Attributed to Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) President.

On behalf of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Board of Directors, we are deeply saddened by the death of one of our founders and longtime supporter Joseph P. Vaghi, Jr.. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Vaghi family. Mr. Vaghi passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2012, at age 92.

He and his late wife Agnes, who served as NIAF’s secretary, worked side-by-side with Monsignor Geno Baroni and Jeno Paulucci to establish NIAF. Most recently, Mr. Vaghi shared his notes from the first meeting to incorporate NIAF in 1974 for the Foundation’s history project . These valuable documents are housed at The University of Minnesota.

A longtime NIAF supporter, Mr. Vaghi worked tirelessly to oversee the renovation and design of the Foundation’s headquarters in the nation’s capital. He and his family attended and supported NIAF ‘s annual galas and many events since its founding.

His legacy and that of his wife Agnes and family will be long remembered with great affection and admiration. He will be deeply missed by our NIAF family.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.