Nominations for Honorees to be recognized during Cleveland Italian American Heritage Month in October 2021 are being requested by the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee. The categories for nomination include:  Arts & Culture, Business, City or County Employee, Individual, Public Servant, or Youth. 

Anyone is welcome to nominate an Italian American individual, organization or business in Northeast Ohio to be an Honoree. If you would like to submit a nomination, please complete the form either on paper or online at www.CLEItalianAmericans.com or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Deadline to submit is July 15th.

The date for the awards event and Italian American Heritage Month opening ceremony is Monday, October 4, 2021. Last year, the awards event was recorded and posted online due to public health restrictions banning large events. In previous years, the event took place in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, with nearly 300 in attendance. The Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee is uncertain how the ceremony will be held this year and will share details with the community as soon as they are available.

With Matt Zone’s resignation from Cleveland City Council last year, Councilmen Blaine Griffin and Mike Polensek will now serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee, along with Mayor Frank Jackson as an Honorary Co-Chair, and Pamela Dorazio Dean as Chairperson.

If you have any questions about nominations or the event itself, please contact Pamela Dorazio Dean, Chairperson, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 330-285-2950.

Happy 50th Anniversary to Ben and Diane Gentile of Middleburg Heights, OH! Ben and Diane were married June 26, 1971 at St. Leo the Great in Cleveland. The couple shares children Tom, Tracy and Jaclyn and seven grandchildren.

Buon anniversario!

Happy 25th Anniversary to Dominic and Shelly (Di Vincenzo) Piunno of Highland Heights, OH! Dominic and Shelly were married July 6, 1996 at St. Claire Church in Lyndhurst. The couple shares children Isabella and Dominic.

Buon anniversario!