SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy has sold out of tickets to its Italian Gala on Saturday.
The celebration serves as a cornerstone of Italian Heritage Month, bringing together the community to honor distinguished Italian Americans, celebrate the rich culture and raise vital funds for future initiatives.
This year’s gala will proudly recognize five outstanding honorees whose service, leadership and contributions embody the best of the Italian American spirit:
Anthony Cignoli: Italian American Citizen of the Year
Cignoli is the president of the Anthony L. Cignoli Associates, a public, media, political and governmental affairs company he founded in 1992. The company serves political and corporate clients across America and abroad. Cignoli has been a decades-long community and charitable contributor of professional services to a long list of efforts. He has served on numerous local boards, committees and organizations, earning him the nickname: “Tony Pro Bono.”
Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi: Italian American Public Servant of the Year
Calvi is a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts. He began his public safety career working for the North Adams Ambulance Service and the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department. Calvi worked his way up through the ranks, achieving the command leadership of the Springfield Fire Department. Mayor Domenic Sarno appointed him the Springfield fire commissioner, heading the third largest fire department in the state.
Rosemarie Rueli-Costa: Italian American Pillar of Faith
Rueli-Costa is a lifelong member of our Lady of Mount Carmel parish. She attended our Lady of Mount Carmel School and Cathedral High School. After graduation, she joined the Daughters of Mercy community and received a bachelor’s degree in education from St. Joseph’s college in Buffalo, New York. She taught in parochial schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. She is a powerhouse of support and compassion for many organizations and people whose cares have become her own.
Joseph DeCaro: Italian American Veteran of the Year
DeCaro is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and lifelong Springfield resident, proudly serving as director of the Springfield’s Department of Veterans’ Services. His deep connection to the city is rooted in Springfield’s South End, where he grew up on Fremont Street. DeCaro has benefited and affected the lives of many veterans, as well as been a tireless supporter of many community efforts.
Nicola ‘Nick’ DeCesare: Italian American Businessperson of the Year
DeCesare’s recognition reflects not only his professional success, but also his dedication, perseverance and the example he has set for others in his community. DeCesare came to America with limited English. He jumped into learning and became an engineer with a successful career for Tennessee Gas throughout America. His story reflects not only his professional achievements, but also his generosity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to bettering the community around him.
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In addition to honoring these remarkable individuals, the gala provides a unique opportunity for the community to support fundraising efforts that sustain numerous programs and events throughout the year — from cultural feasts and parades to scholarships, concerts, and educational initiatives that keep Italian traditions alive in Springfield.
“This gala is more than a dinner or a dance — it is a celebration of our heritage, our faith, and the remarkable contributions of Italian Americans to Springfield and beyond,” said Salvatore Circosta, president of the Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy. “It is also one of our most important fundraisers, allowing us to continue the feasts, parades, scholarships, and cultural events that make our Italian community so vibrant.”
The event starts with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Grand Ballroom. The evening will feature dinner, wine, live entertainment and the warmth of the Italian community.
The Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy is dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian heritage, language, and culture through events, education, and community service. The organization is proud to serve as a cornerstone of the Italian American community in Springfield.
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