In 1988, Dr. Cav. Enzo Centofanti had an idea to start an
Associazione. He conferred with Nicola Carlino and his two sons,
Carmine and Pasquale. Subsequently, the first meeting was held at
the Carlino home and also included Falco DiMedio, Filippo Carlino,
Carmine Ianari, Guilio DiFulvio and Amadeo Carlino. They decided to
pursue the formation of the Associazione.
The Association had its official birth reception at the Flourtown
Country Club held to honor the Honorable Gaetano Dicinque, Senator
and Vice President of the Budget Commission of the Senate in Rome
and the Mayor of Casoli, Baron Giacomo Ricci. Dr. Centofanti,
President of COM.IT.ES (Comitati degli Italiani all’Estero) and the temporary President of the
Association, served as the Master of Ceremonies. The Consul General
of Italy in Philadelphia, Luca Del Balzo, delivered greetings and
Luisa Belfatto, a lady in her nineties, served as the Godmother of
this splendid occasion.
The Bylaws were then developed and the Board of Directors
established.
In 1989, Dr. Enzo Centofanti was elected President along with Pat
Carlino, First Vice President; Joseph Conicella, Second Vice
President, Mina Tedesco, Corresponding Secretary; Ivana Evangelista,
Financial Secretary; Cav. Claudio Cifoni, Treasurer. The Committee
Chairpersons were: Ugo Umile, Sports; Frank DiMedio, Credentials;
Angelo Candilo, House; Bernard D'Ascienza, Cultural; Dalmazio
DiCristofaro, Public Relations; Anthony D'Alessandro, Law and Order.
These officers served for two years.
