Rockford's Italian American Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Awards

Guy Fiorenza 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee 

Gloria Fiorenza and her family

Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Committee
Whitey Marinelli
Gene Fedeli
Frank Perrecone

This prestigious group is comprised of area Italian Americans who have made significant contributions to the community. These men and women have shown a tremendous amount of dedication and leadership. Inductees are nominated by the community and selected by the Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Committee annually. Listed below are our Hall of Fame Inductees.

                     Rockford's Italian American Hall of Fame Inductees

1978--Ben Abruzzo, Emily Guagliata, Nunzio A. Ingrassia, Mary A. Misuraca,
         Dr. August L. Magnelia, Peter Perrecone, Thomas C. Cancelose

1979--Peter Dal Pra, Lucy Domino, Sam Mazzola, Rev. Anthony Marchesano

1980--General Fred J. Ascani, Sammy Mandell, Sam. A. Marino, Porfi A. Picchi

1981--Peter P. Cicero, Frank "Fuzzy" Falzone, Anthony M. Fiorenza, Joseph A. Gussardo

1982--Joseph Marino , Luigi Dodaro

1983--Frank St. Angel, The Sons of Italy

1984--Sam Cannariato, Jake Casson

1985--Zeke Giorgi, Dr. A.L. Zacharia, St. Anthony of Padua Franciscan Order

1986--St. Elizabeth Social Center, Sister Anthony Marelli

1987--Italian Choral, Jasper St. Angel

1988--Frank Giovingo

1989--Lombardi Club, Venetian Club, Verdi Club, St. Mary's Club, St. Ambrose Club

1990--Joe Vecchio, Lena Scandroli

1991--Zeno Gasparini, Peter Montaleone

1992--Angelo Gaziano

1993--Carl Dargene, Frances Drago

1994--Gene & Shirley Fedeli

1995--Bob Corirossi, Whitey Marinelli

1996--Carmella & Vincent LaLoggia

1998--Paul A. Logli

1999--Don Gasparini

2001--Philip a. Nicolosi. Michael G. Segneri

2002--Marie Sherman

2003--Ted Bacino, Anthony Colletti

2004--Anthony R. Fabiano, Lawerence J. Ferolie, Mathew P. Cicero

2005--Paul Maffioli

2006--John Falzone

2009--Guy Fiorenza

Our Hall of Fame and Special Recognition inductees are honored at the annual Columbus Day Banquet in October.

Italian American Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Criteria

Nominees should be persons of Italian heritage whose exemplary lives have made significant contributions to the community in the arts, sciences, government, business, industry, education, volunteer, civic and philanthropic activities, or any other category that is appropriate.  Such contributions should reflect a notable community impact and highest standards and ideals.

The primary difference between Hall of Fame and Special Recognition consideration is whether the nominee has significantly impacted the Italian American community.  Hall of Fame nominees should be individuals who have made an overall positive impact in the Italian American community.  Nominees who have not significantly impacted the Italian American community but otherwise meet the criteria mentioned above will be considered by the committee for Special Recognition honors.

It is not necessary to indicate on the nomination form which category you are nominating the individual for.  The committee will make that determination based on the information provided.  If you have any questions, please contact either  Whitey Marinelli, Gene Fedeli or Frank Perrecone.

If you would like to nominate someone for the Italian Hall of Fame  or the Special Recognition Award please read the criteria for these awards listed above and then fill out the nomination form below.


Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Award Banquet
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Cliffbreakers Restaurant
 6:00 p.m. Social Hour
Special Music provided by the Mike Alongi Trio
7:00 p.m. Dinner

Italian Salad and Pasta Appetizer
Entree Choice #1 Italian Chicken with Roasted Potatoes & Italian Vegetables
Entree Choice #2 Crepes over Vegetables with Marinara Sauce
Dessert of Brandy Alexander Chocolate Mousse
$25.00 per person

R.S.V.P by October 1, 2010
Please make check payable to GRIAA

Send the following information:
Name
Number of Guests Attending
Entree Choice
Amount Enclosed

Mail To: GRIAA, P.O. Box 1915 Rockford, Illinois 61110-0415


Click Here to Print Nomination Form to Fax or Mail to Us