Cavaliere Angelo D. Siciliano was born January 2, 1933, in Aidone, a town and comune in the province of Enna, in the region of Sicily, Italy. Throughout his childhood, he often visited Valguarnera Caropepe in the same province of Enna, where Graziella (Grace) LaDelfa, the love of his life, resided. In 1952, at the age of seventeen, Angelo Siciliano set sail for a new life in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. But he never forgot Grace, and he never forgot his beloved Italy.
In Venezuela, Angelo continued to strike a balance between a rich social life and a strong character that valued hard work. On the weekends, he would play the clarinet at live shows with his band. During the week, he worked as an architectural wood designer and entrepreneur. He co-founded Carpenteria Etna, alongside his brother Gino. Together, they were in business from 1954 until the brothers decided to embark on a new journey that landed them in New York in 1961.
Upon migrating to the United States, they opened A&G Kitchens, located on 75th Street and 18th Avenue in the heart of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn’s Little Italy. They stayed in business until 1986. In the same year, Angelo, a trilingual immigrant from Sicily, embarked on yet another prestigious new chapter of his life. He was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo to the New York State Department of Racing and Wagering, where he served as a State Inspector. He held this title until his retirement in 2004.
In these years, Angelo’s family life was very rich, mirroring his professional and social life. Upon arriving in America in 1961, his heart grew fuller as he knew Grace was living in Brooklyn. He came in search of his love, and when he found her again, from that day forward, he never left her side. By 1962, Angelo married Grace. Together, they had two children: Filippo (Phil) and Nunzia Maria (Nancy). Phil, an accomplished oil broker, married Marie with whom they share three daughters: Jenna Marie and twins Marissa and Sophia. Nancy, who worked in Italian imports at Ferrero Rocher, married Angelo Spena with whom they share two daughters: Loredana and Isabella. Angelo was proud of his family. He was a devoted family man, always showing they were his first priority.
As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught, a person’s character is revealed in times of adversity. Cav. Siciliano showed exactly who he was when it came time to care for his mother-in-law, my Nonna Josina, and more importantly, to honor his vows to my dear Aunt Grace. He cared for my Aunt Grace for years until her passing in 2018. He was so patient, loving her as she needed to be loved, which is a rarity. It was in those moments that my admiration for him grew deeper and our bond grew stronger. I witnessed his profound inner strength and self-mastery. He chose love, discipline, and presence every day, even in the midst of hardship. Their love embodied protection, loyalty, and unwavering support, allowing both Grace and Angelo to self-actualize to their fullest potential throughout their lives. This reflects what Plato described as a love that transforms the soul. They shared an elevated eros—a passionate, once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.
How the world saw Angelo was exactly who he presented to be behind closed doors. As a child, I sensed the presence of something extraordinary about him. I was always seated at the table listening as he would speak. He commanded the room effortlessly. He carried himself with quiet strength—stoic, patient, kind, highly intelligent, deeply empathic, and authentic. He created beautiful memories through his organization, the Aidone Social Club, planning galas, social club events and traveling experiences that fostered a sense of belonging and connection within our family and throughout the community. He had a way of making people feel seen and heard; he was special.
At home, he was simply Zio Angelo, but to the world he was Cavaliere Angelo Siciliano. One would never assume such a humble man was such a pillar of society as I myself learned later in life.
On February 13, 2026, surrounded by an abundance of love at his home in Commack, Long Island, where he had moved a few years earlier from Brooklyn to live with his daughter, Cav. Siciliano passed peacefully. He entered the gates of heaven to be reunited with his beloved Grace just in time for Valentine’s Day. Such a special way for us to remember him each year, as his presence was synonymous with unconditional love and kindness—something he showed us all. Although his physical presence has left us, he leaves a legacy that will forever be imprinted in the foundation of the New York Italian community and the hearts of all that knew him.
Rest in peace, Zio, knowing you are loved. Ti amo. Until we meet again.
Remembering the Accomplishments of
Cavaliere Angelo Siciliano
Community Leadership
Aidone Social Cultural Association
• Founder, 1973
• President, 1973–2004
Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn (FIAO Il Centro)
• Founding Member, 1976
• Member of the Board of Directors, 1977–1992
• President, 1979, 1983–1991
• President, Financial Committee, Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade, 1985–1992
Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York
• Organization responsible for founding Italian Heritage Month in New York
• Board Member, circa mid-1980s
• Remained a Trusted Advisory Board Member until his passing
Community Board of the New York City Planning Commission, District 11
• Appointed by Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, 1986
• Elected First Vice President, 1992
CONI Centro Sport New York (Italian National Olympic Committee)
• Member of the Executive Board, 1990–1994
Brooklyn Committee for Social and Racial Affairs
• Advisory Member, appointed by NYS Lieutenant Gov. Lundine, 1990–1993
• Advisor for Ethnic and Racial Affairs
Advisor for Ethnic and Racial Affairs
• Appointed, 1990
COM.IT.ES (Committees of Italians Abroad)
• Elected to the Executive Committee of NY & CT, 1991–1997
Consultant for the Region of Sicily in North America
• Appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Immigration, 1991
Italian Society of St. Mary’s Parish, Brooklyn, New York
• President, 1992–1996
Coordinator of the Sicilian Association of Brooklyn
• Elected, 1995–1996
President of the United Sicilian Associations of New York
• Elected, 1996
Associazione Siciliani Uniti of New York (ASU)
• Founder, established in 1997
Advisory Board NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
• Appointed by BK Borough President Howard Golden to 11th District, 1997
Honors & Awards
Sicily Award
• Honored in Modica, Association Siracusani nel Mondo, 1985
Proclamation from the City of Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden
• Honored For contributions to Italian Culture, 1985
Man of the Year Award
• Named by the Italian Community of Brooklyn, Italian-language Radio, 1985
Community Leadership Award
• Progressive Democratic Club 47 A.D., Brooklyn, 1985
Outstanding Community Leader Humanitarian Award
• Regular Democratic Club, “Stars and Stripes of the 49th A.D. Brooklyn,” 1986
Friendship Award
• Colombian Teachers Association of New York City, 1986
Recognition from the New York State Assembly
• Presented by Hon. Frank Barbaro, 1986
Co-Marshal, Annual Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade, 1986
Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Italian Republic
• Croce di Cavaliere, Order of Merit
• Nomination of Francesco Corrias, Consul of Italy in New York, 1986
Man of the Year & Honored Member
• Association of Castelvetranesi of America, 1991
Recognition
• Association Fieri Brooklyn Young Professionals, 1991
Honorary Member
• Association of Citizens of Pozzallo United of Brooklyn, New York, 1994
Recognition
• Honored for his support and interest in youth sports
• Sports Committee of the Italian-American Federation of Brooklyn, 1998
Prestigious Proserpina International Award
• Honored in Milan, Italy, 2005
Golden Flame Award
• St. Rosalia Regina Pace
