New Officers Sworn In At FIAO

State Senator George Onorato swearing in FIAO President Joseph DiPietro and Vice Presidents Jerry Iannece and Joseph Gaeta.

The Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens, Inc. (FIAO) swore in their newly elected officers for 20062008 at Istria Sport Club Friday, March 3. State Senator George Onorato administered the oath of office.

The Italian Federation of Queens, New York, the first of its kind, was founded in 1971 by Cav. Vincent Iannece. Iannece had the unique concept of uniting social clubs into one cohesive group and transforming them into activists so that the entire Italian American community would be fully informed of all the rights guaranteed by the American Constitution, without forgetting the traditions and the culture of their ancestral land.

Over the 35 years the federation evolved into a community servicing agency that has assisted more than 50,000 individuals and families. FIAO, with the guidance of Executive Director Angie Markham, has provided services, activities and functions that help individuals, families and communities, regardless of race, color or creed to achieve their respective and fullest potential in today's challenging times.

The FIAO 2006-2008 Board with Special Guest Italian Vice Consul Daniele Bosio, Joseph DiPietro and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall Standing: (l. to r.) Joseph Chiarappa, Claudio Bulian, Jack Brucculeri, Vincent Carpinelli, Italian Vice Consul Daniele Bosio, Carlo Bucich, City Councilman Tony Avella, George Napolitano, Fr. Carmelo Gagliardi, Ernesto DiMonte, Senator George Onorato, Gino Macari, Jerry Iannece, Deputy Inspector Brian McCarthy of the 114th Police Precinct, Judge Anthony Gazzara, Angelo Capone, Salvatore Marino, John Ciafone, George Delis and Anthony Barrata. Front Sitting: Joseph Gaeta, Silvana Mangione, Borough President Helen Marshall, the new FIAO President Joseph DiPietro, Cav. Maria Fosco, Vincenza Russo and Athena Onorato. Photos Walter Karling