Dr. Jack Varsalona to Receive Inaugural Rev. Roberto Appreciation Award
Rev. Nicholas Waseline (left) and Rev. Roberto Balducelli (right)
WILMINGTON, DE—In honor of the legendary Rev. Roberto Balducelli, the 2014 St. Anthony’s Italian Festival Cultural Committee will honor Dr. Jack Varsalona with the Rev. Roberto Appreciation Award. Father Roberto, a beloved figure in the Wilmington community for more than half a century, died last year on the eve of his 100th birthday. St. Anthony’s created this award, named in his honor, to recognize local leaders in the Italian-American community who promote the Italian culture. The Wilmington parish will present the inaugural award to Dr. Varsalona—the president of Wilmington University—at the Italian Festival’s Gala Concert, which will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, at St. Anthony’s on 9th and Scott in Wilmington.
“Dr. Varsalona embodies Father Roberto’s dedication to Wilmington’s Italian-American community,” says Rev. Nicholas Waseline. “It’s important to ensure that the legacy lives on.”
With the help of the Italian-American Cultural Committee, Dr. Varsalona has championed the principles of the first Italian artisans in our community—leadership, generosity and creativity. In addition to the award, Dr. Varsalona will receive an original painting by local artist Michael Tavani, a highly-regarded local artist.