Two women from successive generations with deep roots in local Italian heritage as well as in South Rockford are the newest members of the Greater Rockford Italian Association’s Hall of Fame. The accomplishments of Valeri DeCastris and Rose Mary Zammuto for their significant contributions will be celebrated at the GRIAA’s Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Awards Dinner on October 13 at the Venetian Club. In addition, each will be honored at the Columbus Day Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church on October 14 at 11:30 a.m.

For Rose, the recognition is posthumous. She passed away on May 12, 2018, at the age of 97. Her daughter Carmela Zammuto said that being selected to the GRIAA Hall of Fame would have had great meaning to her. “She would have been extremely delighted and proud and humbled,” Carmella said. “It would have been the honor of a lifetime.” Family members will accept the award in her behalf.