Familiar Northeast faces were recognized during “Italian Heritage Day at The K” on September 27. The festivities throughout the day at Kauffman Stadium included a Salute to Service Veteran and Northeast resident Carmen Viglaturo as well as recognition of Scout Leader Sam Valenti and Troop 80/96. To top it off, the first pitch was thrown by the Northeast’s own Charlie Passantino, owner of Passantino Bros. Funeral Home at 2117 Independence Blvd.
“Italian Heritage Day at The K is about celebrating the people and families who have helped build and strengthen our community.” wrote Jody Valet, the event organizer. On selecting the right person to have the honor of throwing the first pitch, she added, “Charlie Passantino was chosen to throw out the first pitch because he has spent so much of his life serving both Kansas City’s Italian American community and the Historic Northeast.
