The Town of Islip celebrates Italian Heritage Month

The Town of Islip recently celebrated Italian Heritage Month. For consistently improving the quality of life of those around them, the town board awarded five members of the Italian community that have shaped Islip for the better.   

“There is no one more fitting to start this year’s Italian American honoree program than Dominick Lettieri. For the past 52 years, Dominick has been an integral part of our community, giving much of his time to volunteering and assuming many leadership roles in several organizations across our town,” town supervisor Angie Carpenter shared. Lettieri has led and volunteered countless programs and organizations over the years, including Our Lady of Consolation Advisory Board, The Holy Name Society, Our Lady of Lourds Christmas Show, and even being a Cub Scout leader and Little League coach, to share a few. He also is a commissioner on the Islip Town Housing Authority, where has helped those struggling with housing.

The next recipient was Richard Montelbano, a lifelong resident of Brentwood. “Richard Montelbano has spent much of his life giving back to the Brentwood community that has been home to him since childhood. After graduating from

Brentwood High School, Richard began building his career in the seafood industry, joining his family business in 2000. Alongside his professional work, he has contributed to his community through youth athletics, volunteering as a softball coach, and helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and teamwork,” Islip Town councilman Jorge Guadrón said. Currently, Montelbano continues to help aspiring athletes in local youth sports by serving on the Brentwood Cheerleading and Football Board of Directors.

Councilman Lorenzo introduced the third recipient, Christopher Coluccio. “After seeing firsthand just how many businesses struggled with their IT providers, Chris found Techworks Consulting Inc., a company he built on the values of long-term solutions, clear communication, and commitment to their clients. And since its founding in 2002, Techworks has grown to become one of the Long Island’s most respected technology firms,” Lorenzo shared. “His passion to give back to his community has led him to become the president of MacArthur Business Alliance, where he started Hangerfest and led the alliance’s economic impact study. Through Techworks Gives Back, he directs company resources to local nonprofits.” Following the loss of his son Christopher, Coluccio and his wife Jen started the Christopher A. Coluccio Foundation. The organization has raised awareness about youth suicide while also providing scholarships for students and grants for local libraries and schools.

Angela Cinelli LaGiglia was recognized next by the board for her continued involvement in the West Islip community. “After her retirement from teaching 27 years ago, she has continued to remain a guiding figure in her community. Her involvement in so many aspects of the West Islip community include, but certainly aren’t limited to, her roles as serving as West Islip Library trustee, a reporter for the West Islip Teachers Association, as well as her work with the Italian Genealogy Group as the newsletter editor and the president of the group,” councilman McElwee shared. LaGiglia is a member of many other local groups such as the chamber of commerce as well as the Women of West Islip, and taught religious education at Our Lady of Lourds Church.

The final recipient was Jacqueline D. Lorenzo, who has been consistently involved in the Bohemia community. “She has spent more than two decades working at the Connetquot Public Library, including more than 18 years as a children’s librarian. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to helping children and families through early literacy, STEM education, educational programming, and community engagement. She has also devoted her time to local civic organizations, including serving on the Board of the Bohemia Civic,” councilwoman DawnMarie Kuhn said. Lorenzo remains committed to education and now serves as president of the Connetquot Central School District Board of Education.

In addition to receiving plaques, each recipient received some fresh cannolis to enjoy with their loved ones.