Keeping Italian Heritage Alive in the Heart of New Orleans
Keeping Italian Heritage Alive in the Heart of New Orleans
The Italian American St. Joseph Society is a 501(c)(3) based in New Orleans and is one of the largest ethnic organizations in the Southeastern United States. We give back to the community through various charitable events and functions.
Founded by Joseph Cardenia and friends in 1970, The Italian American St. Joseph Society has climbed to heights of 1500 members in recent years. Our objective is to keep our Italian heritage prevalent in New Orleans, the destination of so many of our forefathers in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Anthony Russo
Charter member-Emeritus
Claude Maraldo
Charter member
Chris Centanni
1982
Mike Calderone
1987
Darryl Cortello
1988
Donald Rouzano
July 1989
Charles Imbornone
September, 1991 (Emeritus)
Dante Maraldo
December 1998
Matt Barcelona
December 1998 (Emeritus)
Peter Gilberti
President, July 2001
Anthony Calderone
July 2001
Fred Holley
June 2003
Mark J. Fonte
June 2003
Mark Sigur
April 2004
Earl St. Germain
April 2004
Ed Catoire
April 2007 (Emeritus)
Sid Cerami
April 2010
Brent Cavet
July 2013
Danny Imborne
July 2013
Colby Criswell
Anthony Cortello
Honoring our past, celebrating our present, and building our future. The Italian American St. Joseph Society is dedicated to keeping our cultural heritage alive through community service, celebration, and investing inthe success of our students and local businesses.
Our History
1970
Founding & First Queen
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1975
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Family Picnics at West End Begin
Large family picnics launched at West End Park with over a thousand attendees, bocce games, grilling, wine, and the famous meatball eating contest.
1983
First Caesar Introduced
Reggie Reginelli, Tulane star running back, became the first Caesar during his senior year.
Mid-1980s
Pasta Party Tradition Evolves
The Pasta Party began in the Hilton lobby under GM Paul Buckley, later moving to ballroom space. The early menu featured giant 15-lb meatballs and later transitioned into pasta con sarde by Chef David Greco.
Mid-1990s
Antique Fire Trucks Join the Parade
Antique fire engines, introduced by Dr. Joe Cusimano and his sons, became a signature part of the parade lineup.
2014–2016
Giugno Festa Introduced
The inaugural Giugno Festa was held June 27, 2014 at The Foundry. The second Giugno Festa took place June 25, 2016 on Baronne Street at a venue owned by Gene Todaro.
2015
Organization Becomes a 501(c)(3)
The club officially became a nonprofit in August 2015, changing its name from the Italian American St. Joseph Marching Club to the Italian American St. Joseph Society. Feeding the hungry began the same year.
2018
Scholarship Program Begins
Scholarships were established to support Italian American youth.
2025
New Member Opportunities & Business Grants
Business grants for local Italian American businesses were introduced, and women were welcomed as official members of the Society.
Join the family
Help carry a proud tradition forward.