Mancini to receive Ellis Island Medal

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown native Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, the former World Boxing Association lightweight boxing champion, will accept the Ellis Island Medal of Honor on Saturday in Ellis Island, N.Y.

“I’ll absolutely be there,” Mancini told The Vindicator on Thursday. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

The award was founded by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations. It is awarded to citizens who are either children or grandchildren of immigrants and have made a valuable contribution to the culture of America.

Both chambers of Congress recognize the award.

There are 100 recipients chosen for the award each year. Traditionally, all branches of the United States Armed Forces will participate.

Mancini, born and raised in Youngstown, was the WBA lightweight champion from 1982 to 1984. He is an Italian-American, the son of former professional boxer Lenny “Boom Boom” Mancini, from whom he obtained his nickname. Mancini retired with a 29-5 record. He lives in Los Angeles.

“I am extremely honored,” Mancini said. “I’d say it’s one of the highest honors a civilian can get. I’m grateful to be part of it all.”

Mancini said he was nominated for the award by George Randazzo, president and founder of the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago. Mancini was inducted into the hall of fame in 2000.

He said he “vaguely” remembered hearing about the award, so he went on the Internet to learn more about it.

He said he was deeply moved when he realized exactly what the award meant.

“I said, ‘Wow!’”

Mancini added that while he was living his life and pursing his dream of a career in boxing, he didn’t think about the impact he was having on American culture.

“You just live your life; you don’t have any idea,” he said. To realize that people remember and want to honor that impact, he added, was extremely gratifying.

“I’m honored, flattered that people still recognize me and know my career,” he said.

Past local honorees include Tony Lariccia, vice president, Merrill Lynch, and philanthropist from Boardman; the Rev. Timothy O’Neill of St. Patrick Church, Hubbard; retired U.S. District Judge Peter C. Economus; mall developer Edward J. DeBartolo Sr.; Judge John J. Leskovyansky of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court’s Domestic Relations Division; pharmacist Frank Manios; AVI Food Service founder/chairman John A. Payiavlas; and Thomas J. Cook, chief financial officer for B&T Express, a North Lima trucking company.