New Rochelle officials gathered at City Hall to proclaim October 2025 as Italian American Heritage Month and to honor three local residents for their contributions to the city’s civic and cultural life.

Ben Parisi, parks commissioner and master of ceremonies, opened the event, saying, “I’m proud to be your emcee for this event.” An invocation was delivered by Father Kita of Blessed Sacrament Church. Mayor and city leaders presented proclamations recognizing the role Italian Americans have played in New Rochelle’s business, civic and cultural institutions.

The proclamation named Melissa Morganti, an Italian-language teacher at New Rochelle High School and advisor to the school’s Italian Cultural Club and Italian National Honor Society; Tim, identified in the event as the Westchester County Clerk and Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts; and Albert Tarantino, a New Rochelle councilman and longtime downtown business owner, as honorees.

Melissa Morganti addressed the gathering and said, “This is an honor I’ll never forget,” describing the value of taking students on educational trips to Italy and bringing cultural connection into the classroom. Tim spoke about his family’s immigration history and the contributions of Italian Americans to New Rochelle and Westchester County; he remarked on the sacrifices of earlier generations and on community institutions that supported immigrants. Albert “Al” Tarantino reflected on growing up in New Rochelle’s West End and on the continuity of neighborhood life, saying that “there’s no place better in New York” than New Rochelle.

Organizers acknowledged community partners and staff who helped stage the event, including an employee resource group and city staff members Terrence English, Mia Faiho, Kevin Majeris, Sandy Gomez and Samantha Vargas. Officials also noted the presence of County Legislator Jima Holstein and City Council members Matt Stern and David Peters among attendees.

The city said the framed proclamation will be displayed in City Hall to recognize the history and impact of Italian Americans in New Rochelle. After the formal remarks, the honorees spoke briefly and joined the mayor and city manager for photographs in the rotunda.

No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the ceremony.