Nicholas Grillo was recently named the Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City's Man of the Year for 2021. Celebrating its 112th year, The Dante Alighieri Society is intended to “protect and promote the Italian language and culture in the world, reviving the spiritual ties of compatriots abroad with the mother country and nurturing among foreigners love and worship for Italian civilization”.

Grillo has been one of the central figures in the Italian American community in Jersey City over the last several decades, a cornerstone of the community through his efforts with the LaFesta Italiana, the Holy Rosary Church, the Columbus Day Parade and other events.