IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
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Misericordia Society’s Paul Gitto Signs Books at DiGregorio’s Market
Misericordia member Paul Gitto had a wonderfully successful book signing at DiGregorio’s Market on Saturday, July 12. The store was very crowded, and many people stopped to take a look at Paul’s latest book, titled “The Immigrant Son on the Hill.” Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Paul signed and sold 30 copies. Another book signing may be in the works in late summer or early fall. Paul will also speak to the Mount Carmel Sodality at St. Ambrose Church on October 14 and sign books there as well. To date, Paul has sold around 80 books and raised over $900 for the Misericordia Scholarship Fund for St. Ambrose School. The book is available at DiGregorio’s Market on The Hill and on
Amazon. It sells for $15, with all money raised going to the scholarship fund.
NIAF Announces Additional Distinguished Honorees for
50th Anniversary Gala
Sequoia Capital’s Doug Leone, Leonardo’s Roberto Cingolani, FS Italiane’s Stefano Donnarumma, Enel’s Flavio Cattaneo, and Gonzaga University’s Katia Passerini to Receive NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Awards
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce five additional distinguished honorees for NIAF’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. Doug Leone, Partner at Sequoia Capital, will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in International Business for his global impact as a venture capital leader; Roberto Cingolani, CEO & General Manager of Leonardo S.p.A., will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Global Defense & Security Technology; Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO & General Director of FS Italiane Group, will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Engineering Excellence for National Growth and Sustainable Infrastructure; Flavio Cattaneo, CEO of Enel Group, will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Management Leadership; and Dr. Katia Passerini, 27th President of Gonzaga University, will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Academic Excellence.
These accomplished leaders join NIAF’s previously announced two premier honorees John Elkann, Chief Executive Officer of Exor N.V., Chairman of Ferrari N.V., and Chairman of Stellantis N.V., and worldrenowned tenor maestro Andrea Bocelli, recipient of NIAF’s Dea Roma Lifetime Achievement Award in Entertainment.
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PENSIERO
Official Photographer
celebrating Tony’s 75th birthday
Lynn and Dave McNutt, Sean Landeta, Tony Catarinicchia, Margaret Daly and Gus Torregrossa
Mark Daly and Sean Landeta at Bart’s golf tournament
John, Chris and Bart Saracino and Joe Boccardi
Bart Saracino and Sean Landeta
Dave McNutt, Bart Saracino, Sean Landeta, Gus Torregrossa and Father Gambel at golf tournament
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“We are proud to honor these exceptional leaders who exemplify the innovation, excellence, and global impact that define Italian and Italian American achievement,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. “Doug Leone’s transformative role in venture capital, Roberto Cingolani’s leadership in aerospace and defense technology, Stefano Donnarumma’s vision for sustainable infrastructure, Flavio Cattaneo’s distinguished management leadership across multiple industries, and Katia Passerini’s groundbreaking contributions to higher education represent the diverse ways Italian talent continues to shape our world.”
Doug Leone was instrumental in building Sequoia Capital into one of the world’s most successful venture capital firms. The legendary firm has backed transformative companies including Google, WhatsApp, Nvidia, Airbnb, and ServiceNow. His strategic vision and commitment to fostering innovation have made him one of the most respected figures in Silicon Valley and global technology. Roberto Cingolani leads Leonardo S.p.A., a global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in aerospace, defense, & security. Under his leadership, Leonardo has strengthened its position as a leading company in major international strategic programs and is a trusted technological partner of governments, defense agencies, institutions, and businesses.
Engineer Stefano Antonio Donnarumma leads the Italian State
Railways Group (Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) with steady and forwardlooking leadership, guiding it through a major transformation toward sustainable, innovative, and integrated mobility. His vision has been focused on the future, effectively combining sustainability and innovation.
Flavio Cattaneo has served as Chief Executive Officer of Enel Group since May 2023, leading one of the world’s largest energy companies. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated exceptional management leadership across multiple industries, having previously served as CEO of Fiera Milano, RAI, Terna, Telecom Italia, and NTV-Italo. His strategic vision has guided major transformations in exhibitions, media, transportation, telecommunications, and energy infrastructure. In 2011, he was awarded the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro by the President of the Italian Republic, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Italian industry.
Dr. Katia Passerini became the 27th President of Gonzaga University on July 15, 2025, bringing a distinguished career in higher education leadership and academic excellence. Born in Lazio, Italy, President Passerini’s connection to NIAF runs deep— she was a recipient of the NIAF Frank D. Stella Scholarship in International Business in 1996, making this honor particularly meaningful.Throughout her career, she has served as an administrator, educator, and researcher with expertise in project management, information systems, and IT strategy. She previously served as provost
and executive vice president at Seton Hall University and held leadership positions at St. John’s University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. A Fulbright Scholar with degrees from Italian and American universities, President Passerini exemplifies the bridge between Italian heritage and American academic achievement.
The black-tie gala, marking NIAF’s return to the historic Washington Hilton, will showcase the Italian region of Lazio as the Region of Honor, bringing the distinctive culture and traditions of Rome’s home region to the nation’s capital. Invitations have been extended to President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, highlighting the gala’s importance in strengthening U.S.-Italian relations.
The evening will begin with an elegant cocktail reception, followed by a dinner featuring regional specialties from Lazio paired with premium Italian wines. Throughout the celebration, guests will enjoy special performances, participate in auctions, and continue the celebration at the After Hours Party.
Earlier in the day, NIAF will host the NIAF Forum, featuring lectures and talks exploring Italian and Italian American culture and heritage. The Forum will include screenings of the five NIAF/De Laurentiis Film Prize finalists, with the winner to be announced during the Gala dinner.
A portion of the proceeds will support NIAF’s educational and cultural programs, ensuring the foundation’s continued impact for future generations.
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by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before September 12, 2025 to be featured in the October issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements!
Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Semir Durmišević
Lisa Gandolfo
Antonino Lombardo
Carina Marino
Margaret Mazzola Marino
Mary Marino Zamora ANNIVERSARIES
9/3
James and Linda Marino
9/4
David and Silvia (Lombardo) Fritsch
9/6
Tony and Marisa Gandolfo
Relics Come to a Misericordia Society Meeting
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For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, or additional information about the NIAF 50th Anniversary Gala, visit NIAF.org.
Events on The Hill
SEPTEMBER 2025
SEPT Sacred Heart Villa's 85th Anniversary Mass & Block Party @ St. Ambrose Church Info: eberra@sacredheartvilla.org
SEPT Hill 2000 General Membership Meeting @ Saint Ambrose School Cafeteria | 7 PM Info: hillstl.org
SEPT Rollo-Calcaterra Legion Annual BBQ (Fall) @ Rollo-Calcaterra Post 15 Info: americanlegionpost15.com
SEPT Ravioli Dinner for Sick & Elderly Program @ Saint Ambrose Cafeteria Info: sickandelderly.com
SEPT The Hill Neighborhood Yard Sale @ The Hill Neighborhood | 8-12 pm Info: The Hill Neighborhood Center (314) 260-9162
At our July meeting, the Misericordia Society was treated to a presentation on new relics that will soon be on view in St. Ambrose Church. Deacon John Stoverink showed several relics along with a slide presentation on the history and classification of relics. The members were able to hold
the relics in their hands and see them up close. There were relics of several saints and a splinter of the true cross of Jesus. Deacon John taught us about the Latin words on the relics and how to read the name of the saint and the type of fragment that is encased in the reliquary.
Deacon John is working on the history of St. Ambrose Parish and the surrounding Hill neighborhood. It will be published online on the parish website
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Ingredients:
2 cans of artichokes
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Chop up artichokes and add the ingredients and mix together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with your choice of cracker.
Bring this to your gathering!
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Continued on page 12 at stambroseonthehill.com. This is in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the church.
Business Spotlight: Balducci Vineyards
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
Set in the rolling hills of Augusta, Missouri, Balducci Vineyards is the kind of place that makes you slow down and savor the moment. Family-owned and brimming
with charm, Balducci Vineyards has become a favorite for locals and travelers alike who are looking for more than just a glass of wine. Guests are welcomed with sweeping vineyard views, live music, and an easygoing atmosphere that feels like a getaway, even if you’re just there for the afternoon.
Their award-winning wines range from crisp, refreshing whites to bold, flavorful reds, all designed to pair perfectly with hearty, Italian-inspired dishes served on-site. Whether you’re gathering with friends on the patio, enjoying a seasonal festival, or exploring Augusta’s wine country for the first time, Balducci Vineyards offers a little something for everyone.
Make sure to add Balducci Vineyards as a stop on your fall bucket list!
Celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day on The Hill
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
September 5 is National Cheese Pizza Day, and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in The Hill neighborhood. If you’re a cheese pizza purist, these three spots are worth the trip:
Anthonino’s Taverna: Anthonino’s is a Hill staple where tradition and flavor meet. Their hand-tossed, Italian-style pizza is perfectly cheesy and satisfying, making it a must-order alongside their famous toasted ravioli.
Pizzeria da Gloria: Their pizzas are made with simple, high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a blazing oven. The result? A crispy, airy crust topped with gooey cheese that lets the Italian inspiration
CONSOLATO
GENERALE
D’ITALIA
Mario Alberto Bartoli CONSOLE GENERALE
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550
certified email (PEC): con.chicago@cert.esteri.it italcons.chicago@esteri.it Hours: (open to public) Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Onorario D’Italia/Honorary Vice Consul Joseph Colagiovanni
Honorary Vice Consul of Italy ITALIANCONSULSTL@GMAIL.COM 314-705-2413
VISTI/VISAS visti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5487
PASSAPORTI/DOCUMENTI VIAGGIO/ NAVIGAZIONE/ PASSPORTS/ EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS passaporti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
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ELETTORALE/ ELECTORAL elettorale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
STATO CIVILE/VITAL RECORDS chicago.statciv@esteri.it (312) 995 5485
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UFFICIO STUDENTI/CODICI FISCALI/ EQUIPOLLENZA TITOLI DI STUDIO/ COMMERCIALE/ STUDENT OFFICE/ FISCAL I.D./EQUIVALENCY OF DEGREES AND PROFESSIONAL TITLES/ COMMERCIAL commerciale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5486
NOTARILE/NOTARY legale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5483
UFFICIO SCUOLA/ EDUCATION OFFICE scuola.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5489
Italian Trade Agency
401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1720 Chicago, Illinois 60611 chicago@ice.it 312-670-4360 website:ice.it/it
Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo/ Italian Government Tourist Office
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 312-644-0990 italiantourism.com
ONLY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENS WITH TRUE EMERGENCIES (accidents, arrests, etc.):
Available from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST Monday –Friday, and from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays – Call +1(312) 909-0304
Emergencies between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. CT, contact the MAECI at 011 39 06 36912666
Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Chicago Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1450 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-822-9545 fax: 312-822-9622 email:iicchicago@esteri.it website:iicchicago.esteri.it
Schedule Basic
Continued from page 8 shine.
Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas: Where you can pair a classic cheese pizza with Mediterranean flavors. It’s an ideal spot for sharing a pie with friends while sipping sangria.
This National Cheese Pizza Day, gather your family and friends to celebrate with a local slice (or two) of cheesy perfection on The Hill. After all, life’s too short to skip pizza!
Special Film Screening at the Italian Fest
An exhibit and film are part of the 2025 Italian Fest of Collinsville
The award-winning historical drama Comandante (2023), by Edoardo De Angelis, will be shown on Thursday, September 18, at 5:45 p.m. in the Community Room of the Collinsville Public Library, 408 West Main Street, Collinsville. Based on a true story, it is about the submarine Cappellini that, one night in October 1940, while navigating in the Atlantic, came upon the armed Belgian merchant ship Kabalo. A fierce battle ensues in which the Cappellini sinks the Kabalo. Commander Salvatore Todaro then makes a decision that goes down in history. Comandante was the Opening Night Film of the 2023 Venice Film Festival. In Italian with English subtitles, 122 min.
In addition, the exhibit “Celebrating Italian Cinema” is on display from September 1 to October 15 at the Collinsville Public Library. The film and exhibit are free and open to the public. Organized by the Italian Film Festival USA; special thanks to the Collinsville Public Library.
Read With Alexandra (RWA)
By Alexandra Marino-Durmišević “Bella Tuscany ” By Frances Mayes
This month, I decided to pick up a throwback. Have you ever watched the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”? Did you know it was based on the memoir by Frances Mayes? I picked up this paperback
at my local Little Free Library (try to find one this weekend; they are everywhere!). Frances Mayes wrote a follow-up to her wildly popular memoir in 2000, and it had me wanting to book a one-way ticket to Tuscany.
I enjoyed traveling along with Frances and her husband, Ed, as they explore Sicily, Veneto, and various nearby villages, all while restoring their villa called Bramasole. On each page, Mayes’ words bring life to springtime in Tuscany. She includes recipes that she has learned to help us get a little taste of her experience in our homes. This memoir reminded me what life is all about: finding your happiness, good food, and connecting with others. I think we could all benefit from this reminder to step back from our busy schedules to go out in the world and do what makes us happy!
Comm. Thomas A. Lupo Elected as OSDIA National President at 59th Biennial National Convention
On August 17, Comm. Thomas A. Lupo was formally installed as the new National President of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the oldest and largest organization representing Italian-American men and women in the U.S. Lupo succeeds Michael G. Polo, who was elected in 2023.
Lupo, previously National 1st Vice President, is a member of Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 in Smithtown, New York, and has been an OSDIA member for 41 years. As an active member of the New York Italian-American community, Lupo has served in various OSDIA positions at the national and state level, including as a Past President of the Grand Lodge of New York. Lupo was previously an executive in various positions for Standard & Poor’s, and currently works for Suffolk County, New York, as Assistant to Suffolk Country Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr.
The installation ceremony took place in Orlando, Florida, during OSDIA’s 59th Biennial National Convention (BNC), the largest and most significant gathering of the organization’s leadership from around the country.
In addition to Lupo, a new Supreme Council was installed, including the following officers: Comm. Joseph Sciame, Sons of Italy Foundation President; John Fratta, Commission for Social Justice President (nominated, confirmation pending); Kevin Caira, National 1st Vice President; Dr. Mark DeNunzio, National 2nd Vice President; Brian Andzik, National 3rd Vice President; Frank Gattuso Esq., National 4th Vice President; Robert Ferrito, National 5th Vice President; and Michael G. Polo, Immediate Past President. National trustees and line officers were also formally installed during the event.
Addressing the crowd after his installation, Lupo spoke about the significance of this new role and his priorities for the upcoming term.
“My vision for the Order Sons and
Daughters of Italy in America is one of national unity, strategic growth, expanded impact and renewed purpose,” he said, adding that strengthening our lodges at all levels remains a priority. “Our lodges are the heart of our organization, the places where friendships are forged, traditions are celebrated and support is offered,” he added.
Drawing on the importance of community, Lupo also expressed his goals of expanding community service and charitable endeavors, as well as engaging the next generation throughout the entire organization.
Though the BNC serves to install new national leadership, it is also an opportunity for hundreds of Italian-Americans from around the U.S. to network, engage with leadership and attend a variety of breakout sessions and cultural events throughout the week.
Among these events were award luncheons and galas, honoring dignitaries and leaders within the Italian-American community. This year’s honorees were:
The Hon. Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller (Guglielmo Marconi Award); Joanne Persico, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at St. John’s University (OSDIA Sports Award); Gianpiero Piovani, Head Coach of Inter Milan Women (OSDIA International Sports Award); Lynn Lawrence-Murphy (Vincenzo Sellaro Award); and Frank Panessa (Vincenzo Sellaro Award).
Each of the honorees were recognized for their contributions to the Italian-American community and for exemplifying the ideals under which OSDIA was founded: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
This year’s BNC was particularly significant, as it marked the 120th anniversary of OSDIA’s founding. OSDIA was founded in 1905 by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, an Italian immigrant who dreamed of strong ties and mutual support within the Italian-American community.
Since its humble origins as a mutual aid society in New York City, OSDIA now boasts more than 400 lodges throughout the U.S., Italy and Canada. It is also home to more than 100,000 members and family affiliates.
In addition to its large membership, OSDIA is also a leader in philanthropic efforts through its Sons of Italy Foundation, as well as anti-defamation and positive imaging efforts through its Commission for Social Justice. Through both arms, OSDIA has given tens of millions of dollars in scholarships and charitable donations and has been a leader in advocacy for the Italian-American community.
