Sal Balsamo Honored at 15th Annual Taste of the North End Bocce Tournament

Beating out over 100 players, Nino Rinaldi and Matteo Norcia won the first place trophy at the 15th Annual Taste of the North End Bocce Tournament, held on September 9, 2018 in Boston’s North End. Second place went to consistent top performers, Peggy and Bob Magri, with third place to Giovanni DiPierro and Gerry DiPierro.

This year, the Taste of the North End paid homage to Sal Balsamo with dozens of family members attending the bocce tournament. In addition to being a successful businessman, family man and friend to all, Sal was a generous philanthropist and supported a multitude of charities his entire life. Sal always had a great time at this event and the TONE organizers wanted to say thank you for all his years of support.

There were eight primary sponsors this year, including North End Waterfront Health, Voga Wine, Il Molo, Piantedosi Baking Co., Artu, J. Pace & Son, Gianbanco/Balsamo Family and the Post Gazette Newspaper.

The teams played in the charity event while enjoying an Italian-style barbecue by J. Pace & Son.  The annual bocce event is organized by Donato Frattaroli (Il Molo) and Pam Donnaruma (Post-Gazette), Chris Zizza (C&R Flooring) and Pam Modugno.

The weather was perfect for the traditional Italian game while raising money for North End causes. Taste of the North End raises funds for scholarships and charities in the North End community.