The Amerigo Vespucci Society (AVS) of Long Branch held its Annual Senator Thomas Gagliano Tripe Dinner on Monday, October 19, 2026, continuing a cherished Italian-American tradition dating back more than 60 years.
The sold-out event brought together Society members, community leaders, and the Gagliano family for an evening celebrating Italian heritage, family, food, and fellowship.
The dinner's origins trace back to the late Thomas Gagliano Sr., a stonemason who immigrated to Long Branch from Miglierina, a small town in the province of Catanzaro in Calabria, Italy. In 1925, he built a home at the corner of Rockwell Avenue and Vanderveer Place in Long Branch. More than six decades ago, he began the traditional tripe dinner, which eventually became one of the Amerigo Vespucci Society's most anticipated annual gatherings.
His son, the late New Jersey State Senator S. Thomas Gagliano, a respected attorney and longtime Society member, proudly continued the tradition alongside his own sons. Over the decades, the dinner evolved into a popular gathering of local community leaders, friends, and generations of Italian-American families.
This year's celebration was especially meaningful as Senator Gagliano's sons proudly attended, continuing a family tradition spanning three generations and honoring the legacy of both their father and grandfather. “The Annual Senator Thomas Gagliano Tripe Dinner is much more than a wonderful meal. It represents generations of Italian-American tradition, family, and brotherhood,” said Society President Frank Crupi, Esq. “We are especially proud to have members of the Gagliano family join us each year as we continue a tradition their family began more than six decades ago. Preserving these traditions and passing them on to future generations is at the very heart of our Society’s mission.”
Society Chef Joe Sirianni once again led the culinary preparations, assisted by his dedicated team of Joe Valentino, Ciro Scalera, Carmine Tarantino, and Freddie Migliaccio. The team prepared a delicious traditional tripe dinner, receiving enthusiastic praise from attendees.“The Annual Senator Thomas Gagliano Tripe Dinner is a special event because it brings people together around a dish that carries so much history and tradition,” said the Society chef. “Preparing this meal is an honor, and we are proud to help preserve a recipe and celebration that have been enjoyed by generations of Italian-American families.”
The evening began with a beautiful invocation delivered by Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Arnister of St. Rose Church in Belmar, followed by welcoming remarks from Society President Frank Crupi, Esq.
Among the distinguished attendees were Long Branch Mayor John Pallone and Ocean Township Councilman Rob Acerra, both proud members of the Amerigo Vespucci Society.
The annual dinner, held during October in recognition of Italian-American Heritage Month, provides an opportunity for members and guests to celebrate the customs and traditions brought to America by generations of Italian immigrants. For many attendees, the event brings back fond memories of fathers and grandfathers who participated in the same gathering decades earlier.
Special appreciation was extended to the Society's ticket committee and the many volunteers who assisted with preparations, setup, service, and cleanup, helping make the sold-out evening another tremendous success.
Founded in 1875, the Amerigo Vespucci Society is recognized as the nation's oldest Italian-American mutual aid society. Originally established to provide assistance, fellowship, and support to Italian immigrants, the Society continues its mission today as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting charitable initiatives, educational scholarships, and the preservation of Italian-American heritage.
More than 60 years after Thomas Gagliano Sr. began this beloved tradition, the annual dinner remains a testament to the importance of family, friendship, and preserving the customs of previous generations.Without question, Senator Thomas Gagliano would be proud to see his family's tradition continuing to bring people together.
