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