Committee & directors
If anyone is interested in joining our committee, please contact us.
We are always looking for volunteers!
President - Olimpia D’Angelo Bevilacqua
Early memories of my childhood were mainly of growing up in an Italian - Canadian neighbourhood in the city of Ottawa where my parents had settled after their immigration to Canada. My brothers and I eventually adapted to the Canadian way of life; but the stories told by my parents of the Pretorese customs and culture were of constant reminders of the rich culture we had left behind.
My working life in Corporate Canada spanned over 30years, and during that time I found time to dedicate to both the Canadian and Italian communities. I have been actively involved in the Pretorese Association for a number of years; supporting the association as a member and also serving on the executive board for numerous terms. My passion to volunteer my time and services is based on my heart-felt desire to "give-back" to the communities that have provided a safe and secure environment for my family and I.
I am presently in the position where i feel it is now my responsibility to ensure that the Pretorese Culture is kept alive and active in the hearts and minds of our younger generation.
In addition to volunteering, I enjoy the company of my two daughters, son-in-law and 3 grandchildren; and when time permits, travelling to new places with close friends is an option I also enjoy. However, my trips to my home town of Pretoro Italy with close friends or family are always the ones I look forward to.
Secretary - Dora Di Francescomarino
I miei genitori sono Vincenzo DiFrancescomarino (Ddiguard') e Nicoletta Stenta (Fara Filiorum Petri). Ho un fratello, Tony Rocco e siamo nati e cresciuti a Ottawa e il nostro prima lingua e stato Pretorese. Nel corso degli anni, ho perso molto la lingua, ma ho apprezzo tanto le tradizione dei miei genitori e cerco di continuarle. Per mio figlio, Steven Anthony, le origine significano tanto per lui. Amo tanto le tradizione della cucina Pretorese e Italiana, specialmente i “strozza cavalli”, i ravioli della mia Zia, lasagna e pizza dolce della mia mamma. Oppure, se mi mandano un panino con capicollo, sono cosi felice!
La mia passione e il motociclismo e spero di cavalcare a uno dei nostri numerosi eventi di quest’anno sulla mia Harley-Davidson. Sono orgogliosa di lavorare con il nuovo esecutivo.
Director - Joe Colasante
I’m a proud Canadian born Pretorese with second generation paternal roots in the village of Pretoro (Ddam'socc'). My Pretorese heritage is important having had my father and paternal grandparents immigrate to Canada in 1952 and 1953. I maintain my heritage by speaking our dialect language and playing old school Italian songs on my accordion. I participate in our annual St.Domenic Feast by acting in our re-enactment of Il Lupo di Pretoro.
Director - Rocky D'Angelo
Growing up, being Pretorese meant tradition and seeing a family beyond my actual family. When I visited our home town in Abruzzo, I saw that the bonds are strong and deep rooted. I want to contribute to that.
Director - Camillo Mattioli
My name is Camillo Mattioli (Zi’ Lieuch). I was born in Pretoro and immigrated to Canada in 1953. I am a foreman consultant for Lari Construction, a company that specializes in stone restoration for heritage buildings in Ottawa. For the past 30 years, I return to Pretoro to spend my summers in my home at “Lu Ponte”. I have been a part of the Pretorese Association since the mid seventies and am looking forward to continue working on events that will promote our Pretorese culture and community.
Vice-President - Tony D'Angelo
I am 55 years old and first visited Pretoro when I was 10 years old. I ended up visiting Pretoro for 2 months and from that moment on I fell in love with the village. When the Pretorese Association was formed in 1972, I attended a majority of the functions with my parents, usually helping my father set up the music the re-enactment of ‘Lu Lope’. From an early age, I was always so proud to be Italian, but more proud to be Pretorese. Over the past 45 years I have visited our village often, never tiring of walking through the narrow passages between the houses and up and down the stairs of this wonderful medieval village. Our history and culture has always fascinated me.
I have been a member of the RCMP for 31 years and for the first 26 years I worked in the Montreal area and in Rome and upon my return to Ottawa, I joined the association without hesitation to carry on the legacy our fathers left us with. Through my work, I was given the opportunity to travel extensively and visit many different cultures, but it was always so special to go back to the village. Its important to continue on with the traditions, to carry the torch for the next generation.
Director - Lisa D'Angelo
“Weh, gnà shti?” Since the time I was old enough to listen, speak & understand, Pretoro has always been in my vocabulary. My late father Rocco (Rukin’ Shkrukit) raised us with that & wouldn’t want it any other way. He instilled in us a pride to be Pretorese that we still profess today. He was part of the Associazione Pretorese (a.k.a. U Club Pretores) since the very beginning. “Din Don Deh, quand’e bell lu feije me” is normal lingo to us.
So, it’s only fitting that many years later, in his honour, and after actually having lived in Pretoro, that I continue our contribution, together with my Pretorese-born husband Davide Di Federico. I look forward to sharing our traditions and our culture with future generations.
Director - Davide Di Federico
“De chi si u feij?” I have been asked this question many times in my life. I was born & raised in Pretoro and lived there for over 40 yrs, so I know the entire area very well. I moved to Canada just over 3 yrs ago, but our house is still there. When possible, we will return to it with pleasure.
I am happy to be part of the Associazione Pretorese di Ottawa and contribute to the success of the club. I am pleased to see the younger generation that has joined us in hopes of continuing our traditions. “So u feij de Peppe Curaj..! (detto ‘Baffone’)”
Director - Tanya O'Brien
My name is Tanya O’Brien (Mattioli)... “la figlia di Camillo-de Zi’ Lieuch”. I am a teacher with Ottawa Carleton District School Board. I grew up on Cambridge Street with my grandparents Annina and Rocco, and as a result, my Pretorese is quite impressive. We are very fortunate to have my father’s house at “lu ponte” and enjoy our summers hanging out in Pretoro. I am very excited to be a director in the Association to promote and preserve the traditions of this fabulous community!