Who we are
About Us
History
Our story starts in 1982...
- 1982 - First Festa Della Famiglia
- 2025 - 44th Annual Festa Della Famiglia
Società San Francesco Di Paola was founded by Joe Bruno and Rev. Roberto Simionato in 1982. With the support and dedication of numerous Calabrian immigrants, the Società has honored San Francesco in true Calabrese tradition. The Festa Della Famiglia is the San Francesco feast that has taken place for generations. This celebration is the pinnacle event attended by the Italian community of the Midwest.
Our Mission
The mission of Società San Francesco di Paola is to honor our patron saint and promote charity. Each year all proceeds from the feast are donated to various charitable and non-profit organizations as well as a scholarship for the Scalabrini Order for Priests in memory of Rev. Simionato.
Calabresi in America
The Calabresi in America Foundation was founded to serve as a social and cultural organization for Italian Americans of Calabrese decent. Their mission is to preserve and promote the heritage, traditions, culture and language of Calabria. Since their values reflect those of Società San Francesco di Paola, a strong bond exists between the organizations to ensure the continuation of our Calabrese traditions.
Officers 2025
- President: Joseph A. Russo
- Vice President: Orlando Pastore, Jr.
- Secretary: Iolanda Castellan
- Recording Secretary: Irma Bondi
- Treasurer: Ron Ricchio
- Legal Advisor: John Spina
- Founder & Past President: Joe Bruno
Board of Directors 2025
- Patrizia Alaimo
- Liliana Bartolotta
- Albert Belmonte
- Melissa Campobasso
- Frank Cosentino
- Paolo Cosentino
- Renato Cosentino
- Mario DeBartolo
- Mario Pastore
- Orlando Pastore, Sr.
- Mario Salerno
Our Sponsors
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