Past
Honorary
Presidents
2021 ~ Alfie Cascio
2020 ~ Fr Damian Zuerlein
2019 ~ Fr Damian Zuerlein
2018 ~ Tony Cosentino
2017 ~ Joseph Caniglia
2016 ~ Charles Vacanti
2015 ~ Sam Marchese
2014 ~ John Stella
2013 ~ Jim Hall
2012 ~ Jim Rotella
2007 ~ 2011
2006 ~ Fr Theodore Richling Jr
2005 ~ Angelo Buda
2004 ~ James Monaghan
2003 ~ Tom Nastase Jr
2002 ~ Tony Baratta
2001 ~ Pat Venditte
2000 ~ Jim Jansen
1999 ~ Lou Rotella Jr
1998 ~ Joe Caniglia PhD
1997 ~ Fr Russell Monzu
1996 ~ Sr Mary Evangeline
1995 ~ Joe Troia
1994 ~ Fred Bruning
1993 ~ Subby Anzaldo
1992 ~ Frances Mandolfo
1991 ~ Vince Emmanuel Sr
1990 ~ Mike Albert
1989 ~ Bob Orsi
1988 ~ Yano Bonafede
1987 ~ Mike Boyle
1986 ~ Lou Rotella Sr
1985 ~ Anthony Troia
1984 ~ Frances Pane
1983 ~ Claudio Orsi
1982 ~ Bishop Anthony Milone
1981 ~ Nuncio Pomidoro
1980 ~ Thomas Breccetti
1979 ~ Sandy Buda
1978 ~ Anthony Fucinaro
1977 ~ Bernie Venditte
1976 ~ Sam Pattavina
1975 ~ Tony Troia
1974 ~ Sam Howell
1973 ~ Ross Lorello
1972 ~ Al Caniglia
1971 ~ Alfred Pattavina Jr
1970 ~ Dr Joseph Longo Jr
1969 ~ Emil Sodaro
1968 ~ Charles Mancuso
1967 ~ Frank Pane
1966 ~ Frank Distefano Sr
1965 ~ John Mainelli
1964 ~ Dr Joseph Grasso
1963 ~ Dr Anthony Circo
1962 ~
1961 ~ Dr Anthony Pantano
1960 ~
1959 ~ Louie Salerno
1948 ~ 1958
1947 ~ Louis Carnazzo
1946 ~ Louis Finocchiaro
1940 ~ 1945
1939 ~ Charles Ancona
1938 ~ Joseph Piccolo
1937 ~
1936 ~ Dr S. J. Carnazzo
1925 ~ 1935
The Santa Lucia Festival Committee is proud to announce
Alfie Cascio 2021 “Honorary President”
It is extremely fitting to honor Alfie this year as the festival returns to Little Italy. The Cascio family and their legendary Cascio’s Steakhouse (1620 S 10th St) has been a cornerstone of Little Italy the past 75 years.
Alfie has many fond memories of the Santa Lucia Festival and is excited to see it back in the old neighborhood. As a kid, he used to run around the festival with his friends… that is, when he was not working at the restaurant for his Grandpa Joe and Great Uncle Al. He gets his name, charismatic personality, sense of legacy, and love of Santa Lucia from his Uncle Al.
He remembers sitting outside of Cascio's with his Uncle Al waiting for the parade to make its annual stop in front of the family steakhouse.
The band would get louder as the crowd processed and Saint Lucy drew closer. Uncle Al would be waiting proudly; eager to give his annual donation. This year, the parade will process in front of Cascio’s once again to honor Alfie and the Cascio family. His parents, Larry and Cyndie, took over the restaurant back in 1999 to continue the family tradition. His dad was no stranger to the business or hard work, having started working at eight years old boxing pizzas. Alfie followed a remarkably similar path to his father’s. Alfie was cleaning up the restaurant at the age of 6 but would not officially be hired until 13. Like the generations before him, Alfie also married an extraordinarily strong woman, Michelle. Pictured above, she is the backbone of their family. Even though she is 100% Irish, she immediately bought into the Italian way of life. Alfie and Michelle were married at St. Francis Cabrini Church and are parents to Brennan (26), Kennedy (24), and Bailey (22). He is the first to admit that he could not have done any of this without her help and support. If you want to get Alfie talking, ask him about Michelle or the kids. He is an extremely proud husband and father.
The third-generation owner is driven by continuing his family’s legacy. He has always strived to make Grandpa Joe and Great Uncle Al proud. After 75 years in business, Alfie’s next goal is to hit the 100-year mark. He is currently planning a 75-year anniversary celebration for August – so be on the lookout for more information.
His sense of tradition, love of family, hard work, and passion to serve others has made us proud to name him our Honorary President for the 97th Santa Lucia Festival.
Congratulations Alfie Cascio on being named
The 97th Annual Santa Lucia Festival
Honorary President