Borough president honors Frank Seddio and others at Italian heritage ceremony

November 5, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso (back row, center) stands alongside honorees and notable attendees at the Italian Heritage and Culture Proclamation Ceremony held at FIAO’s Il Centro. From left to right: Attorney Roseann Paradiso Fodera, Cannoli Plus founder Antonio Alaimo, Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele, retired Surrogate’s Court Judge Frank Seddio and FIAO Chairman Jack Spatola. Also pictured are New York Attorney General Letitia James and event MC Carlo Scissura. Family members joined the honorees for the ceremony, which celebrated Italian American contributions to Brooklyn through careers in law, business and public service. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso hosted the Italian Heritage and Culture Proclamation Ceremony on Oct. 30 at FIAO’s Il Centro Cultural Community Center in Bath Beach, recognizing the contributions of Italian Americans to the borough.

Among the honorees was Frank Seddio, a retired Surrogate’s Court Judge, former Brooklyn Bar Association president, and past chair of the Kings County Democratic Party. He was honored for his impactful career and enduring commitment to justice and Italian heritage.

Seddio made history as the first Italian American judge in Kings County Surrogate’s Court, paving the way for greater representation.

Other honorees included Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy in New York, recognized for expanding Italian cultural programs and language initiatives in New York City public schools; Roseann Paradiso Fodera, an attorney specializing in bankruptcy and real estate law, who has dedicated years to mentoring young attorneys and supporting health-related charities; and Antonio Alaimo, a veteran and entrepreneur who founded Cannoli Plus, a local business that has brought authentic Italian flavors to Brooklyn.

Salvatore Scibetta (left) and Joseph Rosato, immediate past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

From left: Janice Chen, Hon. Gina Levi Abadi, and Hon. Maria Aragona. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Honoree Antonio Alaimo (left) and Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Attorney General Letitia James and FIAO Chairman Jack Spatola. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso (left) and New York Attorney General Letitia James (right) present retired Surrogate’s Court Judge Frank Seddio (center) with a citation recognizing his decades of service to the Brooklyn community at the Italian Heritage and Culture Proclamation Ceremony. Seddio, celebrated for his contributions to justice and Italian American representation, was honored as part of the evening’s tribute to prominent Italian Americans in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

From left: Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele, Hon. Rosemarie Montalbano, honoree Roseann Paradiso Fodera, Joseph Bova and Community Board 18 District Manager Sue Ann Partnow. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

From left: Dennis Quirk, Peter Abbate Jr. and Carlo Scissura. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

The evening included remarks from FIAO Chairman Jack Spatola, who praised the honorees for their dedication to Brooklyn’s Italian community. Guests enjoyed authentic Italian dishes prepared by local restaurants and a performance of the Tarantella by students from P.S. 112. The event was meant to show off Brooklyn’s deep-rooted Italian heritage and celebrate the accomplishments of those who continue to enrich the community.