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NIAF Mourns Passing of Southwest Area Coordinator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org


(WASHINGTON, DC – January 30, 2004) Marvin Nicchio of El Paso, Texas, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) area coordinator for the Southwest region, died January 28 at the VA Medical Center in Portland, Ore. Nicchio encountered health complications while waiting for a liver transplant.

“Marvin Nicchio was an enthusiastic team leader who gave a great deal to the community. He was a real asset to Italian Americans always trying to advance a positive image and show the best of our heritage. He will be deeply missed,” Ken Aspromonte, NIAF regional vice president for the Southwest region, said.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, New York, Nicchio founded the Italian American Cultural Society (IACS) of El Paso, Texas in 1994 and he served as its president for eight years. The IACS has grown from 50 members to more than 400 members. Nicchio was a retired paralegal and guardian specialist. He served as Constable of El Paso County and in the U.S. Army as a missile mechanic. A disabled veteran, Nicchio started the Catholic War Veterans Association and he was recently elected into the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame.

Nicchio is survived by his wife Anita, his daughter Debbie, sons Marvin Jr. and Carl and four grandchildren. His siblings include: Pat Santana of Michigan; Joyce Randazzo of Springhill, Fl; Dawn Nicchio of Middle Island, NY, and John Nicchio of Lake Ronkonkoma, NY

The NIAF has established a $500 Memorial Fund for Marvin Nicchio. Contributions to the NIAF Memorial Fund should be sent to the NIAF/Nicchio Memorial Fund, 1860 19th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20009.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Learn more about our youth programs by visiting www.niaf.org.