Italian Heritage Month In Essex County: Local Leaders, Groups Honored For Community Service

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County Board of County Commissioners held their annual Italian Heritage Month celebration this week, honoring several local groups and community members for making their hometowns a better place to live.

The board’s 2025 ceremony took place on Wednesday. The event has been held annually for more than three decades.

This year’s awardees included:

• Belleville Councilwoman Diana Guardabasco
• Just Like Nonna’s Italian deli and bakery in Orange
• Essex County Sheriff’s Officer Anthony Aulita of North Caldwell
• The New Jersey Grand Lodge of the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

As is tradition, the board also recognized the Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade and their 2025 honorees for their longstanding support of Italian heritage and culture.

“Tonight, we are thrilled to honor Italian-Americans who have worked hard, are successful, and have given back to their communities,” Commissioner Leonard Luciano said. “Each honoree in their own way exemplifies the values of family, faith, and community.”

“As an Italian-American, I am proud to take part in tonight’s ceremony,” Commissioner Brendan Gill agreed.

“We salute all our honorees for their tremendous efforts – we have all benefitted as a community because of your contributions,” Gill said.

The following biographies and backgrounds come courtesy of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners:

The Hon. Diana Guardabasco, presented by Commissioner Brendan Gill, is the proud child of Italian parents that came to the US from Italy in the 1930s, the mother of two children, and a grandmother to one granddaughter. She has worked for the Belleville Board of Education for 18 years, and is an active member of UNICO. For over 25 years, she has dedicated her time to youth recreation sports, serving on various committees, and continues to serve on the Belleville Little League board. In addition, she has been a member of the executive Home and School boards for 25 years. Two years ago, she was honored to be elected to the Belleville Township Council, where she continues to serve her community. As a Councilwoman and a devoted lifelong resident of Belleville, Diana brings a deep-rooted commitment to her community. Having graduated from Belleville High School in 1982 and residing in Belleville’s 4th Ward for over two decades, Diana's intimate understanding of her community’s needs is unparalleled. Married to Joe Guardabasco, a respected coach in Belleville for a quarter-century, and a proud parent of two BHS graduates along with a cherished granddaughter, family and community are at the core of her values. With over 16 years of dedicated service within the Belleville School District, Diana's professional career underscores her unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives and opportunities of Belleville residents. With a passion for youth sports, Diana has left her mark as a leader in this arena. As President of the Belleville Jr Bucs and Belleville High School Softball Parents, she has championed the development and success of young athletes. Her involvement in organizations like the Belleville Varsity Club, Belleville Athletic Council, and as a current member of Belleville Little League Executive Board for the past 12 years further illustrates her dedication to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among Belleville's youth.

Just Like Nonna’s, introduced by Commissioner Vice President Tyshammie Cooper and presented by Commissioner Leonard Luciano, have been serving the Orange community and surrounding towns, along with Staten Island, Hoboken and Jersey City to name a few, for over 20 years with owners sisters Lucia and Laya Di lura, who have deep Italian roots. The deli, at 130 Lincoln Avenue, Orange, is located in the "Heart of Little Italy of Orange". Lucia and Laya Di lura were inspired by family traditions and flavors passed down through generations. Just Like Nonna’s deli & bakery opened on March 9, 2005, with a mission to share authentic homemade Italian food with their community, family, friends, and customers who also became family to them. Just Like Nonna’s began as a small family business and has grown into a neighborhood staple, where customers become family and every dish is made with love. From fresh baked cookies and pastries to classic Italian deli favorites, Lucia and Laya bring the warmth of their heritage to every bite. Rooted in tradition, fueled by passion, and built on a family respect and hard work, the story of Just Like Nonna’s is one of love for food and community. Lucia and Laya’s parents, Michael and Antonietta Di lura, immigrated to the United States from Alberona, Provinca Di Foggia, a small town in Italy. They came to the US to become American citizens and provide their family with a good life, raising four children: son Angelo and daughters Lucia, Joanne and Laya. They taught them respect, to work hard towards what you want, to learn, become good humans, and appreciate everything you achieve. Lucia and Laya thank them today in so many ways, especially for teaching them family values, hard work, respect, and most of all teaching their traditions that one day they will be able to pass on to their children and continue this wonderful family tradition.

Anthony Aulita, presented by Commissioner Leonard Luciano, grew up in Totowa, where his parents still reside, and has lived in North Caldwell for approximately 10 years. His grandfather immigrated to the United States from Naples, Italy, in the 1930s at 16 years old. Anthony attended William Paterson University, Passaic County Technical Institute, Essex County College Police Academy, and Essex County College, and is also an Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Since 2003, Anthony Aulita has owned and operated Aulita Companies in Fairfield, New Jersey, an electrical, plumbing, and HVAC company. He also holds a real estate broker’s license and owns and operates Aulita Realty. In addition, Mr. Aulita has served as an Essex County Sheriff’s Officer since 2012, and has served in a volunteer capacity as a member of the Essex County Planning Board.

The New Jersey Grand Lodge of the Order of Sons & Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), presented by Commissioner President Carlos M. Pomares, is a fraternal organization that derives its origin and its existence from the Supreme Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America. The Grand Lodge was chartered on January 16, 1911, under the authority of the Supreme Lodge, and in conformity with its constitution and its By-Laws. The Grand Lodge of New Jersey exercises jurisdiction over all lodges and members of the Order within the confines of the State of New Jersey. The OSDIA the oldest, largest, and most demographically diverse organization of Americas of Italian descent. It was established in Little Italy in New York, by Doctor Vincenzo Sellaro, MD, and five other fellow immigrants from Italy who came to the United States during the great Italian Migration of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dr. Sellaro first conceived of uniting Italians into one large fraternal organization around 1904, with the purpose of organizing Italian immigrants as one to promote social, charitable, civic, and educational and patriotic endeavors. On June 22, 1905, his dream came to fruition when “L’Ordine Figli D’Italia” was created and incorporated as the Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Italy. During its history, the OSDIA has been involved in promoting immigration legislation; assisting in the assimilation process; supporting cooperation, trade and diplomatic relations between the United States and Italy’ initiating social and fraternal events; encouraging educational achievements through scholarships; serving local communities through a variety of cultural events and fundraising for local charities; and providing low-cost group financial investments and insurance programs for the benefit of its membership nationwide. The Sons of Italy works to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Americans of Italian descent. Currently, the Order represents 23 million men and women of Italian descent. The Grand Lodge of New Jersey takes great pride in all its accomplishments, fulfilling Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro’s ideas in its promotion of social, charitable, civic, educational, and patriotic endeavors.

The Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade & Italian Heritage Committee, presented by Commissioner Leonard Luciano, was born out of a community spirit that encompassed the local Italian Americans living in Nutley and Belleville. Back in the early 1980's the parade committee was founded by Belleville resident Vincent "Jimmy" Donadia and Nutley resident John V. Kelly. Both men invested $1500 towards the event. Now in its 43rd year, the parade continues to grow with each year improving on the last while at the same time holding on to the vision inspired by the original founders. The parade’s 2025 honorees include: Grand Marshal – Dr. Frank A. Cocchiola Jr.; Lifetime Achievement – Steven James Rovell; Italian Heritage Award – Andrea Lyn Cammarato-Van Besnchoten; Italian Business Leader of the Year – Louie Ritacco; Nutley Italian Woman of the Year – Julie Alongi Palma and Patricia Badalamenti; Nutley Italian Man of the Year – Andrew F. Garruto, Esq.; Belleville Italian Woman of the Year – Christine Raimo Lamparello; Belleville Italian Man of the Year – Stephen Donald Sr.; Renaissance Woman – Cristina Maria Latino; and the Community Excellence Award – William Lynch.

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