Town of Hempstead Honors Italian-Americans

This week, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony J. Santino hosted the town's first Italian Heritage Celebration, recognizing outstanding men and women who have dedicated their lives to promoting the great Italian traditions and culture that have helped improve the town.

“The Town of Hempstead has among the highest populations of Italian-Americans in the United States,” Santino said. “From literature, sports, religion, education and medicine to the arts, government, cuisine, business and more, Italian-Americans have been at the forefront of creating and maintaining our national identity. I am proud to honor several men and women this evening who embody the spirit and dedication of Italian heritage here in America’s largest township.”

The honorees were: Michael Gagliardi, ex-chief of the Island Park Fire Department and community volunteer; Rosario and Salvatore Fuschetto, owners of King Umberto Ristorante in Elmont; Dr. Salvatore LaGumina, director of Italian American Studies at Nassau Community College; Anthony Ponte, president of Atlantic Beach Estates; Carmine Soldano, past president of the Columbia Police Association and community volunteer; and Tom Valenti, owner of Piccolo’s Ristorante in Bellmore.

“I am proud of my Italian heritage, and our township’s officials are excited to be celebrating the many accomplishments of those who trace their heritage to Italy,” said Santino. “The story of Italian immigrants is the story of the United States, a nation built upon the successes of people who have come to our nation, settled and worked to build a beautiful and strong United States of America.”

Keynote speeches were offered by Dr. LaGumina, an author of books on the Italian American experience, and Michael Bonacasa, president of Italian-Americans in Government.

Photos: Town of Hempstead.