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  LEONARD ROSSI'S TRIBUTE DINNER
On Saturday, November 17, 2007, the Italian Catholic Federation, esteemed guests, family and friends paid tribute to Past Grand President Leonard Rossi. With more than 180 guests in attendance at the banquet hall at Francesco's Restaurant in Oakland, California, Leonard Rossi, his wife Karen, daughter Janet, and parents Nello and Cookie greeted the guests. A billboard with photos from Leonard's life was placed at the entrance for all to see. Looking around the room was a veritable who's who of ICF past and present. Included, but not limited to this list were Al Teglia, George and Diana Bacigalupi, Larry and Elise Marsalli, Dan and Diana Petrolino, Carmen, Larry, and Lauren Kilcullen, Michael and Donna Cannady, Richard and Lillian Valli, Bob and Kathy Acquistapace, David and Pat Botta, Steven Fuentes, Nettie Descalso-Del Nero and Tom Pollicita, Mike and Marcie Rossi, Father Daniel Cardelli, Rev. Frank Murray, and Father Larry Young. Jane Dianda, Sir Robert and Theresa Dianda, Nina Malone, Roselynne Jarrett, Harry and Charlyne Pacini, Andy and Sid Pappani, Bob Basuino, Jim and Mary Ann Friebel, Dante and Julie Galeazzi, Leroy and Stella Taddei, Jody Balestrieri, Jerry and Joan Delfino, Fran Foglia, and Louisa Russo. In addition to these esteemed guests, people from Reno, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Green Valley, Arizona made the trek to Oakland to pay tribute to Leonard. After all the guests took their seats, Grand 1st Vice President Jim Jones opened the program by welcoming everyone to this evening of tribute for Past Grand President Leonard Rossi. Jim asked everyone to stand to salute the flag, then Rev. Frank Murray, Arch Diocesan Chaplain of the Diocese of San Francisco, and ICF District Chaplain for the San Mateo District gave the opening prayer. Past Grand President and Life Member of the Central Council, Mike Cannady, gave the evening's toast, and asked everyone to raise a glass and toast the commitment and hard work of Leonard Rossi. President of the East Bay District Lisa Watkins also gave an introduction, and was followed by Jim Jones who gave a history of the different names people call Leonard, his past jobs as working for his dad Nello, a shoe salesman, and as Bishop O'Dowd's music director. Past Grand President and Life Member of the Central Council Nettie Descalso-Del Nero was next to pay tribute to Leonard. She regaled the audience with stories of Leonard playing the accordion at the many Conventions including singing and playing "Hello Nettie" to the tune of "Hello Dolly" at her hospitality room during one Convention. Leonard is "blessed with an irrepressible spirit and dynamic energy," Nettie said. "His personal enthusiasm and energy made us want to do the very best we could." Nettie also noted that in addition to his love of the ICF, and of the students he teaches music to at Bishop O'Dowd High School. Now that Leonard's time as grand president has come to a close, Nettie commented on his two years of leadership by saying, "He wanted to make a difference and he did. We will always be grateful." Taking the evening all in stride, Leonard sat at the head table surrounded by family and friends as the evening's fanfare and presentations continued. Next to step to the microphone was the Italian Catholic Federation's Spiritual Director; Father Daniel Cardelli said of Leonard that "He was infected with a virus… his love of the ICF." Fr. Cardelli also said that after observing Leonard as grand president he noticed he had a unique talent. "He had respect for those he led," said Fr. Cardelli. "The secret of being a good leader is respecting those you lead." Another secret behind his success, according to Fr. Cardelli was Leonard's wife Karen, who smiled at Fr. Cardelli upon recognition of her support of her husband. "His talents will be shared with us from now on," Fr. Cardelli concluded. "I want to thank him for all he has done and his leadership in the ICF." To continue the presentations, President of Branch 91, Irene Sarubbi gave a special wrapped gift to Leonard, as did President of the East Bay District Lisa Watkins. East Bay District Deputy Pat Mueller, the person responsible for Leonard and Karen meeting each other, presented Karen Rossi with a bouquet of beautiful yellow roses in recognition of her support of Leonard and commitment to the ICF. With the daunting task for filling the shoes of someone loved and revered, current Grand President Mike Rossi took to the podium to make his tribute and present Leonard with a few tokens of appreciation. "It was my pleasure serving as your vice president," Mike said. "You have been and always will be my friend." Mike Rossi presented Leonard with a card and check from the Central Council, and a plaque to forever commemorate Leonard's two years as grand president. Mike offered Leonard "a heartfelt congratulation on a job well done". After all the tributes were said and done, the dinner audience rose to its feet with a standing ovation for Leonard as he took the podium. With the same warm smile that most of seeing through the many years of Leonard speeches, he began by saying that "these past two years have been filled with joy and happiness." After having had attended countless installations, Bishop's Days and various other branch and district banquets Leonard said "it was truly a privilege serving you at these functions." Leonard's list of people to thank seemed to outnumber the number of people thanking him for his job as grand president. He began by thanking both Mike Rossi and Jim Jones, his vice presidents for their hard work and loyalty. "It is my hope that future grand presidents work as close with their vice presidents as I have with mine," Leonard said. Leonard also gave a big thank you to the ICF office staff, Charlene Kramer and Patty Smith for their dedication and expertise. "You two are the greatest," he said. Next on the list of thanks were Branch 91 in Oakland, "they have truly seen me grow up," Leonard said, and the East Bay District for embracing him and his family. Leonard then gave a huge thank you to Mr. Bob Dianda. "He has been so much more than a friend," Leonard continued. "He and the Dianda's have been there when we have needed them." The most important people on Leonard's list of those to thank though were his wife Karen, daughter Janet, and parents Nello and Cookie Rossi and Herbert and Barbara Di Grazia. "There were many family obligations that I missed and they always supported me," Leonard said. He also thanked Janet for flying from Washington D.C. for the evening's event, and hoped that she would continue her association with the ICF. Lastly, Leonard thanked Karen. "She has been the pillar behind all that I accomplish throughout the past 28 years," he said. "The ICF is a gift given to us from God and we must take care of it and nurture it to see it continue," Leonard concluded. Before the evening can be called to a conclusion, however, Nello Rossi, Leonard's father, took to the podium to seemingly lead the guests in a few classic Italian songs, but as he himself stated the night would not be fit if he couldn't say a few words about his son. With a gleam in his eye and a crack in his voice Nello thanked Leonard for always being a good boy and making his family proud. "He is like wine, the older he gets, the finer he gets," Nello concluded. |
Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland CA 94621
tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org
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tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org
Website designed by HYPERSPHERE