FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2024
CONTACT: Karina Diaz, Hudson County Executive’s Office
PHONE: 201-795-6200
Ceremonies honored and recognized the significant contributions of the Italian-American community in Hudson County
JERSEY CITY, NJ — County Executive Craig Guy, Board of Commissioners Chairman Anthony Romano, and the Board of Commissioners celebrated Italian-American heritage with a flag raising and celebration at the Historic Brennan Courthouse yesterday evening, and today, celebrated the Annual Columbus Square Park wreath laying. These events honored and recognized the significant contributions of the Italian-Americans in Hudson County, including law enforcement officers, business owners, educators, medical professionals, and more.
“Throughout Hudson County, the Italian-American community has positively influenced the fabric of our County, and I’m proud to join together with community members and leaders to showcase their unique culture with this flag raising and wreath laying ceremony,” said Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive. “These events are important as we recognize each of you, our residents, and the culture that you so openly share with us. Hudson County truly appreciates everything the Italian-American community does in their daily lives; their valuable contributions that makes our County so great!”
Italian-American Heritage Month is celebrated each year during the month of October by over 26 million Americans of Italian descent – dedicated to honoring and recognizing the contributions, achievements, and successes of Italian immigrants and Italian-Americans.
The following 2024 Jersey City Columbus Day Parade honorees received citations from the County at the Italian-American flag raising and celebration:
- Richard Boggiano – Grand Marshal
- Michele Cassaro – Italian Woman of the Year
- Thomas Zuppa – Italian Man of the Year
- Carl Gargiulo – Italian Medical Professional of the Year
- Perry Cecchini – Italian Educator of the Year
- Vincent DeFazio – Italian Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
- Michael Petruzzi – Italian Firefighter of the Year
- Astor Bar – Italian Business of the Year
- Margaret Sweeney – Honorary Italian Woman of the Year
- Bernard Herk – Honorary Italian Man of the Year
- Sofia Santomauro – Miss Columbus
- James McGreevey – Navigator
The following honorees received citations from the County at the Columbus Day Wreath Laying & Flag Raising Ceremony:
- Cataldo Fazio – Italian Man of the Year
- Casey Repetti – Italian Woman of the Year
- Anthony Fesken – Police Officer of the Year
- Anthony Pascale – Firefighter of the Year
- Vito’s Deli (Vito Buzzerio) – Business of the Year
- Donna Marie Belmonte Bellifemine – Senior Citizen of the Year
- Jerry Lore – Honorary Italian Man of the Year
- Lara Bruzzese – Honorary Italian of the Year
- Andrea Mangione – Educator of the Year
- Alexandra Defrance, APN – Medical Professional of the Year
For photos from the events, click here.