Senator Golden Honors Outstanding Community Leaders at Celebration of Italian Heritage

Brooklyn- State Senator Marty Golden hosted a special awards ceremony and reception in honor of seven outstanding Italian Americans from his district at a celebration of Italian Heritage last evening at Sirico’s Caterers in Dyker Heights.

Chief Joseph Esposito, the Chief of the Department, New York City Police Department, were among the many guests who attended to congratulate the honorees, including NYPD Inspector Charles Scholl, representatives from the Neighborhood Improvement Association, the Federation of Italian American Organizations, the 68th Precinct, NYPD, the Dyker Heights Civic Association, the Community Mayors, and the Dyker Heights Athletic Association, and more.

Senator Golden stated, “Each year, the month of October is dedicated to the celebration of Italian Heritage and I take the opportunity to honor those who have made a difference in our neighborhood. This year I honored seven Italian Americans who have achieved much in support of our community organizations, our schools, our churches and those who have been leaders within our City.”

Senator Golden recognized the following:

Shelley Aprea, President, Community Mayors Inc.

Monsignor David L. Cassato, Pastor, St. Athanasius Church

Robert Celemente, Director, Good Shepherd Sports

Deputy Inspector Peter DeBlasio, Commanding Officer, 60th Precinct

John Naimoli, Supervisor, Department of Sanitation, BK 15

Diane Picucci, Principal, Public School 48

Monsignor Robert J. Romano, Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

Senator Golden in his remarks stated, “My friends, today we celebrate what Italians and Italian Americans have done for our country, and all the contributions that they have made to America. Italians have from the very beginning of our Nation’s history been leaders in our Nation. The Italian American community has long been one admired by many for what they have been able to achieve in sports, in politics, in business and at the same time for their food and culture, and for the beauty of the Italian language.”