Council #11497
St Thomas Aquinas Council 11497
New Port Richey, FL US
(kofc11497.org)
COUNCIL RECOGNITION
KNIGHTS OF THE MONTH
January 2026
Nick DiSanto
October 2025
Kevin Welsh
September 2025
Rick Ardizzone
August 2025
John Treska
April 2025
Bob Neider
March 2025
Eric Dervaes
February 2025
Rick Ardizzone
January 2025
Larry Alaimo
October 2024
David Petrantoni
David has been instrumental in the effort to clear the church grounds from the debris caused by the recent hurricanes. He has heavy equipment that he employed in the massive effort by the Knights and other parishioners. David participates in Council events and meetings. The St. Thomas Aquinas Knights of Columbus is proud to present David the October Knight of the Month award.
September 2024
David Browning
.jpg)
August 2024
Rick Ardizzone
July 2024
Manny Pontoriero
June 2024
Dan Sanstrom
May 2024
Ben Cardona
This member of our Council is uniquely focused on serving the parish and the Council. He is active in all the parish ministries including daily mass as an altar server, reader, and projects a smiling welcome at the church door. He belongs to the Legion of Mary, assists the RCIA, school security,and has led the Men's Fellowship Group. He participates in many Council events including pancake breakfasts, fish fries,and the 5th Sunday rosaries. He is dedicated to anyone who needs help. St. Thomas Aquinas Council recognizes Brother Benny Cardona as Knight of the Month for May 2024.
April 2024
John Treska
This member of our Council is very active and present at all events. He serves all of our needs as Treasurer of the Council. Also, he knows or can find out the answers when we need the guidance of our bylaws. He is knowledgeable about rules we must follow in our interface with Supreme. Hie presence is appreciated. St. Thomas Aquinas Council proudly recognizes Brother John Treska as Knight of the Month for April 2024.
March 2024
Luigi Squillante
Luigi and his wife Betty attended all the Fish Frydays, with Luigi deep frying the fish and Betty working the serving line. Luigi is a long time Knight in our Council, along with being a Sir Knight in the 4th Degree Assembly. With a smiling face you can count on, Luigi and his family help out whenever needed. On that basis, Luigi is recognized as the Knight of the Month for March 2024.
February 2024
John Esposito
As chairman of our wildly successful three Lenten Fish Frydays, John led our Knights to a record number of attendees who enjoyed an attractively priced fried or baked fish dinner. After the first event, John made changes to the serving processes to improve and ensure the success of the Council's annual event. As a result, John is awarded February Knight of the Month.
January 2024
David Petrantoni
The St. Thomas Aquinas Car Show was David's brainchild. His expertise and connections to the auto business were key to a successful car show. He secured multiple sponsorships which helped ensure the financial success of the car show. On the day of the car show, David's judging abilities were instrumental in ensuring that all trophies and cash prizes were awarded fairly. The car show has received many positive comments from participants.
December 2023
Rick Ardizzone
Brother Rick supports all Council events, especially the pancake breakfasts where he is the expert in making scrambled eggs. For all he does tor the Council, Rick is awarded the Knight of the Month for December 2023.
November 2023
Stephen Katona
Stephen has performed his duties as Financial Secretary with excellence for the past few years. He consistently supports the many Council events and is a key mrmber of the Car Show Committee. On that basis, Stephen is the recipient of the November Knight of the Month Award.
October 2023
Emanuel Pontoriero
Emanuel (Manny) Pontoriero's enthusiasm is a big factor in the success of our Council's programs and events. Manny is our current Recorder and is an active member of our Car Show Planning Committee. His outstanding work with the Committee is crucial to its success.
September 2023
Thomas Esnough
This award is presented to our brother Thomas, who is the chairman of our pancake breakfast fundraisers this fratenral year.
August 2023
David Petrantoni
Brother David Petrantoni is providing excellent leadership as chairman of our Car Show event.
July 2023
Larry Alaimo
As with tradition, the Knight of the month for July is presented to our most recent Past Grand Knight Larry Alaimo for having a superlative performance during his two year tenure as Grand Knight. Without question, Larry is most deserving of this award.
May 2023
Kurt McLaughlin
April 2023
James Marcotte
This Sir Knight is a very active brother within the Council. He regularly participates in all the fundraising events and is ready to help anyone who is in need. He was Instrumental in the Stand Down event recently held and Veterans programs along with being an exemplary Catholic gentleman. For those contributions and many others, James Marcotte is awarded Knight of the Month for April 2023.
March 2023
Steve Wolfe
This Brother has been instrumental in supporting many Council and Parish activities and events in recent years, including pancake breakfasts and fish fries. His experience and common sense about Council finances has been a factor in the development and growth of the Council. He is a fine Catholic gentleman who represents the Council well. For all those contributions, Steve Wolfe is awarded Knight of the Month for March 2023.
February 2023
Ben Cardona
This member of our Council is uniquely focused upon serving the parish and this Council. He is active in parish ministries, including daily Mass as an altar server, reader and projects a smiling welcome at the Church door. He belongs to the Legion of Mary, assists at RCIA, school security and leads the Men’s Fellowship group. He participates in many Council events including pancake breakfasts, fish fries and 5th Sunday rosaries. He is dedicated to anyone who needs help. On behalf of the St. Thomas Aquinas K of C Council 11497, Brother Benny Cardona is recognized as February’s Knight of the Month.
February 2023
John Treska Stephen Katona
December 2022
Jim Marcotte
November 2022
John Esposito
October 2022
Emanuel (Manny) Pontoriero
September 2022
Adam Kaluza
August 2022
Nick Tufaro
July 2022
Bob Neider
May 2022
Larry Alaimo
Congratulations to SK Larry Alaimo for being recognized as Knight of the Month for May 2022. Larry is currently our Council’s Grand Knight. He has led our Council this fraternal year through many successful events and activities with dedication and lots of energy. He keeps members informed using his communication skills. We are grateful for his superb leadership and wish him well into the next fraternal year and beyond. God bless you, Larry!
April 2022
Rick Ardizzone
Congratulations to SK Rick Ardizzone for being recognized as Knight of the Month for April 2022. Rick has been a great Knight for us and has been overlooked as Knight of Month for too long. Rick works behind the scenes in the kitchen for all our Council Pancake Breakfasts and Fish Frydays. He volunteers without being asked. He is known for making the best onion rings. We appreciate Rick’s commitment to our Council. Keep up the great work and thank you for all that you do!
March 2022
John Treska
Congratulations to John Treska for being recognized as Knight of the Month for March 2022. John currently serves as our Council’s Treasurer after previously serving a one year term as our Council’s Recorder. John is our UKnight webmaster as he keeps the website updated with relevant information, calendar of events, announcements, videos, photos from Council activities, etc. We appreciate his participation in Council activities and events. God bless you, John, for all your time and hard work!
February 2022
Robert Gozo
Congratulations to Charter Member SK Robert (Bob) Gozo for being recognized as Knight of the Month for February 2022. Bob is not only active in our Council here at St Thomas Aquinas, but is also active in many parish activities and in our community. Bob leads the Legion of Mary, works with the food pantry, and helps out with St. Vincent de Paul. He is part of the Lazarus group attending funeral masses at our Parish and is a member of our Church choir. Bob visits the homebound and brings them communion. He is also a member of the Men’s Prayer Group. Bob gives of himself in so many ways. We are proud and grateful to call him a Brother Knight as he is a big part of our parish family. Thank you Bob and congratulations!
January 2022
Anthony Fontana
Congratulations to SK Anthony (Tony) Fontana for being recognized as Knight of the Month for January 2022. Tony planned and organized our Council’s Pro Life Dinner/Dance Gala that was recently held at our parish center. The event was a tremendous success with an amazing turnout for a wonderful evening of dinner and live music. We raised a nice sum of money for pro life activities. Thank you, Tony, for your hard work in making this event such a huge success!
December 2021
Stephen Katona
Congratulations to our Worthy Financial Secretary SK (Faithful Pilot) Stephen Katona for being recognized as Knight of the Month for December 2021. As Financial Secretary, Stephen bills and collects annual member dues, distributes membership cards, ensures that Council membership records are kept up to date, files various reports with Supreme, and works with the Council Treasurer on financial recordkeeping. He chaired our very successful 2021 Cornhole Tournament and is currently planning our 2022 Tournament which will be held in February. Stephen participates in Council events including pancake breakfasts, monthly social events, the parish picnic, our play fundraiser, and others. Keep up the great work!
November 2021
Father Eric
Congratulations to our Knight of the Month, our Pastor, Father Eric Peters. Father Eric headed the committee that organized our recent parish picnic. He also helped with setting up and the clean-up, Father provided entertainment throughout the picnic with his band. His efforts made our picnic a great success. Thank you Father Eric for all your hard work and dedication to our Parish family. God bless you!
October 2021
Alberto Sierra
Brother Alberto was selected as Knight of the Month because of the energy he brings to all the events he participates in and that is all of them. Also, he chairs our Pancake Breakfasts and has done a great job. He is an outstanding family man and practicing Catholic.
September 2021
Ben Cardona
If you are looking for a friend for any reason, Benny is your guy. He is very religious and supports all Church and Knights of Columbus activities. He was recently instrumental in organizing the Rosary procession on the anniversary of 9/11 and is very active in all Knights of Columbus events and fundraisers. Benny is a solid Catholic who deserves this award.
August 2021
George Gano
George Gano was recognized as Knight of the Month for August 2021 because of his knowledge and history of the Catholic Church which he imparts to the Council in a multitude of ways at Officers and Membership meetings. Also, for his coordination of the recent social event called “Stump the Priest” which was attended by approximately 40 members of our parish and was very informative and a winning enjoyable event.
FAMILIES OF THE MONTH
February 2026
Marcotte Family
December 2025
Corio Family
October 2025
Alberto Sierra Family
September 2025
Fusaro Family
August 2025
Henry & Barb Perri
March 2025
Bob Parsons Family
February 2025
Henry Perri Family
January 2025
Phil and Jeanine Miano
October 2024
Miano Family
Brother Phil Miano and his wife Jeanine were major players in the planning and execution of our successful Pro Life Gala. They donated gift baskets for the raffle and restaruant gift cards for door prizes. They also coordinated the gift basket table. Participation and dedication have earned Brother Phil and Jeanine Family of the Month for October.
August 2024
Perri Family
Brother Henry and his wife Barb worked the recent pancake breakfast from early morning setup to the ending cleanup. Henry participates in all Council events and is active with the Car Show Planning Committee. He is the chairman of our third annual Pro Life Gala planning committee. For these and other reasons, Henry and Barb are awarded Family of the Month for August.
July 2024
Matusiak Family
June 2024
Fusaro Family
March 2024
Fusaro Family
Tony and his wife Connie worked each of the three Fish Frydays during this Lenten season. They were involved in the serving line and filling in wherever help was needed. Tony and Connie are active at the daily Mass each weekday, with Tony serving and Connie reading. They are a fine Catholic family and for their dedication, Tony and Connie Fusaro are awarded the Family of the Month for March 2024.
February 2024
Marcotte Family
Jim and Sue Marcotte were solid contributors at our Lenten Fish Frydays. Their energy is boundless and helped the events achieve a record number of dinners served. Jim is also a participant in all Council events as well as parish programs. This family is the epitome of a fine Catholic family. Jim and Sue are awarded February Family of the Month.
January 2024
Pontoriero Family
Manny has been instrumental in the success of our car show. He has spent many, many hours working on the event. The planning meetings were all held at his place of business or at his house. The night before the event, his entire family worked until 1:00 am getting the pre-registration documents prepared and printed. On the day of the event, his wife, son, and daughter all worked at the car show at some of the most important stations. In addition, Manny took photos and videos, including with his drone to capture memories of the event. We could not have pulled off a successful car show without the Pontoriero family. For this major effort, Manny and his family are awarded Family of the Month for January 2024.
December 2023
Marcotte Family
Jim and Sue Marcotte are very active in all events of the Council and many parish activities. They support veterans programs in the area, Community One Now, and the parish's Giving Tree. Jim and Sue are awarded the Family of the Month for December 2023.
.jpg)
November 2023
Palestra Family
Damon and Heather provide the leadership to coordinate our Council's Youth Sports challenges. They recently organized our Council's and District's Soccer challenge. Damon and Heather exhibit significant excellence in all ways supporting our Council. On that basis, the Palestra Family is the recipient of the November Family of the Month.
October 2023
Esposito Family
Our Deputy Grand Knight, John Esposito, has contributed much to the success of our Council supported by the participation of his family. John's family is a worthy Family of the Month choice.
September 2023
Neider Family
Robert (Bob) Neider Jr. and his wife Diane have supported many of our Council's activities and programs. They, in particular, support the many Veterans' programs.
August 2023
Bob and Bette West
Our late Brother Bob and his wife Bette were heavily involved in parish ministries and Council events. Bob has recently deceased and Bette is our school nurse and also coordintaes the home visitation for distribution of Holy Communion to the homebound.
July 2023
Anthony Fusaro Family
Brother Anthony (Tony) Fusaro and his wife participate in all events. Anthony's wife, is a reader at morning mass and they both work with the St. Vincent de Paul ministry.
May 2023
Quevedo Family
April 2023
Matusiak Family
This family is very active in our Parish and Council, supporting all events and fundraisers. Noteworthy is the continual leadership they provide at the Fish Fries and other fundraisers held by our Council. They are willing volunteers and a great example of a Catholic family. For their contributions, Dennis and Charlotte Matusiak are awarded Family of the Month for April 2023.
March 2023
Mogavero Brothers - Carl and Lou
The Mogavero brothers have supported Council events on a consistent basis, in particular, the pancake breakfasts and fish fries. Their families are examples of fine Catholic families in our Parish and Council and can be counted on to help without even being asked. For all their many contributions, the Mogavero Brothers and their families are awarded Family of the Month for March 2023.
February 2023
Palestra Family
This brother and his family continue to be involved in all aspects of our parish and Council. He is a Past Grand Knight and has served as Trustee of the Council over several years. He is also Chairman of the Athletic Programs with soccer, hockey, and basketball championships under his leadership. He has been at the forefront of the relationship between the parish and our Council. His family is a fine example of what a Catholic family should be. On behalf of the St. Thomas Aquinas K of C Council 11497 our brother, Damon Palestra, and his family are recognized for their contributions as February’s Family of the Month.
January 2023
Fontana Family
November 2022
Philip & Jeanine Miano
September 2022
Matusiak Family
July 2022
McIlveen Family
As part of our Parish Community, both Jes and Dan McIlveen have been vital to our Faith formation program. Over the past several years, Jes has been a leader with our Faith formation and. most recently. ended the summer with an amazing experience with Vacation Bible School. Jes and Dan have supported our St. Thomas Aquinas Early Childhood Ccenter and the Parish in general through the dedication of their time and talent. Although Jes is moving on to another full time position outside of the Church, her contributions to the Faith formation program will endure. We appreciate the unity they exemplify in their family and we are blessed to have them as part of our Parish family.
April 2022
Laliberte Family
Congratulations to SK Dennis and Sandi Laliberte for being recognized as our Family of the Month for April 2022. Dennis and Sandi perform selfless work for the church and the community. They are both willing do things for others with little or no recognition. Dennis and Sandi were a great help to our Council during our recent successful Fish Frydays helping set up the hall each Friday afternoon and then assisting with numerous tasks during the actual dinners. They did so cheerfully and with boundless energy and patience. Thank you for all you do in the service of our Knights of Columbus Council!
March 2022
Matusiak Family
Congratulations to SK Dennis and Charlotte Matusiak for being recognized as our Family of the Month for March 2022. Dennis and Charlotte have both worked so hard to organize and manage our Fish Frydays. They order and pick up all the food and supplies, make sure everything is ready for cooking and serving, coordinate the hall setup, and direct the cleanup and hall table and chair reassembly. Charlotte has taken it upon herself to arrange for teens to help out and manage the food serving line as she herself works on the line. Dennis and Charlotte have volunteered many hours to ensure our Fish Frydays are a huge success. They have even documented detailed instructions on the steps necessary to run successful Fish Frydays for future reference. Thank you both for all your hard work and all the time you have given to our Council and to this Lenten event. Blessings to both of you!
January 2022
Bonura Family
Congratulations to SK William and Terry Bonura for being recognized as our Family of the Month for January 2022. Our Council is very grateful to them for all they do for our Council and parish. William and Terry eagerly participate in all Council events. We look forward to your continued service!
December 2021
Marcotte Family
Congratulations to Jim and Sue Marcotte for being recognized as our Family of the Month for December 2021. Jim currently serves as our Council’s Community Program Director. He and his wife work tirelessly in service to our parish and community. They helped decorate the church for Christmas, helped with the distribution of Christmas presents from the Giving Tree, and pick up litter in their neighborhood. Jim is active in the Men’s Fellowship, promoted Urbanair for his Assembly, and works our pancake breakfasts, even making crepes, compote and yogurt topping. Keep up the great work!
November 2021
Quevedo Family
Congratulations to Ozzie and Cheralyn Quevedo as our Family of the Month. Ozzie worked the pancake breakfasts and the parish picnic. He helped with both set-up and clean-up for both events. He is always there to help for meetings and any Knight functions. His wife, Cheralyn, is Assistant to our Pastor and Staff Coordinator for our Parish. She is always willing to help our Council with scheduling events and giving helpful information for us to plan any events. We thank both of you for your hard work. You both are assets to our Council and Parish. We are blessed to have you both in our Parish and Community.
October 2021
Matusiak Family
Charlotte has been very active in our parish. She is in the choir and serves as a Eucharistic Minister.
Dennis is very active with our Knights of Columbus Council here at St. Thomas Aquinas. He is involved with the planning committee for the upcoming parish picnic. He is ordering all the food from a local food distributor.
As a couple, Charlotte and Dennis are members of the Lazarus group and attend funeral masses at our parish. They both belong to the Parish Food Pantry and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
September 2021
Batista Family
Maurice’s Family exemplifies what it is to be active in the Knights. He has provided leadership in the production of the recent play, "12 Angry Jurors". His wife, Anabelle, works in the parish office and the whole family supports the Church and Knights events, including the Pancake Breakfasts as well as many other events. They are a model Catholic family and deserve this award.
August 2021
Alaimo Family
Congratulations to Grand Knight Larry and his family for their outstanding contributions to the St. Thomas Aquinas parish and the Knights of Columbus. Since assuming the role of leader of the STA Council for the K of C, Larry and his family have participated in many school activities and Council events, including the pancake breakfasts and Social Nights. This award is well earned by the Alaimo family
.jpg)
July 2021
Castano Family
We recognize the Castano family in the month of July for their unity and support of each other. Whether it be a father and son working the grill at a recent Vacation Bible School event or supporting the various other ministries the Castanos are there.