Natale Demarco and John Curciullo were this year’s winners of the 11th “Taste of the North End” Bocce Tournament. The tournament featured high level bocce play and an Italian-style barbeque on Sunday, September 21st at Langone Park. The annual bocce event is organized by Donato Frattaroli of Lucia Ristorante and Chris Zizza of C&R Flooring. The weather was perfect for the traditional Italian game while raising money for North End causes.
Taste of the North End raises funds for scholarships and charities in the North End community including co-sponsor North End Waterfront Health and the North End Athletic Association. Sponsors include Piantedosi, J. Pace & Son, Lucia Ristorante, Artu Rosticceria & Trattoria, Ward 8, Ducali, Aerodyne Mechanical Contractors, Don & Sons, Puccio Electric & Design, Sal Balsamo, Post-Gazette Newspaper, Spadafora Slush, Twinbrook Insurance, Cape Cod Shellfish and C&R Flooring.
TONE Bocce Tournament organizers and finalists with their trophies
Eager bocce teams getting instructions at Langone Park
Organizers Donato Frattaroli and Chris Zizza congratulate first place winners Natalae and Johnny with Mirko, from winning sponsor Piantedosi
First place winner Natale takes a throw
(L-R) Jim Martorano, Chris Zizza, Mark Ravanesi and Donato Frattraoli
The finalists face off
Karyn Polito stopped by the bocce tourney, greeted here by host Donato Frattaroli and friends
Playing in the semi-finals
Knocked out in the first round were Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Councilor Sal LaMattina. Making it to the fourth round were Eliot Principal Traci Griffith and Karen D’Amico (shown in white) with John and Patricia Romano on the right.
John Church from the 1st place team
J. Pace provided the BBQ
Anthony Puccio takes a throw
Peppe Destefano and Dante Hibbard (in orange) placed third in the tournament
Pam Donnaruma and Lou Graffeo working at the team lineups
Pink and black teams play bocce
Semi-finals match
Taste of the North End Bocce Tournament Trophys
Yellow and orange teams play bocce
Dr. Joe Mendola takes a turn
Organizer Chris Zizza on the bullhorn to the bocce team participants
