Italian Heritage Month: Restaurant In The Oranges Honored For 2024

ORANGE, NJ — The owners of a popular eatery in the Oranges, Bella Italia Restaurant, were among this year’s honorees at the Essex County Board of Commissioners’ annual Italian Heritage Month celebration.

The event has been held annually for more than 30 years to celebrate the accomplishments of men and women of Italian heritage everywhere – and to honor outstanding Essex County citizens for their unique contributions and character.

This year’s honorees include:

• The Granata Family of Bella Italia Restaurant in the City of Orange
• New Jersey Assemblyman Michael Venezia
• Montclair Chief of Police Todd Conforti
• Maplewood attorney Madelaine Hicks
• The Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee

“Today, we celebrate Italian heritage, culture and the contributions of some of our finest Essex County residents of Italian background,” commissioner Brendan Gill said.

“As an Italian-American, I am proud to take part in tonight’s ceremony,” Gill added. “We salute all our honorees for their tremendous efforts – we have all benefitted as a community because of your contributions. Thank you for all you do and congratulations.”

Leonard Luciano agreed with his fellow commissioner.

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

The commissioner board shared the following background about each awardee for 2024:

ITALIAN RESTAURANT – The Granata Family of Bella Italia Restaurant, presented by Commissioner Vice President Tyshammie Cooper, is deeply-rooted in Italian heritage, having immigrated from Southern Italy in 1972. Since then, they have immersed themselves fully in the restaurant industry and are passionate about food, welcoming customers as though welcoming them into their home. Affectionately called “Bella” by customers, this delicious Essex County restaurant is a long-time staple in the community. For more than forty years, it has been known to set the standard for innovative recipes, gracious hospitality and exquisite catering on and off the premises. This has made them one of New Jersey’s most popular restaurants and catering facilities. Salvatore Granata, Sr., began in 1972 as a preparation chef and moved his way up the ladder to be an executive chef in the restaurant business. He purchased a small bar in the 80’s in the City of Orange, transforming it into a fine dining restaurant, thus starting the first Bella Italia Restaurant. The restaurant was a hit, and as time went on, they outgrew this location. They purchased the second location on Central Avenue and South Jefferson. The current Bella Italia location opened in May 1989. Over the years, the restaurant has changed its décor and appearance to stay in touch with the times, but has never changed the quality of food. Sal Sr.’s dream of owning and operating one of the most popular restaurants and catering venues in North Jersey is still realized today by his son, Salvatore, Jr., who has led Bella Italia into the 21st Century, the father and son duo affectionately known as “the Sals.” With Sal Sr. in the kitchen making his delicious recipes, popping out to say hello, and Sal Jr. making sure everyone is happy and having a good time. Bella Italia was voted one of "New Jersey’s 50 Greatest Italian Restaurants" and "Best of the Best for Fine Dining" by New Jersey's Star Ledger; and "One Of New Jersey's Top Restaurants" by Zagat Survey.

NJ ASSEMBLYMAN – The Hon. Michael J. Venezia, presented by Commissioner Patricia Sebold, is a dedicated public servant and family man, elected to the New Jersey State Assembly in 2024 to represent the 34th district, which includes Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange. He serves on the Budget and Judiciary Committees, playing a key role in shaping the state’s fiscal policies and justice system. Michael’s passion for public service was sparked during his time working with political icons like the late Congressman Bill Pascrell and Senator Frank Lautenberg, experiences that fueled his commitment to advocacy and effective governance. Prior to his Assembly role, Michael served as Mayor of Bloomfield for ten years, where he became the youngest mayor in the town’s history. His progressive leadership saw Bloomfield implement one of the state’s first paid sick leave ordinances and establish a $15 per hour living wage for township employees. He also expanded open space with the creation of Lion Gate Park, turning 13 acres of land into a public asset, while overseeing record economic growth, rising property values, and stabilizing taxes. His administration made strides in public safety and modernizing infrastructure. In addition to his legislative work, Michael served as an Executive Board Member of the New Jersey League of Municipalities and held leadership roles in the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. A lifelong resident of Bloomfield, Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree from Monmouth University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is currently the Director of Human Resources for the Essex County Schools of Technology. Michael and his wife are raising their daughters in the town he proudly calls home.

CHIEF OF POLICE – Todd M. Conforti, presented by Commissioner Brendan Gill, is the Chief of Police in Montclair Township, and was born and raised in Belleville. In 1986, he graduated from Belleville High School. Todd obtained an associate’s degree from Bergen Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology/sociology followed by a master’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University. Prior to working at the Montclair Police Department, Todd worked in Social Services as a counselor. He worked with adults with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of housing, life skills, employment, health maintenance, socialization, and community support. Todd also has worked as a Substitute Teacher in Newark on an Elementary and Middle School level. In 1994, Todd graduated from the Essex County Police Academy and began his career at the Montclair Police Department. Over the last 30 years, he has worked in various positions at the Police Department. Todd has also been an Advisor on the Montclair Police Athletic League and a long-term supporter of the Special Olympics. From 1994-2002, he worked as a Patrolman and a Detective. From 2002-2009, Todd oversaw the Narcotics/Vice Bureau as a Sergeant and a Lieutenant/Evening Bureau Commander. Throughout the years, he has attended a wide array of law enforcement trainings. In 2009, Todd attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Shortly after, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police. In March 2016, Todd became Acting Chief of Police, and a few months later in June he was officially appointed as Chief of Police. Todd is also a devoted family man. During his free time, he is in the boxing gym with his 13-year-old son Michael. He can also be found visiting many parks and attending church with his 12-year-old son Anthony who is autistic. Todd, his wife Ann Marie, Michael, and Anthony are very grateful for all of the opportunities that the Montclair Police Department and the Township of Montclair has provided.

LABOR LAWYER – Madelaine Hicks, Esq., presented by Commissioner A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, is an attorney at the Antonelli Kantor Rivera PC law firm, and she focuses her practice on Labor and Employment Law. She advises employers, both public and private, on various workplace issues related to the hiring, discipline, and termination of employees. In addition, she counsels employers regularly on family and medical leave, wage and hour laws, and anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws. Her experience includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements, conducting internal investigations in response to allegations of discrimination or other improper workplace conduct, drafting employee handbooks and workplace policies, and conducting employment law training programs. Madelaine earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in 2016 where she was an Equity and Opportunity Fellow. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in African American Studies & Sociology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 2013. She is also the Institute chair of New Leaders Council-New Jersey and serves on the board of a women’s health organization.

PARADE COMMITTEE – 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 42nd 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 2024 honorees include: Grand Marshal – Marialena Marzullo; Lifetime Achievement – Eugenio Siciliano; Italian Heritage Award – Dr. Anthony M. Pastena; Italian Business Leader of the Year – Rocco, Deanna, & Vincent Gencarelli of Gencarelli Bakery; Nutley Italian Woman of the Year – Danielle Ferrara Manganello; Nutley Italian Man of the Year – Rev. Joseph Ferraro; Belleville Italian Woman of the Year – Patricia A. Vangieri; Belleville Italian Man of the Year – Dr. Frank P. Arena; Renaissance Man – Cavaliere Louis Nicastro; Renaissance Woman – Danielle Gherardi; and the Community Excellence Award – Maggie & Peter Millar.

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