The Italian American Executives of Transportation will honor Mario Giuseppe Weber, Dr. Samuel Cascio and Dr. Joseph Discipio on Nov. 17 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. (708-212-1051) The organization submitted the following profiles:

Mario Weber — Man of the Year

Mario Weber was born in Park Ridge, Illinois, in 1978 to Alberto and Josette Mentesana Weber, who trace their roots back to Sicily. His father’s family is from Termini Imerese and his mother’s is from Campofelice di Fitalia. Mario has a sister, Adriana, who is married to Stephen Metcalf, who originally hails from Fort Worth, Texas.

An immense influence and inspiration for Mario throughout his life were his maternal grandparents, Giuseppe and Benedetta Mentesana. They practically raised him and taught him the language and culture. It was because of them that Mario has such a love for Sicily, its histories and traditions.