by Richard L. D'Arminio - UNICO National President

Growing up in an Italian Neighborhood in the 1960's there were 2 people that stood out in my life. One was my Father who became Mayor of our City whom I followed very closely as I became interested in politics, and the other person was Mario Cuomo. He was an eloquent speaker and truly a great Italian American who got his message across clearly to all who had an opportunity to meet and listen to him.

Although I personally did not have an opportunity to meet Mario Cuomo I take pride in the fact that his lovely wife and First Lady Matilda Raffa Cuomo received UNICO'S Antonio R. Rizzuto Award given to someone who exemplifies our motto of 'Service Above Self" by having contributed to the general betterment of mankind and for having advanced the welfare of Italians in our Country. This award was given to her in 2003 and just last year Governor Andrew Cuomo of NY received UNICO National's Millie Grazie Award for his work in helping us fight discrimination among Italian Americans.

On behalf of UNICO National and all of our members, First Lady Manuela and I express our best wishes to the Cuomo family and Congratulate them and thank God for his life and affection that he brought to NY as well as so many others across the United States of America.

Source: UNICO National