Scotch Plains Honors Italian-American Heritage and History

American, reflected on what those early immigrants brought to America and to Scotch Plains. “They came through the proper channels, with the necessary documents, and worked hard to build a new life for themselves and their families. They brought with them their traditions, their faith, their food, and, most importantly, their values of family, hard work, and community.”

The history she described is embedded in Scotch Plains. The first Italian family settled in the township in the 1860s. A larger wave arrived in the early 1900s, many from the village of Montazzoli in Italy’s Abruzzo region. That connection remains strong today: Scotch Plains and Montazzoli maintain a sister-city relationship known as gemellaggio, a bond between communities tied by shared heritage.

Keynote speaker Tony Patti, an attorney and new member of SPF UNICO, drew on his own Sicilian roots to illustrate the broader Italian-American journey. He described visiting his tight-knit family in Brooklyn and reflected on how economic success allowed Italian-Americans to move into prosperous suburbs like Scotch Plains.

“America remains the greatest country in the world because it allows us to tell our story and to live both cultures, hence the Italian-American experience,” Patti said. “Be sure to thank Lady Liberty for keeping her promise of opportunity in this great land.”

Patti also addressed the younger people in the crowd, offering encouragement about their future. “Tell your story and don’t be afraid that A.I. is going to bring an end to everything. It won’t.”

Other speakers included Anthony Bengivenga, past national president of UNICO National; Ryan Radice, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, who highlighted Columbus’s cultural significance to Catholics; and Isla Clowers, a Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School student, who shared her fondness for Italian culture. Matt Marino served as emcee for the event.

The celebration gave neighbors a chance to reflect on the path that brought generations of Italian immigrants to America and to build lives in Scotch Plains, carrying forward traditions, faith, and values that continue to shape the community today.

FAQ

Q: Why does Scotch Plains have a strong Italian-American community?
A: The first Italian family settled in Scotch Plains in the 1860s. A larger wave of Italian immigrants arrived in the early 1900s, many from the village of Montazzoli in Italy’s Abruzzo region. Over generations, Italian-Americans helped build the township’s identity, traditions, and values of family, hard work, and community.

Q: What is the gemellaggio relationship between Scotch Plains and Montazzoli?
A: Gemellaggio is an Italian term for a sister-city relationship—a formal bond between communities tied by shared heritage and culture. Scotch Plains and Montazzoli, Italy maintain this relationship, reflecting the deep historical connection between the township and the Abruzzo village where many of Scotch Plains’ Italian immigrants originated.

Q: What is UNICO, and what does it do?
A: UNICO is a national Italian-American service organization. Scotch Plains-Fanwood UNICO, led by president Daniela Sellinger, works to promote Italian-American culture, heritage, and community service. The organization played a key role in organizing the Columbus Day and Italian-American Heritage Month celebration.

Q: When is Italian-American Heritage Month celebrated?
A: Italian-American Heritage Month is observed in October. It honors the contributions and cultural heritage of Italian-Americans in the United States.