Mazzolin inducted into Casa Executive Hall of Fame

The Mentesana Weber Room at Casa Italia was filled to capacity for the induction of Amy Mazzolin into the Casa’s Commerce and Industry Hall of Fame. Current and former associates joined family members and friends to honor a special woman on a special day. Among them were Amy’s children, Gil, Ron and Amy; daughter-in-law Kim; and grandchildren Gil D. and Veronica.

After a Pledge of Allegiance led by Ron Lemar, an operatic interlude provided by Onesti Entertainment, a prayer led by Big Shoulders Fund co-Chair Monsignor Kenneth Velo, and introductory remarks by Committee Chair Anthony Fornelli and members Jack LaBrasca and Michael Favia, the honoree was swept to the podium on the wings of a standing ovation.

Amy’s glittering acceptance speech began with a prophetic tale. “A long time ago, my father, Gil Mazzolin, and I were here for an event at the Casa,” she explained. “We took a few minutes to look at the portraits on our Wall of Fame and reminisce about what all those wonderful people did for our Italian community. My father then told me, ‘You keep working with the Casa and maybe YOUR picture will be there someday. We need more women on this wall!’ Today, my father is smiling down on me.” Amy then spoke about the importance of family, thanked the Casa for the great honor, singled out Anthony Fornelli and the Turano Family for praise, hailed the work that Casa Italia was doing and urged younger Italian Americans to become involved.

Another standing ovation greeted the unveiling of Amy’s portrait, crafted per tradition by artist Don Bono. It will hang in the Mentesana Weber Room with depictions of the 17 previous honorees, including Amy’s father.

— Article by Paul Basile, Photos by Pat Specchio