The Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame celebrated its 26th annual induction ceremony on March 10, 2024, at LiGreci’s Staaten, welcoming nine new members into its Class of 2025. The event honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport, highlighting their achievements and commitment to the bowling community.
Among the new inductees were recipients of the Superior Performance Award: 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 ceremony also recognized Joanne Soto, who received the Gloria Simonson/Donna Zajac Memorial Award, and Bob Johnson, who was honored with the Ben McNevich Memorial Award. Lifetime Achievement honors were awarded to Richie Hornreich, while Frank Siller was named the Rab Wilkinson “Toast of the Town” Award winner.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of 13 local prep bowlers as Ray Laursen High School All Stars. The awardees included Krista Tedone, Andrei Kovmir, Nicholas Nunez, Peter Flynn, and Justin Arenas from St. Joseph by-the-Sea; Robert Werling and Zachary McGinley from Moore Catholic; Anthony Laverdi and Meagan Brady from Tottenville; Daniel Anello from Curtis; Tyler Boyle from New Dorp; Jacob Peterson from Port Richmond; Kiara Lombardi from Petrides; and Lindsey Souffrin from Notre Dame Academy.
Hall of Fame Director Ed Ellardi, who is in his first year in the role, expressed pride in this year’s inductees. He stated, “This class brings a little bit of everything to our organization’s résumé. Each inductee is highly deserving of this honor.” Ellardi emphasized the importance of community and the relationships fostered through bowling, saying, “They were all friends on and off the lanes, many of them grew up together.”
The evening also served as a tribute to the legacy of Ray Laursen, a respected coach in the Staten Island bowling community who passed away in 2024. Labetti credited her father for shaping her career and underscored the significance of his influence on the sport. “Tonight helps to remember the impact my dad had… not just on me, but on the bowling community overall,” she reflected.
Fellow award recipient Tommy DiNardo shared how bowling has influenced his life, saying, “Bowling has sculpted my life. It’s given me friends and led me to become a chiropractor.” He expressed gratitude for the camaraderie within the bowling community, noting, “Sometimes we’d fight over silly things, and the next day we’d be hugging. That’s the bowling community.”
DeCessario highlighted the unique bonds formed through the sport, emphasizing that bowling transcends mere competition. “What means the most are the friendships, rivalries, and bonds created along the way,” he remarked. “Bowling isn’t just about the scores — it’s about perseverance, discipline, and community.”
As the evening concluded, attendees reflected on the deep-rooted relationships and shared experiences that define the Staten Island bowling community. For more information about the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame and its history, visit the official website at statenislandbowlinghof.org.