Legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Francis B. Spinola Award, a distinction created to recognize Long Island natives of Italian descent who have made a lasting impact on American culture while exemplifying leadership, vision, and service. This award was developed by the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island.
The award is named in honor of Francis B. Spinola (1821–1891), the first Italian American elected to the United States Congress in 1887, who was born in Old Field, Suffolk County, Long Island.
The award was featured during a special Italian Heritage Game between St. John’s University and Xavier University at Madison Square Garden. Adding to the evening’s significance, Coach Pitino faced his son, Richard Pitino, the head men’s basketball coach at Xavier. This extraordinary father-son matchup highlights the Italian American values of family, community, and legacy.
Coach Pitino, a native son of Long Island, stands among the most accomplished leaders in the history of American sports. A visionary strategist and championship-winning coach, Pitino’s career has been defined by resilience and an unmatched ability to inspire excellence, qualities that align directly with the spirit of the Spinola Award.
“Rick Pitino represents everything this award was created to honor,” said Chris R. Vaccaro, President and Founder of the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island. “He is a Long Islander whose leadership transcends basketball. His impact on American sports, his commitment to excellence, and his ability to inspire and entertain generations reflect the very best of the Italian American experience. Naming him as the inaugural recipient sets the standard for what the Francis B. Spinola Award will represent for years to come.”
Spinola was a lawyer, legislator, military leader, and public servant whose life embodied dedication to community and country. During the Civil War, he raised and commanded four Union regiments known as Spinola’s Empire Brigade and later returned to public service as a U.S. Congressman, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership and civic responsibility.
“It is an honor to receive the Francis B. Spinola Award from the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island,” said Pitino. “We hope St. John’s fans pack Madison Square Garden for this special night when we host my son, Richard, and his Xavier Musketeers.”
By honoring Coach Pitino as its inaugural recipient, the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island celebrates both the historic legacy of Francis B. Spinola and the modern-day contributions of Italian Americans who continue to shape American culture. The award affirms Pitino’s extraordinary career while recognizing the perseverance, pride, and leadership that define the Italian American spirit.