Joseph Romeo was recently honored with the Distinguished Service Award for his work in the Franklin Square community. The Associazione Culturale Italiana di New York, a nonprofit Italian American organization that works to keep the Italian culture alive and well within various communities in the state, bestowed him with the award on Sept. 10 at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens.

Romeo was given the annual award for his involvement in the community and for representing its Italian heritage, through volunteerism and giving back to others in Franklin Square. The Associazione Culturale Italiana di New York also organizes events that revolve around Italian American traditions.