From left to right: Tom Bowe (Executive Director, Pizzi Foundation), Margaret Farrell (QHS Alum, Paralegal in Training), Tina Mayo (QHS Alum, Assistant Office Manager), Vito Guarino, Erin Della Barba, Andy Song, Colby McIntosh (2025 Pizzi Scholarship Recipients), and Attorney Anthony Falco (Board Member).
Falco & Associates, P.C. is proud to administer the Salvatore & Maria Pizzi Foundation, Inc. scholarship program, through which Attorney Anthony Falco has personally selected seven scholarship recipients, awarding approximately $140,000 to students from North Quincy High School, Quincy High School, and Archbishop Williams High School. Inspired by Salvatore and Maria Pizzi, who held education in high regard, the foundation was established in 2012 to provide scholarships to deserving students in Massachusetts. This year, around 70 high school seniors received a collective sum of $1 million to support their educational pursuits, with each of the seven seniors receiving a full $20,000 scholarship.
From left to right: Tom Bowe (Executive Director, Pizzi Foundation), Maeve White and Abby Fitzgerald (2025 AWHS Pizzi Scholarship Recipients), and Attorney Anthony Falco (Board Member).
Scholarship Winners:
Maeve White of Archbishop Williams High School will attend the University of Scranton, majoring in Business.
Abby Fitzgerald of Archbishop Williams High School will attend Fairfield University, also majoring in Business.
Gianna DiBona of Quincy High School will attend the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, studying Nursing and Radiology.
Vito Guarino of Quincy High School is currently undecided on his college destination but plans to study Engineering.
Andy Song of North Quincy High School will attend Hult International Business School.
Colby McIntosh of North Quincy High School will attend Assumption University, pursuing a degree in Spanish and Education.
Erin Della Barba of North Quincy High School will attend the University of South Carolina, studying Occupational Therapy.
About The Pizzis
Salvatore Pizzi was born in Miranda, Italy, in 1893. Driven by a desire to provide a better future for his family, he left Italy for the United States in 1920, leaving behind his wife, Maria, and their 4-year-old daughter, Angela. With only a third-grade education and no knowledge of English, Salvatore faced immense challenges. However, he remained determined to provide for his family. By 1922, after working various odd jobs and saving diligently, he was able to bring Maria and Angela to join him in America. The Pizzi family grew with the births of his sons, Michael in 1923 and Nicholas in 1925.
Salvatore’s hard work paid off as he became a naturalized U.S. citizen and a successful businessman. He owned and operated a thriving barbershop in Copley Square and eventually invested in rental properties in Boston. This business venture became family-operated, employing both Michael and Angela. After Angela’s passing in 1987, Nicholas joined the family business, ensuring its continued success.
Upon her arrival in America, Maria Pizzi worked as a seamstress while learning English. She dedicated herself to her studies and proudly became a U.S. citizen. Despite the demands of her job, Maria provided a nurturing and loving home for her three children, embodying the values of hard work and family.
Salvatore and Maria attributed their achievements to their hard work and the opportunities presented by the United States. Salvatore’s determination, focus, and bravery, coupled with Maria’s kindness, dedication, and family-oriented nature, made them an extraordinarily successful couple. Their story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the American dream.
You can learn more about the Pizzi Foundation here.
