October 25th, 2024 – This month, Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter and the members of the Islip Town Board were proud to recognize those members of the Town of Italian Heritage during the October Town Board meeting. The following residents were celebrated for their contributions to their communities:

John Raimondi

John is a beloved member of the West Islip community whose journey began in Mola di Bari, Italy, before his family migrated to the United States in 1974.

After settling in West Babylon and graduating from West Babylon Senior High School in 1989, John pursued his passion for food service at SUNY Farmingdale College.

His commitment to the community flourished when he opened Café Europa in West Islip in 1995, marking the beginning of a successful culinary career that includes several beloved local establishments.

Beyond his business success, John has been a dedicated volunteer, coaching for over a decade in the West Islip Little League Baseball and Soccer Club.

His contribution to the community extends beyond sports, supporting also local events and charities, including the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition and S.E.P.T.A.

Together with his wife Michele, John is the proud parent of 3 children: Gianna, Joseph and Mia.

The Town is grateful for his spirit of generosity, and his enduring commitment to West Islip.

Frank Giaquinto

Frank Giaquinto is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. His journey began with a passion for printing discovered in high school, which propelled him into the industry where he built his career from the ground up.

Over the past 28 years, he has successfully established Doodle Dog Graphics, a thriving business known for its quality and innovation.

Frank's commitment to excellence is mirrored in his dedication to his family. He and his wife Mary have raised two accomplished daughters, Skye and Gianna, both serving as registered nurses.

Their success reflects the strong values Frank instilled in them—values rooted in determination and community service.

Through his entrepreneurial spirit and active involvement in local initiatives, Frank continues to make a lasting impact, honoring the legacy of his heritage while forging a bright future for his family and the Islip community.

Rich D'Andrea

Rich D'Andrea is a dedicated leader whose commitment to both his profession and community has left a profound impact on those around him.

A proud graduate of Sayville High School and Providence College, Rich furthered his education at the American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science, eventually becoming the owner and operator of Raynor & D'Andrea Funeral Homes.

His professional excellence is matched by his community involvement, where he serves as a board member for multiple organizations, including the Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors Association, the Patchogue Family YMCA, and the Kenneth F. Stein Scholarship Foundation.

As co-founder and chairman of The Neighborhood House of Long Island, Rich has played a pivotal role in supporting local families. His leadership extends to the Friends of Sayville Educational Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Sayville, where he previously served as president. A finance committee member and former trustee at St. Lawrence the Martyr RC Church, he remains actively engaged in his faith community.

Rich's dedication to service is complemented by his role as an active member of Southward Ho Country Club and his commitment to nurturing the next generation through various scholarship initiatives.

Alongside his spouse Sharon and their three children—Brendan, Jack, and Kate—Rich exemplifies the values of leadership, compassion, and community spirit, making him a cherished figure in the community.

Frank Salvaggio

Frank Salvaggio's journey from Sicily to becoming a cherished community leader in Bay Shore, NY, exemplifies his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.

Having moved to the United States at the age of 8, his passion for technology led him to the Academy of Aeronautics in Queens, where he earned an associate's degree in 1987, launching his career as an aircraft technician with United Airlines.

In June 2006, Frank and his wife Maria took a bold step and opened Frank and Maria's Italian Supermarket, bringing a taste of their heritage to the community.

Together, they have raised three children: Grace, Giovanna, and Christina, instilling in them the same values of hard work and service that served them so well.

Frank is actively involved in the Bay Shore Restaurant Committee and is known for his commitment to community service, hosting pre-Thanksgiving events for local veterans, and generously donating gift certificates to various organizations.

Frank Salvaggio is a testament to the impact of community spirit and the importance of giving back, making him a beloved figure in the Bay Shore community.

"Congratulations to all the honorees of this year's Italian Heritage awards, and a sincere thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our community," said Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.