NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. Delivers Keynote Address; Crowley Honors Members of the Bronx-Queens Community for their Outstanding Public Service
Rep. Joe Crowley is joined by (l. to r.) special guest NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. and honorees: I.S. 61 Principal Joseph Lisa and NYPD Detective Victor DiPierro during his 2015 Italian Heritage Month event. Photo credit: Dominick Totino Photography
(Bronx, NY) – On Monday, October 5, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, along with special guest NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), celebrated Italian Heritage Month with the Bronx-Queens community at F & J Pine Restaurant in Morris Park. Addabbo delivered the evening’s keynote address during the annual reception which brings the community together to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Italian-Americans to our history and culture. Crowley also recognized two local leaders who have dedicated their lives to public service. This year’s honorees included retired NYPD Detective Victor DiPierro, of the Bronx and Leonardo da Vinci Intermediate School 61 Principal Joseph Lisa, of Queens.
“As we pause each year to reflect upon the important role Italian-Americans have played in our history, it gives me great pleasure to recognize a few leaders in our own community who have made and continue to make a significant difference in the lives of our family, friends and neighbors,” said Rep. Crowley. “Senator Addabbo is a great example of how Italian-Americans have strengthened our society and I applaud his commitment to public service. I’m especially proud to have him as this year’s special guest.”
“As a proud Italian-American, I appreciate the efforts of my friend, Congressman Joe Crowley, for taking the time each year to acknowledge the contributions and work of other Italian-Americans and their culture,” said Senator Addabbo.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Congressman Crowley for this special acknowledgement,” said Detective DiPierro. “And I would like to dedicate this recognition to my late parents. Because of them, I grew up a very proud Italian-American and carried that pride with me during my 20-year career in the NYPD. Now as a father, I pass along to my son the traditions and values I had growing up in an Italian household.”
“It is an honor that Congressman Crowley has recognized myself and the great things we have achieved at our school,” said Mr. Lisa. “Congressman Crowley has been an advocate for our children and receiving this award complements all the hard work that our students, teachers and parents have put into our school to support the Corona community.”
“The work of tonight’s honorees demonstrate how Italian-Americans, many of whom immigrated here over a century ago seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families, have become woven into our rich cultural fabric,” continued Crowley.
NYS Assemblymen Mark Gjonaj, Michael Benedetto and Michael DenDekker, and NYC Council Member James Vacca, also joined Crowley at the event which drew over 200 guests.
Congressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.
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