UPDATE: The Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame has just inducted nine new members during its 26th annual dinner at LiGreci’s Staaten on October 15, 2023, celebrating the borough’s rich bowling legacy. This momentous event enshrined the Class of 2025, featuring remarkable talents and contributors to the sport.
This year’s distinguished inductees include Superior Performance Award recipients Naz Labetti, Michelle Dash, Rob Butler Jr., Lonnie Levy, Tommy DiNardo, Tim McAuliffe Jr., and Phil DeCessario. Additionally, Liz Philpott and Don Schewd received the Meritorious Service Award. The community also honored Joanne Soto with the Gloria Simonson/Donna Zajac Memorial Award and Bob Johnson with the Ben McNevich Memorial Award. Lifetime Achievement honors went to Richie Hornreich, while Frank Siller was celebrated with the Rab Wilkinson “Toast of the Town” Award.
In a heartfelt tribute, Hall of Fame Director Ed Ellardi, in his inaugural year, expressed pride in this year’s inductees, emphasizing their contributions to the sport and community. “This year’s class brings a little bit of everything to our organization,” Ellardi stated. “They’ve all contributed significantly to the game, not just through performance, but by helping and mentoring others.”
The emotional evening highlighted the close-knit nature of Staten Island’s bowling community. Ellardi noted, “They were all friends on and off the lanes, many grew up together. I’ve watched so many juniors develop into the bowlers they are today, and I’m proud of each one.”
Among the inductees, Labetti’s emotional acceptance speech resonated deeply. She honored her late father, legendary coach Ray Laursen, who passed away in 2024, stating, “Tonight helps to remember the impact my dad had… not just on me, but on the bowling community overall.” Labetti’s sister, Philpott, also received recognition that night, underscoring the family’s legacy in Staten Island bowling.
Fellow award winner DiNardo shared, “Bowling has sculpted my life. It’s given me friends, taken me places, and even led me to become a chiropractor.” He reflected on the bonds formed through competition, saying, “Sometimes we’d fight over silly things, and the next day we’d be hugging. That’s the bowling community.”
DeCessario echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of friendships and community in bowling. “What means the most are the friendships, rivalries, and bonds created along the way. Bowling isn’t just about the scores — it’s about perseverance, discipline, and community,” he concluded.
The event also recognized 13 local prep bowlers as Ray Laursen High School All Stars, including Krista Tedone, Andrei Kovmir, Nicholas Nunez, Peter Flynn, and Justin Arenas from St. Joseph by-the-Sea, among others, showcasing the future talent in the sport.
With such a strong lineup of inductees and honorees, the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame continues to celebrate its legacy while fostering a vibrant community. For more information about the organization and its history, visit statenislandbowlinghof.org.
Stay tuned for updates on future events and the ongoing impact of these remarkable individuals in the world of bowling.
