On behalf of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Board of Directors, and the Italian American community, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Barbara Ciongoli, who passed away Tuesday at her home in Jupiter, Fla.

Ciongoli was the wife of the late Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli, who served for 18 years as the Foundation’s chairman, president, vice chairman, and member of the Board of Directors. Born in New York City, Ciongoli was an active member of the Vermont Italian American Cultural Association (VICA), which was founded by her late husband.

“My mom met my dad in Italy while both were at Penn, studying at John Cabot University in Rome. She shared with him a love for all things Italian, and was a prime mover in organizing events, performances and activities for VICA, starting from its early days," said daughter Happy Ciongoli Marino.

Ciongoli is survived by her daughters Alessandra Ciongoli and Happy, and sons Antonio, Gregory and Adam Ciongoli. She will be laid to rest in Vermont.