On March 10, 2024, the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame celebrated its 26th annual induction ceremony at LiGreci’s Staaten, welcoming nine new members into its Class of 2025. The evening featured a mix of awards, honoring both outstanding performance and significant contributions to the bowling community.
This year’s class of inductees included notable figures such as Naz Labetti, Michelle Dash, Rob Butler Jr., Lonnie Levy, Tommy DiNardo, Tim McAuliffe Jr., and Phil DeCessario, all of whom received the Superior Performance Award. Additionally, Liz Philpott and Don Schewd were honored with the Meritorious Service Award for their dedication to the sport. Joanne Soto received the Gloria Simonson/Donna Zajac Memorial Award, while Bob Johnson was recognized with the Ben McNevich Memorial Award. The evening also saw Richie Hornreich receive Lifetime Achievement honors, and Frank Siller was celebrated as the recipient of the Rab Wilkinson “Toast of the Town” Award.
In a further highlight, 13 local high school bowlers were named Ray Laursen High School All Stars. This group included Krista Tedone, Andrei Kovmir, Nicholas Nunez, Peter Flynn, and Justin Arenas from St. Joseph by-the-Sea, along with 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.
Ed Ellardi, the newly appointed Hall of Fame Director, expressed his pride in this year’s class, stating it “brings a little bit of everything” to the organization’s legacy. He emphasized the collective contributions of each inductee, highlighting their roles in mentoring and supporting others in the sport. “Everybody bowled for a very, very long time. It’s really about what they’ve done for others — helping, teaching, running leagues, and so on,” he remarked.
Ellardi also underscored the importance of community ties in Staten Island’s bowling scene. The event served as a reminder of the close-knit relationships among its members. “They were all friends on and off the lanes,” he noted. “I’ve watched so many juniors here develop into the bowlers they are today, and I’m very proud of each one of them and all they’ve accomplished.”
Among the award winners, Labetti reflected on her deep roots in Staten Island’s bowling community. She credited her late father, the influential coach Ray Laursen, for shaping her career. “Tonight helps to remember the impact my dad had…not just on me, but on the bowling community overall,” Labetti shared. She expressed gratitude for the legacy he left behind, which continues to inspire her as well as her sister Philpott, who was inducted on the same night.
Fellow award recipient DiNardo also spoke about the significant role bowling has played in his life. He noted how the sport has shaped his personal and professional journey, even guiding him toward a career as a chiropractor. “Bowling has sculpted my life. It’s given me friends, it’s taken me places I would have never thought I’d be,” he said. DiNardo emphasized the camaraderie within the bowling community, stating, “We’d fight over silly things, and the next day we’d be hugging. That’s the bowling community.”
DeCessario, another Superior Performance Award winner, reminded attendees of the unique aspects of bowling that extend beyond mere scores. “What means the most are the friendships, rivalries, and bonds created along the way,” he said. “Bowling isn’t just about the scores — it’s about perseverance, discipline, and community.”
The evening concluded with a sense of pride and inspiration, as attendees celebrated not only the achievements of the inductees but also the enduring spirit of the Staten Island bowling community. For more information about the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame and its history, visit statenislandbowlinghof.org.
