Basil Russo was formally inducted as a “Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy” by the Republic of Italy on Sunday, Oct. 8. The official ceremony took place in Little Italy at Angelo’s Nido Italia, where Russo was presented with the distinguished Cavaliere title.

Allegra Baistrocchi, the Consul of Italy in Detroit, traveled to Cleveland to conduct the presentation on behalf of the President of Italy and the Italian Minister of Cultural Affairs.

Consul Allegra and Basil Russo

Russo was “Knighted” for his many contributions to promote the image and culture of Italy, and his efforts to develop stronger ties between Italy and the Italian American community.

He has accomplished those goals through his leadership as National President of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations and as President of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

More than 100 distinguished guests and dignitaries attended the event in support of Russo, a former judge, attorney and Cleveland City Councilman.

Basil's son-in-law Joseph Rosalina served as MC and introduced dignitaries in attendance and thanked the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA).

Joseph Rosalina

He then introduced Paola Allegra Baistrocchi, Consul of Italy in Detroit, who presented Basil with his honor on behalf of the President of Italy.

Paola Allegra Baistrocchi

Consul Allegra and Basil Russo

Basil Russo then gave his acceptance remarks. Then Holy Rosary Pastor Father Joseph Previte gave an invocation before dinner.

Cleveland Councilman Michael D. Polensek spoke and gave a proclamation to Basil Russo from Cleveland City Council.

Councilman Mike Polensek

Basil Russo and Councilman Mike Polensek

Watch a video of the event.

Here are some of the guests that attended.

Here is a quick video walk through showing some of the guests.

Top of Page

Back to Cleveland Italians

Your Message could be here. Please support the Italian pages of ClevelandPeople.Com

Stay informed about
the news and special events
of the Group(s)
you choose by
signing up
for the free
ClevelandPeople.Com
e-newsletter

Follow ClevelandPeople
on Twitter

or Cleveland People on Facebook

Like the work
of ClevelandPeople.Com?
Contribute to the cause
via Paypal

Visit our
On-line Store
featuring Books, DVDs,
Music, Flags,
Clothes, Food
and more from our
various ethnic groups.

Browse over 6,500
ClevelandPeople
YouTube videos

Murder in the Cultural Gardens
Whodunit Mystery
by Dan Hanson
set in the
Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Basil Russo honored by President of ItalyAngelo's Nido Italia Restaurant October 8, 2023

Your Message could be here. Please support the Italian pages of ClevelandPeople.Com

Basil Russo honored by President of Italy
Angelo's Nido Italia Restaurant
October 8, 2023