From left to right: Margaret Farrell (Paralegal,Falco & Associates P.C, QHS class of 2020), Tobías Ramiz, Marko Mano, Attorney Anthony Falco, Xi Shi Huang, Gabriella Triplett and Kat Casey (QHS Class of 2018).
Falco & Associates, P.C. is proud to administer the Salvatore & Maria Pizzi Foundation, Inc.scholarship program, through which Attorney Anthony Falco has personally selected eight scholarship recipients, awarding approximately $160,000 to students from Archbishop Williams High School, Quincy High School, North Quincy High School, and Randolph 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 $1,000,000 to support their educational pursuits, with each of the eight local seniors receiving a full $20,000 scholarship.
Scholarship Winners:
• Katherine O’Toole of Archbishop Williams High School will attendProvidence College, majoring in Marketing (Pre-Law).
• Justin Guerriero of Archbishop Williams High School will attend Merrimack College, majoring in Business.
• Tobias Ramiz of Quincy High School will attend the University of Vermont, majoring in Nursing.
• Gabriella Triplett of Quincy High School will attend UMass Amherst, majoring in Psychology.
• Marko Mano of North Quincy High School will attend Harvard University, pursuing Human Developmental & Regenerative Biology and Chemistry (Pre-Med).
• Xi Shi Huang of North Quincy High School will attend UMass Amherst, majoring in Nursing.
• Jayden Saint-Val of Randolph High School is currently undecided on his college destination.
• Jelani Smith of Randolph High School is currently undecided on his college destination.
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 four-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.
