Thomas P. DiNapoli, the New York State Comptroller, has received the Guglielmo Marconi Award from 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.
“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 currently serving as the 54th Comptroller of New York State and is noted as the first Italian American to hold this office. His public service career began when he became the first 18-year-old elected to public office in New York as a trustee on the Mineola school board. He went on to serve as a State Assemblyman before becoming Comptroller in 2007.
His family background traces 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 given the title Cavaliere by the Italian Republic.
During his tenure in the State Assembly, DiNapoli served as president of the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators for one term. He has also been affiliated with Cellini Lodge #2206 since 1983 as part of his membership with the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. In addition, he edited “The Italian Jewish Experience,” a book about Italians who helped rescue Jews during World War II and explored Jewish history on the Italian peninsula.
The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America was established in 1955 and currently includes over 30,000 members along with approximately 150,000 family members and friends associated with it. The Guglielmo Marconi Award recognizes individuals for their contributions to society and notable achievements; past recipients have included prominent figures such as U.S. presidents, ambassadors, congress members, astronauts, actors, and playwrights.
