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QUEENS WEEKLY, OCTOBER 20, 2019
Queens councilman honors Astoria resident for
contributions to Italian-American community
BY JENNA BAGCAL
A Queens councilman recognized a longtime
Astoria resident for his contributions to
the Italian-American community.
On Oct. 10, City Hall played host to “A Celebration
of Italian Heritage” in observance of
National Italian American Heritage Month,
sponsored by Councilman Paul Vallone.
The councilman issued a New York City
Council proclamation to Joseph DiPietro,
president of the Federation of Italian American
Organizations of Queens (FIAO), for his
“outstanding character and service to the
community.”
The celebration included remarks from
the Honorable Francesco Genuardi, Consul
General of Italy in New York. LaGuardia
Arts High School student Victoria Pinto performed
the American and Italian National
Anthems while students from the Landrum
School of Performing Arts prepared a dance
performance.
“For centuries, Italian Americans have
helped shape the course of our nation’s history,”
said Vallone. “I’m proud to sponsor the
Italian Heritage Celebration at City Hall and
recognize outstanding Italian Americans
like Joe DiPietro for their immeasurable
contributions to the borough of Queens and
the city of New York! For decades, Joe has
been an extremely active member of the Astoria
and Queens community and he’s one of
the best people to ever be recognized by the
Council.”
DiPietro came to Astoria from Sicily in
1966 and became involved with the FIAO
in 1992. During his tenure as president, he
worked to help the organization meet the
needs of Italian-Americans in matters including
immigration, foreign pensions, health
and social issues and cultural events.
From 2004 to 2005, DiPietro served as the
chair of the Queens Columbus Day Parade
and is currently on the board of directors of
the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition.
The Astoria resident is also the cofounder,
former president and current vice
president of the Astoria Italian Soccer Club,
which he has coached since 1995.
Reach reporter Jenna Bagcal by e-mail
at jbagcal@qns.com or by phone at (718) 260-
2583.
City Council members Paul Vallone (r.) and Justin Brannan (l.) present
Joe DiPietro (c.) with a New York City Proclamation at the City Council Chambers.
Photo by McCarten/New York City Council
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