By PETE FONTAINE Joseph Spremulli, who serves as president of the Pannese Society of Rhode Island, made a unique two-stop road trip last Thursday morning. The Italian-American non-profit's elder statesman did so to deliver what he called two important"
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Joseph Spremulli, who serves as president of the Pannese Society of Rhode Island, made a unique two-stop road trip last Thursday morning.
The Italian-American non-profit’s elder statesman did so to deliver what he called “two important thank yous” at two different locations.
Spremulli, who lives in Johnston, didn’t have far to travel for his first stop, The Original Italian Bakery at 915 Atwood Ave.
“I’d like to see Don [DePetrillo],” Spremulli said. “We have a special gift for him.”
Soon thereafter, DePetrillo – who has probably made more pizza chips than another other Rhode Island bakery – walked out of the kitchen and into the front lobby where Spremulli was waiting.
“What’s going on, Joe?” DePetrillo asked. “What’s this for?”
Spremulli was holding a framed wall-hanging made by his son, Pannese Society vice president Louis Spremulli, that served as the official “thank you” for the many different kindnesses DePetrillo has shown the Italian-American organization.
“This man has been super, super generous to our group,” Spremulli said of DePetrillo. “I’d wager he’s probably one of the most generous businessmen in the state. Here’s a wonderful man who has helped many, many organizations around here.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Spremulli got in his truck and headed for Warwick, where he made another presentation at Bori Graphix.
Spremulli had arranged to meet Gary Paplauskas, but because of his high-volume business schedule, he “just missed” Paplausakas who was off to a meeting at Green Airport.
So Spremulli asked for Paplauskas’ son Chris, a Cranston City Council member who also works in the family business at Bori Graphix. He then asked Meghan Paplauskas if she’d accept the wall-hanging on behalf of her father and family, and she agreed.
“Your father has been one of the Pannese Society’s best friends for years,” Spremulli told Meghan. “We really appreciate his great work, but more important, his genuine friendship and generosity.”
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