I was born in Syracuse, New York, the third son of parents Joseph and Antoinette (Pistilli) Giannuzzi, whose families immigrated in the early 1900s from Monopoli, Bari in the Puglia region and Campobasso in the Molise region—at the time, still part of the Abbruzzo region—of Italy, respectively. I was fortunate to have been raised in an Italian neighborhood with my grandmother and aunt living in the same house and several relatives residing nearby. Although shortchanged in not learning the Italian language, I was immersed in the wonderful culture and outstanding cuisine. I always looked forward to the several Italian feasts put on annually by parishes in the area.

I hold graduate degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from Syracuse University, as well as an MBA from Duke. I moved to this area when transferred to the Research Triangle area in 1992 and, ultimately, retired from IBM in 1997, after working in product development here, and in Endicott and Owego, New York, and Tucson, Arizona. After a brief stint at Nortel Networks, I had my final career stop in North Carolina state government in customer service and project management oversight, retiring in 2014.

In the late 1980s, I was a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge in Endicott, New York, where I served as recording secretary before moving here. In 1994, I joined the Triangle Italian American Heritage Association where I have held several board positions, including president, and chaired several committees. I am currently Past President of Triangle Sons and Daughters of Italy (TSDOI). Both of these local organizations give me an opportunity to help maintain a positive image of Italians through our community service.

Our two daughters grew up around their Italian American relatives, experienced the culture, and have even studied the language. Our four grandchildren all have an appreciation of our heritage, and have been youth members of TSDOI.

I am honored to be a co-founder of Festa Italiana Raleigh since its inception and look forward to present awesome events highlighting our culture, entertainment, and food. Equally important is our philanthropic mission to raise funds for worthy local charities.