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Aaron Caruso performing "Mario's Song"

Sam Vitale, Aaron Caruso and Dominic Mantuano singing a "Three Tenors" version of "Che gelida manina"

Above photos courtesy of The Lanza Legend

2007 Mario Lanza Ball

 

2007 Scholarship Winners

Tamara Mumford, Jessica Bachicha, Cody Austin, accompanist Luke Housner, Yungee Rhie, and Alexander Boyer. Ms. Bachicha is a special encouragement award winner.

 

Damon Lanza with Monica Horan Rosenthal and her mother

Monica and Selma with Cristina Fontanelli

 

Mary and Guests

2008 Birthday Refreshments

Mario Lanza Park

Located in the middle of a Philadelphia block on Queen Street between Second and Third Streets, the Mario Lanza Park is but another tribute to that city's beloved son. It is a short walk from Lanza's birthplace, St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, and the Mario Lanza Museum. The park was originally known as "Queen Street Park" but at the behest of the Lanza family and most notably Hilda Lanza, the city fathers renamed it "Mario Lanza Park." It was dedicated on September 29, 1967 in a ceremony attended by Lanza family members including Mario's mother Maria Cocozza as well as the President of the Mario Lanza Institute Nicholas Petrella and a representative of the Mayor's office. The Lanza Institute had a plaque placed on top of a brick podium with the following inscription: "Mario Lanza Park- Erected by the Mario Lanza Institute in memory of the great Philadelphia tenor. Dedicated Sept. 29 1967. Mario Lanza 1921-1959."

The park is very picturesque and serene and is the perfect setting to relax on one of the benches and read a book, have lunch, or listen to your favorite Mario Lanza recordings. There are four banners equally spaced around the park each bearing the name of the park and a facsimile of Lanza in a tuxedo singing. There is also a bulletin board for announcements. The park is populated with a variety of trees and bushes and there is a special enclosed section for citizens to let their dogs get some exercise. It should be noted that the Mario Lanza Park is a city park and is not owned, operated, or maintained by the Mario Lanza Institute.

Taken from "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter courtesy of Bill Ronayne