New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. with honorees and co-sponsors at his Italian Heritage celebration at Surrogate’s Court on October 2, 2008.  Pictured (back, l to r) are: Fred Gardaphé, Ph.D., Professor of English and Italian American Studies, Queens College of the City University of New York; Barbara A. DeBuono, M.D., M.P.H., Executive Director, Public Health and Government, Pfizer, Inc.; Berardo Paradiso, President, Italian American Committee of Education and President, International Tool Manufacturing; Joseph Sciame, President and Chairman, Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York; (front, l to r) Hon. Jack Como, President, Italian American Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc.; Aileen Riotto Sirey, Ph.D., President, National Organization of Italian-American Women; Thompson; Giada Valenti, Singer and Songwriter; Roseanne Colletti, Reporter, WNBC NewsChannel 4; and, Rev. Guy Sbordone, St. Dominic’s R.C. Church.  Photo credit: Marla S. Maritzer. View Slideshow

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. last night honored five leaders in the Italian Community at his seventh annual Italian Heritage Celebration.  The event was co-sponsored by Fieri International and the National Organization of Italian-American Women (NOIAW).

“Tonight we are celebrating the remarkable contributions of Italian-Americans to the life of our City,” said Comptroller Thompson.  “Waves of Italian immigrants over the years have helped build this City’s foundation and become an essential part of our identity.  The Italian-American legacy, especially in New York, reflects a strong sense of dedication to hard work, community, and family.”
 
Thompson presented the first award to Jack Como, President of the Italian-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.  The Comptroller recognized Mr. Como for his years of dedicated service to his community as well as his time spent educating the people of the City of New York. 

“In recognition of his efforts to better the lives of Italian-Americans and his many accomplishments as an engineer, educator, administrator, labor leader, and community activist, it is my pleasure to present the Honorable Jack Como with this award,” said Thompson.

Dr. Barbara DeBuono, Executive Director for Public Health and Government at Pfizer received the second award. The Comptroller lauded Dr. DeBuono’s long-standing career in healthcare, both at the public and private levels and her constant calls for basic health principles for everyone.

“For all Dr. DeBuono has done to promote better healthcare through her work at Pfizer, as a cabinet member for former Governor Pataki, as an Executive at New York Presbyterian’s Healthcare Network, or her numerous ventures in the non-profit and global arena, I am proud to recognize her as one of tonight’s honorees,” said Thompson.

Thompson presented the evening’s Media Image Award to Emmy award-wining journalist, Roseanne Colletti of WNBC News Channel 4. 

“It is always a pleasure to work with Roseanne and she has done an exceptional amount to educate New Yorkers about the happenings around them,” said Thompson.  “From money saving tips as NBC’s Consumer Affairs Reporter to her general assignment coverage, Roseanne is a trusted and respected member of the New York Press Corps. It is therefore my great pleasure to present her with this award.”

The next honoree was Dr. Fred Gardaphe, distinguished professor of English and Italian American Studies at Queens College of the City of New York.   Comptroller Thompson pointed out Dr. Gardaphe’s many contributions to the Italian-American culture through his various writings in academic essays and journalism.

“For his many ways in educating the public through his teaching and writing, and his strong dedication to his Italian heritage, it is my honor to present Dr. Fred Gardaphe with this award,” said Comptroller Thompson.

The final honoree of the evening was renowned engineer Berardo Paradiso. Mr. Paradiso was honored for his many accomplishments in his professional field as well as his responsibilities in various non-profit and Italian cultural institutions.

“In an occupation that has taken him all over the world, Mr. Paradiso always celebrated his Italian heritage.  His work in the field of engineering and his dedication to community are an inspiration. It is my honor to present him with this award,” said Comptroller Thompson.

Italian recording artist Giada Valenti sang the Italian and American national anthems at the event and St. Dominic’s Folk Group provided the hundreds in attendance with traditional Italian music and dance.

For photographs, contact Marla Maritzer at (212) 669-2597 or mmaritz@comptroller.nyc.gov.

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