We celebrate the extraordinary life of the Honorable Frank J. Guarini, Jr. - decorated World War II veteran, seven-term U.S. Congressman, and a former President and Chairman of NIAF who gave decades of his life to advancing Italian culture in America.
Born in Jersey City to a family from Molise, Italy, Congressman Guarini lived 101 remarkable years. He championed the Italian language, fought to reinstate the AP Italian Language and Culture exam, and built lasting institutions at universities across the U.S. and in Rome.
At our New York Gala this past April, we were proud to welcome him as the oldest living former Member of Congress. His legacy lives on in every student who studies Italian, every institution that bears his name, and every Italian American who walks proudly in this country.
Riposa in pace, Onorevole Guarini.
