Angelo Befumo, 2015 Columbus Day Grand Marshall, and Brianna Oddo, Ms. Italian-American, display resolutions sponsored by the 19th District legislators in their honor.
WOODBRIDGE – Senator Joseph F. Vitale and The Knights of Columbus Colonia Council # 6571 held a flag-raising ceremony on October 11 in observance of Columbus Day. Special guests included Congressman Frank Pallone, Assemblyman Craig Coughlin, Mayor John E. McCormac and members of the Woodbridge Township Council and Board of Education.
“Our growth as a nation has been achieved through the genius and industry of Italian immigrants. As stewards of their tradition and in celebration of Columbus Day, we join together to recognize two Italian-Americans who have each made great contributions to our community,” said Senator Vitale, Chairman of the New Jersey Italian-American Caucus. “Angelo Befumo and Brianna Oddo are testaments to the value of our nation’s rich Italian heritage.”
Angelo Befumo, a Colonia resident, was named the 2015 Columbus Day Grand Marshall.
“Angelo Befumo and Charlie Shaughnessy came to my office ten years ago with the idea to hold a flag raising ceremony every Columbus Day to celebrate Italian-American heritage. I have worked with Angelo ever since and learned of his many contributions to our community. While Angelo passed the torch this year to our Event Chair, Woodbridge Township Board of Education Member Ezio Tamburello, his dedicated service is notable and the reason why Angelo was selected to be the Grand Marshall,” said Senator Vitale.
Senator Vitale went on to describe his many contributions, “Angelo is an usher at St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church. He serves as a crossing guard in front of School #21 on Inman Avenue where the children know him as “Mr. Angelo.” He has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus since 1999 where he has held the title Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and is now a 4th Degree. He is involved in the collection of funds for the yearly Alzheimer’s Fund drive, the collection for Camp Pace serving children with disabilities, and the annual Turkey Shoot, which provides turkeys to the Woodbridge Food Bank.”
Brianna Oddo of Sewaren was named the 2015 Columbus Day Miss Italian-American, in recognition of her academic achievements and her contributions to the community. Brianna is a graduate of Woodbridge High School and a senior at Kean University. “As the President of the Board of Trustees of the Sewaren Free Public Library and her work with Mayor John E. McCormac, Brianna contributes in many ways to our community,” noted Senator Vitale. “Her family’s heritage traces back to Marsala, Sicily and she has always closely embraced her Italian-American heritage.”
Angelo Befumo, 2015 Columbus Day Grand Marshall, and Brianna Oddo, Ms. Italian-American, are pictured with the Knights of Columbus Council 6571.
*Photos Submitted
“The Italian American community has contributed so much to the rich cultural and historical tapestry in New Jersey. We owe it to the families of Italian heritage who call the Garden State home to honor and celebrate those contributions. Moving forward, every October in New Jersey will be a chance to appreciate all that Italian-Americans have given to make our State, our nation, and our world a better place to live,” said Senator Vitale.
The crowd gathered for the annual Woodbridge Township Columbus Day Flag Raising celebration and enjoyed a selection of Italian songs performed by Colonia resident Christopher Jago and Woodbridge resident Andrew Zajack. “Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella” made an appearance with the help of Port Reading residents, Lawrence and Claire Miloscia. Valentina Seramba, sung the United States and Italian National Anthems as Woodbridge Board of Education Member Frank DellaPietro raised the Italian flag.
