Dante Alighieri Society partnerships:

  • Annual Breakfast with Santa for under-privileged kids in Jersey City and surrounding areas

  • American Legion Post 107, Hoboken, NJ

  • Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation, Bayonne, NJ

  • Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County

  • Casa Colombo, Jersey City, NJ

  • Community First, Jersey City, NJ

  • Hoboken Homeless Shelter

  • Hyacinth Foundation of Hudson County

  • Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Secaucus, NJ

  • OLC Catholic Church, Jersey City, NJ

  • Ray of Hope Foundation

  • Saint Anne Roman Catholic Church, Hoboken, NJ

  • Saint Dominic's Academy, Jersey City, NJ

  • Saint Elizabeth Childcare Center, Jersey City, NJ

  • Saint Matthew's Ministry Food Bank, Hoboken, NJ

  • Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, Jersey City, NJ

  • Salvation Army (multiple locations)

  • Tom Zuppa Civic Association

  • York Street Project, Jersey City, NJ

  • $5,000 College Scholarships for young women high school seniors

Lori Sorrentino Hennessey Scholarship

The society offers a $5,000.00 one time scholarship to a senior female student of Italian heritage.

The Dante Alighieri Society has provided tens of thousands of dollars over the past several years in scholarships and awards. The cash award goes directly to the student for use as needed.

Applications are in April. The recipient is notified in May.
The Recipient will receive scholarship check for $5000.00 once proof of registration and tuition payment is provided to the Dante Alighieri Society.The Scholarship Recipient must agree to complete a full semester of study and pass all classes during the first semester enrolled after receiving the scholarship, or all funding will be forfeited, and all of the scholarship awarded will be returned to the Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City.

Lori Sorrentino Hennessey
Lori Sorrentino Hennessey is the daughter of Patrick Sorrentino and Roselyn Evans Sorrentino. She grew up in the Marion Section along with her siblings, James, Debra and Darren. Lori was born in Belleville at Clara Mass Hospital. She attended St. John the Baptist School then the Academy of St. Aloysius High School. She later attended New Jersey City University obtaining her degree in English Literature and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Lori worked for 12 years as an administrative assistant for Fred Alger Management. It was during the time that she realized her true passion was teaching. She went back to school and obtained her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Lori had worked at PS #28 as a preschool teacher for 11 years. When asked how she likes being a preschool teacher Lori was often to be heard saying, “I love it. I love the little kids. I try to take each child and give them the love and guidance they deserve.”

Lori was honored as PS 28, Jersey City Teacher of the Year, Columbus Day Parade Committee Italian Teacher of the Year and Jersey City Police Emerald Society Irish woman of the Year.

Lori was a lifelong Jersey City resident who resided in Country Village.  Lori was married to Det. Mark Hennessey of the JCPD for 20 years. They raised two daughters, Alyssa and Rachel.

The Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City, is proud of offer a scholarship in her name to a deserving woman of Italian heritage, who will continue Lori’s legacy of service.

Dante Alighieri Jersey City - Executive Panel

  • VINCENT J RUGGIERO HEADSHOT

    Vincent J. Ruggiero

    President

  • LOU TISCORNIA

    Lou Tiscornia

    Vice President

  • Albert Cupo Sr.

    Albert Cupo Sr.

    Chairman of the Board

  • AJ CUPO HEADSHOT

    Albert Cupo (AJ) II

    Sargeant-At-Arms

  • joseph shaara headshot

    Joseph Shaara

    Treasurer

  • bart quentzel headshot

    Bart Quentzel

    Recording Secretary

  • Emblem of the Dante Alighieri Society, Jersey City, NJ, featuring a portrait of Dante Alighieri with text "Est. 1909" and "Service Above Self."

    Shawn Prince

    Corresponding Secretary

  • Seal of the Dante Alighieri Society in Jersey City, NJ, featuring a profile of Dante Alighieri and text stating 'Est. 1909' and 'Service Above Self.'

    Guy Catrillo

    Chaplain

  • Logo of Dante Alighieri Society featuring a profile of Dante Alighieri, with the text 'Dante Alighieri Society, Jersey City, NJ, Service Above Self, Est. 1909', surrounded by a yellow braided border.

    Pantsy Panza

    Lifetime Member

Randy Riotto Sr. headshot

In Memoriam

Randolph "Randy" A. Riotto, Sr.

Randy Riotto was truly a  classic gentlemen with a larger than life presence.

He was a beloved father, friend and Dante member. Randy made you feel like you were the most important person in the room no matter who you were. From his prolific stories to his calm demeanor, he was a beacon of light that graced everyone who knew him for 94 beautiful years. Mr. Riotto was the founder of Riotto funeral home which has operated since the 1950’s. He has comforted and cared for countless people near and far in their greatest time of need. His biggest attribute beyond his captivating kindness was his generosity and service to the community. He was handsomely rewarded time and again. Randy served in the Korean War defending his nation and was named Veteran of the year. After helping thousands of people in their time of need as a funeral director and touching the hearts of every person he met, he also received the Centurion Man of The Year Award. The city even renamed Stagg Street “Randy Riotto Way.”

Most importantly, Randy Riotto has been immortalized in our Great Hall at the Dante which has now effectively been renamed Randy Riotto Hall.

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