New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has been awarded the Guglielmo Marconi Award by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. The award, which is the organization’s highest honor, was presented to DiNapoli at its 59th national convention.
The Guglielmo Marconi Award has previously been given to a range of notable individuals, including a U.S. President, ambassadors, members of Congress, astronauts, actors, and playwrights.
“I am truly honored to receive the Guglielmo Marconi Award. I was raised by parents and immigrant grandparents who were deeply proud of being Italian Americans and believed that success would be achieved through hard work and determination,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to their love, support and teachings, I achieved my dream of a career in public service, culminating in being elected State Comptroller of New York. It is with great pride that I accept this high honor, and I know my parents and grandparents would be so very proud of this recognition.”
DiNapoli is the first Italian American to serve as New York State Comptroller. He began his public service career as the first 18-year-old elected to public office in New York when he became a trustee on the Mineola school board. He later served as a State Assemblyman before becoming Comptroller in 2007.
His family roots trace back to Sturno in Avellino Province on his mother’s side and Paduli in Benevento Province on his father’s side. DiNapoli has been recognized by Italy as an Honorary Citizen of Paduli and named Cavaliere by the Italian Republic.
During his time in the State Assembly, DiNapoli served as president of the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators. He has also been active with the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America since 1983 as a member of Cellini Lodge #2206. In addition, he edited “The Italian Jewish Experience,” a book exploring Italians’ efforts to rescue Jews during World War II and documenting Jewish history on the Italian peninsula.
The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy was founded in 1955 and currently counts more than 30,000 members along with 150,000 family members and affiliates. The organization presents its annual award for contributions to the nation and outstanding accomplishments.
