Ricky Salzillo Memorial Game Dinner marks 40th anniversary

By Pete Fontaine
Posted 2/4/16

From the time John Holder made his way through the crowd at the Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812 holding a large picture of the event’s namesake, up until the last prize was raffled off, Sunday’s …

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Ricky Salzillo Memorial Game Dinner marks 40th anniversary

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From the time John Holder made his way through the crowd at the Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812 holding a large picture of the event’s namesake, up until the last prize was raffled off, Sunday’s Richard “Ricky” Salzillo Memorial Game Dinner reportedly reached record heights.

It was back on Feb. 10, 1976, that Ricky was tragically killed in an automobile accident on Route 295. In the years since, his cousin, Johnston Attorney Steven Placella, and a few friends have held the memorial game dinner, which has supported everything from the fight against cancer to a fitness center to college scholarships.

Sunday’s 40th anniversary affair was, without question, the largest – and best – ever.

“Ricky was like every one of you here today,” Placella, who heads the volunteer committee, told an attentive audience of over 350 people. “He was special, absolutely special in so many ways. And we thank you for your continued support through the years. Without you, this doesn’t happen, and there would never been a scholarship fund.”

The dinner’s success can be attributed to people like Ernie DeAngelis – who volunteers his time in memory of his loving wife Laura, who succumbed to cancer – and former All-American softball slugger Cal Calabro. They realize the important work the fundraiser has done through the years, and that’s why they push tickets among their many friends.

Frank and David Fede – who are Johnston natives and now own and operate Kingstown Liquor Mart in North Kingstown – work tirelessly throughout the year pitching the event to their many distributors, who Sunday supplied more raffle prizes than ever before.

Although no official dollar figure was announced, Placella and his committee feel confident they just may have raised and all-time record amount that will help boost the Ricky Salzillo Memorial Scholarship Fund and support non-profits in the Cranston-Johnston area.

“We’ll catch our breaths,” Placella said. “Then we’ll have our annual wrap-up meeting and make the formal announcement about the total we raised today.”

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