1953 - Korean War Armistice

Before the founding of the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO National in October. 1953, more than 500 friends of Dr. Andrew J. Signorelli attended a banquet at the Congress Hotel on July sixteenth. At this banquet a bronze plaque was presented to him by the national officers of UNICO National. The presentation was made by Dr. Nicholas S. Vitale, founder of the St. Louis Chapter and Dr. D. M. Nigro of Kansas City who was Executive Vice President of UNICO National.

1956 - Transatlantic Telephone Cable

Many programs were outlined for the UNICO National Thirtieth National Convention in St. Louis which was to be held in 1958. Some of the events included a tour of the Anheuser Busch brewery, a fashion show, and tours of Grant’s Farm and Faith Hospital.

This was the year when the St. Louis Chapter really improved its membership. The year was titled the "Hot Sizzlin Membership Year". Meetings were held at Ruggeri’s where "Hot Sizzlin Steaks" were prepared at the dinner meetings. A gourmet testimonial dinner was held at which Henry Ruggeri was honored on July sixteenth.

1957 - "On the Road" is published

The Second Annual Charity Dinner and Ball was held on Saturday, October twelfth (Columbus Day) at the Khorrassan Room of the Chase Hotel. The dinner raised $50,000 and these funds were distributed to the Pope Pius XII Library, which was under construction at St. Louis University. 

In addition money was donated to expand the library facilities for Welfare and Educational organizations, and Boys Town of Missouri. Several athletic scholarships were provided, including a few for students from Santo Domenico Orphan Home.

The Honorable Dr. Roberto DeCardona, Italian Consul for St. Louis, presented the Legion of Merit Award to Anthony Salamone at this banquet.

1958 - Explorer I

The Thirtieth Annual Convention of UNICO National was held in St. Louis at the Chase Hotel in August. Vincent A. Carrafiello received the Major Don S. Gentile Memorial Award. Some of the other awards presented at this convention included: Perry Como, for Outstanding Television Star of Italian descent; Frank Sinatra, Outstanding Star in all media of entertainment of Italian descent; Rosalind Calcaterra, of St. Louis, Outstanding Women Athlete; Andrew Robustelli, Outstanding Professional Athlete; Frank Torre (Joe Torre’s brother), Outstanding Baseball Player; Linda Darnell for her untiring and unselfish contributions to Girls Town and Boys Town of Italy; and the Gaylords for popularizing Italian songs.

1959 - Alaska, Forty-Ninth State and Hawaii, Fiftieth State

Joe Garagiola receives the UNICO Charity Ball and Dinner "Man of the Year Award" on September nineteenth at the Korassan Room of the Chase Hotel.

Sixth Annual Officer Installation Dinner Dance was held the at Forest Park Hotel on May twenty-third.

1960 - First Weather Satellite

The Italian Orphan Home received a donation from the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO National.

The Officer Installation Dinner Dance was held at the Missouri Athletic Club on May twenty-eighth and the Charity Ball was held at the Chase Hotel on September third.

A family picnic was held at Holy Family Church in July. Over twenty donations were made this year to charities throughout the metropolitan area.

1961 - Mercury Space Capsule

The Charity Ball was held at the Korassan Room of the Chase Hotel on September sixteenth.

At the UNICO National Convention the following awards were presented: Ernie Brolio, of the St. Louis Cardinals, Outstanding Baseball Player; Alan Ameche, 

Outstanding Football Player; Joseph Bellini, of the United States Naval Academy, Outstanding Amateur Athlete.

1962 - John Glenn Orbits Earth

Monsignor Carl Poelker and Father Salvatore Polizzi were present at the May meeting to solicit donations and pledges for the proposed new Cor Jesu Academy.

The Italian Consul of St. Louis was in favor of a projected plan for an Italian week in St. Louis.

1963 - John F. Kennedy Assassinated

Tenth Anniversary of the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO National.

There was a Memorial Mass for John F. Kennedy at St. Charles Borromeo Church on December twenty- second.

1964 - War On Poverty

A Charity Dinner was given to honor J. Arthur (Cubby) Baer, President of Stix, Baer and Fuller in recognition for the work he did in presenting the Italian Festival in his stores.

1965 - Gateway Arch Topped Off

On Sunday, April nineteenth a bowling party was held at the Red Bird Lanes for members and their wives.

Plans were under way for a testimonial dinner honoring Captain Nicholas Valenti of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police, the first Italian American promoted to the rank of Police Captain. The Fratellanza Society and the Italian Club of St. Louis participated at this event.

1966 - Medicare Begins

The St. Louis Chapter of UNICO National culminated phase two of a program titled "Avanti". The Fiesta program was held at the Colony Hotel. The members and prospective members were in a gala mood especially when Anthony Miceli led the group in singing parodies of Dr. Andrew Signorelli, Judge Peter Maniscalco and acting Italian Consul, Ermanno M. Chionio. The group was accompanied at the piano by then President Dr. Jasper R. Signorelli. Alphonse Lordo presided at the meeting and Anthony Miceli was the Master of Ceremonies.

1967 -Apollo Fire 

A Testimonial Dinner was given to Captain Nicholas F. Valenti of the St. Louis Police Department at Stan Musial and Biggie’s Restaurant. Captain Valenti went from a patrolman to captain in a period of twenty-four years, receiving eight citations for meritorious service in the line of duty.

1968 - USS Pueblo

A Charity Dinner was held at the Norwood Hills Country Club and a style show was held in conjunction with the dinner dance.

The St. Louis Chapter obtained permission from UNICO National to raise money for the Pope Pius XII Library. UNICO National endorsed their endeavors. The St. Louis Chapter donated $22,000 and raised the remaining $53,000 for a total contribution of $75,000.

1969 - First Man Walks on Moon

Joseph Martino, Alderman of the Eighth Ward of the City of St. Louis was given a testimonial dinner. This was last of many "Cadillac Dinners" that preceded the Man of the Year and Annual Banquets that have been the major function of the Chapter.

1970 - Earth Day

It was decided to have an Annual Banquet at which individuals of Italian descent would be honored. The first was scheduled for 1972 and it was to be called the 1972 Gourmet Awards Dinner Dance.

1971 - Voting Age Lowered

The Officer’s Installation Dinner Dance was held on May eighth at Stan Musial and Biggie’s Restaurant. The Stouffer’s Riverfront Hotel was selected as the location for the 1972 Gourmet Awards Dinner Dance.

1972 - Watergate Burglary

The Magnificent Seven was the name given to the first gourmet Man of the Year Awards Banquet which was held on Saturday, February twenty-sixth in the Grand Ballroom of the Stouffer’s Riverfront Hotel. The proceeds were designated to go to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Kidney Research Program. It was a magnificent year for the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO National as it was the beginning of many yearly award dinners. The Master of Ceremonies was Spencer Allen and the President of UNICO was Al Lordo. 

There were seven men honored and each received a silver Revere bowl. The honorees included Gabriel Alberici for business; Paul Berra for government; Yogi Berra for sports, Joseph Garagiola for communications; Joseph Salmeri for labor; Dr. Andrew Signorelli for medicine; and Professor Joseph Simone for education. 

Bishop Charles Koester offered benediction to the huge crowd which numbered at 1500 people. The Food Committee was headed by Dr. J. C. Cacioppo and he was assisted by Dora Kemoll of Kemoll’s Restaurant.

The Ladies Auxiliary was formed. Charter members were Goldie Tacchi, Jean Passanante, Rose Titone, Nina Lordo, Joyce Mossotti, Arlene Sciortino, Barbara Schembre, Susan Rizzo, Millie Vitale, Vera Frisella, Gloria Vitale, Carmela Vitale, Judy Coleca, Sally Messina, Dora Kemoll, Bertha Palazzolo, Lucille Guccione, and Sistine Caccioppo. The Ladies Auxiliary held their first officers installation dinner at LaRocca’s Restaurant.

The Columbus Day Queen was Sharon Talley.

1973 - Skylab

Twentieth Anniversary of the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO National. At the Second Annual Gourmet Awards Dinner Dance, the Reverend Lawrence Chiuminatto, S.J., Spiritual Director of the White House Retreat House and Aldermanic President Joseph Badaracco were honored with the Men of the Year Awards. 

Bishop Charles Koester was in attendance to give the Invocation and Dr. Mario A. Montecalvo, the Italian Consul was also in attendance. There was a special dinner honoring Aldermanic President Joseph Badaracco at the Chase Hotel on April first.

The Ladies Auxiliary held a dinner dance on September twenty-second. The colors of Italy, green, white and red were featured at this dinner. They called their program "Little Italy Dinner Dance".

The Columbus Day Queen was Camille Gambaro, daughter of Ben Gambaro of Missouri Bakery.

1974 - Energy Crisis

The Third Annual Gourmet Awards Dinner Dance was held at the Chase Hotel. The honorees were Dr. Nicholas S. Vitale of Faith Hospital and Richard Mantia, the top labor official in St. Louis. 

There was a record attendance this year and a Galliano Carabinere (a replica of the Italian State Police) was stolen toward the end of the program. The 1400 people in attendance failed to notice the missing replica which was placed near the entrance. 

Alphonse Lordo, who furnished the Galliano liquore as well as the policeman, which incidentally was the only one in the United States at that time. Al knew that he had this to return this statue which was six feet tall, so he advertised in the newspaper and via radio requesting its return. Al never gave up and after nine months he was able to locate the carabinere, but it cost him four tickets for the 1975 Banquet.

Monsignor Carl Poelker celebrated his fortieth anniversary as a priest on December eighth. A procession preceding the Mass at Our Lady of Good Council was held and a reception was held afterwards. Monsignor Poelker was chaplain of the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO at the time. The Ladies Auxiliary made a sizable donation to Rainbow Village. This organization served the needs of the mentally disabled. Mrs. Ben Messina was the chairperson.

Dr. Andrew Signorelli, the Director of Faith Hospital, was recognized as "Doctor of the Year" at a banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club.

The St. Louis Chapter of UNICO celebrated its fourth consecutive year of participation in the St. Louis Columbus Parade.

1975 - Chorus Line and Jaws

Two outstanding St. Louisans, Fred Giacoma and Mr. Charles Rallo, Jr. received the annual Italo-American Distinguished Service Awards for special achievements in their respective fields of endeavor. 

This happened on April thirteenth, in the Korassan Room of the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. Entertainer Nick Noble was accompanied by the Johnny Polzin Orchestra. At the time Fred Giacoma was Executive Vice President of Southwest Bank and Charles Rallo was President of Rallo Construction Company.

The St. Louis Chapter took over sponsorship of the St. Louis Columbus Day Parade. They sponsored it until 1980 when they invited other Italian American organization to participate.

The Columbus Queen was Pia Maria Botteni.

1976 - American Bi-Centennial

The Dr. Nicholas S. Vitale Distinguished Service Award was presented to Anthony Salamone at the Cherry Hills Country Club during the installation of officers. Anthony Salamone was given the award for his work in assisting the elderly.

For the first time the President of the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO National and the Ladies Auxiliary were held by the same family. Angelo Tacchi was the president of UNICO and his wife, Goldie, was president of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Linda Saputo was the Columbus Queen.

1977 - Star Wars

Jack Valenti was honored as "Man of the Year" by the St. Louis Chapter on October ninth. Mr. Valenti was the president of the Retail Store Employees, Local 655. The banquet was followed by the Columbus Day Parade.

Angelo Tacchi was president of UNICO and he presided over the parade which started at Grand and Russell and ended at the statute of Columbus in Tower Grove Park. Lucy Bommarito was the Queen.

1978 - Camp David Accords

The Columbus Day Dinner Dance was held at the Cherry Hill Country Club.

A farewell dinner was given the Italian Consulate Office at Ruggeri’s Restaurant. The dinner was sponsored by the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO and the Italian Club of St. Louis. Mario Pertici, President of the Italian Club was emcee and UNICO President Noel Bianco was the Banquet Chairman. Both men presented plaques to Consul Dr. Arnaldo Bucciero, Chancellor Ettore DiBona and Secretary Antonino Tito. All three men expressed regrets on having to leave since they had made many friends in St. Louis. 

This was especially true for Tony Tito. He lived in St. Louis for sixteen years. 

Members of the Fratellanza Society, the Misericordia Society and Hill 2000 were also present.

The Officers were installed on May twentieth at the Mayfair Hotel. Noel Bianco was the new president. Hilda Giganti became president of the Ladies Auxiliary. 

John Passanante was awarded the Dr. Nicholas Vitale Distinguished Service Award for his many years of excellent secretarial service. 

A wine tasting program was held at the Cheshire Inn on August twenty-fourth. The wines were all from France. Cheese was included.

Something different occurred at the regular meeting of November twenty-first when Richard Palazzolo and Angelo Tacchi were the "Gourmet Chefs" at Hagiparis Restaurant. They served Carne Ammudicata, Mostaccioli alla Palazzolo and Insalata alla Tacchi.

1979 - Iran Hostage Crisis

The Annual Dinner Dance was held on Saturday, May nineteenth at the Swiss Inn Restaurant. Dr. Anthony Berni was installed as president. Bertha Palazzolo became the president of the Ladies Auxiliary.

The Award Banquet was held on Saturday, October sixth at the Carpenter’s Hall. Joe Tangaro was the honoree. Joe was a former professional wrestler and owner of Tangaro’s Chariton Restaurant. He was also a past president of the PBM. 

The Columbus Queen was Gina Squitieri. The St. Louis Chapter of UNICO decided to move the Columbus Parade to the Hill. The date was Sunday, October seventh.

1980 - Mount Saint Helens Erupts

On Sunday, October nineteenth, the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO sponsored their Annual Charity Dinner Dance for the benefits of St. Mary’s Special School at St. Raymond Hall. Carmelina Maria Corso was crowned Miss Columbus

This year was the first time that all the Italian American organizations sponsored and supported the Columbus Parade. The St. Louis Chapter invited all the clubs to become involved with the parade. The parade was once again held on the Hill and UNICO Member Dr. Anthony Berni was the president of the Parade Committee.

1981 - Space Shuttle

Vincent J. Bommarito of Tony’s Restaurant was named the "Man of the Year" by the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO. The Charity Banquet was held on October eighteenth at St. Raymond’s Hall.

Paula Marie Reidelberger was the Columbus Day Queen.

The Ladies Auxiliary was thanked for their excellent and memorable assistance in making 1981 one of the most successful.

1982 - Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The St. Louis Chapter of UNICO held their Annual Award Banquet on Sunday, October seventeenth at the Cedars Room of St. Raymond’s Hall. Dr. Anthony Berni was the honoree. Tony was a past president of UNICO and a past District Governor of the State of Missouri.

The Queen was Rosetta Failoni.

1983 - Cabbage Patch Dolls

The Thirtieth Anniversary of the St. Louis Chapter of UNICO National. There was a dinner meeting held on March twenty-third at Faith Hospital. Dr. Andrew Signorelli and the Faith Hospital Management donated their facilities and dinner for this occasion. After the dinner, Richard Palazzolo, Sr. was elected President. In addition donations were made to St. Mary’s Special School and the Sunnyhill School.

The Awards Banquet was held at St. Raymond’s Hall on October sixteenth. The honorees were Dr. Francis Xavier-Paletta, professor of plastic surgery at St. Louis University Medical Center and Alphonse Lordo, owner of Lordo’s Diamonds.

UNICO member Angelo Sita was elected Chairman of the Columbus Parade Committee

The Columbus Day Queen was Linda Lombardo, daughter of UNICO member Tony Lombardo. Tony publishes the Il Pensiero newspaper.

1984 - Trivial Pursuit

The UNICO National Convention was held at Paradise Island in the Bahamas on August first through the fifth. New York Governor, Mario Cuomo addressed the convention via a special telephone link. Charles DiMartino, the St. Louis President went to this convention which held on August first through fifth.

Michael J. LaMonica, was the honoree at the Annual Awards Banquet which was held on October fourteenth at St. Raymond’s Hall.

Angelina Maria Vitale, daughter of Pete and Grace Vitale of Vitale’s Bakery on the Hill, was the Columbus Day Queen.

1985 - Titanic Found

The Installation of Officers Dinner Dance was held on May nineteenth at Felice’s Restaurant. At the same dinner the Ladies Auxiliary installed their officers.

This year there were three queens for the Columbus Parade. The Queen was Angela Francis Sabella, Teen Miss Columbus was Josephine Gandolfo and Junior Miss was Kristina Temporiti.

1986 - Tax Reform

The Annual Awards Banquet was held at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel on April twelfth. The honorees were the owners of The Pasta House Company Restaurants, John Ferrara, J. Kim Tucci and Joseph Fresta.

Jennifer Lee Shepard was the Columbus Day Queen.

1987 - California Raisins

The theme song for the UNICO National Convention was "Meet Me In St. Louis" as the 1989 convention was scheduled to be held here. The Installation Dinner was held at Garavelli’s Restaurant on September thirteenth. 

Records show that there were sixth-seven members in good standing at this time. The Columbus Day Queen was Valerie Marie Pullizze.

1988 - Yellowstone Fires

Monsignor Elmer Behrmann celebrated his fiftieth anniversary as a priest. Monsignor Behrmann was the founder of St. Mary’s Special School. He has probably been to more UNICO functions that anyone else. Ned Taddeucci, President of the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association and Frank Leta, President of Leta Honda and Accura were selected as the "Men of the Year.". The Awards Banquet was held on May fourteenth at the Chase Hotel.

UNICO member Joseph LaGreek, Sr. was elected Chairman of the St. Louis Columbus Parade Committee.

Gina Marie Polizzi was Miss Italian St. Louis

1989 - San Francisco Earthquake

The St. Louis Chapter of UNICO honored John Temporiti and Richard Palazzolo, Sr. at the Annual Awards Banquet which was held at the Marriott Pavilion Hotel on Saturday, April twenty-second. John Temporiti was Chief of Staff to Mayor Vincent Schoemehl and Richard Palazzolo, Sr. was the former owner of the Italo-American Importing Company. 

The Sixty-Seventh Annual Convention of UNICO National was held in St. Louis on August sixteenth through twentieth at the Marriott Pavilion Hotel. Reverend Leo Spezia and Kaye Quentin were instrumental in making many of the arrangements for this convention. The St. Louis Chapter hosted a reception for all the conventioneers. The members wore suits that were popular at the turn of the century. In addition, they wore bow ties and straw hats. 

The Dr. Nigro Memorial Award went to Olympic swimmer Matt Biondi and the Vincent T. Lombardi Award went to Dodger Manager Tommy Lasorda. Lasorda could not attend so his good friend and UNICO member Charlie Gitto accepted the award on his behalf.

UNICO member Peter Ferrara received a plaque from the Italian Club of St. Louis for his many years of service as Honorary Vice Italian Consul. Peter is one of the charter members of the Chapter. 

1990 - Germany Reunited

The Annual Award Banquet was held on Saturday, SeptemberTwenty-ninth at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel. Monsignor Salvatore Polizzi and State Representative Anthony Ribaudo were honored. Monsignor Polizzi was assigned to St. Ambrose on the Hill for many years but was currently pastor of St. Roch’s. Anthony Ribaudo represented the Hill in the Missouri Legislature and was Majority Floor Leader.

In July there was a picnic a Wilmore Park.

On May sixth, the Chapter sponsored an Italian Style Brunch at Baldo’s Restaurant.

At the Christmas Party a new tradition was started. A member was selected as the UNICO Member of Year. Baldo Gandolfo was the first man to receive this award.

The Columbus Day Queen was Monica Giuseffi.

1991 - Desert Storm and Desert Shield

This was a rebuilding year. There was no Annual Awards Banquet but there was an Italian Style Brunch at Baldo’s Restaurant in October.

Anthony Lucido organized a night at the Bocce Club for members and their guests.

The officers were inducted at a special party during June. The District Governor, Alex Mara, was invited from Kansas City alone with the Presidents of the two Kansas City Chapters, Jim Murray and Joe Brocato.

The Christmas Party was well attended. Anthony Lucido and Baldo Gandolfo offered a few vocals and Vito Cipponeri teamed up to present a puppet show. Anthony Lucido was selected as the UNICO Member of the Year.

1992 - Columbus Quincentenial

The St. Louis Chapter of UNICO hosted the Honorable Liborio Pascale and his fellow representatives from Valle D’Aosta, Italy and representatives from Italian Multimedia to an American Style Breakfast at Aldo’s Restaurant in Union Station.

The Annual Awards Banquet was held on April eleventh at the Frontenac Grand Hotel. General Patrick P. Caruana, United State Air Force, and Cesare Vitale of Vee-Jay Cement Contracting Company were honored. General Caruana was in charge of all air missions during Dessert Storm. Scott Air Force Base provided the color guard at the opening of the banquet but Cesare’s granddaughter stole the show with a poem she wrote.

The Christmas Party was dominated by numerous singers. President Franco Giannotti, Anthony Lucido, Vince Monteleone, Ersil Rolfi, Franco Gusumano, Baldo Gandolfo all took turns singing. Treasurer George Stark was selected as the UNICO Member of the Year.

Credits

This document was created by the late Comm. Mario Pertici in occasion of the 1993 Awards Banquet and was further revised by the board members of the St. Louis Chapter of Unico. It is currently edited and maintained for the web by members and past presidents Franco Giannotti and Angelo Sita.