Louise Defonzo
Louise Defonzo is a volunteer at the Davedi Club. She leads with enthusiastic ideas, hands-on work and cheerful encouragement. Her vital energy builds teams of culture, faith and friendship. Louise says reflectively “serving is my best quality”.
Louise Masciangelo was born in Sudbury to Italian/French/Canadian parents. Her Nonna recognized her abundant energy early with the pet name “naccherina” or “little castanets”. She worked with the Federal and the Provincial Governments in Sudbury and North Bay retiring in 2010. She made friendships through badminton, volleyball, skiing, baseball and through travelling. Energetic Louise continues to work part-time at Martyn’s Funeral home.
After her children were born, Nicholas, Alexandra and James Rivet, Louise enthusiastically volunteered for their preschool, sports, dance and music, and learning. When Louise married Joey Defonzo, she became stepmother to Ryan, and to Crystal Snodden (Ken), Jamie (Pei Wen) and six sweet grandchildren. The love and support of her family is very, very important to her.
Sandro was educated at Scollard Hall and Canadore College in North Bay and worked for Revenue Canada Agency for 36 years. During that time he volunteered for the Davedi as a Board member for more than 20 years, including Treasurer for 6 years. Since retirement he has been untiring in his efforts in cooperation with other volunteers. Cultural committee work includes 41 Italian cultural outreach events such as concerts with Zucchero, Rita Chiarelli and Domenic Mancuso. He takes the major responsibility for bingo fundraising to make these events possible. Ways and Means committee work includes Grape Stomping Festival, Anniversary Events and New Years Eve party. Sports committee work includes Golf Tournament facilitation. Friday Buffet Lunches are also part of his self selected responsibility. Finance committee work includes decision making about the business of the Club.
Why does Sandro continue volunteering for the Davedi Club for so long? He has a commitment to maintaining a proud Italian culture and to sharing that sense of family and friends he believes is fundamental to an Italian-inspired life. He gets great satisfaction from the camaraderie of the Davedi Club members, and doing practical things which make a difference.
Sandro is looking forward to future successful events. Every day he is available in the office to reserve the lovely Davedi Hall for wedding receptions and other social or business events.