The Johnny Lombardi Award
Justice and Law
Education & Mentorship
Emergency Services
Health and Well Being
Arts Culture & Entertainment
The Emilio Mascia Media and Communications Award of Distinction
Sports
Sports
Community Development and Social Inclusion
Young Person of Distinction (Under 30)
Italian Heritage Award of Distinction
Italian Heritage Award of Distinction
Italian Heritage Award of Distinction
Abruzzese Federation and Hamilton District Award
Alpini Club Award
Donnici Club Award
Fame Furlane Club
Paolo Agro is a member of the Trinacria and Fratellanza Social Clubs, past secretary-treasurer of the Fratellanza Club. He is the Past committee member, Madonna Del Monte Festival (30 years). For over 50 years he has been a member of the Knights of Columbus (All Souls Chapter). He is a member of the St. Agnes Bocci Club and was a Director of Hamilton East Liberal Riding Association during the late elected MPP Dominic Agostino tenureship.
Paolo is highly respected by his family and community he has been involved with since his arrival to Hamilton in the late 1950s when he first started to develop a strong relationship and commitment to the Racalmutese community. His tireless work in support of the Sicilian culture has taken him to Hamilton City Hall where his successful efforts to designate Murray Street as Corso Racalmuto. Now new generations have successfully erected a statue of the famous Racalmutese poet Leonardo Sciascia at LIUNA Station to leave a lasting legacy of his hometown culture for generations to come. He was recognized for his community work by his adopted City of Hamilton in 1990.
Paul Barrafato was called to the Bar in 1984 and his practice is focused on personal injury cases, long term disability, WSIB, ODSP and OW. Paul is an Educator and Mentor to his staff. He was approached by the Dean of Mohawk College to help establish a legal administration program and has been an advocate of the use of legal assistance in law firms.
Additionally, he has advocated the establishment of the paralegal program at Mohawk College. Over the years he has been a significant contributor to the United Way and many organizations supporting people with disabilities and charities for autism.
Corrado Ciapanna is a long-serving educator and gifted administrator. As a Teacher, VicePrincipal, Principal and Superintendent of Education, he has served his community for over 40 years with the Hamilton -Wentworth Catholic District School Board. Corrado is blessed with strong family values and the continuous support from his family. (Albero) Corrado immigrated from Abruzzo, Italy, with his parents and brother in 1958. He received a Bachelor of Science from McMaster University and his teacher’s certificate from the Toronto Faculty of Education.
He began his teaching career as a Math teacher at Cathedral Girls’ High School and subsequently taught at many elementary schools across Hamilton. In 2003, he became Superintendent of Education where his responsibilities span system, municipal and provincial levels. He has led the “Equal Opportunities” Initiative to ensure that appropriate resources are available to students in socio-economically disadvantaged schools and currently oversees the Mentor and Coaching program for new appointed Vice-Principals and Principals. Corrado has been a devoted husband to Nadia for thirty- five years and dedicated father to Christina (Petar) and Paul (Kristina) and is a new proud Nonno to Petar Corrado
For over 30 years, Tony Filice has dedicated his livelihood as a Paramedic in Hamilton. In 2010, he received the Governor General’s Award Medal for Exemplary Paramedic Service. Tony is a mild mannered hero in our midst rescuing people on a daily basis and he also volunteers his time on special occasions and major events that occurred in the City, including the facilitation and coordination of emergency services for the 2003 World Cycling Championship.
His love for football and supporting youth is evident through his long dedication as a volunteer Certified Coach and mentor with the Hamilton Wentworth and Minor Football Associations and others. Tony is a proud Italo-Canadian who has spent countless hours giving back to his community.
Jack Marchese was born in Hamilton, Ontario, June 30, 1928 and grew up on Murray St East with his parents and sister, Connie Vizzini and graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Science in 1954 and after working at Slater Steel for 2 years, he attended the University of Toronto, School of Pharmacy, graduating with a BScPharmacy in 1958. On June 5, 1961 he opened Marchese Pharmacy on James St. N. where he bacame a highly respected health provider. In 1972, he opened a second location in the Barton St E Medical Clinic. During his professional career as a pharmacist and business owner, Jack went above and beyond to assist his clients, patients and their families with health and medication care, but also with citizenship testimony, translation services, official document completion, income tax assistance and providing job opportunities for youth.
Jack’s many contributions to the community included his membership in the Italo-Canadian Recreation Club, serving twice as President, a longstanding member of the Sons of Italy Trieste Lodge, Villa Italia, and Sons of Italy Charitable Corporation Founding Board Member. He is a Philanthropist, donating to various charities, most recently donating $1 million to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Dialysis Unit, renamed Jack and Jean Dialysis Unit. Jack’s more recent involvement in the community includes the Sciascia Statue Project and the Sicilian Carretto Project.
Jack is the ultimate gentiluomo, he is a very humble person often stating that he would not have been successful if not for the Italian Community but he filled a need at a crucial time in Hamilton’s immigration history when so many people needed the health supports and advice that Jack provided through his pharmacy on James Street.
Dino is a self-taught artist and has been painting and drawing since his early teens. Dino has appeared in the Hamilton Spectator over the years as having painted Tiger-Cat greats: Garney Henley and Tom Clements.
Due to family responsibilities and running his own Real Estate Business, he had taken a thirty year hiatus from his great passion of painting. Now semi-retired, he has totally regained his passion for painting. In the past two years, he has painted Tiger-Cats stars Jeremiah Masoli and Brandon Banks to who he personally presented. His incredible work can be viewed on his website: https://nicosiaart.com.
Dino is a proud Hamilton, happily married to his wife, Lucy with two children; Steven and Danielle and three beautiful grand daughters.
Nicholas Scime is a lifelong Hamiltonian the son of an Italian newcomer and grew up in Hamilton’s North End. His Father Salvatore Scime and that of his wife have rich family roots in the town of Racalmuto Sicily.
Nick retired from his work with the City of Hamilton after 35 years working in a variety of public service and communications positions, he subsequently pursued his passion for cooking and became a Chef. Nick has since hosted two Cable 14 shows: Cooking with Chef Nicholas and The Wedding Officiant. He is a teaching Chef at Mohawk College. Nick has authored and published two children’s books: Pogo’s Adventure in the Junk Yard and Over the Mountain in 21 Days. Nick is also a Travel Agent where he promotes economical trips and tours with wine and cooking themes promoting Italy, Italian food and culture.
Characterized as “Mr. Neighbourhood”, Nick’s long list of contributions to the greater community along with his involvement with the media as a Television/radio host and author/publisher, make Nicholas Scime a most worthy recipient of this year’s Emilio Mascia Award of Distinction
Claudio Silvestri is an all around athlete who played steel city minor football in high school and McMaster University under coach Bernie Custis. He is a teacher at St. Thomas More since 1999 and under his guidance, Sr Football team won multiple city, provincial and national championships. Claudio is recognized for his coaching accomplishments by McMaster University, U of Guelph, Riddell Awards and Weismer Awards.
Settimio Silvestri is a High School Teacher with the HWCDSB and has been for the past 28 years. He is a great example of going ‘above and beyond’ that which teachers are expected. Settimio has been the head coach of the St. Thomas More Knights Boys Baseball team since he started teaching in 1998. The team has never missed the league playoffs. The team won both league and City Championships in 1999 and competed at OFSA.
Settimio has also been an assistant coach for the St. Thomas More Knights Senior Boys Football team, with his cousin Claudio, since 2007. His role as the Administration and Video coach is an integral part of the football team’s success. The team goes to the U.S.A. annually to play an American High School Team (US rules). The 2019 STM Knights beat their US opponents for the second time making their 2019 National Championship season truly undefeated.
Joseph Trombetta is the founder of Titan Mortgage Group, he realizes that the single mortgage application process is simply not enough and he realizes that a budget plan is also a necessary tool in evaluating a client’s needs. He helps his clients do more then just get a mortgage loan approved, his contribution of the Lifestyle Analysis is building the mortgage brokerage community and the community of our clients gain a better understanding of financial literacy wellness and wise money management.
Jessica Petrunti is a passionate and dedicated young woman who enjoys being involved in her community and helping others. Born into a beautiful and loving Italian family, Jessica developed a strong interest in her culture and Italian heritage at a young age. During her studies at McMaster University, Jessica joined the McMaster Italian Association (MIA), among other volunteer activities, marking the beginning of her journey into the Italian-Canadian community here in Hamilton. During her time with the MIA, Jessica had the pleasure of working alongside many inspiring individuals whom aided in her transition over to the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy Trieste Lodge.
Consequently, in 2015 Jessica became the first woman to ever hold an executive position within the Hamilton chapter, since its beginning almost one hundred years ago. Jessica currently holds the position of trustee at the Trieste Lodge and now at a national level for the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy of Canada. She is also the Newsletter Editor for the Trieste Lodge, Recording Secretary for the local Housing Board, and more recently helped create and manage the SOI FC Hamilton’s first under 30 woman’s soccer team.
Tony Battaglia is a recognized business leader and philanthropic community supporter. As a business leader the impacts to the City of Hamilton will be left for generations to come through his economic development efforts involving the Hamilton airport and its district. Business pursuits and risks that Tony assumed 20+ years ago that seemed so out of reach, are now very much the fabric of the Hamilton community. Namely his work with the Royal Connaught and the Hamilton airport.
His work related to the Hamilton airport has helped, for today, to spur millions of dollars in economic spinoff and job creation that will continue to grow as the Airport industrial business district evolves. He has volunteered in leadership roles in high profile fundraising events that collectively raised $400,000 for organizations that include Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, Canadian Diabetes Association, Charity of Hope, Empower Global and Good Shepherd.
P.J Mercanti is the President of the Carmen’s Group, a name synonymous in Southern Ontario with celebrity events, weddings, catering and dinner theatre. PJ and his family also own and/or operate Best Western Premier C Hotel, Baci Ristorante, The Lakeview at Confederation Park and the Hamilton Convention Centre. A University of Notre Dame business graduate, PJ worked as an associate producer for ESPN before venturing back to Hamilton.
He is the founder of GenNext United Way and is involved with many community organizations such as The Charity of Hope, The Good Shepherd, City Kidz, Hamilton Health Sciences, Theatre Aquarius and Hamilton Community Foundation. With recent current state of world affairs (Covid-19 pandemic), PJ has been able to retain his business model to provide foods to the community while keeping the company’s commitment to the world mission of helping. The Carmen’s Group has provided services to essential workers as a thank you and provided food plans to the less fortunate and Carmen’s employees in need.
Carm Vespi has been affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster for over 40 years and worked in a variety of positions in the Faculty that helped to grow the Engineering field as a career option for non-traditional audiences. She helped to get a summer camp up and running and created outreach events. In her former role as the Manager of the Venture Academy Youth Programs she helped to evolve programs geared to students from Kindergarten to grade 12.
She then expanded the Venture Academy to develop an Indigenous Program. Over the time she created an alumni magazine and participated in the creation of the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering. Currently Carm is the Manager of Alumni Relations and Youth Programs at McMaster University.
Tony immigrated from Popoli(PE) Abruzzo to Hamilton in 1970, at the age of 19. Tony and his wife Domenica have raised three daughters and enjoy six grandchildren. He loves to promote the Italian and Abruzzese culture and traditions.
Tony has been a member of the Abruzzese Federation of Hamilton and District since 1989, serving on the Board and various sub-committees for 26 years, and as president for ten years.
For the past thirty-one years, Tony has been a vocalist with the Abruzzese Federation Choir and is currently its’ President and Coordinator. He is a long-time member of the Introdacqua Association of Hamilton and serves on its committee. Tony is a past board member of the Abruzzese Confederation of Canada and collaborated with its magazine “Abruzzo Canada”. For many years Tony was a correspondent for an Italian monthly newspaper, “La voce dell’Emigrante “. Tony’s motto is: Puoi togliere un abruzzese dall’Abruzzo. Ma non potrai ma togliere l’Abruzzo da dentro un abruzzese!!!!
Eugenio De Faveri was born in Treviso, Italy, and came to Canada in 1965 to create a better life for himself and for his future family. Eugenio continuously perseveres to show superb workmanship while he uses both his concrete and masonry skills he learned in Italy. Eugenio’s vision was to extend his skills, determination and hard work through his children so they could continue to carry the family tradition. His leadership, outstanding work ethic and facilitation produced a well-organized and successful business, De Faveri Group. The De Faveri Group has earned an exceptional reputation that continues to give back to the community through various donations and services. The company continues to receive awards for its excellence in business and Italian heritage.
Not only does Eugenio love to work daily, but he celebrates mass weekly with his loving wife Nicolina. He proudly volunteers his time at St. Francis Xavier Parish as a Eucharistic Minister and builder. Recently, he was involved in the construction of a monument to commemorate war veterans from the Alpini area of Italy at St. Anthony of Padua Church. He has happily been a part of the Alpini club for over 20 years. Eugenio is a humble, strong-minded husband, father, and grandfather who is happy to help anyone in need.
Luana Fortino Raso, is the eldest daughter of Pileria and the late John Fortino. Her father was actively involved with the Donnici Social Club Committee and was passionate about sharing the values and traditions of his native home town. John was instrumental in getting her to volunteer at numerous Club sponsored events since 1982, during his time on the Committee. In 2011, after her father’s passing, Luana decided she wanted to continue his legacy and took a more active role on the Committee, accepting the position of Treasurer. She is most proud of being an executive member of the Annual John Fortino DSC Memorial Golf Tournament, which honours her late father. Luana serves the Club with pride and passion and works tirelessly to help execute all of the Club’s functions.
Luana has visited the town of Donnici on many occasions and sees the importance of maintaining the existence of the Club and their traditions. She is very much supported by her husband Domenic Raso and their three children. Luana’s heart is where her heart wants to be and it is a joy to work alongside her. She will often say, “ I love being involved with the Committee and the wonderful, amazing people on it…..it just keeps getting better and better”.
After teaching and coaching for 30 years with the Hamilton Catholic District School Board, Renato began his well-earned retirement. Besides travel, golf and gardening, he became a member of Famèe Furlane 18 years ago where he became a dedicated member of the Board of Directors. During that time, he held a number of positions, including President, Vice President and Past President. He chaired the Festitalia Famèe Furlane Regional Dinner for several years and also served on the annual golf tournament committee. He assists with the Famèe Furlane Bocce League, the Vendemmia and Hunter’s Dinner, and ensures that the Famèe Furlane Banquet Hall is set up for numerous other functions.
At present, Renato serves on the Building and Maintenance and the Finance Committees. Every Monday is spent with many other dedicated volunteers to clean, repair and maintain the building and surroundings. Renato is grateful to his wonderful wife Nancy, who has been supportive of his efforts to carry on the cultural traditions of Friuli.
Vincenzo Gagliardo is a true artist in every sense of the word. He is an accomplished singer, songwriter, poet, and an accomplished painter artist. Vincenzo was born on March 28, 1934, and raised in Racalmuto Sicily. Many of the images you see are of scenes from Racalmuto. Upon immigrating to Canada in 1954, Vincenzo started his artwork learning under fellow Racalmutese Artist, Giuseppe (Pippo) Agro, who is best known for painting the ceiling frescos of All Souls Church. Vincenzo married his wife Caterina in 1962 , raised three children and has five beautiful grandchildren in Hamilton. Vincenzo has been key to the design and building of the Cilio for the Fest Maria S.S. Del Monte and has been an active member of the Hamilton Sicilian Folklore group.
Like many of his “paesani” or townspeople, Vincenzo was part of a wave of immigrants from Racalmuto Sicily making Hamilton their home. As a result, Racalmuto Sicily is a recognized twin city of Hamilton. Thanks to Vincenzo Gagliardo’s works, the bond between the two cities remain strong. In his words, “Canada offers great opportunity; if one knows how to work, the fortune will come”!
Bruno emigrated to Canada from Loreggia, Padova in 1971. When he first arrived in Canada, he worked on numerous construction sites before joining the Bricklayers, Stone and Masons Union. Bruno was a perfectionist and an artist in his trade, and he took pride in the finished product. He trained and mentored many apprentices until his retirement in 2013.
Bruno is proud of his Italian and Veneto Heritage and is a responsible, loyal Canadian and Italian Citizen.He has has been a member of the Venetian Club for over 46 years and has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2007. He is always volunteering at the Club using his expertise in maintenance, or for club events such as making polenta for the Festitalia Regional Dinners or whenever needed or helping with making cotechini (musetti) and salami. Bruno is extremely hard working and committed to the Venetian Club – he is truly as asset.
Bruno has been married to his wife Linda for 46 years. He enjoys sharing his Italian traditions with his 3 children, their spouses and his 3 grandchildren.
Jennifer DiGiovanni is Canadian born; however, her father’s family originates from Umito, in the province of Ascoli Piceno in Marche. Her mother’s family originates from a small town called Dogliola in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo. Jennifer works in public accounting, as a Tax Manager at Deloitte and specializes in private corporation and personal tax planning and compliance.
Jennifer is active in the Hamilton-Halton community. She has been a board member for CIBPA since 2016. She was the treasurer on the board of directors for Burlington Green Environmental Association in 2015 and 2016. She has volunteered at the Burlington Humane Society, and Royal Botanical Gardens. Each year Jennifer helps co-ordinate the CPA Ontario Tax Preparation clinics. She and her husband also help those outside of their community by sponsoring multiple children through World Vision and rescue animals through the Basset Hound Rescue of Ontario.
Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to get notifications of contests, events and news.
