Waterbury, Connecticut the first chapter of UNICO 100th Anniversary 1922-2022
Put all this together and you have the birth of UNICO.
1922
The men were: Charles Bauby (son of the first Italian who settled in Waterbury), Joseph DiPietro, Dr. Harry Dochelli, John Fernandez, Joseph L. Manganaro, Humbert Mangini, Edward Mascolo, Philip Moreschi, Anthony Nastri, Charles Palomba, Frederick Palomba, Frank Pepe, Rev. Joseph Valdambrini, Dr. Anthony Vastola, and Charles Vastola.
These men supported the unique idea and fulfilled the dream of young Dr. Anthony P. Vastola ........ to organize a civic group of men of Italian descent to further the interest of the community and to mold finer and nobler citizens of immigrants and their children. The concept grew.....and more men joined.
The first Chapter President was Frederick Palomba, Esq. who served from 1922-1923. Since then, 62 men and 3 women have served in that role. Each bringing their own strengths and talents, but all possessing the passion,\ integrity, and drive to lead the membership.
Dr. Vastola called the organization “UNICO”. It means unique...the only one of its kind in America. Later, the acronym was expanded to mean Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity and Opportunity to Serve.
1923
Adoption of a Permanent Constitution Implementation of Scholarship Program – Honoring graduates of Italian descent from high school and college with a dinner/dance.
1929
Vote to expand to a National Organization with the addition of Chapters in Torrington and Bridgeport, CT as well as the first Chapter outside of Connecticut - Trenton, NJ.
1930
The 1 st Convention was held in New York City. The 1 st President of UNICO was Atty. Frederick W. Palomba of Waterbury.
1931
Waterbury hosted the 2 nd UNICO Convention.
1933
UNICO National was incorporatedon June 16, 1933.
1943
Waterbury UNICO achieved the distinction of selling more war bonds in one day than any other local service club ($75,000)
1944
Waterbury UNICO organized all area Italian organizations in the Waterbury Relief for Italy Committee. The Chapter’s annual fundraising programs for local charities was developed.
1943
Waterbury UNICO achieved the distinction of selling more war bonds in one day than any other local service club ($75,000)
1944
Waterbury UNICO organized all area Italian organizations in the Waterbury Relief for Italy Committee. The Chapter’s annual fundraising programs for local charities was developed.
