Maria and Vincenzo DiPaolo are grand marshals Maria has won many honors for her contributions to preserving Italian heritage, culture

Cavaliere Maria Di Paolo 2023 Grand Marshal

Maria Di Paolo started her career as a real estate professional in 1975 with Redwood Realty Inc. where she was an immediate success utilizing her Italian language and working with dedication, honesty and care.

In 1978 she entered into the Real Estate Million Dollar Club and remained there for many years becoming broker and owner of Redwood Realty Inc.

In 2008, The Italian Tribune honored Maria as “Woman of the Year 2008.” She also received a commendation from the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders for her active involvement in promoting, protecting and preserving Italian Heritage, Traditions and Culture.

This honor was published in many newspapers including Il Ponte Rivista USA, Il Ponte News Italy, America Oggi and Il Mattino’ – a newspaper from the Campania Region in Italy, Maria’s home of origin.

In 2013, Maria was selected “Woman of the Year'' by the Morning Star Society of New York for her work in supporting a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

She also received the privilege of being sponsored by Cavaliere Mattia Ciipriano as “Dama Benemerita del Accademia Fed-

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eraione and “Nobile

Confraternita della Madonna del Rosario.”

Maria was also honored at the Feast of Culture & Friendship at Gavo Restaurant in Armonk, N.Y., where Princess Patrizia Livreri awarded her with two recognitions for her cultural and community service.

She is a member of the Center of Italian & Italian American Culture in Cedar Grove, N.J., a longtime member of the Verona Chapter of Commerce, a supporter of the New Jersey Opera and a supporter of the Center for the Arts Museum at Casa Colombo, Jersey City.

She also belongs to the Association of Guardia Lombardi (Avelino) of Mount Vernon, N.Y.

In 2014, she was honored by the Federation of Italian American Societies of New Jersey as “2014 Woman of the Year” and is currently actively involved with the Federation and an avid supporter of sponsoring the Italian Carabinieri for their participation in the New York and Nutley Belleville Columbus Day Parades.

Maria is happily married to Vincenzo Di Paolo, successful founder and former owner of Di Paolo Bakery in Verona.

They have a wonderful family that includes children, grandchildren and many special friends.