
Where everyone is Italian!
Memphis Italian Festival
Salutes
Our Outstanding Italians
1990 - LENO SODINI
1991 - HORACE PIEROTTI
1992 - SISTER BETTY FRACCHIA
1993 - ANGELO LUCCHESI
1994 - HOREST COLETTA
1995 - LEONARD PIEROTTI
1996 - FRANK NOVARESE
1997 - FATHER MILTON GUTHRIE
1998 - MARIO BERTAGNA
1999 - MAJOR LOUIS DISTRETTI
2000 - DR. EUGENE SPIOTTA
2001 - EMMA JEAN PIEROTTI
2002 - MIKE GARIBALDI
2003 - DR.ROBERT GARDINO
2004 - JOHN & DRU SCHIFANI
2005 - DOLLY PIERANTONI
2006 - EUGENE LUCCHESI
2007 - SAM BOMARITO
2008 - MSGR PETER BUCHIGNANI
2009 - FRANK GATTUSO
2010 - EDI GENO PACINI
2011 - LARRY GODWIN
2012 - BILL LUCCHESI
2013 - VINCE ALFONSO, JR
2014 - 25th Anniversary Honoring
All Previous Winners
2015 - TONY MARTINI
2016 - BISHOP TERRY STEIB
2017 - RITA SANTI GRIVICH
2018 - ERNIE VESCOVO
2019 - BRO JOEL W. MCGRAW, F.S.C.
2022 - FATHER WILLIAM J. PARHAM
2023 - PAUL VOLPE
2024 - STEVE VESCOVO
Michael Robilio
2025 Outstanding Italian
Michael Robilio is a proud native of Memphis, Tennessee. He shares his life with his wife, Ashley Robilio, and together they have a blended family of four children and three grandchildren.
Michael's educational journey took him through Christian Brothers High School, where both of his sons also graduated from, followed by Memphis State. His professional endeavors are equally impressive; he is one of the owners of Lucchesi’s Pasta Co. and Lucchesi’s Worldwide, a new USDA Production Facility.
Michael started his grocery store career with his father who taught him so much about customer service and the importance of treating others with respect. Michael lives by his quote of “Whatever you invest in the community, you get back more,” He says he found great mentors in his father and two uncles, owning and operating two grocery stores under their tutelage. His brother Patrick joined him and together they ran the two Big Star grocery stores. In 1999, he bought into Lucchesi’s with 3 other partners. Michael is now managing partner of Lucchesi’s.
Michael’s commitment to the community is evident through his service on the boards of Goodwill, Excell Center and Ave Maria. He has also held the esteemed position of past president of the Taste of CBHS, President of St. Louis Men’s club and is a proud member of the Christian Brothers High School Hall of Fame.
Michael's life is a testament to his passion for family, his commitment to excellence in business, and his dedication to giving back to the community. He is currently a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
