The Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee organizes the Opening Ceremony for Italian Heritage Month in Cleveland each year. It is chaired by Pamela Dorazio Dean with Honorary Co-Chairs Mayor Frank Jackson and Councilman Matt Zone.
The ceremony will take place in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The highlight of the ceremony is honoring individuals within the Italian American Community who have made outstanding contributions.
The Committee is accepting nominations for 2019 Italian Heritage Month Honorees through June 30. Anyone can submit a nomination for an individual in any of the following categories: Arts & Culture, Business, City/County Employee, Individual, Public Servant, or Youth.
If you would like to nominate, please complete the paper or online form at www.CLEItalianAmericans.com and mail or submit by June 30. If you have questions, please contact Chairperson Pamela Dorazio Dean at 330-285-2950 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Past Cleveland Italian Heritage Month Honorees
2018
Tom Cirincione
George Leggiero
Robert Lippucci
Frank Sinito
Mike Spena
Matt Zone
2017
Julius Ciaccia, Jr.
Aldo and Robert Campellone
Loraine Dodero
Billy Donato
Gino Latessa
Paul Sciria
2016
Mario Ciano
The DiFiore Family
Frank Fiorilli
Joe & Mary Frank
2015
Andrea Annelli
Vince Bertonaschi
Pamela Dorazio Dean
Judge Kenneth Rocco
Angie Spitalieri
2014
Dr. Connie Sancetta
Joe Marinucci
Dr. Marcello Mellino
2013
Tom Berardinelli
Joseph Coreno
Cristina DiFranco
Angela DiFranco Talbort
Elaine Scalzi Hopkins
Joseph Miceli
Rev. Martin Polito
2012
Anthony Gambatese
Mary Verdi Fletcher
Sandra Pianalto
Luigi Ruggiero
Judge Deborah J. Nicastro
Antoinette Didato
2011
Dominic Rapposelli
Anthony Marotta
Judge Donna Congeni Fitzsimmons
Monica Johns
Ernie LaManna
2010
Edward Tomba
Lester Lagatta
Orlando Baking Company
Anita Marie Fini
Aldo Filippelli
2009
Frank Piccirillo
Judge Anthony J. Russo
Claudia Di Bartolo
Mike Catanzarite
Sr. Cabrini Ferritto
Basil M. Russo
2008
Joyce Mariani
Jack Deleva
Salvatore and Marie Calandra
Tom Antonello
Robert Fatica
Umberto Fedeli
Biagio Parente
2007
Gino Colage
Anthony O. Calabrese
Rose Zitiello
Antonio DiIorio
Jay Lucarelli
