Each year, the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee, established by Mayor Frank Jackson who is an Honorary Co-Chair along with Councilman Matt Zone, solicits nominations of individuals and businesses in the Italian American community to honor for outstanding contributions in a variety of areas.

The CIAH Committee then meets to select the honorees from among the pool of nominations.

The Committee faced a tough decision as the nominations were all excellent in some way. After much thoughtful discussion and deliberation, the CIAH Committee made their final selections. The following individuals will be honored at the 2016 Opening Ceremony for Italian Heritage Month taking place at Cleveland City Hall on October 3 at 6 p.m.

Mario Ciano – Business
Managing Partner of Reminger Co. who expanded the firm to over 125 attorneys in eight offices, contributor to Birthright Lake County, actively involved in private placement adoptions, dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmen Church in Wickliffe.

The DiFiore Family – Entrepreneurs
Owners of a number of businesses including Car Parts Warehouse, Tony’s Auto World and Omni Fitness, generous contributors to Home Family Club and St. John Bosco International Festival, founders of Casa Italia Foundation.

Frank Fiorilli – Individual
Long time, dedicated Little Italy resident, contributor for many years to Holy Rosary Church and the Feast of the Assumption, Little Italy historian and tour guide.

Joe and Marie Frank – Special Lifetime Achievement
Lifelong contributions to the Italian Sons and Daughters of American and to numerous organizations and events in the Italian American community.