Pitman's George Anastasia chosen as this year's Italian American Citizen of the Year

Gloucester County Italian Heritage Commission will honor Anastasia during the upcoming A Night in Sicily fundraising event
By: Gloucester County Italian Heritage Commission
 
DEPTFORD, N.J. - Oct. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- The Gloucester County Italian Heritage Commission announced George Anastasia as its choice for this year’s Italian-American Citizen of the year for his accomplishments as an author and journalist. The Commission will honor Anastasia during its “A Night in Sicily” fundraiser on October 22 at 6 p.m. at Auletto Caterers in Deptford, NJ.

  Anastasia, an awarded journalist and writer, has reported for the Philadelphia Inquirer for nearly 38 years specializing in reporting on organized and disorganized crime, Atlantic City casino scandals, mob hits throughout Philadelphia and criminal prosecutions nationwide.

  Now a freelance writer and author, his expansive work in the field inspired and informed several of his later published works including anthologies such as Mob Files and Philadelphia True Noir. Other acclaimed works include The Goodfella Tapes, and Mobfather, as well as New York Times best sellers The Summer Wind and The Last Gangster. Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist Jimmy Breslin called Anastasia’s Blood and Honor “the best gangster book ever written.”

  Anastasia’s expertise in organized crime helped him co-author The Ultimate Book of Gangster Movies. His latest book, Gotti’s Rules will be published in January 2015.

  Anastasia, born in South Philadelphia, now a resident of Pitman NJ, attended Dartmouth College and received a B.A. in French Literature. He is currently an adjunct professor and lecturer at Rowan University and has taught at both Drexel and Temple University.

  Anastasia’s expertise was also used in a series of lectures for the U.S. State Department on journalism and global organized crime.

  Regarding his nomination as Italian-American Citizen of the Year, Anastasia feels honored: “My grandparents came to this country from Sicily. My father was the youngest of seven and the only one in his family to graduate from high school. All three of his children have college degrees. That's the Italian-American experience. This is an honor I accept in the memory of those who came before me.”

  The Commission welcomes the public to join in honoring George Anastasia at its A Night In Sicily event. Priced at $40, tickets for the event can be purchased at nightinsicily.eventbrite.com, or by contacting Carol Ann DeSimine at (856) 494-3281, or at the door.  The fundraiser supports activities of the Gloucester County Italian Heritage Commission and the scholarships it provides to students studying the Italian language.

  This year’s event features musical entertainment from Terra, Sangue, and Mare, members of the group, Khaoosia from Abruzzi, Italy, which has performed in recent years at the Philadelphia Art Museum and at the Gloucester County Italian Heritage Festival.

Previous Italian-American Citizen of the Year award recipients* are:

2012: Diane Macris for her contributions to local arts and history development in Gloucester County and support of the Commission

2011: Nick Micho for his service to others and leadership in Gloucester County

2010: Jim Daloisio for his civic involvement in Gloucester County

2009: Assemblyman John Burzichelli for his service to the residents of New Jersey

2008: Jim Auletto for his continuous support and gracious hospitality of the Italian Festival and for his service to other community organizations

2007: Joseph Cannavo for promoting the study of the Italian language in Gloucester County schools

2006: Angelo Romano for accomplishments under his leadership as Gloucester County’s Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs

* In 2013, rather than selecting an individual for the award, the Commission honored past IA Citizen of the Year recipients as part of its 10th anniversary celebration.

The Gloucester County Italian Heritage Commission was organized in 2007 with the mission of promoting the study of Italian language in Gloucester County schools and to perpetuate the traditions and art forms of the Italian culture through an annual festival and other events throughout the year. To learn more please visit www.facebook.com/gcitalian.
End
Source:Gloucester County Italian Heritage Commission
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Tags:Italian American, Citizen Of The Year, George Anastasia, Auletto Caterers, A Night In Sicily
Industry:Event, Non-profit
Location:Deptford - New Jersey - United States
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