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Joanna Delbuono
Brooklyn Daily
The Kings Chapter of the Catholic War Veterans celebrated its annual dinner on Oct. 2 at the Rex Manor and honored Italian-American soldiers who defended the county.
This year’s dinner recognized Father Anthony Vincent Dell’Anno of St. Edmond’s parish and presented the padre with a special recognition, the Father Vincent Capadanno Award.
A Staten Island native, Father Capadanno served as a chaplain in the United States Navy and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam conflict. He was killed in action while administering aid to a wounded soldier on Sept. 4, 1967.
Father Dell’Anno, who recently celebrated his 45 years of ordination, has served as the chapter’s national chaplain, and as chaplain of the New York chapter of Catholic War Veterans, having been with the organization for 36 years. Father Dell’Anno is also the chaplain for the Lt. David Schaars Post’s Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain, a fourth-degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus and chaplain for the Cardinal Stritch Council #4661.
Father Dell’Anno exhibits his staunch commitment to not only veterans but the community as well and says proudly, “It’s a privilege to be able to work with our veterans who have given so much to our country.”
According to Lou Mastandrea, second vice commander of the chapter, “Father Dell’Anno has been very instrumental in helping people get into the organization and very helpful to past members and their families.”
Whether he is leading the veterans in prayer at meetings and conventions or administering to his parishioners, he shows his commitment and dedication.
“I’ve known him for more than 10 years and without a doubt he certainly deserves the honor,” said Mastandrea. “He has so much experience and we here at the post are enamored of him.”
Catholic War Veterans’ Kings County Chapter meets once a month at the law offices of Connors and Sullivan (7408 Fifth Ave. at 74th Street in Bay Ridge). For a schedule of meeting dates call Lou at (718) 236–5131.