Considerate la vostra semenza;
Fatti non foste a viver come bruti
ma per sequir virtute e conoscenza.

“Consider your origins: you were not made to live as brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.”

Divina Commedia ‘Inferno’, canto 26, l.

Each year the Dante Society of Westerly recognizes a local citizen who embodies the mission and goals of the organization.  These ordinary men and women in their daily lives, careers, achievements, deeds, actions, and character represent the very best of Italian culture and heritage.

This award highlights the positive contributions made by Italian-Americans to our community.  We honor and celebrate them for their contributions to our community’s substantial Italian heritage and for securing its benefits well into the future.

Recipients

1997 — Dr. Louis Morrone & Dr. Mildred Robinson

1998 — Pasquale ” Pat” Sposato & Anna Turisi

1999 — Henry Nardone

2000 — Joseph Cugini

2001 — Joseph Misto

2002 — Richard Comolli

2003 — Frank Williams

2004 — Sara Iacoi Serra

2005 — Dennis Algiere

2006 — Mary Lou Serra

2007 —  Joseph M. Vacca, Jr.

2008 — “The Bologna Boys” — Dr. Anthony J. Fusco,
Dr. Francis Palaia, Dr. Louis LaPere & Dr. Robert Lombardo

2009 — Vincent & Jacquie Montemarano

2010 — Mary Jane DiMaio

2011 — Arthur Pignataro

2012 — Joseph Terranova & John Stellitano

2013 — Maria Gabriele Allen

2014 — John Coduri

2017 — Joseph H. Potter

2019 — Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society Committee

2022 — Salvatore J. Augeri