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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Each year, the Staten Island Italian Club Foundation hosts its Patsy Serra Sr. Awards Dinner to recognize a dedicated member whose community spirit, leadership and selflessness have greatly benefited not only the organization but also Staten Island.
Mr. Serra, who passed away in 2014, was one of the founders of the Italian Club. He was an active member of the club for nearly 60 years and a staunch supporter of its charitable work.
The evening, held in Ligreti, honored Dr. John P. Piazza, a club member and leading expert in chiropractic care.
The evening also serves as an opportunity to welcome new members to the venerable organization.
The five new members inducted into the Italian Club by Carmine Manna are Riki Cacici, Rico D’Amelio, Joseph Tirone, Vincent Bonomi and Al Lambert.
Anthony Maniscalco, Patsy Serra Sr. Award Chair and past club president, explained, “This annual award is given to a member who has contributed greatly to the club over the past year with their friendship and generous spirit. Sadly, Patsy passed away in 2014. Patsy was an active member of the club for nearly 60 years and supported charitable efforts throughout that time. When he passed away, his family established an award in his name and has continued to preserve his legacy. One of the greatest honors for me is to have been selected as the first recipient of this award. Previous club members who have received the award include the late Carlo Montalbano, Victor Popolano, James Meeradi, Joseph Zicitella and Michael Licitra.”
Maniscalco continued, “After much deliberation by a committee of past recipients, we have unanimously decided that the following individuals contributed most “in many ways” to the Club in the past year and possess all of the traits that would bring a smile to Patsy’s face.”
“Receiving the Patsy Serra Award is not only a personal honor, but also a tribute to the tenacity and hard work of my great-grandparents and all Italian immigrants who came to America with dreams of a better future,” said Dr. Piazza. “This recognition reaffirms the values of family, pride and loyalty that my parents instilled in me and which I strive to pass on to my son.”
About Dr. John P. Piazza
Dr. Piazza is a graduate of Life Chiropractic College and the City University of New York.
His professional life has been marked by numerous accolades and leadership roles. He has served as President of the New York Chiropractic Association District 5 and is an active member of the New York Chiropractic Council and the American Chiropractic Association. In 2014, he was appointed to the Staten Island Health and Wellness Advisory Board by former Borough President James Oddo.
Dr. Piazza is a frequent speaker on sports related injuries and has been featured as an expert on the subject on television and in print. His passion for education is evident in his guest lectures at St. John’s University and at numerous medical and chiropractic seminars.
His influence also extends to the next generation of athletes through the Sports Science Lab he co-founded with his wife Susan, which evaluates each athlete’s motor, neurological, musculoskeletal and aerobic fitness.
The Institute also partners with Nike to conduct research into science-backed methods to help elite athletes perform at their best and reduce injuries, and athletes from around the world visit the Institute for its innovative approaches.
Dr. Piazza has served on several boards, including the St. Paul School of Nursing, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens, the Da Vinci Society of Wagner College, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and Business Guild 3.
He is most proud of his family: his wife of 25 years, Susan, and his 15-year-old son, Maximillian, an actor with a lengthy professional career.
About the Staten Island Italian Club Foundation
Founded in 1950 by eight prominent Italian-Americans, it aims to “increase understanding among Italian-American business and professional leaders and promote awareness of Italian culture” and raises funds for charitable, philanthropic and educational organizations.
The club will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025.
Over the years, the group has engaged in community involvement on many levels, including establishing a student scholarship program and hosting numerous food distribution drives.
From the original eight members, membership has grown to well over 1,000 today.
To date, the club has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships.
Celebrations – July 7th to July 13th
Sunday marks the birthdays of Jack Nicklas Pedersen, Phil Britten Jr., Betty Ann Dalton, John Percoco Jr., Rachel Zuman Roman, Beth Fennell, Andrew Rappa, Steven Bye, Breanne Sweeney, attorney Ted Parnese and his daughter, Leila Rose Parnese.
Happy wedding anniversary to Lorraine and Joe Troiano on Sunday.
July 8
Birthday celebrations on Monday go to Dr. Larry Mohr Jr., Scott Palumbo, Alan Fong, John Parker, Barbara Geran Flagello, Josie Ann Schroeder, Dr. Steven Costa, Patrick White, Sandra Benton, Dominic Aiello Jr., Julianna Maria Pelikan, Kristin Wolfman and Helen Karsten.
Happy wedding anniversary to Maria and Dan Bilotti, who celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary on Monday.
July 9
Happy birthdays to Lucreteia Miele, PJ Sweeney, Brian Fox, Jake Mason Moffett, Georganne Sklenar and John Grillo Jr. on Tuesday.
July 10
Happy birthdays on Wednesday to Joe Lamberti, Megan Seton, Gene Forman, Scott Bernickel, Terry McHugh, Anne Marie Dancer, Mike LaSalle, Camille Klein, Peg Ferrara, Adrienne Passione and Christopher Steven Costa.
Happy wedding anniversary to Annmarie and Jim McGinley on Wednesday!
July 11
Happy birthdays to Mike Azzara, Thomas Riley, Aiden Paul Roszewska who is turning 12 on Thursday, James Elwell, Marina Nancy Bilotti, Gerald Tate and Frank McConville Sr.
July 12
Happy Birthdays Friday to Rose Mary Andersen, Barbara Leonard Kelly, Dennis Speziale, Pete Carlson, Peg McHugh and John Bartlett.
Happy 55th wedding anniversary to Lisa and Sal Balistri on Friday.
July 13
Saturday marks the birthdays of John Alexander, Linda DeMonte, John DeMonte, Carmine Angioli, Dr. John McGarry, Christina Paoluccio, Kevin Christie, Tiffany Ashley Curtis, Joseph Corazza and James LaGrotta, who turns 70, the retired chairman of Northfield Bancorp’s board of directors.
