This year’s honorees for Italian Heritage Month in the City of Peekskill include a former councilman, a former police captain, a reverend, and an educator.

On Monday, Oct. 27, Mayor Vivian McKenzie presented proclamations to four Italian-American Peekskill community members in recognition of their achievements, successes, and valuable contributions in honor of Italian Heritage Month. Following the ceremony was a reception featuring tasty cake (dolce). 

Those honored are Joseph Schuder, Paul Astrologo Sr., Rev. George Coniglio, and Anna Maria Del Monaco.

JOSEPH SCHUDER

Joseph (Joe) Schuder, a Peekskill resident of 22 years, is a leader in the community and has served as a councilman, council liaison to the Youth Bureau, and member of the Human Relations Commission.

His proclamation states he is married to the love of his life Karen Kelly and that the two are surrounded by the love of their family and friends.

Schuder received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from St. John’s University. His business career spanned over 40 years working for corporations specializing in business technology development. During his tenure, he held various positions including senior leadership management, where he was responsible for the operations and management of regional and international organizations.

The former councilman recalled being raised in an Italian neighborhood in Yonkers and growing up with his Italian family, which included “five wonderful aunts,” a grandfather whom he was named after, and an uncle who served many years in Germany after World War II.

“We had a great enclave,” Schuder said. “We enjoyed dinners every Sunday together. My grandmother’s maiden name was Baldassare. So the Gervasios [family name]) and Baldassares, we come together to have this wonderful meal, beautiful spaghetti Parmesan.”

PAUL ASTROLOGO SR.

Paul Astrologo Sr., a retired police captain, is the son of two Italian immigrants and is an alumnus of Peekskill High School. After a 40-year distinguished career with the Peekskill Police Department, Astrologo retired in 2019; he was recognized as the “officer of the year” in 1997. His proclamation stated that during his tenure, he achieved the position of police captain, where he led with distinction and integrity.

Astrologo is the proud husband of many years to Margaret and is surrounded by the love of their children and grandchildren. His family is described as “the greatest joys of his life” in his proclamation. 

He recalled the story of how his parents met in Peekskill after emigrating from Italy following World War II. They later got married in the Assumption Church and became United States citizens. 

Astrologo and his two sisters were raised on High Street, attending school in Peekskill. Following graduation from Peekskill High School, Astrologo entered the army and served in the military police corps.

“When I was honorably discharged, I came back to Peekskill, took the police exam, and was hired by the City of Peekskill Police Department and served just about 40 years here,” Astrologo said. “And I’ll say that it was my honor to serve the business people and the residents of the City of Peekskill.”

REV. GEORGE CONIGLIO

Rev. George Coniglio was recognized for being a devoted leader in the community. He is a member of the Human Relations Commission and an interfaith minister. He provides services as an interfaith minister to the Emerald Peek Nursing Home, NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, and Phelps Hospital.

Coniglio completed a 20-year career as the director of senior citizen programs and services at the Theodore D. Young Community Center in Greenburgh, New York. 

In addition, his proclamation states he has been recognized for supporting those in need with love and sincerity from numerous organizations including Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, the Family Resource Center of Peekskill, and Antonia Arts Inc.

“The basis of my ministry is not what you believe, how you pray, what church you go to. But it’s only based on need, just need,” Coniglio said. “And so when there’s a couple that wants to be married and for some reason that can’t be possible in the church they attend, I do it. If there’s a funeral and no one’s available, I am. If someone’s in a nursing home and you need someone to do bedside prayers, I’m there.”

Conglio referenced his grandparents, who came to the states about 100 years ago and encountered challenges.

“It wasn’t always an easy time, and one thing I am absolutely certain [of] is that they would always want immigrants to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said. “No exceptions, everyone. And the city really has done a lot to promote that direction.”

ANNA MARIA DEL MONACO

Anna Maria Del Monaco is a distinguished educator with more than 25 years with the Peekskill City School District. She is a National Board Certified Reading Teacher who brings over two decades of experience as a literary coach, mentor, and instructional leader.

Her proclamation states she is the devoted wife of Carlos and mother of their two daughters, Sofia and Sonia, who, along with her family, give her the strength to make a positive impact in the lives of others each and every day.

In addition, the proclamation states that Del Monaco embodies the values of love and compassion through the service of inspiring and helping others, whether by creating thoughtful videos highlighting traditions and values of Italian culture or coordinating the annual Warm Clothing Drive.

Del Monaco thanked her work family, which includes teachers Therese Wood-Chang and Gloria Cordova and Woodside Elementary School Principal Staci Woodley, as well as her parents, who emigrated from Italy.

“Through [my parents’] sacrifices and their examples, they instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and dedication,” Del Monaco said. “As a first-generation Italian-American, I carry their stories with me every day. In many ways, I see myself reflected in some of my students and their families, in their perseverance and their dreams and their determination to build something meaningful. It is a privilege to support them.”