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Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli

1943 — 2008

Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Italian Heritage: Ischia, Campania

Significant Life / Work Experience: Several honors as a prominent Neurologist, Served in many positions at the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF); President, Vice Chairman, and Chairman of the Board

Publications: Beyond the Godfather, Passage to Liberty: The Story of Italian Immigration and the Rebirth of America

History with VICA: Founding Member and Past President

Presentations: 

The Cemetery in Italian Culture

Romanesque Architecture: The Burlington Examples

The Vindication of Niccolo Macchiavelli

The Role of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) in America

Christopher Columbus

"I do not accept the media stereotypes of Italian Americans: the Fonz...the pool hall boys of the Bronx Tale, or even Mamma Teresa's Tomato sauce...when I consider the core values of Italian American life, the idea of the family is paramount...; (to the honorees at NIAF gatherings), ...[these honorees are] drawn from the business sector, education, politics, religion and the world of entertainment—have praised their families, which provided an atmosphere of honor and virtue, where the work ethic was prized and where a sense of community values was passed on..."

Kenneth Ciongoli

Interviews

Interviewees: Happy Ciongoli Marino (3/18/18) and Jay Parini (3/9/18)

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Interviewers: Nicole Librandi

Media

"my dad liked people; he had a strong drive to connect to the Italian culture, and reminded us (kids) about it...he saw VICA as an extension of that connection, and did anything he could to share the best of that culture with everyone; this included a VICA children's performance of La Befana where I got to play that wise lady"

Happy Ciongoli  |  Daughter

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