Today we honor Thomas Gialde and the American Sons of Columbus KC. Tom Gialde, son of Sicilian immigrants Joseph & Josephine (Romano) Gialde, was a lifelong Kansas City, Missouri resident, and graduate of Northeast High School. Tom married Angeline Cicero in 1941 and they had five children: Joseph, Steve, Tom, Mary Teresa, and Thomas Gialde Jr. (who passed at infancy). Tom was a truck driver for Anthony Barber; a manager at Commercial Candy Vending; and District Vice President for National Food Service and Vending Company. He was appointed by the Governor of Missouri to serve in the Missouri Senate in 1976.

Tom had many hobbies, including baseball, hunting, and fishing; but, golf was Tom's passion and he continued to play at a high level into his late 80's. Tom was a voracious reader and tireless learner, and he lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. He imparted many life lessons, with most being taught by how he lived his own life. First and foremost, Tom loved God and his family, and he counted close friends and members of the American Sons of Columbus among his family members.

In 1966, Tom and three of his friends founded the American Sons of Columbus – an organization founded as a retreat from the discrimination experienced by Italian-Americans in the area, and as a place for them to gather and preserve the Italian traditions brought to this country. Tom was the first president of the club and was elected six more times over the years; and he also served as a board member for countless years. He worked countless hours on our Columbus Day festivities – securing advertisers, speakers, and donors so that we could continue our scholarship fund. He was named Columbian of the Year three times; and this year, we will honor his memory and legacy.

(Excerpt from American Sons of Columbus Columbian of the Year book 2012) — con Thomas Gialde, Joseph Carolla, John Risalvato e Andy Danella

Source: Kansas City Italians