The Italian Cultural Center is honored to announce that Lena DeCarlo and Joseph A. Liquori have been selected as the 2014 Serviam Award recipients. Lena (Pino) DeCarlo was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 23, 1923 to parents Carmino and Jennie (Marinello) Pino along with her siblings, Mildred, Rose, Michael, and Robert. Like many South Enders, they grew up during the depression. Since Lena’s father was employed as a cement carrier, he didn’t work in the winter months. During this time, all members of the family were expected to contribute. So at a young age, Lena learned to cook, sew and clean clothes to help support the family. Because of the family’s commitment, they considered themselves lucky because they owned not one but two homes on William Street. Lena worked at Westinghouse during the war for a short time. Later she went to work for her sister Rose at Tazzini Flower and Gift Shop as manager for 40 years. For many years Lena has been an active participant in Mt. Carmel Church functions. She helped out with fundraisers, lawn parties, spaghetti suppers, card parties, and junior choir. She was President of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality and a member of the Mt. Carmel Rosary Society. She also belongs to the Mt. Carmel Women’s Guild, the St. Ann’s Society, the Longmeadow Over 60 Club and Twin Hills Country Club. Lena and her husband of 16 years, Robert, were longtime sustainers of the Italian Cul-tural Center where Bob was president from 1984 – 1986. They funded numerous grants to help support the ICC until Robert’s death in 2000. Lena continues to contribute toward the annual ICC scholarship program. She has worked very hard to give back to the community, especially regarding the children. Joseph A. Liquori immigrated from Italy with his parents and three sisters in 1969. He graduated from Classical High School and continued his education at American International College. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management in 1981. Joe has been married to Robin Roy for 25 years. After a brief career with Wendy’s Corporation, he started working as a Financial Sales Representative for Prudential Insurance Company. Joe was presented the prestigious Regional Business Conference Award for ranking among the top 10% of sales associates. During his three decades with Prudential, Joe has raised $75,000.00 for the Western Massachusetts Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Since 2000 he helped raise $150,000.00 to support the Shriners Hospital and the Colon Cancer Research Fund as a member of the Pioneer Valley GTO Association Car Club. He has also received the Distinguished Ser-vice Award from UNICO. Whether serving as Chapter President of UNICO or working as a rank and file member, Joe has been consistently committed to those in need, embracing the UNICO motto of “Service Above Self”. Lena and Joe will be honored at a brunch at St. Anne Country Club on Sunday, October 26, 2014, beginning at 11:30am. (See ICC Brunch in Honor of Our Serviams on page 4) Your participation is essential to make this a special tribute to our honorees and to celebrate our Italian Heritage.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:14:56 +0000
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