In just a few months, the Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival will kick off, and we’re learning who this year’s top honoree will be. The 2026 Italian American of the Year is Bob Contraguerro Jr. Bob is a lifelong Wheeling resident and Vice President of Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration, which was started back in 1977 by his father, who also happens to be the 2012 Italian American of the Year.
Panhandle has been a longtime supporter of the Italian Festival, providing them with their festival Command Center, as well as all the golf carts used by staff for the event. Panhandle’s impact through the wider Ohio Valley community is also far-reaching, making Bob a perfect candidate for the honor this year.
