Cav

CAV. MICHAEL LOMBARDO HONORED
By Marianne Peri Sack

The St. Louis Metro Chapter of UNICO National in conjunction with the Honorary Vice Consul of the Republic of Italy honored St. Louis’ latest cavaliere, Michael Lombardo at a dinner on November 4, 2007, at GP Agostino’s Restaurant in Ellisville.
First Vice President of the Metro Chapter of UNICO Joe Gandolfo performed the duties of Master of Ceremonies. The playing of the American and Italian National Anthems opened the ceremonies and Rev. Vincent Bommarito said the invocation.
Joseph Gandolfo presented Lombardo with proclamations from the City of St. Louis, The City’s Board of Aldermen and the Missouri State Senate. A congratulatory letter was read from the mayor of Campobello di Marzzara, the town where Lombardo was born as well as a congratulatory letter from Joe Agresti, National President of UNICO National.
Lombardo’s eldest daughter, Silva Fritsch, reminisced about the days when she and her sister, Isabella, as children would listen to their father on his Italian Radio program. He hosted an Italian Radio Show from 1969 to 1989 mostly on WIL-FM. She stated how proud the family was of her father on this special occasion.
Cav. Monsignor Salvatore Polizzi spoke on behalf of all the Commendatori and Cavalieri and explained exactly what these titles meant and why they were given by the Italian government to American Citizens. He stated that the meaning of cavaliere is a person of high morals and one that serves his or her community in a special manner. Other individuals that have been so honored in St. Louis are Comm. Dr. Carlo Caciolo, Comm. Joseph Colagiovanni, Cav. Joann Arpiani, Cav. Valerio Bianco, Cav. Rev. Lawrence Biondi, Cav. Vincent Bommarito, Cav. Aldo della Croce, Cav. Anthony Gandolfo, Cav. Franco Giannotti, Cav. Antonino Lombardo, Cav. Dante Marconi, Cav. Armando Pasetti and Cav. Msgr. Salvatore Polizzi.
The Honorary Vice Consul Comm. Joe Colagiovanni presented the title to Cav. Michael Lombardo along with a medal and certificate. He stated that Lombardo had been a member of the COMITES (Committee of Italians Living Outside of Italy) for five years and had started a website for the Chicago organization. He still works as webmaster for the site that has links to the St. Louis Italian American Community.
In Lombardo’s acceptance speech, he noted that members from both local chapters of UNICO were present and the first letter in the organization’s name stood for unity. He said, “I hope that this will be the beginning of both chapters working together for a common cause.” Lombardo thanked his family and friends for coming and stated what a great honor it was to receive the award. In a metropolitan area of 3 million, our community is very fortunate to have both an Italian radio program and an Italian newspaper.” Lombardo said, “We take them for granted, however; we should make a practice of supporting them.”
Father Leo Spezia said the Benediction and Joe Tucci supplied the audience with musical entertainment. Tucci is the current host of the Italian Radio Hour in St. Louis and Cav Antonino Lombardo is the publisher of the Il Pensiero Newspaper.