FAMILY HISTORY
The Picozzi Family Foundation, Inc. was formed to honor the members of the Picozzi family and their values. The funds that are paid out today are from the children of Italian immigrants who, at a young age, left their hometown to seek better opportunities in America. Michael Angelo Picozzi was only sixteen (16) when he left his hometown of Basalice with the shirt on his back. Working at odd jobs and teaching himself English, Angelo first became a tailor and eventually a renowned furrier as well as women’s clothes designer. He married Antonetta Papera, also from Italy, and the couple had eight (8) children, two (2) of whom unfortunately died in childhood.
Education was important to Angelo and Antonetta, and even though times were hard they sought to insure their children received a quality education. Carl, the oldest, was admitted to New York University but had to stay home to help with the family business. Victor graduated from Pace University and became an auditor for the United States government, where he received numerous commendations. Gabriel (Jim) graduated from Georgia Tech as a mechanical engineer and worked on many national and international projects with distinction. Phyllis became a legal secretary. Marie served as an executive secretary in a large corporation. Adeline became a teacher and served with the Madison school system for forty-one years until her retirement where she received numerous awards and acclamation.
Service to the community and to others has always been a hallmark of the Picozzi Family. Victor at the age of ninety-two (92) was still actively involved in the public golf club in Summit, where they have named an event after him. Unfortunately, our good friend Victor passed away in November 2010. We also lost our dear friend Jim Picozzi in 2019 a few months after his 99th birthday. Jim, along with his brother Victor, was a driving force behind the Foundation as he sought to honor his family.
If Angelo and Antonetta were alive today, they would be proud of their children’s accomplishments. They would be equally proud knowing that the money they worked hard for is going to benefit a deserving individual on a road to a better life. In essence, the scholarship recipients today are the embodiment of the goals established so long ago- hard work, scholarship, and a dedication to the community. These are the values handed down by Angelo and Antonetta which remain alive through the Picozzi Family Foundation. We hope the recipients carry on that proud tradition.