation of Cav. di
Gran Croce Carl J. Morelli, Esq. (KGCML),
American Delegate of the House of
Savoy, on the occasion of the Ballo di
Savoia under the patronage of T.R.H.
Prince Victor Emanuel and Princess
Marina of Savoy.
IL CAVALIERE
FIRST CLASS
PRESORT
U.S. POSTAGE
AMERICAN SOCIETY
OF THE ITALIAN
LEGIONS OF MERIT
PA I D
PARAMUS, NJ
PERMIT NO. 129
Eight East 69th Street
New York, N.Y. 10021
Texas Welcome to Nava
Cavalieri from throughout the Southeast gathered in Houston to welcome Italy’s new Consul General for the region, Fabrizio
Nava, at a reception chaired by the renowed collector of Florentine art and Society regional vice-president Uff. Mark Fehrs
Haukohl.
In his remarks, Consul General Nava emphasized the significance of the upcoming 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy,
proclaimed on March 17, 1861, and the relevance of this celebration for Italians and Americans alike, since the United States was
the second country, after the United Kingdom, to recognize Italian unity.
Seen on the occasion:
1
5
2
3
6
1 Consul General Fabrizio Nava and his wife Montserrat Marquez
with Uff. Mark Fehrs Haukohl
2 Mrs. and Uff. Robert Marchesi
3 Uff. and Mrs. Achille Arcidiacono
4
7
4 Gr. Uff. Giorgio Borlenghi
5 Mariana Servitje and Robert Sakowitz
6 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mandola
7 Mrs. Sandra Celli-Harris and Mr. George Abbey