FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

NIAF STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DOM DELUISE

Attribute to Members of National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Board of Directors

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) mourns the passing of comedy actor Dom DeLuise, who died yesterday in his sleep at the age of 75.

Dom DeLuise

We are deeply saddened by the death of a great Italian American who supported and celebrated his heritage. He worked tirelessly to preserve the heritage of Italian Americans through comedy, cookbooks, and children’s books. His passing leaves a void in the Italian-American community and beyond.

In 1993, he was a guest of honor at the Foundation’s 18th Anniversary Awards Gala in the nation’s capital. At the NIAF gala he presented a special achievement award in to his longtime friend Danny DeVito.

His unique talent and inspiration will be missed. We are deeply saddened by the death of a man who was a comedian, chef and author — a Renaissance man.

Washington, DC May 5, 2009

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent.