FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2025
CONTACT: Karina Diaz, Hudson County Executive’s Office
PHONE: 201-795-6200
Ten residents received citations for their significant contributions to the Hudson County community
JERSEY CITY, NJ — Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Board of Commissioners Chairman Anthony Romano, and the Board of Commissioners proudly honored Italian American heritage with two meaningful celebrations. On Wednesday evening, a joyous flag raising ceremony and cultural celebration took place at the Historic Brennan Court House, highlighting the rich legacy of Italian Americans in Hudson County. The celebration continued today with the Annual Columbus Square Park wreath-laying ceremony.
“Throughout Hudson County, Italian Americans have left an enduring mark on the cultural and local fabric of our community. I am proud to stand alongside community members and leaders to honor their rich heritage and lasting contributions through these meaningful celebrations,” said Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive. “Both events recognized the profound impact Italian Americans have had on the community – from law enforcement and business leaders to educators, medical professionals, and countless others who continue to shape Hudson County’s success and spirit.”
“As a proud Italian American, I’m honored to join County Executive Craig Guy in raising the Italian flag and laying a wreath in tribute to our heritage. Italian immigrants played an integral role in building Hudson County and shaping our schools, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work, faith, and community that continues to guide us today,” said Hudson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Anthony L. Romano (District 5).
For photos from the events, click here.
For video of the events, please visit HudCoTV on YouTube.
Chairman Romano and Nicholas Grillo, Jersey City Day Parade Committee President, delivered remarks at the Italian American Heritage flag raising. The Columbus Square Park Wreath Laying featured a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner and a musical presentation by Hoboken High School’s Rockin’ Redwings Chorus.
The following 2025 Jersey City Columbus Day Parade honorees received citations from Hudson County at the Italian American flag raising and celebration:
-
Frank and Jeanne Cretella – Grand Marshal
-
Sister Josephine Galasso, M.P.F. – Italian Woman of the Year
-
Alberico De Pierro, Esq. – Italian Man of the Year
-
Dr. Francis Rossi, D.P.M. – Italian Medical Professional of the Year
-
Jennifer Warrington Galano – Italian Educator of the Year
-
Frank Scibetta – Italian Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
-
Shawn Prince – Italian Firefighter of the Year
-
The Barge Inn – Italian Business of the Year
-
Kristen Zadroga-Hart – Honorary Italian Woman of the Year
-
Patrick Dunne – Honorary Italian Man of the Year
-
Sofia Greco – Miss Columbus
The following honorees received citations from Hudson County at the Columbus Day Wreath Laying & Flag Raising Ceremony:
-
John Allen – Italian Man of the Year
-
Maria Amato – Italian Woman of the Year
-
Sergeant Dan Grossi – Italian Police Officer of the Year
-
Captain Patrick Cappiello – Italian Firefighter of the Year
-
Empowered Movement (Nicole Ramondi Teitler) – Italian Business of the Year
-
James Farina – Italian Senior Citizen of the Year
-
James Davis – Honorary Italian Man of the Year
-
Amy Faucher – Honorary Italian Woman of the Year
-
Brittany Carmona – Italian Educator of the Year
-
Giuliani Popolillo, RN BSN – Italian Medical Professional of the Year