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At the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation's Patsy Serra Sr. Award Dinner at LiGreci's Staaten, are from the left, Charles Parisi, Dr. John P. Piazza and Anthony Maniscalco, chairman of the Patsy Serra Sr. Committee. (Courtesy/Steve White)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Each year the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation hosts its annual Patsy Serra Sr. Award Dinner, which recognizes a dedicated member whose community spirit, leadership, and selflessness greatly benefit not only the organization, but Staten Island as well.
Serra, who passed away in 2014, was one of the founders of the Italian Club. He was an active member for nearly six decades and a staunch supporter of the club’s charitable endeavors.
The evening, that was hosted in LiGreci’s Staaten, lauded Dr. John P. Piazza, a member of the club and a leader in chiropractic care.
Patsy Serra Sr. and the plaque presented to honoree, Dr. John Piazza. (Courtesy/Italian Club)Staten Island Advance
The evening also is an opportunity to induct new members into the time-honored organization.
The five new members inducted into the Italian Club by Carmine Manna, were: Richi Cacici, Rico D’Amelio, Joseph Tirone, Vincent Bonomi and Al Lambert.
Carmine Manna, left, judge advocate, inducts new members into the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation. (Courtesy/Italian Club)Staten Island Advance
Anthony Maniscalco, the Patsy Serra Sr. Award chairman and former president of the club, explained: “The Annual Award is bestowed upon a member who’s camaraderie and generosity of spirit benefits our club in a big way over this past year. Patsy unfortunately passed in 2014. Patsy was an active member of our club for nearly six decades and supported our charitable endeavors throughout that time. When Patsy passed, his family established an award in his name to keep his legacy alive. One of my greatest honors was being chosen as the first recipient of this award. The other club members who have been honored were the late Carlo Montalbano, Victor Popolano, James Mealady, Joseph Zichittella and Michael Anicito.”
From the left, Anthony Maniscalco, Victor Popolano, Dr. Vincent DeGennaro, Michael Anicito and Daniel Macri. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White
Maniscalco continued: “After much deliberation amongst our committee, which consists of prior recipients, it was unanimously decided that the following individual contributed the most in ‘various ways’ to our club this past year and exudes all the characteristics that would put a smile on Patsy’s face.”
Dr. John P. Piazza, left, and Anthony Maniscalco. (Courtesy/Steve White)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Dr. Vincent DeGennaro, Greg Magras, Al Lambert and Victor Popolano. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White
Dr. Piazza noted, “Receiving the Patsy Serra Award is not just a personal honor, but a tribute to the resilience and hard work of my great-grandparents and all Italian immigrants who journeyed to America with dreams of a better future. This recognition reaffirms the values of family, pride and loyalty that my parents instilled in me, and that I strive to pass on to my son.”
A LITTLE ABOUT DR. JOHN P. PIAZZA
Dr. Piazza is a graduate of the Life Chiropractic College and the City University of New York.
His professional journey is marked by numerous accolades and leadership roles. He served as president of the New York Chiropractic Association’s District 5 and is an active member of the New York Chiropractic Council and the American Chiropractic Association. In 2014, he was appointed by former Borough President James Oddo to the Staten Island Health & Wellness Advisory Council.
From the left Dr. Vincernt DeGennaro, William LaGrega and Anthony Maniscalco. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White
Dr. Piazza is a frequent lecturer on sports-related injuries and has been a featured expert on TV and in print. His passion for education is evident through his guest lectures at St. John’s University and presentations at numerous medical and chiropractic seminars.
His influence reaches the next generation of athletes through the establishment of the Sports Science Lab, which he co-founded with his wife, Susan. It assesses ahtlete’s individual kinetic, neurological, musculoskeletal ability, and aerobic capacity.
The lab has also partnered with Nike to conduct research on science-backed methods to help top athletes perform at their peak and reduce injuries. Athletes from around the world have traveled to the lab for its innovative approach.
Dr. Piazza has served on several boards, including St. Paul’s School of Nursing and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, the Wagner College DaVinci Society, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and Business Guild 3.
His most proud achievement is his family — his wife of 25 years, Susan, and his 15-year-old son, Maximilian, who is an actor with a number of professional credits.
Members and new members of the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White
A LITTLE ABOUT THE ITALIAN CLUB OF STATEN ISLAND FOUNDATION
Founded in 1950 by eight prominent Italian-Americans to promote “a better understanding among leading Italian-Americans in the business and professional field and to raise awareness about Italian culture, it also raises funds for charitable, philanthropic and educational organizations.
From the left, Victor Popolano, William Marco, Al and Lenore Lambert. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White
The club will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025.
Throughout the years the group developed a commitment to community involvement at various levels including the formation of a student scholarship program and hosting a number of food drives.
Sal Morreale, left, and Al Lambert close out the festivities with their rendition of "God Bless America." (Courtesy of Steve White)(Courtesy of Steve White)
And from the original eight, membership has now expanded to well over 1,000.
To date, the club has awarded more than $175,000 scholarships.
CELEBRATIONS - JULY 7 TO JULY 13
Sunday is birthday time for Jack Nicklaus Pedersen, Phil Brittain Jr., Betty Anne Dalton, John Percoco Jr., Rachel Zeuman Roman, Beth Fennell, Andrew Rappa, Steven Bye, Breanne Sweeney and attorney, Ted Parnese and his daughter, Leila Rose Parnese.
Happy wedding anniversary Sunday to Lorraine and Joe Troiano.
JULY 8
Birthday greetings Monday go to Dr. Larry Mohr Jr., Scott Palumbo, Allan Fong, John Parker, Barbara Jeran Flagello, Jozie Ann Schroder, Dr. Steven Costa, Patrick White, Sandra Benton, Dominic Aiello Jr., Juliana Maria Pellikan, Christine Wolfman and Helen Carsten. ¶
Happy wedding anniversary Monday to Maria and Dan Bilotti, who celebrate their 18th.
JULY 9
The best of birthdays Tuesday to Lucreteia Miele, P.J. Sweeney, Brian Fox, Jake Mason Moffett, Georganne Sklenar and John Grillo Jr.
JULY 10
Happy birthday Wednesday to Joe Lamberti, Megan Seton, Gene Forman, Scott Barnickel, Terry McHugh, Ann Marie Dancear, Mike LaSalle, Camille Klein, Peg Ferrara, Adrienne Paccione and Christopher Steven Costa. ¶
Happy wedding anniversary Wednesday to Annmarie and Jim McGinley
JULY 11
The happiest of birthdays Thursday to Mike Azzara, Thomas Reilly, Ayden Paul Roschfska who turns 12, James Elwell, Marina Nancy Bilotti, Gerard Tait and Frank McConville Sr.
JULY 12
Happy birthday Friday to Rose Mary Andersen, Barbara Leonard Kelly, Denise Speziale, Pete Carlson, Peg McHugh, and John Bartlett.
Happy 55th wedding anniversary Friday to Lisa and Sal Balistreri.
JULY 13
Saturday is birthday time for John Alexander, retired chairman of the board of Northfield Bancorp, Linda Demonte, John Demonte, Carmine Angioli, Dr. John McGarry, Christina Paoluccio, Kevin Christie, Tiffany Ashley Curtis, Joseph Corazza and James LaGrotta who turns 70.