Our History

In 1986 Judge Rudolph A. Sacco became familiar with Springfield, Massachusetts members as a result of his position in the Massachusetts Court System. The Springfield members set up a meeting with a number of interested people in Pittsfield to form a UNICO Chapter in the Berkshires. There was initial hesitancy because of several existing Italian organizations in the area.

Consequently, the Pittsfield Chapter of UNICO National was formed on October 9, 1987 and Judge Rudolph A. Sacco was unanimously elected as our first President.

The original signers of our Charter were: President – Judge Rudolph Sacco, Secretary- James Ditello, Chaplain – Rev. Carlos Bevilacqua, John Campoli, Joseph Caliento, Thomas Caliento, Joseph Colombari, Paul Colombari, Edward Cristiano, Mike DiCenzo, Louis Ditello, Thomas Ditello, John DiSantis, Robert Galvagni, Glenn Gauchione, Ron Marcella, Sheriff Carmen Massimiano Jr., Mark Pasquini, Basil Petricca, Perri Petricca, Richard Petricca, Gregory Riello, Dominic F. Sacco, Angelo Stracuzzi and Judge Paul Tamburello.

The UNICO of Pittsfield organization is well respected the Berkshire County area. We are a very active group and live by the National motto “Service Above Self.” We have provided assistance to the sick and needy and grant educational scholarships to local high school seniors and continuing education students.

Our biggest fund raising events are our Annual Wine Tasting (April), Annual Golf Tournament (August), UNICO Berkshire County Baseball Hall of Fame (November), and Taste of Italy (October).

Pittsfield UNICO’s Judge Rudy Sacco is a key player in the state of Massachusetts’ Italian Heritage activities. The state of Massachusetts has designated the month of October as “Italian Heritage” month. Numerous activities are held throughout the state. Pittsfield Unicans also hold a “Taste of Italy” Dinner to celebrate our proud heritage.

The Pittsfield Chapter of UNICO National is also the most popular unit in the city’s 4th. Of July Parade. The entire membership holds down the parade’s largest “Hot Air Balloon”, ride on a fire truck, march along with our “Past Presidents” and ride in red, white and green cars furnished for those members who are elderly and immobile. The Pittsfield 4th. Of July parade is televised nationally.

The Pittsfield Chapter and Sister City, Cava De Tirreni, have exchanged students and have hosted one another over the years. Presently, a plan is in place to have Pittsfield Unicans visit Cava De Tirreni, a city south of Solerno, in October.

Nationally, the Pittsfield UNICO Chapter was selected as one of the Most Outstanding Chapters at the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 conventions. The chapter was also more recently recognized by National on our 25th anniversary.