Federation of Italian-American Organizations holds 40th anniversary gala

March 30, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

From left: Anthony and Dolores Pennachio, Arthur Aidala, Francesco Pedulla and state Sen. Marty Golden. Golden presents the honorees with proclamations. Eagle photos by Arthur De Gaeta

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On Sunday, the Federation of Italian-American Organizations (FIAO) celebrated its 40th anniversary gala at El Caribe with community leaders attending to salute this year’s honorees.

During the past 36 years, the FIAO, a community-based service organization, has provided a variety of services directed at improving the quality of life of individuals and families, with a focus on the needy, immigrants, seniors and youth. This year’s gala presented scholarships to a number of deserving young men and women.

Elected officials and civic leaders attending the gala included state. Sen. Marty Golden, Councilmembers Vincent Gentile (District 43) and Mark Treyger (District 47), Assemblymembers Peter Abbate (District 49) and Bill Colton (District 47), Public Advocate Letitia James and District 47 Democratic leader Nancy Tong.

Clergy included Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, vicar for development and director of parish giving programs for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, and Msgr. David Cassato of St. Athanasius Church

This year’s honorees were attorney Arthur Aidala, who was named Man of the Year; Francesco Pedulla, chairman of Pedulla Ceramic Tiles; and Anthony and Dolores Pennachio of Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bay Ridge.

State Sen. Marty Golden thanked FIAO for all the great work it does and specifically recognized FIAO Chairman Jack Spatola and Vice President Frank Naccarato.

Golden said that the Italian-American supporting organization is about kids and about the future. He said that’s what the scholarships were for, as he praised the scholarship recipients. “They are the future of our business, the future of our science, technology, the future of our education,” he said.

He saluted more than 600 Italian-Americans who attended the event and said, “Just think about what we’ve been able to achieve. Look at what you’ve been able to achieve, and look at our sons and daughters and what they are going to be able to achieve.”’

Golden congratulated all the honorees and presented them with legislative proclamations. He spoke at length about Aidala, saying that he was on the road to greatness, and that he would do great things for our nation, as he has done for his community. Aidala delivered a well-received speech gently ribbing his Italian heritage.

Gentile also presented the honorees with citations and praised them for their accomplishments and community leadership.