IL CAVALIERE OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN...

IL CAVALIEREVOL. 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 T A L I A N L E G I O N S O F M E R I T

The night belonged to Dominic Mas-saro. As, indeed, he deserved. Notwith-standing ample recognition of LucioCaputo and Lawrence Auriana, each aCavaliere di Gran Croce newly elected aspresident and secretary general of theSociety, respectively (see related story),speakers at the 45th Annual Dinner con-tinued to re-focus on the jurist (and, itmust be said, lauded CongressmanFrank Guarini, invested with Italy’s high-est grand cross decoration).

Stepping down as president follow-ing three successful terms as the Soci-ety’s chief executive, Justice Massaro’ssix years in office marked the longestand, on the written record, surely themost visible administration since theSociety’s founding after World War II.

Cavalieri from across the nationrenewed bonds of fraternity at theevent, which was held on Friday, Decem-ber 3, filling to capacity one of NewYork’s most sought-after ballrooms: TheUnion League Club on Park Avenue. Theelegant black tie dinner party, under thepatronage of His Excellency Giulio Terzidi Sant’Agata, Ambassador of Italy to theUnited States, played host to a fullhouse. Chairing with her usual preci-sion was Gr. Uff. RoseMarie Gallina-San-tangelo, assisted by Comm. Dott. Clau-dio C. Cifoni, Cav. Giulio Picolli andComm. Dr. Aileen Riotto-Sirey, co-chairs.

The dinner followed on the heels of aprior day of meetings of the Society’sboard and general membership at theConsulate General of Italy (see story onpage 2). That evening, a lecture was giv-en at the Society’s Columbus Town-house headquarters followed by a wel-coming reception (see story on page 4).

45th Meeting and Gala Success

Dr. Lucio Caputo, since1987 president of the Inter-national Trade Center inNew York, a public relationsfirm created to expand thepresence of Italian productsand services in the UnitedStates, has been namedPresident of the AmericanSociety of the Italian Legionsof Merit.

The Society, which isnational in scope, is com-prised of those who becauseof some personal quality orbecause of some specialservice have been decoratedin a chivalric Order conferredby the Republic of Italy.Throughout the UnitedStates, there are some 700-odd cavalieri so decorated,enrolled mainly either in theOrder of Merit of the ItalianRepublic or the Order of theItalian Star of Solidarity.Both are internationally rec-ognized state orders.

A high personality for fourdecades, the new presidentis well known on both sidesof the Atlantic. He is one ofonly eighteen individuals res-ident in the United States tohold Italy’s highest decora-tion, Cav. di Gran Croce theOrder of Merit. Joining himin office as Secretary Generalof the Society is anothergrand cross decorato ,Lawrence E. Auriana, among

the nation’s leading ItalianAmerican figures.

Lucio CaputoThe former Italian Trade

Commissioner in New York,Dr. Caputo established thelargest Italian Governmentcommercial office in theworld. Afterwards, in a vari-ety of private endeavors, hedistinguished himself in sig-nificant ways in favor ofItaly’s economic growththrough stimulating com-merce in the shops andstores that serve the Ameri-can consumer. In particular,his business acumen andprofessional approach inconducting promotional ini-tiatives and trade shows ofall kinds has contributedgreatly to the high profileand wide acceptance of the“Made in Italy” label in thecompetitive American mar-ketplace.

Dr. Caputo is the founderand president of the non-profit Italian Wine and FoodInstitute, and serves as pres-ident of the Gruppo Espo-nenti Italiani (GEI), com-prised of the most impor-tant Italian entities doingbusiness in the UnitedStates. Active in ItalianAmerican circles as well, heserves as Secretary of theConference of Presidents of

Major Italian AmericanOrganizations.

Listed in “Who’s Who inthe World,” he was first con-ferred by Italy in 1974; in2003 he received Italy’s high-est decoration from Presi-dent Ciampi. Born in Sicily,he received a degree in Jour-nalism and doctorates inLaw and Political Science, allfrom the University of Paler-mo. He was an editor of theGiornale di Sicilia, one ofItaly’s major daily newspa-pers. Admitted to the bar,he began a legal career. Fol-lowing completion of mili-tary service as a lieutenantin the Italian Air Force, hejoined Italy’s Foreign TradeInstitute, seeing assign-ments to London and HongKong. In Philadelphia, hebecame the youngest Ital-ian Trade Commissionerabroad, arriving in New Yorkin 1972, where he still resideswith his wife.

In 1975, he founded theItalian Wine Center, conduct-

Caputo Takes HelmAuriana Secretary General;Officers for 2011-12 in Place

continued on page 2

Cav. di Gran Croce Dr. Lucio Caputo

continued on page 8

The evening of the dinner was memorable. Guests ascend-ed a seasonally decorated marble staircase to the main floorreception room guarded by plumed carabinieri at attention infull dress uniform. Cocktails flowed; hors d’oeuvres werepassed. A silent auction was offered.

Upward to the second floor Concert Hall, anthems of Italy,the European Union and the United States were followed byselections masterfully performed by the international vocal-ist Cristina Fontanelli. A live auction followed. Guests werethen ushered into the Club’s third floor, two-story mahoganypaneled ballroom. It was festooned for the holidays withsparkling wreaths, the tables set in antique gold satin accent-ed with cream colored roses, holly leaves and burgundy buds.

Master of CeremoniesAccredited diplomats mixed with high military, church and

government personalities, as well as numerous decorati con-ferred with orders of chivalry other than those of Italy, whichadded color and interest to the evening. With carabinieriflanking the podium, master of ceremonies Caputo movedthe program, calling upon Gr. Uff. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio todeliver the invocation.

Toasts were then offered by seven toastmasters: Comm.Joseph Del Raso, President of the National Italian AmericanFoundation: “To the President of the Republic of Italy, ‘Head’ ofall Italian Orders of Chivalry”; Comm. Joseph Di Trapani, Pres-

IL CAVALIEREAMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT

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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.

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Il Cavaliere is an official publication of theAmerican Society of the Italian Legions ofMerit, a not-for-profit, tax exempt organizationlegally incorporated in the State of New York.

45th Annual Meeting and Gala SuccessCONTINUED FROM COVER

Welcomed by Italy’s Consul General in New York, MinisterFrancesco M. Talò, at the imposing Park Avenue ConsulateGeneral, the Society’s Board of directors convened its 45thannual meeting on Thursday, December 3. As reported to theGeneral Membership meeting which followed, its actionsincluded:

- continuing support for outreach to ambassadors fromItaly’s neighboring countries assigned to the UnitedNations and the United States;

- continuing support for the Companion(s) of Merit pro-gram open to members of other recognized chivalricorders;

- continuing support for the Mini Grant program;- calling for the reinstatement by the American College

Board of the nationwide Advance Placement Italian Lan-guage examination;

- calling for the continued monitoring of United States sup-port vis-a-vis the non-marginalization of Italy in any reor-ganization of the United Nations Security Council;

- hiring of a Society executive director.◆

continued on page 5

Board Actions

Well done! New York Supreme Court JusticeDominic R. Massaro, outgoing president (center),accepts a leather bound gift of Michaud’s monumen-tal 19th century masterpiece, two-volume History ofthe Crusades, illustrated by Gustave Doré. Incomingpresident Dr. Lucio Caputo and RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo, Society chief of protocol, do the honors.

Consul General Talò, in his comments at the boardof directors meeting, called Massaro’s work with theSociety “likewise monumental.”◆


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Frank J. Guarini, of New Jersey, hasbeen named Cavaliere di GranCroce of the Italian Order of

Merit. His naming brings to eighteenthose residing in the United Stateswho 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 YorkUniversity School of Law, and pursued advanced studies atThe Hague Academy of International Law in the Nether-lands.

During World War II, Mr. Guarini received a naval com-mission and saw active combat as a young Lieutenant inthe Pacific Theater. He received the Naval CommendationMedal and three Battle Stars.

Admitted to the practice of law in New Jersey, New York,the District of Columbia and before the United StatesSupreme Court, he served for many years on the NationalBoard of Governors of the American Trial Lawyers Associa-tion.

A member of the New Jersey State Senate for twoterms, he went on to serve for seven terms in the UnitedStates House of Representatives from the State. Guariniwas a delegate to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO) Convention in London, and was subsequentlyappointed by President Clinton to serve as U.S. Representa-tive to the General Assembly of the United Nations. Uponretiring from Congress, he became active in major develop-ment projects along the New Jersey Waterfront.

The Congressman’s extensive involvement in civic affairsincludes service on the National Board of Governors of theAmerican Red Cross; chairman of the Board of Regentsand trustee of St. Peter’s College in New Jersey; and as atrustee and important benefactor of John Cabot Universi-ty in Rome. He served as both president and chairman ofthe National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) in Wash-ington, D.C., and was instrumental in the recent effort torestore Italian Language Advanced Placement testing bythe American College Board. First decorated by Italy in1992, he is a long time supporter of the American Society ofthe Italian Legions of Merit.◆

CongressmanGuarini Gran Croce

American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS 2011-2012

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

DIRECTORS

Gr. Uff.Hon. Guido Calabresi

CHANCELLOR

Cav. di Gran CroceH.E. F. Paolo Fulci

SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE (ROME)

Comm.George M. Pavia, Esq.

COUNSELOR

Gr. Uff.RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo

CHIEF OF PROTOCOL

Comm. Robert V. Allegrini

NORTH CENTRAL

Cav.Dr. Thomas Bellavia

MID-ATLANTIC

Cav.Kevin A. Caira

NORTHEAST

Comm.Dr. Eugene Casagrande

SOUTHWEST

Comm.Frank J. DeSantis

PACIFIC

Uff.Mark Fehrs Haukohl

SOUTHEAST

Comm. Stefano Acunto ‘12Comm. Robert J. Barbera ‘11

Gr. Uff. John F. Calvelli ‘12Gr. Uff. Marco Cangialosi ‘12

Comm. Dr. Claudio C. Cifoni ‘12

Comm. Joseph Colagiovanni ‘11Comm. Beatrice H. Guthrie. ‘11Cav. Marcella Leonetti-Tyler ‘11

H.E. Cesare Maria Ragaglini, ex officioH.E. Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, ex officio

Cav. di Gran CroceDr. Lucio Caputo

PRESIDENT

Uff.Hon. Marie L. GaribaldiEXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Cav. di Gran CroceLawrence E. Auriana

SECRETARY GENERAL

Cav.Salvatore M. Salibello

TREASURER

Cav. di Gran CroceFrank J. Guarini

Hon. Francesco M. Talò, ex officio

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORFilomena Ricciardi

Cav.Mary Ann Anselmi-Ravarino

WEST

Cav. di Gran CroceHon. Dominic R. Massaro

CHAIRMAN


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Risorgimento Lecture Timely“Il Risorgimento: Art Portraying History”

was offered to a full house audience byComm. Marco Grassi as the Society’s 2010annual lecture. Professor Grassi, a gradu-ate of Princeton known on both sides of theAtlantic, is a distinguished art historian andconservator. Held at its Columbus Town-house headquarters as part of two days ofmeetings and gala dinner, the topic was atimely choice in light of the upcoming cele-bration of the 150th Anniversary of the Uni-fication of Italy.

As the title suggests, the accent of thelecture was on preceding events of the long and violent nation-al struggle toward unification - - as seen by artists who wereoften, 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 ofsoldiers at war.

The revolutionary movements that percolated throughoutItaly after the re-establishment of the status quo in 1815 follow-ing the fall of Napoleon came to a violent head in 1848. Theexpulsion of the Austrians in the North was followed by two“wars of national independence.” These events were recordedby artists varied in their styles.

The principal protagonists of the Risorgimento - - the political

philosopher Mazzini, the warrior Garibaldi,and the statesman Cavour, along with KingVictor Emanuel II of Sardinia - - were also thesubjects of portraits. Giuseppe Garibaldi, “thehero of the two worlds,” was particularlyfavored by artists inspired by his legendaryfeats of daring and utter devotion to thenationalist cause. Contrasting, MicheleGordigiani’s Portrait of Countess Castiglioneadded a note of glamour and intrigue: shebecame the mistress of Emperior Napoleon IIIof France, and probably spied on him forCavour in aid of the Italian cause.

One artist, remembered as a true martyr of the Risorgimen-to, was Ippolito Caffi. His Victor Emanuel II Entering Naples in1860 recorded a pivotal moment of the struggle, uniting theBourbon Kingdom with that of the Savoy, but he was to perishin 1866 at the Battle of Lissa, accompanying a naval expeditionduring the last phase of yet a “third war of independence.”The talk ended, appropriately, with a stirring depiction ofBersaglieri at Porta Pia by Michele Cammarano. The victoriousevent, adding Rome to the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, was theculminating moment of the struggle for unification.

The lecture was followed by a convivial reception, hosted byCav. di Gran Croce Lawrence E. Auriana, the Society’s new Sec-retary General.◆

“The principal protaginists:the political philosopherMazzini, the warrior

Garibaldi and the statesman Cavour…”

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 81 Comm. Prof. Marco Grassi, the evening lecturer2 William Bernhard, Cristina Grassi and Sharon Flesher3 Cav. Julius Demarcus Jackson, KHS4 Donald Fox and Annabelle Mariaca5 Catharine Cahill and Marie Fe’ Hernandez

6 Uff. John Leopoldo Fiorilla, Esq. 7 Adolfo Cosi8 Irene Grassi and her husband Steven Osborne9 Cristina Fontanelli and Gr. Uff. RoseMarie Gallina Santangelo

Photos by Cav. Vito Catalano

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ident of the Order Sons of Italy in America: “To the AmericanSociety of the Italian Legions of Merit”; Uff. Joseph Sciame,Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major ItalianAmerican Organizations: “To the 150th Anniversary of theUnification of Italy”; Comm. Stefano Acunto, Chairman of TheItalian Academy Foundation: “To the 500th Anniversary ofPalladio”; Cav. Prof. Anthony J. Tamburri, Dean of the John D.Calandra Italian American Institute: “To the resumption ofItalian Language testing by the American College Board”;Colonel Giuseppe Coco, Military Attache at Italian Mission tothe United Nations: “To the allied American and Italian mili-tary forces in the War on Terrorism”; and Comm. Dr. AileenSirey, Chairperson of the National Organization of ItalianAmerican Women: “To the United States of America.” Eachtoast brought forth a hearty “Hear, Hear” from the assem-blage. Numerous personalities in the audience were thenannounced.

President’s RemarksWhen Lucio Caputo brought the out-going president to

the podium, he did so with the words “some daydream aboutwhat must be done, Dominic does it; he regained the Society’soriginal luster, refocused on its high purpose, re-instilled itssense of mandate.”

Massaro, of course, can best be identified with posturingthe Society as a constant monitor - - some might say fiercewatchdog - - of White House policy vis-a-vis the non-mar-ginalization of Italy in any reorganization of the UnitedNations Security Council. His strong stance on repatriatingItalian art and artifacts illicitly removed to the United Statesgained high praise for the Society from Italy’s cultural author-ities, as did his “Italy’s Good Neighbor” program from foreignministry officials. This a program which outreaches to desig-

45th Annual Meeting and Gala SuccessCONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

continued on page 9

Cav. di Gran Croce Dr. Lucio Caputo

Cav. di Gran Croce Justice Dominic Massaro

Gr. Uff. Bishop Nicholas Di Marzio

Cav. di Gran Croce Ambassador Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata

1 The Concert Hall at capacity2 Dama Carole Acunto (DML) introduces the featured performer 3 Opera singer Cristina Fontanelli

4 Comm. Dott. Vincent A. Zuccarelli, Comm. Prof. Robert V. Piluso,KCHS and Cav. Antonio Rummo, KHS


1 2 3 4


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1 2 3

1 Comm. Giorgio and Antonia Pavia, Esq. 2 Comm. Salvatore Salibello and Uff., Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi3 Loyse Berardi and Rebecca Madsen4 Comm. Robert Allegrini5 Colonel Giuseppe Coco6 Cav. Prof. Anthony Julian Tamburri, Ph.D.7 Comm. Renata Archini De Giovanni8 Newark Consul Dott. Andrea Barbaria

9 Comm. Dott. Claudio C. Cifoni10 Comm. Frank J. De Santis11 Uff. Joseph Sciame and Maria Beard Plante12 Cav. Dott. Riccardo Strano13 Comm. Aileen Riotto Sirey, Ph.D.14 Mary Ann Re, Ph.D 15 Comm., Dr. and Mrs. Eugene R. Casagrande16 Leandro Rizzuto, Jr.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16


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17 18 19

17 Cav. Dott. Berardo Paradiso and Gr. Uff. Angelo Gimondo, Ph.D. 18 Stephen Madsen, Esq. and Comm. Stefano Acunto19 Comm. Joseph and Anna Maria Del Raso, Esq.20 Nina and Frank Truglio21 Cav., Dr. Thomas Bellavia and his wife, Teresa

with Judge William Martini22 Rita “Babe” Rizzuto and Suzie Rizzuto Flanchaum23 Cav. Ferruccio Milani and Gr. Uff. RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo

24 Cav. Angelo Vivolo and Uff. Justice Eugene L. Nardelli25 Cav. di Gr. Cr. Lawrence E. Auriana and Ambassador

Umberto Vattani, President, Italian Trade Commission 26 Cav. Thomas Pecora, KM 27 Estella and Michael Zampardi28 Gr. Uff. Dott. Vincenzo Centofanti


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21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28


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ing massive marketing, advertising and promotional efforts,which saw the wines of Italy come to dominate the market forimported wine in the United States.

He started the Italian Tile Center in 1979 to educate Americansabout the quality and versatility of ceramic tiles from Italy, andfollowed this with the Italian Fashion Center, the Italian JewelryCenter and the Italian Shoe Center. In 1981 Dr. Caputo opened theItalian Trade Center, which, in short order, became the largesttrade center of any foreign country in the United States. In 1982he became president of Ital Trade USA, promoting and marketingItalian products here. Active on the lecture circuit as a specialiston economic and international trade topics, he has served asexecutive chair on numerous committees in charge of organiz-ing the programs for visits of foremost Italian Government rep-resentatives to the United States.

Lawrence E. AurianaAmong the nation’s leading Italian American personalities,

Lawrence E. Auriana was conferred Cavaliere di Gran Croce inItaly’s Order of Merit by President Napolitano in 2009; he wasfirst knighted by Italy in 2002.

Raised in Manhattan’s East Harlem, he went on via FordhamUniversity to Wall Street, and, in 1986, co-founded the FederatedKaufman Fund. Today, the ten billion dollar enterprise is thebest performing mid-cap growth fund in the United States,according to analytical services. In 2001 the fund was sold to Fed-erated Investors under a long-term management contract.

One of the world’s most extensive collectors of 20th CenturyItalian sport cars, Mr. Auriana also has a prized collection of Ital-ian graphic art that dates to the last days of the 19th Century. Ele-ments of both collections are often “on loan” for public display.

As chairman of the ColumbusCitizens Foundation, he fostered itstwo million dollar annual scholar-ship program and promoted NewYork’s Columbus Day Parade, thelargest celebration of Italian her-itage in the world. Nor was he hes-itant to use the Foundation’s pulpitin challenging the biggest namesin Hollywood in defense of ItalianAmerican imagery. Other commit-ments include the presidency ofBoys’ Town of Italy and director-ships of the American Universityof Rome and the National ItalianAmerican Foundation (NIAF). Mr.Auriana is a long-time benefactor of the Society.

Founder of the Filangieri Philosophical Society of America, asponsor of the PBS documentary about the history of theGiglio festival, he has been recognized on both sides of theAtlantic. In 2004, he received Milan’s Il Sigillo Lombardo and aProclamation of Merit from New York’s City Council. In 2003, hereceived the Primo per Gli Italiani nel Mondo from the Ministryof Italians Abroad. The American University in Rome grantedhim an honorary degree in humane letters and the Associationof Italian American Educators presented him with its Leader-ship Award, both in 2002.

Mr. Auriana resides in Greenwich, Connecticut, with his wifeand daughter.

Two other officers newly elected include Gr. Uff. John F. Calvel-li, Esq., of New York, executive vice president at the World WildlifeConservation Society, and businessman Gr. Uff. Marco Can-gialosi, of New Jersey. All of the remaining officers and directorswhose terms expired in 2010 were re-elected through Decem-ber 31, 2012.◆

Caputo Takes HelmCONTINUED FROM COVER

Cavaliere di Gran CroceLawrence E. Auriana

Perella Named toOrder of Merit

Since 1993, Joseph Perella had been identified with “MorganStanley,” one of the world’s foremost financial groups. Withhigh grades from Leigh, a master’s from Harvard and a stint atFirst Boston where he directed “mergers and acquisitions,” in2006 he formed his current financial company, Perella Wein-berg, with offices in New York and London. A benefactor to bothhis alma mater and Yale, his service to the Italian American Can-cer Foundation, Italian Culture and Art Foundaton and theColumbus Citizens Foundation, to name but three, were cited inthe motivation for his decoration as Cavaliere of Italy’s Order ofMerit.

Shown, Consul General Francesco M. Talò (at left) presentsthe diploma marking the occasion, a highlight of the Society’s45th annual dinner.◆


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nated “Companions of Dignity,” that is,ambassadors posted to Washington, D.C.,and at the United Nations in New Yorkfrom Italy’s neighboring countries in theMediterranean.

Massaro’s recasting of the Society’shighest accolade into a Gold Medal limit-ed to heads of state and leaders of govern-ment brought great international pres-tige. Three presidents (Ciampi, Bush andNapolitano) and two legislative leaders (Pelosi and Fini) haveaccepted it at the Quirinale Palace, the White House and inthe Halls of Parliament and of Congress in Rome and Wash-ington. All the while, membership increased and the awardingof grants multiplied.

With kudos to RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo, “my nearestcollaborator these past half dozen years,” and affectionateregard for Ambassador Terzi “dear Giulio, friend of long stand-ing with whom I’ve stood on many a rampart,” Massaro spoketo the United States-Italy transatlantic relationship in hisremarks, delivered with the full force and vigor for which he isknown. “The Society stands firm,” he emphasized, “in thebelief that whenever the best interests of the United Statescan be better served by supporting the best interests of hertrustworthy friend and ally, Italy, it is our consensus that thesebest interests be supported. Continuing, he noted, “it fol-lows, in any rational calculus of American foreign policy-mak-ing, that Italy’s proven track record over many decades pro-vides a bright line to the strategic logic of supporting herinclusion, at the highest levels, in the ever-evolving interna-tional context of guaranteeing peace, insuring security, pro-tecting human rights and providing for global governance.”

Switching to informality, he ruminated “on what I mightsay tonight particularly in last utterance as President of theSociety. I was perplexed: should I insight a prophetic observa-tion?, perhaps intone a somber pronouncement?, maybe solil-oquize a discourse? But I had an epiphany passing a favoriterestaurant which had closed without notice or forwardingaddress. A handwritten sign on the door provided the answer,said it all. It read: “Gone fishing. Thanks for everything. It’sbeen great.” His audience loved it and gave him almost a fullminute standing ovation.

Ambassador’s RemarksAmbassador Terzi opened with the glib repost that he

knows, following two decades of friendship, that “the judgedoesn’t fish,” guaranteeing the audience that “he will con-tinue, indefatigably, to be there for our Society, continue toinstill in our association those strong ideals which distin-guish the history and culture of Italians in the United States.”Crediting Massaro as “one of our community’s most influen-tial and effective troubleshooters,” he observed: “In a sense,

Dominic was the Society for all theseyears, and certainly gave it uniquemomentum. Under him, the Society hasgrown, both in importance and image.”Contrasting, he likened Massaro’s threeterms of leadership to “replacing whatwas a pathway to Italy to a great eight-lane bridge, a veritable ‘golden bridge’between our two countries.”

The ambassador, well known to andwell appreciated by his audience, began his prepared remarksby observing “the affinities between our countries are embed-ded in history, in the quintessential values of the Risorgimen-to,” referencing the upcoming 150th Anniversary of the Unifi-cation of Italy in 2011. “No other periods of Italian and Amer-ican history have as much in common as the decades leading,on the Italian side, to the Risorgimento and, on the Americanside, to the end of the Civil War. The principles of man’s free-dom and dignity were pivotal in leading the Italian peopleto unity. In America, they led President Lincoln to aspire to aUnion where all men were equal, thus implementing thepromise held in the Declaration of Independence. AbrahamLincoln and Giuseppe Garibaldi are historical giants who ver-ily embody that enormous struggle for freedom.”

Turning to language as a foundation of national identity, hecommented “Every decorato is a partner in our collectiveeffort to ensure that the Italian language continues to bespread, studied and enhanced; we could not better celebratethe 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy. And, indeed,this association was the first to answer the call for actionwhich ultimately led to reinstating AP Italian Language test-ing by the American College Board for advanced college cred-it.” He noted that 27,000 American students go to Italy eachyear for study.

Touching upon the bilateral relationship between the coun-tries, the ambassador pointed to “Italy’s vision of security asbeing solidly centered on our friendship with the U.S. Italianforeign policy is fully consistent with American objectives onall the most crucial aspects of current international affairs,” heemphasized to applause.

“In the most challenging situations - - such as Afghanistan:Washington looks at Italy as a reference model. Just a fewdays ago, at the Lisbon Summit, President Obama said: “whencountries like Italy are willing to come in and step up - - that’sa testament to the confidence they have in our plans toachieve our ultimate end in Afghanistan”, he noted.

The ambassador closed his remarks with “the honor ofconferring my country’s highest decoration on a leading figurein the Italian American community, one widely recognizedand whose exceptional dedication is matched only by his per-sonal generosity for our shared cultural patrimony: Congress-man Frank Guarini (see story on page 3).”◆

45th Annual Meeting and Gala SuccessCONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

A handwritten sign on the door said it all:

“Gone fishing. Thanks for every thing.

It’s been great.”


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In Memoriam…Frank Stella,

Led NIAFGr. Uff. Frank D. Stella, of Michigan, Chairman Emeritus of the

National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and a long-timeSociety director, has died at 91. Enjoying an illustrious career asa successful entrepreneur, civic personality and public servant, hisname has been a household one in Italian American leadershipcircles for the past six decades.

A graduate of the University of Detroit, and with World War IIservice behind him (entering the Army Air Corps in 1941 as aprivate and discharged five years later as a major), in 1946 hefounded The F.D. Stella Products Company, in Detroit. The com-pany designs and distributes large scale food services and com-mercial dining equipment.

Listed in Who’s Who, his biography is a litany of achievementhighlighted by appointment to numerous boards, commissionsand delegations under five presidents - - Nixon, Ford, Reagan,Bush and Clinton. A regular on the White House dinner list togreat visiting Italian dignitaries, for many years as chairman ofthe National Republican Heritage Groups Council, he interactedwith numerous nationality leaders across the nation. He sawservice as a trustee of his alma mater, of the North American Col-lege in Rome, of John Hopkins University, and of Ave Maria Uni-versity in Naples, Florida.

On the local level, directorships included the Michigan Opera,Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Public Television, DetroitHistorical Society and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, aswell as service on the boards of numerous medical researchfacilities. A leader in the revitalization of Detroit, mayors and gov-ernors also utilized his acumen on a variety of government com-mittees. He continued to chair Detroit’s Income Tax Board ofReview until quite recently. Any number of universities con-ferred him with honorary doctorates, as far back as GentiumPacem University in Rome in 1979 up to and including Cleary Uni-versity in Howell, Michigan, in 2005.

First conferred with Italy’s Order of Merit in 1983, he was acharter 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 givenboth here and in Italy, was “Man of the Year” time and timeagain (including the Society’s in 1986), and received the EllisIsland Medal of Honor, Naples’ International Guido Durso Prizeand the University of Rome’s “Humanitarian Leadership Award.”In addition to his high Italian conferral, he was a Knight of theRoman Catholic Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.◆

Helen Boehm, Princess of Porcelain

Comm. Helen Boehm, a self-made businesswoman knownas the Princess of Porcelain, founded the E.M. Boehm Studios inTrenton in 1950 with a $1,000 loan. Under her stewardship, thecompany grew into a multimillion-dollar business, employingmore than 400, with outlets in high-end stores and show-rooms in leading cities. For six decades, her company’s elabo-rate sculptures graced the coffee tables of numerous heads ofstate. Ill for some years, she died at home in West Palm Beach,Florida. She was 89.

Launching the business with her husband, Edward Mar-shall Boehm, whom she married in 1944, neither knew a thingabout porcelain. He was trained in animal husbandry, shewas an optician. But Mr. Boehm was also a gifted sculptor ofanimals as a pastime, and she a natural promoter.

Highly collectible, Boehm porcelains often depict flora andfauna and are known for their handpainted colors and lifelikedetail. Pieces can be found in museum collections, includingthe Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Vatican. Theyhave been owned by luminaries like Queen Elizabeth II, PopeJohn Paul II and Sophia Loren.

In a marketing coup scored decades ago, Boehm pieces havebeen presented to every United States president from Eisen-hower to Obama. For years they have been the de facto stategift from the White House to foreign dignitaries.

After Mr. Boehm’s death in 1969, she continued to run thecompany with characteristic savvy. She was named Com-mendatore of Italy’s Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity in1974. Among her many recognitions, she received the prizedAmita Award in 1976. In 1985 she authored a memoir, “With aLittle Luck: An American Odyssey” (Rawson).

The daughter of working-class Italian immigrants, ElenaFranzolini was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Bensonhurst.Her father, a cabinetmaker, died when she was 13, and Helen, asshe was known, worked as a dressmaker to help support thefamily. As a young woman, she became an optician. Mrs.Boehm leaves no immediate survivors.◆

HELPCORNERCavalieri who may have mislaid their rosetta or spilla

and wish to replace this lapel insignia or pin (or anyother decoration device for that matter) are invited towrite to: Gr. Uff. RoseMarie Gallina Santangelo, Chief ofProtocol, American Society of the Italian Legions ofMerit, Eight East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021.

Replacements are available at nominal cost accordingto specified rank.

Errata CorrigeWith great pleasure we retract the erroneous reporting of

Cav. Frank M. Grazioso, Esq., of Connecticut, in a recent “In Memo-riam”. Cav. Grazioso is in his customary vibrant and productivemode and we offer him our most sincere apology.◆


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Cavalieri who receive honors and other recognitions shouldsend information and a bust photograph to: Editor, Il Cav-aliere, American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit,Eight East 69th Street, New York, New York 10021.

Comm. Stefano Acunto (New York) honored by theDante Society of Nassau County.

Cav. Gilda Rorro Baldassarri (New Jersey) appointedChair of the Italian and Italian American HeritageCommission.

Cav. Mary Anselmi Ravarino (Utah) honored with theDistinguished Woman Award by the Salt Lake Citychapter of the American Association of the Universi-ty Women.

Uff. Joseph Sciame (New York) promoted in rank to Uffi-ciale in the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.

Cavalieriin the news…

October 6, 2010: by invitation of Hon.Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of theCity of New York, on the occasion of areception in favor of Italian Heritageand Culture Month.

October 9, 2010: by invitation of FrankFusaro, President of the Columbus Cit-izens Foundation, on the occasion ofthe 64th Annual New York City Colum-bus Day Banquet.

October 11, 2010: by invitation of H.E. Tim-othy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York,on the occasion of the 33rd AnnualColumbus Day Mass.

November 4, 2010: by invitation of Cav.di Gran Croce Baroness Mariuccia Zer-illi-Marimò, on the occasion of the20th Anniversary of the Casa ItalianaZerilli-Marimò.

November 6, 2010: by invitation of Comm.Stefano Acunto, publisher of Il Cavaliere,on the occasion of a reception in favor ofH.E. Ambassador Giorgio Radicati.

November 15, 2010: by invitation of Cav.Berardo Paradiso, Delegate of theItalian Academy of Cuisine, on the5th Anniversary of the New YorkChapter.

December 10, 2010: by invitation of Cav. diGran Croce Carl J. Morelli, Esq. (KGCML),American Delegate of the House ofSavoy, on the occasion of the Ballo diSavoia under the patronage of T.R.H.Prince Victor Emanuel and PrincessMarina of Savoy.

CronacaSince 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:

Cav. Francesco Camera, TexasCav. Maria Rosaria Corbo, New YorkComm. Luigi Maria De Luca, MarylandGr. Uff. Valter Della Nebbia TexasCav. Alessandro Di Bagno Guidi, TexasCav. Robert Freda, New JerseyCav. Abele Galletti, CaliforniaUff. Dr. Vincenzo Genovese, PennsylvaniaCol. Eugene V. Lombardo, New YorkComm. Anthony Magliulo, New York

Comm. William Mason, IllinoisUff. Albert R. Materazzi, MarylandCav. Frank Micale, CaliforniaUff. Paul M. Montrone, New HampshireCav. Leo Moriconi, MichiganComm. Anthony Piccinini, MichiganCav. Daniel M. Rendine, Esq., PennsylvaniaCav. Serena Scaiola Ziska, OhioCav. Paul Sorvino, PennsylvaniaCav. Sadowa Spadola, New YorkComm. Giuliano Testa, IllinoisComm. Gianfranco Zaccai, Massachussets

Cavalieri Whereabouts???The Society has lost contactwith the following cavalieri. If you know of any currenthome address or where-abouts, please let us know at: (646) 430-0481 or [email protected] .

In an emotional White House ceremony attended by top militarybrass, President Obama presented the nation’s highest award for val-or to Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore A. Giunta. He earned it on the battle-field fighting against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. The grand-son of Italian immigrants, Giunta, a native of Iowa, is now stationedin Italy.◆

Giunta Awarded CongressionalMedal of Honor

Eight East 69th StreetNew York, N.Y. 10021


FIRST CLASSPRESORT

U.S. POSTAGE

PA I DPARAMUS, NJ

PERMIT NO. 129

Cavalieri from throughout the Southeast gathered in Houston to welcome Italy’s new Consul General for the region, FabrizioNava, at a reception chaired by the renowed collector of Florentine art and Society regional vice-president Uff. Mark FehrsHaukohl.

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 wasthe second country, after the United Kingdom, to recognize Italian unity.

Seen on the occasion:

Texas Welcome to Nava

1 Consul General Fabrizio Nava and his wife Montserrat Marquezwith Uff. Mark Fehrs Haukohl

2 Mrs. and Uff. Robert Marchesi3 Uff. and Mrs. Achille Arcidiacono

4 Gr. Uff. Giorgio Borlenghi5 Mariana Servitje and Robert Sakowitz6 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mandola7 Mrs. Sandra Celli-Harris and Mr. George Abbey

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