The Louis R. Miller Leadership Awards:
Honoring the Best in Staten Island’s Business Community
A Brief History of the Louis R. Miller Awards
In 1993, 24 Staten Island business owners and professionals, organized by Louis R. Miller, came together to form the Business Education Development Council (BEDC) for the College of Staten Island, chaired by John J. Amodio. The council acted as liaison between the business community and the college, to help fulfill the need to provide continuing education to business people on Staten Island.In 1994, council members wanted to recognize small business owners and non-profit leaders for their accomplishments, and highlight them as role models for others. Shortly before the first recognition was given, Mr. Miller passed away. Mr. Amodio, on behalf of the BEDC, worked with Brian Laline, editor of the Staten Advance, to initiate the first Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award. The award was created in memory of the tireless community activist who supported a variety of charitable, cultural and educational institutions in Staten Island.In 1996, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce assumed control of running the annual awards program. Since 1994, more than 250 people have received this award.
About Louis Miller
Louis R. Miller was a tireless community activist who viewed volunteering as a way of giving something back to his neighbors. A longtime judge for the Staten Island Advance Women of Achievement program, Miller believed in volunteering as a way to repay everyone for the love of America he found after immigrating to this country.
Born in a small village in Russia, Miller’s family moved to Plainfield, N.J., in 1913. He also lived in Burlington Township and Jersey City before moving to New Brighton in the early 1930s. He settled in West Brighton in the 1950s. His first job while attending high school was in a bakery in Plainfield, where he worked nights for a salary of $2.25 a week. He eventually entered the insurance field, working his way up to positions as life insurance underwriter and, later, estate planner for the Prudential Insurance Co. on Staten Island.
Miller joined the Solomon Huber Agency of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co., Manhattan, at its founding in 1941, and remained with the firm until 1966. His dedication twice earned him the title “Man of the Year” from the company.
From insurance, Miller entered the world of banking, joining the staff of the former Community National Bank and Trust Co., Oakwood. After serving as director of business development for four years, he was named trust officer in 1971, becoming responsible for the development and implementation of all corporate pension plans, trust and incentive plans and estate planning.
A chartered member of the Life Underwriters Association of New York, Miller opened an estate planning office in St. George in 1955, which he maintained for about 20 years. His recognized expertise in insurance, life underwriting and estate planning led to his lecturing and writing on those topics, as well as serving as a consultant to numerous small businesses on the Island.
One of Miller’s pet projects was the Meals on Wheels program. His contributions to the agency were recognized in 1990 when the agency dedicated its new Port Richmond headquarters in his name. It was Miller who six years previously had suggested the agency move to a new location, and it was Miller who set about helping to sell the old building and purchase the new one.
Another important project was the Business Education Development Council, formed in 1993 to serve as a liaison between the business community and the College of Staten Island. Miller helped found the organization because he firmly believed in the need for business owners and professionals to provide continuing education to small businesses on Staten Island.
Miller also supported the Jewish Community Center, the United Jewish Appeal, the Jewish Foundation School, the Staten Island Community Chest, Staten Island Family Services, the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences, the YMCA, the College of Staten Island and Doctors’ Hospital. He received the Wagner College Distinguished Citizenship Award, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honor that Rotary International bestows.
Louis Miller died on August 12, 1994, at the age of 93.
Award Recipients
2022 Award Recipients
Sam Angiuli - The Angiuli Group - Click Here to Read More
Patrick Buono - Aurora Computer Tech, Inc. - Click Here to Read More
James & Maria Carrozza - Cake Chef Companies - Click Here to Read More
Amy Posner - Hillel at the College of Staten Island - Click Here to Read More
Dr. Carolyn Powell - Bay Street Optical Pavilion - Click Here to Read More
Teresa Rampulla - SheMedia NYC - Click Here to Read More
Joe and Paul Quattrocchi - Dependable Auto Repair - Click Here to Read More
Dr. Henry Thompson - Community Health Center of Richmond - Click Here to Read More
2021 Award Recipients
John Amoido - SCORE Staten Island - Click Here to Read More
Linda Baran - Staten Island Chamber of Commerce - Click Here to Read More
Carol Bullock - The Pride Center of Staten Island - Click Here to Read More
Billy Hanson - Reliable Office Solutions - Click Here to Read More
Ettore Mazzei - Chez Vous Caterers - Click Here to Read More
Jeanine and John Tardy - JVN Restoration, Inc. - Click Here to Read More
2020 Award Recipients
Karen DiBona and Mark Scamardella - DiBonna and Scamardella Dental Studio - Click Here to Read More
Thomas Hall - Hall & Hall LLP - Click Here to Read More
Lakruwana Wijesinghe - Lakruwana Restaurant - Click Here to Read More
Dean Balsamini - The Small Business Development Center - Click Here to Read More
Shawn Stradford - Stradford Home for Funerals and Cremations - Click Here to Read More
Susan Fenley - Sundog Theatre - Click Here to Read More
2019 Award Recipients
Genevieve Benoit & Diane Buglioli – A Very Special Place, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Mike Bloomfield — Tekie Geek — Click Here for More Information
Doreen Cugno & Luanne Sorrentino — St. George Theatre — Click Here for More Information
Mark Lauria — Mark Lauria Associates — Click Here for More Information
Art Lauter — The New Millenium Training Center — Click Here for More Information
DB Lampman & Scott Van Campen — MakerSpace NYC — Click Here for More Information
Sean White — Against Da Grain — Click Here for More Information
Frank Wilkinson — Rab’s Country Lanes — Click Here for More Information
2018 Award Recipients
Dr. Kenneth Byalin – Integration Charter Schools – Click Here for More Information
Rev. Dr. Demetrius Carolina – Central Family Life Center – Click Here for More Information
Keith Cummings – KCM Plumbing – Click Here for More Information
Massimo DiDonna – Partners in Sound Productions Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Annamarie Gulino Gentile – Angiuli & Gentile LLP – Click Here for More Information
Danielle Reyes – Wealth & Legacy Group – Click Here for More Information
Debra Surmanek – Ivy Branding & Marketing group – Click Here for More Information
Tariq Zaid – Richmond Hood Co. – Click Here for More Information
* Past Award Recipients *
2017
Alan Aurelia – Richmond County Orchestra – Click Here for More Information
Dr. Cynara Coomer – SIUH Comprehensive Breast Center – Click Here for More Information
Denise Henick – Stop & Stor – Click Here for More Information
Gregory Perillo – Perillo’s World of Fine Art – Click Here for More Information
Dr. Carolyn Raia – SIUH Comprehensive Breast Center – Click Here for More Information
Frank Siller – Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation – Click Here for More Information
Ken Tirado – Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn – Click Here for More Information
Scott Weisberg – Everything Entertainment – Click Here for More Information
2016
Zane Tankel and Roy Raeburn – Applebee’s Grill & Bar (Apple-Metro, Inc.) – Click Here for More Information
Joan and Alan Bernikow – Jewish Community Center of Staten Island – Click Here for More Information
Dennis McKeon – Where To Turn – Click Here for More Information
Al Gentile Jr. – St. George Pharmacy – Click Here for More Information
George Zaloom – Zaloom’s Auto Repair – Click Here for More Information
John Constantino – Clove Auto Body – Click Here for More Information
Carolyn Aston-Reese and Nancy Nix – Wicked Stitches – Click Here for More Information
Todd W. Ettlinger – Rajakaruna & Ettlinger PC – Click Here for More Information
2015
Charles Di Bartolo – BetterBizWorks, LLC – Click Here for More Information
Robert Gullery – Wil John’s Tire Empire – Click Here for More Information
John Kotz – Richmond Chandelier Co. – Click Here for More Information
Joseph Marchese – Financial Planning Concepts of America – Click Here for More Information
Diana Petrone Vasquenz – Not Just Bagels – Click Here for More Information
Maryann Piazza – Majestic Vending and Services Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Lynn Rogers – Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Jason Serapiglia – Pique Fitness – Click Here for More Information
2014
Bernard Del Rey – Del Rey, Tanzi & Gavin LLP – Certified Public Accountants – Click Here for More Information
Claudette Duff – Integrity Senior Services – Click Here for More Information
Reverend Dr. Daniel Mercaldo – Church at the Gateway – Click Here for More Information
Chad Reyes – Wealth and Legacy Group – Click Here for More Information
Joann Scamardella – Scamardella Funeral Home, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Salvatore Sottile – Sottile Security Services, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Ronald Victorio – Victorio Associates – Click Here for More Information
Ryan Walsh – Walsh Electrical Contracting Inc. – Click Here for More Information
2013
Solomon Chemo, CFP – Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Richmond Wealth Management – Click Here for More Information
Leonora Vaccaro – Staten Island Community Services Friendship Clubs, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
John Vincent Scalia, Sr. – John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Christopher Ferrara – ComServe Consulting and Facatel Communications – Click Here for More Information
Doreen M. Inserra, CPA – Doreen M. Inserra CPA, P.C. – Click Here for More Information
Cory Schifter – Casale Jewelers – Click Here for More Information
Allan Weissglass – Magruder Color Company, Inc.; Weisglass-Gold Seal Dairy Corp. – Click Here for More Information
Dr. Abdul Rehman – Private Practice, Brooklyn Hospital Center and SI University Hospital – Click Here for More Information
2012
Dr. Peter Albert – Staten Island Urological Associates PC – Click Here for More Information
Claire Bisignano Chesnoff, ABR, CRS – Claire Properties – Click Here for More Information
Melanie Franklin Cohn – Council on Arts and Humanities for Staten Island (COASHI) – Click Here for More Information
Barton Horowitz- Relevant Public Relations, LLC – Click Here for More Information
Michael Lanza – Colonial Funeral Home – Click Here for More Information
Stefano Sena – Bocelli Ristorante – Click Here for More Information
Vincent DeMonte – Bocelli Ristorante – Click Here for More Information
Maria Buonsante – Bocelli Ristorante – Click Here for More Information
Eve Taranto – Silver Lake Golf Course Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Doug Johnstone – Silver Lake Golf Course Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Steve Villamarin – Villa Marin Buick, GMC – Click Here for More Information
Lynda Villamarin – Villa Marin Buick, GMC – Click Here for More Information
Louis Villamarin – Villa Marin Buick, GMC – Click Here for More Information
2011
Vittorio Asoli – Trattoria Romana – Click Here for More Information
Dominick Brancato – New York Center for Interpersonal Development – Click Here for More Information
Elizabeth Egbert – Staten Island Museum – Click Here for More Information
Marlene Boyd – MLM Public Relations, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
MaryLee Montalvo – MLM Public Relations, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Tomas Morales, PhD – College of Staten Island – Click Here for More Information
John E. Nikolai – Jealan Fireplaces, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Chris Williams – Williams Eye Works – Click Here for More Information
Brian Farley – Hudson Elevator – Click Here for More Information
Michael Farley – Hudson Elevator – Click Here for More Information
2010
Diana Arneth – Community Health Action of Staten Island – Click Here for More Information
John Castellano – Castellano’s House of Music – Click Here for More Information
Dr. Jack D’Angelo – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Associates of Staten Island – Click Here for More Information
Gianfranco Franzese – Pasticceria Bruno and Restaurant – Click Here for More Information
Salvatore Settepani – Pasticceria Bruno and Restaurant – Click Here for More Information
Clifford Holtermann – Holtermann’s Bakery – Click Here for More Information
Robert Scamardella – Scamardella, Gervasi, Thomson & Kasegrande P.C. – Click Here for More Information
Steve White – Staten Arts Photography Click Here for More Information – Click Here for More Information
George Wonica – Wonica Realtors & Appraisers, Inc. – Click Here for More Information
Please note that, due to website changes at the Staten Island Advance, older recipient stories have been made unavailable online. If you would like to access a story that does not have a link, please email info@sichamber.com and we will send you a copy.
2009
Elizabeth Dubovsky – The Staten Island Foundation
Vincent D’Antuono – Pastosa Ravioli of West Brighton
George Fehling – Ramps/Lifts for Better Living
Elvis Kraljev – Posh Baby and Teen Furniture
Dr. James V. Malpeso – Staten Island Heart P.C.
Raymond Masucci – Masucci Developers, LLC, Charleston
Rev. Terry Troia – Project Hospitality
Doreen Zayer – Relax on Cloud 9 Spa
2008
Dina R. Rosenthal – The Children’s Museum
Gary Angiuli – Angiuli & Gentile LLP
Dr. Victor P. Avis, DDS – Avis Dental
Gerardo Campitiello – Excelsior Grand
Dr. George S. Ferzli – Dr. George Ferzli
Gregg Gaal – Gregg Gaal, Gregg Mechanical Corporation
Jeff Henick – Stop & Stor
2007
Sue and George Kirchoffer – Moravian Florist
Sari Kingsley – Sari Kingsley Real Estate, Ltd.
Dr. Theodore Strange – Staten Island University Hospital
Beverly Neuhaus – Richmond Senior Services
Rosemarie Scampas – Inform Business Inc.
Donna Long – The Grace Foundation
Paul Campione – P.A.C. Plumbing, Heating & A/C
Christian Moccia – Metro Ink, Ltd.
Thomas DeVito – Metro Ink, Ltd.
2006
Theodore Atlas Jr. – Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation
Connie Mauro – Mauro Graphics Limited
Dr. Mark Sherman – Unity Games
Jacob Carey – Unity Games
Lenore Schwartz – Total Electrical Distributors, Inc.
Bruce Behrins – The Behrins Law Firm PLLC
Allen Bentson – Bentson Insurance
Donald Bentson – Bentson Insurance
Robert P. Bentson – Bentson Insurance
Luke Nasta – Camelot Counseling Centers
2005
Michael Behar – Tappen Park Associates, Inc.
Rosemary Cappozalo – Mrs. Rosemary’s Dance Studio
Dorothy Doran – Staten Island Center for Independent Living
George Esposito – Canal Lumber Co.
Robert Fitzsimmons Sr. – Gateway Arms Realty Corp.
Dr. Joanne Gerenser – Eden II Programs for Children and Adults with Autism
Glen Mancuso – Allstate Insurance / Mancuso Agency
Connie Profaci – Connie Profaci Realty
Henry Salmon – Equity Valuation Associates
Jon Salmon – Salmon Real Estate
Laura Gasparis-Vonfrolio, RN, Ph.D. – Education Enterprises
2004
Alex & John Inserra – The Renaissance
Matthew & John Scamardella – Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Butch Galante – Galante Home Improvements Inc.
Bill DiBiasi – Tax Abatement Specialist
Richard Salinardi – Lifestyles for the Disabled
James Sak, Esq. – Sak & Rampulla, LLP
Steven Coppola – APB Security Systems, Inc.
Al Lambert – Al Lambert Orchestra
Frank Paolino – Electric Light and Power
Edith Susskind – Edith Susskind, Gift Specialist
Donna Martucci – Women’s Work Construction Corp.
John DiNaso – DiNaso & Son’s Building Supply
Tom Beyar – Beyar’s Market
2003
James McBratney – Jimmy Max
Fran & Frank Reali – Century 21 Safari Realty
Linda Vinciguerra – Linda Lingerie Boutique
Philip & Leonard Rampulla – Rampulla Associates Architects, L.L.P.
Melvin Kling – Kling Real Estate
John Shall, CPA – DeSantis, Kiefer, Shall & Sarcone, LLP
Calvin Sprung – Visiting Nurse Association of Staten Island
Rose Franco – Royal Designs of New York –
Gerald Amerosi – Gerald Peters Goldmine Jewelers
Gil Chapman – Island Ford
2002
Bonnie Bell Nalwasky – Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences
Linda Allocco – YMCA of Greater New York
Charles & Diana Milatta – Milatta’s Continental Caterers
Tom & Linda Carroll – Thrifty Exterminating Corp.
Tom & Frank Scarangello – SCARAN Heating and Air Conditioning
Mario Rapaglia – Bario’s Pizzeria Restaurant and Caterers
Barry O’Brien – Bario’s Pizzeria Restaurant and Caterers
Diane DiResta – DiResta Communications
Richard Addeo – ADCO Electrical Corp.
Ronald Gregg – Law Offices of Gregg & Associates
Barbara Gigante – Celebration for Kids Learning Center
Richard Reetz – Community Agency for Senior Citizens
2001
Susan Huckvale-Arann – American & International Designs
Dan Wheeler – Office Equipment Company of Staten Island
Norman Abbate – Richmond Discount Appliances
Alan Poritz – Clean Swift Maintenance, Inc.
Carol Dunn – Staten Island Inter-Agency for Aging Inc.
William Russonello – Russ Auto Parts
Anthony Ferreri – Metro Staffing Services
Rab Wilkinson – Rab’s Country Lanes
Geroge Kaye – Superior Confections, Inc.
Alberta Brescia – American Cancer Society
Dr. Mohammad Khalid – Dr. Mohammad Khalid Family Dentistry
Barbara Davis – Whitaker Davis Associates
2000
Jennifer Gotlin Cutrona – Jennifer Gotlin Cutrona Esq., Real Estate Law
Lucille Chazanoff – Royal Press
Mario Giammarco – Bernard Herold & Co.
Frank DeMeo – Greater NY Chapter of the March of Dimes
Robert, Donald & Thomas Farrell – H.S. Farrell Inc.
Terrence McGinley – Harmon Home for Funerals
Evelyn Rogers – A Taste of Honey
Richard Grado – PIP Printing
Jack & Nick LiGreci – LiGreci’s Staaten Restaurant
Gladys Schweiger – Alzeheimer’s Association
Tirone Brothers – Tirone’s Shoe Store
Salvatore Calcagno – Calcagno Construction Inc.
1999
John Casey – Casey Funeral Home
Thomas A. Russo – Russo, Scamardella and D’Amato
Robert Skeele – Brighton USA Ltd.
Kathryn Whitford – K. Grant Whitford Inc.
Stephen Margarella – Great Eastern Asphalt and Concrete
Stanley Friedman – Staten Island Hotel
Dana Thomas Magee – Community Resources
Samir A. Farag – Worldwide Electronic Corp Inc.
Francis Paulo Huber – Staten Island Botanical Garden
Carmine Ragucci – Howland Hook Container Terminal Inc.
Salvatore Esposito – Canal Lumber Co.
Harold Kaplan – ABCO Refrigeration Supply Co.
1998
Kenneth Popler – Staten Island Mental Health Society
Thomas Kinslow – Bryson Insurance, Bryson Travel, Bryson Sports and Athletic Wear, and Snap Entertainment
Geraldine Gibney – Gerri G. Inc.
Kathy Meola – Buds and Blooms
Lois & Richard Nicotra – Restaurant Systems International
Dr. Ronald Sheppard – College of Staten Island Office of Continuing Education and Business Development
The Maloy Group – Maloy Insurance Company
Jerry DeLuca – Jerry DeLuca Complete Auto Diagnostic and Repair Center
John Calhoun – Receptionist One
Susan Meeker – West Brighton Local Development Corporation
Paul Ferrara – Stat-Land Burglar Alarm Systems & Devices Inc.
William Dubovsky – Comtel Information Services Inc.
1997
Robert Cutrona – Project-One Services, Inc.
Rev. Dr. William Epps – St. Philip’s Baptist Church
Salvador Garcia – Marketology
Glen V. Cutrona – Glen V. Cutrona Associates
Paul Kidder – Rose & Paul’s Deli
Camille Carbonaro – Richmond County Medical Society
Mike Fortunato – Big Nose Kate’s
Janice Giacalone-Stoffers – The Hall of Frames
Bruce & Kevin Calogera – Mandalay Caterers
Bentley Lawall Brown – Richmond Galleries
Linda & Kevin Walsh – Walsh Electrical Contracting Inc.
Patrick McDermott – McDermott Planning Associates
1996
David Rampulla – FerryAds.com
Barbara Nastro
Richard Lattuga
Gary Bartels – Bartels & Eleford
Joseph Marzo III
Mark Loffredo – Post Exterminating Company, Inc.
Loretta McGinn
Egon Salmon – Salmon Real Estate
Michael Lombardi Jr.
Peter Milano – Milano Wines & Liquors
Donald Bruns – Beuscher’s Flower Shop
Louis Buttermark Sr. – Louis L. Buttermark & Sons, Inc.
1995
Joseph Piccinnini – Richmond Music Center
Georgiana Di Mauro
Stella Ferrara
Linda Salmon
Frank Scarangello Sr. – SCARAN
William Frew Jr., Esq.
Charles Martino – Martino Realty
Dr. Louis Gianvito – Dr. Louis MD Gianvito
Vincent Gattullo
Daniel Schiffner – Net Pay
Robert Mims – Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning
Dr. Thomas Carreras – Dr. Thomas Carreras DVM
1994
Al Melniker
Vincent Caputo