By Marianne Peri Sack
Angela “Angie” Mazzola, businesswoman, activist in the community and involved Catholic lay person died at her home in
South St. Louis on December 2. Born and raised on the Hill, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mamie
Correnti Mazzola and had two brothers: twins, Nicholas and Peter and the late Vincent Mazzola.
She attended Henry Shaw School, Rosaiti-Kain High School, one year of college and continued throughout her career
taking self-improvement courses. Her father was a strong advocate of higher education for both his daughter and his
sons.
Mazzola started her career as a secretary for Butler Brothers and left there to work at Manchester Bank (later to
become Commerce Bank) when Butler Brothers moved from St. Louis. During her banking career, she served on the
Board and was the Women’s Committee Chairperson of both the St. Louis Chapter of American Institute of Banking and
the Missouri Bankers Association. She retired from Commerce Bank in 1983 having attained the position of Bank
Officer. Subsequently, Mazzola was re-hired as a consultant and then retired for a second time in October 1994. She
gained much expertise as a travel guide with the bank’s senior citizen program.
Dedication to civic affairs throughout the years lead to her involvement in special projects such as the St. Louis
Bicentennial Committee, the Hill Day Committee, the United Nations Association, Radio Free Europe and the Italian
Earthquake Fund. She gained recognition and many awards for her work such as the Archbishop Joseph Ritter
Catholic Action Award, Cardinal Joseph Ritter ACCY Adult Award, 1962 Women of Achievement Award in International
Relations, Shaw Community School Award, Who’s Who in American Church Women, the Spirit of Columbus Award in
1994 and Italian of the Month in February 1999. She was always very humble and served as a kind mentor to others.
Until a few years ago when her health began to fail, Mazzola continued to serve her church and community as an active
member of St. Ambrose, Rosati-Kain Alumnae Association, the Dominican Laity where she was an officer and various
other Catholic organizations and prayer groups. She was a member of the Italian Club of St. Louis, the Bocce Club and
an officer of the Columbus Day Corporation. She was a friend to many and will be sadly missed.
AS TIME GOES BY……
Frank Indelicato, aka Mr. Frank, was the beloved janitor and altar boy at Our Lady Help of Christians Church downtown
for many years. He was once written up by the Post Dispatch in the St. Louis Oddities as being the oldest altar boy
(age 95) in the area. The Pope gave him special recognition for his dedication to the Church. Mr. Frank is shown here
with the portrait of Maria SS della Misericordia, the patron saint of the Misericordia Society.
FRATELLANZA HOLD 138TH ANNUAL BANQUET
By Marianne Peri Sack
The Societa Unione e’ Fratellanza Italiana (Fratellanza Society) held its 138th
annual banquet on November 20, at Yacovelli’s Restaurant. The Fratellanza was founded in 1866 by Antonio Curotto
and was the first Italian organization in St. Louis and is one of the oldest in the United States.
The Curotto Award, named after its founder was presented to Paul J. Grundhauser, treasurer of the Fratellanza
Society. The award is given to the member of the year and this is the second time that Grundhauser has won it. In his
work as By Laws committee chairman, he was the driving force in a major revision of the society’s By Laws. As
Treasurer, his continued insight and persistence have been invaluable to both committee chairmen and the Trustees.
A member since 1983, Grundhauser is the Chief Engineer for KMOX Radio and the son-in-law of member Joseph
Bagatti.
When accepting his award, Grundhauser stated that he was IBM (Italian by Marriage) and that he was brought into the
Fratellanza by his father-in-law Joseph Bagatti. He thanked the Italians that made him feel welcome particularly Guy
Gagliardi and Larry Biondo.
Father Joseph Adragna gave the invocation and benediction, Angelo Sita was Master of Ceremonies, Joseph Moore
was Banquet Chairman and John DeBellis was Awards Chairman. Tony Viviano Band’s performance included a “Rat
Pack” musical review and dance music.
IN REVIEW
SICILIAN MEMORIES: A book about the life and times of a first-generation Sicilian in the United States. The book was
written by Lee Khorll as narrated by an anonymous individual who grew up on the Hill in the Depression and World War
II era. The cover features a picture of St. Ambrose Church and the book relates how his hardworking immigrant parents
realized how ill equipped they were for life in America and how they pushed their children to get an education to better
themselves.
The book can be purchased by sending $7.50 inclusive of tax and postage to Lee Khorll, 4881 Three Way Acres,
Barnhart, MO 63012.
ITALIAN CLUB PRESENTS MARIANI AWARD TO SLU STUDENTS
By Marianne Peri Sack
President James Tognoni presented the Italian Club’s 2004 Eugene Mariani Award to two St. Louis University students
at the organization’s November meeting. The award is made annually to students of the university who have
distinguished themselves in the study of Italian language and literature. Winners are selected by the faculty of SLU’s
Program of Italian Studies in the Department of Romance Languages. This year’s winners are Mary Devine and
Danielle Ridolfi.
The award consists of $500 from the Italian Club that is matched by the Mariani Family and Southwest Bank. The funds
are used to assist outstanding students in traveling and studying in Italy.
OSIA PRESIDENT PLACES ITALIAN FLAG ATOP WALL STREET CHRISTMAS
TREE
The traditional Bowling Green Christmas tree that graces New York’s Financial
District has the Italian flag on top this year. The Order of Sons of Italy in
American (OSIA) took part in the December 13th lighting ceremony to honor
Italian American across the country and the coming of OSIA’s 100th anniversary
on June 22, 2005.
The president of OSIA, Joseph Sciame, rode a lift to the top of the 65-foot tree
where he placed the Italian flag. He said, “It is an honor to be a part of this
unprecedented event. OSIA and all Italian Americans will be proud to see the
flag of our ancestors waving atop such an important New York City Christmas
landmark.”
December 22; Gabrielle Hahn – December 23; Jim Marino – December 23; Francesca Nicastro – December
23; Baby Jesus – December 25; Rosanna Leone – December 28: Danny Hahn – December 30; Pietro
Nicastro – January 3; Giovanna Mandala – January 3; Silvia Fritsch – January 4; Oreste (Rasti) Zoia –
January 4; Mary Leone – January 6; John Mandala – January 8; Joseph Peri – January 13; Sam Gallo –
January 14.
Marguerite Boccardi celebrated her 60th birthday on December 1. A surprise party was given in her honor.
WEDDINGS
Angie and Paul Manno were married on October 24 at St. Roch’s Church. A reception was held at the
Sheraton Downtown.
BIRTHS
Vincenzo Onofrio Randazzo was born on November 12 to Vito and Lia Serra Randazzo. His maternal
grandparents are Onorfrio and Lucrezia Serra and his paternal grandparents are Vincenzo and the late
Teresa Randazzo.
MISCELLEANOUS
Eleanore Berra Marfisi held a book signing at Girasole on Saturday, November 27, for her latest book “I
Remember Nonna”. The book includes reminisces of the traditional Italian nonna (grandmother), her home
remedies and superstitions. Also included are 33 Italian dessert recipes from the Hill.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY
By Marianne Peri Sack
‘Twas the month of December and all through the Italian community, organizations were holding festive
Christmas parties. In spite of busy schedules, people were finding time to enjoy dear friends, celebrate old
traditions and feel the warmth and peace that is always associated with this holy season.
PBM headed the pack with a party at Pietro’s Restaurant on December 1. Presents wrapped in brightly
colored, shiny paper were exchanged and a huge table of attendance prizes were given out to attendees.
The Misericordia Society held its party on December 5 at Catering to You Banquet Center. A tall, laughing
Santa Claus and Santa Lucia dressed in a white gown appeared and gave out candy canes and torrone. Next
to a table filled with attendance prizes, was a table laden with canned goods, food products and paper
products that the members and guests generously brought for the Hi Pointe Food Pantry. The table could not
hold all the donations and they had to be placed on the floor.
The very next night on December 6, a party was held for the Italian Community Band of St. Louis at Guido’s
Restaurant. Band Director Ollie Raymand gave out presents and a special certificate to Gabriele Lancia
thanking him for his generosity in making new bandstands for the band.
The North County Italian American Seniors put on its finest apparel and dancing shoes for its party at Mr. Yac’
s on December 12. After dinner and the giving of gifts, they danced to the music of Pete Bono.
December 12 was also the day the Sicilian Cultural Association celebrated at Orlando Gardens. Children sat
on Santa’s lap and whispered the gifts they wanted him to bring and some more timid ones just cried. Pictures
were taken by a larger than normal elf. Members danced to the music of Joe Tucci.
The St. Louis Chapter of UNICO held its party on December 14 at Baldo’s Restaurant. In lieu of a present
exchange, the members donated money to Father Leo Spezia, associate pastor of St. John the Baptist and
chaplain of UNICO. Father chose two families that were in need and purchased gifts for them. Josephine
Lanica made “cuccia”, a special traditional dish made for the feast of Santa Lucia, which took place on
December 13.
The Italian Club of St. Louis savored a gourmet dinner at Baldo’s Restaurant on December 15 that was
preceded by the annual performance of the Pannetone Players. This year’s selection was a skit done in Italian
about that charming puppet Pinocchio.
La Befana also made an appearance giving away nutella.
The parties last all during the month of December for the Italian organizations and there is no normal business
transacted during this month. Come January there is business as usual with dinners, dances, carnivale,
presentations, fundraising, etc. Our New Year’s wish is that all the organizations have a successful year in
2005.
ANNUAL AWARDS GIVEN
By Marianne Peri Sack
It is customary in some Italian organizations in the community to give special recognition to outstanding
members for the contributions that they have made throughout the year. Most often this is done at the
organization’s annual Christmas party. In 2004, the following individuals were given awards for dedication and
service:
The Misericordia Society awarded Salvatore (Sam) Gallo with the society’s distinguished service award on
December 5. He is currently a trustee on the board and served as treasurer for six years in the 60s, served as
a disk jockey and helped with St. Joseph’s Altar and other projects. Cav. Antonino Lombardo also received
this same award for his assistance to the society, his donations of his homemade wine and the countless help
he supplies to many immigrants in the processing of documents. He is also a staunch supporter of any Italian
activity in the community such as NIAF language lessons and the recent cultural exhibits at the Muny and the
International Institute of St. Louis.
On December 14, the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO gave its member of the year award to Cav. Antonino
Lombardo for 2004. He has been a member for more than 30 years and served in various positions as
president, district governor or board member for the organization for more than 15 years. The Vastola award,
UNICO National’s most prestigious award, was bestowed on him at a national convention in 2001. Lombardo is
also well known for his service to the Italian community.
The Sicilian Cultural Association of St. Louis bestowed a distinguished service award upon Michael Lombardo
on December 12. He was one of the founding members of the association, served as vice-president, president
and committee chairman. For years, Lombardo operated an Italian Radio Show and for over 5 years was a
member of the COMITES (Committee of Italians Living Abroad). He continues to serve the community in many
capacities.
CHRISTMAS PLAY AT THE VILLA
By Marianne Peri Sack
The Kindergarten class at the Sacred Heart Villa on the Hill presented a Christmas Play on Friday, December
17. The cafeteria of the Villa was very crowded as proud parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends
searched for good seats. The smaller children sat on the floor in front of the stage.
Soon Sister Eugenia came in the door leading the tiny participants and helping them with last minute
adjustments to their costumes. Little girls dressed in advent colors of pinks and purples carried flickering
advent candles high above their heads as they led the procession to the stage. They were followed by
shepherds with crooked tree branches used for staffs, angels with white fur halos, three stately Kings carrying
gold, frankincense and myrrh, bell ringers, a little drummer boy and, of course, the Holy Family. The group
proceeded to the stage with slow, steady steps where they took their places.
There they formed the traditional Nativity scene around Mary and Joseph who knelt over the Baby Jesus.
They sang Christmas Carols as the adults watched and smiled. Each child performed his or her task with
great solemnity and reverence that was somewhat humbling to the adult audience. For a short time we were
snatched away from the tiresome chores of shopping, cooking, cleaning, paying bills and all the other things
that far remove us from the spiritual aspect of the season and we were transformed to a world of innocence,
peace and joy.
WINNERS FOR THE SECOND NATIVITY WALK ARE:
Individual category – Judy Mann
Organization category – National Italian American Foundation
Children – St. Ambrose School Grade 8 Girl’s Art Class
Each winner received a $25.00 prize
Congratulations to the winners!