UNICO celebrates 50th Anniversary
Submitted by Angelo Ucciferri
The Scotch Plains Fanwood chapter of UNICO, America’s largest Italian-American service organization, celebrated their 50th Anniversary on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Scotch Plains Italian American Club with over 125 guests in attendance. The national organization was founded in Waterbury, CT in 1922 to serve the community and contribute to charitable, cultural, and educational organizations. Then, in 1973, a group of Italian-American men of Scotch Plains and Fanwood were approached about starting a local chapter of UNICO, and they were chartered with over 70 founding members.
Two of the founding members were in attendance at the event, Luigi Suriano and Vincent Losavio. When the chapter was chartered, Luigi was elected as one of the two Vice Presidents and Vincent served on the Board of Directors. First Vice President, Daniela Sellinger, who presided over the event’s ceremonies called up Luigi and Vincent to the podium to be recognized as a force behind preserving Italian heritage within the community and establishing the chapter.
The family of founding members were also recognized, including the daughters of Frank DiNizo, Cathy Fluta and Eileen Parenti – the daughter of Thomas Perrucci, Dorianne Perrucci – and the family of Carmen Ponzio, Carmen’s wife, Arlene, and their son Andrew and his wife Celeste. Frank, Tom, and Carmen were great assets to the chapter and they each had immense pride in their Italian-American heritage.
Special guests that were in attendance included Anthony Bengivenga, the Executive Vice President of UNICO National – District Governor April Bengivenga of UNICO’s NJ District 10 – UNICO National Membership and Retention Director Geri Samuel, who is also a past chapter President and current board member – JD Bryden, the Deputy District Director for Congressman Tom Kean, Jr – Al Mirabella, Union County Commissioner and Scotch Plains Township Manager – Scotch Plains Mayor, Josh Losardo – Fanwood Mayor, Colleen Mahr – members of the Scotch Plains Democratic Committee and Scotch Plains Township Council – Deputy Police Chief Al Sellinger of Scotch Plains Police Department – and Father Andy Prachar and Father Matthew Gonzalez of St. Bartholomew Church.
Since the chapter was formed in 1973, they have stayed true to UNICO’s objectives and the motto of “Service Above Self”. Some of their ongoing service initiatives have included co-hosting the town’s largest Italian-American Labor Day Festival along with St. Bartholomew’s Church, hosting Columbus Day Italian Heritage Celebrations, organizing food drives, donating thousands of dollars to organizations, individuals, and families in need, and donating over a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of scholarships to local high school students of Italian descent to use towards their secondary education.
The chapter currently has 64 members and its officers include President, Alfonso Gialanella – First Vice President, Daniela Sellinger – Second Vice President, Jeff Blanck – Treasurer, Kon Zoganas – Recording Secretary, Matt Marino – and Corresponding Secretary, Maryann Matteo. The chapter’s Board of Directors includes Ben Caruso, Paul Raphael, Luciana Rodak, Geri Samuel, Bob Steinbergher, and Stephen Steinbergher. The celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the 50th Anniversary Committee, including Luciana Rodak, Jeffrey Blanck, Gina Suriano-Barber, Marla Mackey, Maryann Matteo, Paul Raphael, Geri Samuel, Daniela Sellinger and Angelo Ucciferri.
A delicious dinner spread was catered by local businesses, including Mazella’s Gourmet Market of Mountainside and Godwit Coffee of Scotch Plains, and the night wrapped up with a DJ dance party.
The Scotch Plains Fanwood chapter of UNICO would like to thank all the community members and special guests in attendance. It was a wonderful celebration of 50 years of Italian heritage preservation and service to the community.
