RIIAHF MISSION STATEMENT
The RIIAHF Inc. D/B/A Rhode Island Italian American Hall of fame is a nonprofit organization which honors prominent and accomplished individuals who have succeeded at the highest of levels in their respective fields.
The organization on an annual basis awards scholarships on academic merit, athletic achievements, extra circular involvement, community service and financial need to individuals who are high school seniors entering the first year of college. The scholarships are awarded to students regardless of their race, color or creed.
RIIAHF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIKE CAPUANO, Secretary
cap1117@yahoo.com
Mike is a lifelong Rhode Islander and proud Italian whose grandparents emigrated from Sicily and Naples. Mike’s mom will be 100 years old in April 2024! Mike attended the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. He worked as a CPA/auditor for KPMG for three years before embarking on a career in real estate as a self-employed Real estate investor for 33 years now, investing in single family and small residential rental properties. He has also Worked as a real estate agent and certified appraiser for more than 30 years associated with World.Net Real Estate Group. Mike was also a proud Providence firefighter/EMT for 14 years. Mike lives in Warwick with his lovely wife Darlene.
STEVE D’ANTUONO, Treasurer
sdan60@gmail.com
Steve D’Antuono is a lifelong Rhode Islander and second generation Italian-American whose grandparents were born in the Province of Caserta in the Italian region Campania. The Pisaturo / Ventriglia families settled in Silver Lake and were very involved in the formation of St. Bartholomew’s church and parish. Steve recently celebrated 40 years of service for the US Postal Service, 23 years of which working at the Providence turnkey Post Office. He transferred to the US Federal Government in 2005 and now conducts audits on the Postal Service. A graduate of Classical High School and Providence College (GO FRIARS), Steve and his wife Maribeth have two children and two grandchildren and are proud to say that all of us still follow and maintain the true Italian family traditions passed down from previous generations.
MICHAEL INTEGLIA, JR.
minteglia2@integliaco.com
Michael Integlia, Jr, is the President of Michael Integlia & Company a regional Real Estate Development and Construction Company. His Company’s operations extend into southern Florida. During the past 15 years the Company has focused on building for its own account and have completed over 1.5 million SF of commercial buildings. Michael manages the business operations which include architecture, engineering, construction, development and property management. The Company has received much recognition as a single source of responsibility for all development needs.
PETER PALMISCIANO, JR.
peterppalm@gmail.com
Peter Palmisciano, grew up in R.I. He attended LaSalle Academy and graduated from the University of Rhode Island. He was the President and CEO of Precision Source, Inc.,-Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Alex and Ani. Presently he is a business consultant with his own firm, Peter Palmisciano & Associates. Peter resides in Cranston, R.I.
VINCENT F. RAGOSTA, JR., ESQ.
v.ragosta@vfr-law.com
Vin is a labor and employment attorney and principal of his Providence-based firm. He’s devoted over four decades representing public and private sector employers. He prosecutes police misconduct cases for the Rhode Island State Police and many municipal departments. Vin is Rhode Island’s appointee to the American Arbitration Association’s National Labor/Management Council, a gubernatorial appointee to the Rhode Island Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline, and a former chair of the Town of East Greenwich Personnel Board for nearly two decades. In 2021 he was honored as a Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly, Excellence in the Law, Hall of Fame inductee. A graduate of Classical High School, Boston College and Gonzaga University School of Law, Vin and his wife, Mimi reside in East Greenwich
JOSEPH ROCCO, President
joerocco@comcast.net
Joseph Rocco is the President of RocJo Productions, a television and video production company company that also specializes in event coordination. Mr. Rocco is a three time New England Emmy Award nominee and two time winner. He is a former television sportscaster who worked for top rated NBC 10 in Providence from 1985 to 1997. Joe is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston, where he returned in the 90’s to teach a sports reporting course. He is a proud charter member and President of the Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame. Joe is married to the beautiful Diane Altruda.
ROBERT RODIO
rrodio@rodiorealty.com
Born on October 8 1952 to Julio and Edna Rodio. Both of Robert’s grandparents where born in Italy. After attending the University of Miami and the University of Northern Colorado, Robert entered the jewelry industry as a manufacturer. as president of Golden Wheel Creations from 1975 to 1987. From 1987 to the present day, Robert is the founder and president of R.RODIO DEVELOPMENT,INC.
ANGELO S. ROTELLA
asr225@aol.com
Angelo S. Rotella was born and raised in Rhode Island. His grandparents were born in the province of Calabria in southern Italy. Angelo is a licensed nursing home administrator and received a law degree from the University of Massachusetts, School of Law, and his Undergraduate degree from Bryant University. He has served as a member of numerous public and private boards and commissions, and is proud to be a director of the Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame.
JINA N. PETRARCA, ESQ.
jina@petrarcalaw.com
Jina Petrarca is a lifelong resident of Rhode Island and a proud second- generation Italian American. Her grandparents emigrated from the Province of Molise. Jina is an attorney and partner with her brother Peter at Petrarca & Petrarca Law Offices where she specializes in civil litigation and consumer protection. She is a graduate of Boston College and Boston College Law School. Jina is a former Chairperson of the Lincoln Zoning Board, and a former Municipal Court judge. She is a commissioner of the R.I. Judicial Nominating Commission, and the Narragansett Bay Commission. Jina learned at a very young age the importance of giving back to her community. She is the Chair of the Board of the Holy Family Home for Mothers and Children, a Board Member of the St. Edwards Food and Wellness Center and the Mayor Sal Mancini Scholarship Fund. She resides in Lincoln with her children.
