Italian dinner-show will honor two who made a difference

The Vindicator

BOARDMAN — John Moliterno and Maria Pimpinella will be honored at the Spring Italian Dinner and Show on March 5 at The Georgetown, 5945 South Ave.

The annual event, now in its 15th year, is sponsored by Ciao Promotions of Poland. Its goal, according to owner Tony Trolio, is to recognize local Italian-Americans whose work has improved the area.

Two entertainment acts that have proved popular in the Mahoning Valley will return for the Dinner and Show.

Natalie Pinto of New Jersey will sing Broadway favorites and Italian classics. The opening act will be the Good Fellos Showband.

Joe Naples will be master of ceremonies.

Tickets are $39.95 per person (senior citizen and group tickets are 36.95) and can be purchased at Trolio’s T-Shirts in Poland or by calling (330) 757-2779.

Moliterno is a graduate of Ursuline High School and Ohio State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1973.

The president of Pegasus Printing Group, he served as president and chief executive officer of Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber from 1993-97; Youngstown Chamber of Commerce,1986-93; and the Better Business Bureau of Mahoning Valley, 1978-86.

Moliterno has also been a member of the Ohio Consumers Counsel, a city councilman and treasurer of Girard and a member of the Girard board of education. He also serves on Western Reserve Port Authority board, and is a member of the Youngstown State University Penguin Club.

He has received the Market Street Merchants Community Award, the Kiwanis International Distinguished Service Award, Mahoning Valley Labor Management Man of the Year Award, and Buckeye Elks Distinguished Citizen Award.

Maria Pimpinella and her husband, Dominic, immigrated to America from Lazio, Italy, in 1961. They settled in Hubbard, where they had relatives, and raised four children: Alexandra, Michael, Evonne and Marie. They now have three grandchildren.

Pimpinella has been a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge No. 2539 for 27 years and served as trustee and chaplain.

She has chaired nearly all of the organization’s annual dances and even cooked for them.

She is a member of Hubbard Knights of Columbus, Pacentrano Club, Eagles, ITAM Post 3, Altar and Rosary of St. Patrick’s Church in Hubbard, Mount Carmel Church, and the Oblates of Villa Maria. An avid boccie player, she plays in three leagues.

Pimpinella is proud of her Italian heritage and her family still maintains many traditions, including wine and sausage making.

She has received awards from the Sons of Italy and the Grand Lodge of Ohio.