Robert Camilleri, left, Joseph Tillotson Jr. and Vicky Abbatiello posed for a photo after Tillotson was presented with the Former Master Victor M. Abbatiello Memorial Cup by Vicky Abbatiello, the award namesake’s daughter. (Courtesy Robert Camilleri)
By Robert Camilleri
Special to the Herald
On Aug. 14, the birthday of Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Michael J. McGivney, Knights and their families honored members of the Bishop Louis Maigret Fourth Degree Assembly for their hard work and dedication to the organization’s fourth principle, patriotism, during the annual awards night dinner.
The evening began with an invocation by Father Alfred Omar Guerrero, followed by a buffet dinner.
After dinner, the following certificates in recognition of the Knights’ extraordinary work were presented on behalf of the assembly:
- Knight of the year: Robert Camilleri
- Patriotic award: Mike Dewitt and Mario Tadeo
- Knights of the month: Phil Mulno, Lyle Apo, Mel Tom, Bill Rodrigues, Ahina K. Lavin, Sevillo Dexter S. Jacinto
The final award was the Former Master Victor M. Abbatiello Memorial Cup. This year’s recipient, who has best represented Abbatiello’s core values of honor, service, courage and patriotism, was Joseph Tillotson Jr.
Vicky Abbatiello, Abbatiello’s daughter, presented the award.
The evening ended with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, led by Bill Rodrigues.