Making history is nothing new for the Italo-American Club of Rhode Island.
After all, the proud Providence-based society is the oldest Italian chartered club in the United States. It was founded in 1896 and filed its charter with the state of Rhode Island in 1899.
However, the club – which is housed inside the former and historic Berarducci Funeral Home at 477 Broadway in Providence – rewrote its already storied past during Monday night’s annual installation of officers.
“We’re going to make history tonight,” exclaimed Anthony “Nappy” Napolitano, the club’s president and a North Providence resident. “We’ll install our first-ever female officer, who will take her oath of office from our first female governor. This is without question an exciting night for our club.”
On a night that Napolitano said “featured the largest group of dignitaries in history,” life-long Johnston resident Donna M. Folcarelli became the first woman in history to hold an Italo-American Club office.
Folcarelli was sworn in as the club’s secretary by Gina Raimondo, the first woman elected to the office of governor.
“This is quite and honor,” Folcarelli said. “I’m going to do it right. Remember, the other guys have been doing this for years.”
Folcarelli wasn’t the only Johnstonian who became part of the Italo-American Club’s officers or Board of Directors Monday night. Half of the club’s top 10 officials, in fact, are Johnston residents.
George Lazareschi Jr. was sworn in as vice president, while Alex DiGigllio, Peter Lombardi Jr. and Peter Montaquila became members of the board. The other officers, in addition to Napolitano, are treasurer Michael Damiani and directors Richard Colasanti, David Coppola and Thomas Norato.
Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, who praised the club for continuing to fulfill its purpose of perpetuating Italian-American heritage, was on hand to congratulate each and every Johnstonian.
“This is a great organization,” the mayor said, giving his congratulations to the five Johnstonians who “have embarked on an important mission” with the club.
And the future, Napolitano explained with a wide smile on his Napolitano on Monday also announced the Italo-American Club’s Scholarship Fund has been increased from $3,000 to $5,000.
North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi presented Napolitano with a check for $1,000 from his personal charitable fund, and there was another $1,000 donation – that came in form of a pledge – from Johnston residents Mike and Cathy Greico, who own and operate Metro Motor Group.
“This is ever so exciting and important, Napolitano said. “Our scholarships go to children or grandchildren of club members who have been accepted to a college or university. With the cost of education today, every little bit helps.”
Among the other dignitaries on hand were U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, U.S. Rep. David Ciccilline, Lt. Gov. Dan McKee, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Chief Sheriff David DeCesare.
“This was without question a great night for our club,” said Napolitano. “What a proud night for the club, as well as Italian-Americans, no matter where they live.”
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