Rodino Society Banquet Honors Legacy of Service and Heritage

Photo by Sean Sime

The annual Rodino Society Banquet celebrated the enduring legacy of Peter W. Rodino Jr. while recognizing honorees Alexandra Gallo, Teresa Rizzo, Maria Frucci and Joseph Zacchelli. Together, their reflections underscored a shared commitment to integrity, public service and mentorship—values that continue to define the Rodino legacy and inspire the next generation of legal leaders.

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With her signature warmth and Italian flair, Professor Paula Franzese welcomed a packed room to Seton Hall Law School for the 39th annual Peter W. Rodino Jr. Society Banquet on Feb. 17.

Presented by the Rodino Society, the annual dinner has become a cornerstone of the law school community, celebrating Italian American heritage while honoring integrity, service and mentorship. In Newark, where the legacy of Congressman Peter W. Rodino Jr.—the son of Italian immigrants and a national champion of justice—remains deeply felt, the evening gathered students, alumni, faculty and friends to reflect on the past and recommit to the future.

Franzese invited attendees to view the evening as “a celebration of virtue, of honor, of generosity, of dignity, of kindness,” emphasizing unity in uncertain times. “What unites us is immensely more powerful than whatever seeks to divide us,” she said, repeating her refrain, “No matter what, love wins.” She then led a toast honoring immigrant ancestors “who came to America from all corners of this world in search of a better way,” grounded in faith, family and hard work. “Tonight, we are part of that better way,” she said, recognizing those “on whose shoulders we stand,” including Congressman Peter W. Rodino Jr., whose heartfelt eulogy she delivered and whose legacy the banquet continues to honor.

Recalling her father’s journey from Italy to Newark, Franzese described the long hours he worked so his children could stand “in rooms our grandparents could never have imagined,” urging attendees to reflect on the sacrifices that made the evening possible.

Reverend Nicholas Gengaro followed with an invocation that blended sincerity, humor and reverence. Drawing from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, a passage suggested by honoree Teresa Rizzo, he exhorted the audience to act with humility and selflessness. He connected the passage to Rodino’s life, calling him “a man of consummate integrity” whose leadership during Watergate helped Americans “rediscover the best of ourselves and of this nation.” Quoting Father Timothy Healy of Georgetown University, Gengaro recalled, “Through long and bitter hours to millions of Americans, Peter Rodino was America. We have seen a just man doing justice.” He concluded by blessing the honorees, their families and the student members of the Italian-American Law Student Society.

Remembering the Honorable Peter W. Rodino, Jr.

Homily by Rev. Nicholas S. Gengaro at the funeral Mass of the Hon. Peter W. Rodino Jr., May 16, 2005, St. Lucy Church.

The program continued with the presentation of the Rodino Society’s Outstanding Achievement Awards. Alexandra V. Gallo, partner at O’Toole Scrivo LLC and recipient of the Peter W. Rodino Pinnacle Award, framed her remarks around opportunity and responsibility. Thanking the Rodino Society and Franzese, she noted that their stewardship ensures Rodino’s legacy “is not simply remembered, but lived.”

“If we have been welcomed into rooms our ancestors could not have imagined, we must hold the door open behind us,” Gallo said. “If we have built a table, we must add chairs. Mentor someone. Advocate for someone. Believe in someone before they fully believe in themselves.” She dedicated the award to her uncle, Pasquale “Pat” Cecchetti, as well as her mother, husband and three children, crediting the law school and Rodino Society with instilling responsibility alongside privilege.

Teresa Rizzo, administrative assistant to the associate deans and honored for her humanitarian contributions, was recognized both in prayer and from the podium. Franzese praised Rizzo’s influence, saying, “She gave me hope, she gave me faith, and she gave me encouragement.” Dean Ronald Weich called Rizzo “an indispensable member of the administration,” noting the school could not fulfill its mission without her dedication.

Weich also reminded attendees that Rodino’s story “is the immigrant story,” emphasizing that the law remains a place where opportunity, justice and community intersect.

Student honoree Maria R. Fruci spoke on behalf of the student leadership, expressing surprise and gratitude. She thanked the attorneys in attendance, the executive board, President Michael LaTorre and Franzese for their mentorship and support.

Franzese then introduced alumnus Joseph “Joey” Zacchelli, township manager of Cedar Grove, N.J., praising him as a living embodiment of Rodino’s legacy of public service and calling him “the future governor of the state of New Jersey,” prompting laughter and applause. Zacchelli thanked his mentors and reflected on his career path to becoming a township manager. He spoke emotionally about his grandfather, who instilled in him the value of hard work. “A strong work ethic is the key to success that is far too often overlooked,” he said, noting that such values transcend heritage and generation.

Together, the honorees illustrated how Rodino’s principles—integrity, service and community—continue to resonate across generations. More than a ceremony, the evening celebrated connection and gratitude, affirming the law as not merely a profession, but a calling. In the city Rodino loved, the banquet underscored a shared commitment to honor heritage, embrace service and build upon the legacies of those who came before.

Learn more about the legacy of Congressman Peter W. Rodino Jr. by visiting the Rodino archives.