Anthony “Nappy” Napolitano stood at the podium inside the historic and nationally famous Italo-American Club of Rhode Island in Providence Monday night and declared, “the greatest contribution I have made to this club is George Lazzareschi Jr.”

That statement set off one of many standing ovations, as Napolitano and Lazzereschi embraced on a night people celebrated their Italian-American heritage during the Italo-American Club’s changing of the guard. Master of ceremonies Lawrence J. Mancini hosted the event.