By Rosalyn Queen
On Friday, October 18, The Progressive Women’s Association will host a luncheon to honor the Italian American Women of Distinction. This event is held yearly in conjunction With October which is Italian Culture month. nationally.
The event honors women that have distinguished themselves through volunteer work. Emphasis is put on the difference their efforts make to our community.
Dr. Jenny Santilli has been secured as the Keynote Speaker. The luncheon starts at noon and is open to the public by reservation prior to October 15. The event which is sponsored by Davis Funeral Home is held at the Uptown Event Center.
Those to be honored are:
Patty Ann Colanero
Patricia Ann Colanero was born in Clarksburg, WV, on May 2, 1953, the second
child of Joseph and Virginia (Loretta) Laurie. She graduated as Valedictorian of her
class from Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg in 1971. In 1975, she graduated
with a BSN from the West Virginia University School of Nursing. Earned a Master
of Business Administration (MBA) in 2010. Her nursing career spanned 46-years,
working in several departments at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, and
retired in 2018. She has enjoyed making many new friends while demonstrating
and selling Pampered Chef products. As a member at St. James the Greater
Church in Clarksburg, she serves as a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, an
usher and reader. In 2019, she began the St. James Ministry Team & Walking
Scripture Group which meet every Mon & Wed 10-11:30am. Additional
volunteering has included assisting the Harrison Co. Health Department with
COVID vaccinations, Embracing Invisible Wings (a group for mothers who have
lost babies), as a patient care advocate, and distributing food to the homeless.
She is a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish Nurses Ministry. From the
beginning of the Italian Heritage Festival in 1979 through 1999, Patty and her
parents were active in all aspects of the festivities. Patty is very proud of her
Italian heritage and enjoys the traditions passed down from grandparents in the
Laurie, Loretta, Mazzie and Mascar families. There are many treasured memories
of cooking family recipes during the holidays with her mother. Patty is very proud
of her Italian heritage and is extremely honored to receive this recognition.
Rebecca D’Annunzio
Rebecca graduated from Liberty High School, Clarksburg. She holds a degree from
WVU in Education and Master of Library Science from University of Pittsburgh.
She worked with WVU Student Government and Freshmen Orientations Program
while at WVU. She taught in Harrison County Schools Worked for Merle Moore,
Director of the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library from 1976 (summers and
holidays) through my master’s degree. She went to Italy to research Italian
Festivals and that is how The WV Italian Heritage Festival began. The first couple
of years it was located inside the library. She began volunteering for the festival
from its inception for several years. Rebecca’s parents are Joe and Nola
Tarantino. She is a Past President of the West Virginia Library Association, past
President of the Clarksburg League for Service, and she volunteers for MedBrook
Children’s Charity. Rebecca is Treasurer of The Friends of the Clarksburg-Harrison
Public Library and serves on the board. Rebecca volunteers for her parish –
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Clarksburg. She lives in Clarksburg with
my husband David D’Annunzio.
Rose Guzzi
Rose Guzzi, daughter of the late Joseph and Angela Oliverio Guzzi, resides in
Clarksburg with her husband, Timothy Menendez. Her stepson, Ryan Menendez
and his wife, Abigail, reside in Shinnston. Rose grew up in East View, where she
learned the value of hard work and dedication to her family and community. Her
parent’s home was the gathering place for picnics and family get togethers for
many years. She graduated valedictorian of her class from Roosevelt Wilson High
School in 1981 and attended West Virginia University where she received a
Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. After graduation, she was hired as the
Pharmacy Manager of Rite Aid in downtown Clarksburg where she worked until
its closure. She then transferred to the Nutter Fort Rite Aid where she retired in
2014 after 28 years of dedicated service. She never met a stranger, and her
patients appreciated her friendship and personalized care. She prides herself in
carrying on her family’s Italian traditions. From making Pita Piata, and Easter
Bread to sitting around the table with family laughing over a plate of spaghetti
and meatballs. There is always something cooking on the stove and a place
around her table for guests.
Cecilia Landers
Cecilia is originally from New York City; she moved four years ago and has
embraced her role as a first-generation Italian. Her parents immigrated from Italy
in 1982, instilling in her a passion for the arts. With a background at a performing
arts conservatory, it has always her dream to teach theatre to the younger
generation. For the past four years, she has had the privilege of working with St.
Mary’s and Notre Dame, spending the last three years at Notre Dame’s
performing arts conservatory. The experience has been incredibly rewarding, as
the students continually inspire her. As the theatre director for St. Mary’s and
Notre Dame, she’s proud to share the incredible work our students do to raise
funds throughout the year, helping provide unique performing opportunities. Our
fundraisers range from singing at the Immaculate Conception Church to
babysitting St. Mary’s students and running successful t-shirt and bake sales.
These efforts not only support our programs but also strengthen the bonds within
our local community. Cecilia is also honored to be a parish member at
Immaculate Conception Church, where she has had the privilege of singing at last
year’s Confirmation Mass with the ICC Choir. Music and performance are central
to both her professional and personal life. Outside of teaching and fundraising,
she stays engaged in my Lake Floyd community. Every Monday evening, she
teaches a yoga class at the clubhouse, helping neighbors find balance and
wellness. Additionally, she volunteers for the annual End of Year Summer Bash, a
much-loved event that brings her community together in celebration. She is truly
grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these special causes and to work
alongside her students in creating memorable experiences for all involved.
Brittany Moretto-DeWitt
Brittany Moretto-DeWitt, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the dedicated General
Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn in Clarksburg, West Virginia. After graduating
High School, Brittany earned a full-ride Softball Scholarship to Salem International
University, later transferring to Fairmont State University, where she continued
her studies in Criminal Justice. Since becoming a member of the Harrison County
community in 2009, Brittany's career path led her to the Hospitality industry
where she has almost a decade of experience and currently serves as General
Manager of Hilton Garden Inn, Clarksburg and is also a proud member of the
Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. During the height of the pandemic in
2020 Brittany was deemed 'an essential worker' and practically moved into the
hotel to operate the property and serve the few travelers visiting our area, mostly
housing traveling nurses. In November 2022, Brittany announced the $2.9 million
renovation to Hilton Garden Inn Clarksburg and went on to approve the charitable
vision of donating furniture and other goods to PWA, The Mustard Seed, and The
United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties. Under Brittany's leadership, the
hotel has also donated to Haven of Hope of Philippi and Ronald McDonald
Charities of Morgantown, Shepards Corner along with a handful of schools in
Harrsion County in need of toiletries for students in need. Even more important
than Brittany's academics and career is her role as "Mom" to her 14-year-old son,
Athaniel, a Freshman at Lincoln High School. Brittany and her husband, Jeremy
are very pleased to be part of Clarksburg/Harrison County community.
Denise Roncone
Denise, is a retired Permit Supervisor for the West Virginia Division
of Highways with 40 years’ experience. During her tenure with the Division of
Highways is allowed her to participate in various policy making boards for Hauling
Permits, Encroachment Permits, and Oil and Gas Permits.
Her personal philosophy involves helping others, providing for her family, making
the most of opportunities, and extending and sharing her Italian heritage. She
has always strived to expand her expertise by contributing to society, adapting
change to opportunities, never fearing to ask a question, learning new skills, and
keeping in mind to recount how her ancestors’ accomplished things with little
resources. Her first love is singing. Denise sings in the Catholic churches in
Monongah since high school and now play piano and sings every Saturday and
Sunday at Holy Spirit Catholic in Monongah, along with all the liturgical decorating
and landscaping at the church. Denise also works with the children at the church
to perform seasonal songs. I assisted the diocesan music ministers for a
term. Denise and her husband Mike organized the music for the Boy Scout
Jamboree mass approximately 10 years ago. Denise is very proud of her Italian
heritage and any chance she helps in various ways in her church and her
community. She is presently the secretary of West Virginia Italian Heritage
Festival as well as committee chair and participate in various festival activities and
fundraisers. Denise is married to Michael Roncone who has helped her with all my
endeavors. Denise states “I could not have accomplished all that I have without
his love and support. I have an incredible daughter, Danielle Williams, who
presently teaches special needs in Rivesville, WV.
Lawren Sandy, MPT
Lawren is a Physical Therapist that has over 25 years of clinical experience. The
majority of her professional career has been spent at Bridgeport Physical Therapy
where she treats a variety of patients including pediatrics, post-operative,
orthopedics, sports medicine and athlete rehab, geriatrics and balance/vestibular
disorder. Along with treating patients she is a clinical instructor and in 2023 was
appointed to the Pierpont PTA Program Advisory Board. Lawren also has been
involved in coaching youth volleyball for the past 20 years, including 6 years as
head coach at RCB High School and the past 4 years with Mountain State Storm
Volleyball Club located at The Bridge. Lawren has been a Harrison County
resident her entire life. She currently resides in Bridgeport with her wonderful
husband, Paul, and their daughter, Delaney.
Deborah Merandi-Staud
Deborah Merandi-Staud’s journey is truly inspiring! Growing up is Clarksburg with
roots in San Giovanni, Fiore, she combines her rich heritage with robust career in
education and fashion. After earning advanced degrees from FSU and WVU, she
dived into the fashion world, where her experiences with Harry Yogoda Furs in
major cities like LA and NYC showcase her commitment of style. As the owner of
Merandi Retail LLC and a long-time operator of Emily’s of Eastpoint, she not only
pursued her passion but also made a positive impact in her community. Her
dedication to volunteering for causes like the Italian Heritage Festival, (working
with her mentor, Rosalyn Queen), Special Olympics, and health organizations
highlights her compassionate nature. Now, Deborah’s role teaching health
education and drug classes at RCB High School demonstrates her desire to
empower students. Her goal of helping them navigate challenges and strive for
the fulfilling life is commendable, showing that education extends beyond
academics into real-world skills and support. What a remarkable blend of
passion, service, and mentorship.