This year’s Michael A. Nazzaro Community Service Award was presented to Fernando “Freddy” & Joseph “Peppi” Giangregorio at Friday evening’s reception by the North End Columbus Day Celebration Committee. The Committee recognized Freddy & Peppi for their dedication to our neighborhood, our city, and the Italian American community of Massachusetts. They were owners of the Green Cross Pharmacy for decades and served on many local boards and institutions.
“FRED & PEPI WERE NOT ONLY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, BUT BELOVED FRIENDS AND CONFIDANTS TO SO MANY OF US IN THIS COMMUNITY. WE ARE HAPPY TO HONOR THESE TWO BROTHERS WITH MIKE’S AWARD TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THEIR YEARS OF COMMITMENT!” – COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN LOUIS STRAZZULLO.
2019 North End Columbus Day Celebration Committee Local officials congratulate the Giangregorio family
Presenting the award for the committee were State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and City Councilor Lydia Edwards. Peppi Giangregorio spoke about his experience coming to the North End and their decades working at Green Cross Pharmacy. Freddy Giangregorio was unable to attend and his plaque was accepted by his wife, Ellie, along with other family members.
The award was named after the late North End State Rep. Mike A. Nazzaro who was born and raised in the North End, was a small business owner and served as our State Representative. During his tenure, Mike protected the neighborhood from the era’s urban development push and helped make the neighborhood the vibrant community it is today. Representing the late Mike Nazzaro at the event was his daughter Carla D’Orio.
Former recipients of the Michael A. Nazzaro Public Service Award include former House Speaker, Sal DiMasi, former District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina, Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (2015) and the late Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino (2013).
St. Agrippina Society’s Sal Gesamondo accepts donation from VFW North End Post 144 VFW North End Post 144 presents a donation to the Nazzaro Center, accepted by Board Chair, Daniel Toscano North End Against Drugs (NEAD) accepts contribution from North End VFW Post 144 NEAA’s John Romano Accepts donation from VFW Post 144
The North End VFW Post 144 presented four donation checks to local non-profits, including the North End Athletic Association (NEAA), Nazzaro Center, North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and the Saint Agrippina Benefit Society.
The Columbus Day celebration also acts as a fundraiser for the bi-annual parade held in the North End. Sponsors of the 2019 reception included North End Waterfront Health, Riccio Restaurants, Marquis Health, Fisherman’s Feast, St. Anthony’s Society, Madonna Della Cava Society, Pizzeria Regina and VFW North End Post 144. The event was held on Friday, October 11th at Filippo’s Ristorante in Boston’s North End.
State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz speaks to the crowd at Filippo’s Ristorante District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards talks at the Columbus Day reception. Host Filippo Frattaroli cooks pasta in a cheese wheel North End neighborhood services liasion, Maria Lanza, with local business owner, Philip Frattaroli. Committee members Karen D’Amico and Jason Aluia Councilor Lydia Edwards with Charlestown event supporters Event committee members, Jason Aluia and MIchael Bonetti Event committee members, Jason Aluia, Maria Lanza, Laura Santiago and John Pregmon