Approximately 200 people walked in memory of Ersilia Cataldo Matarazzo on Saturday, October 2 at Glendale Park. Matarazzo, 50, served as vice president of the Kiwanis Club. She was a domestic violence victim in 2018 when she was shot by her estranged husband, Emilio.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria said the Walk For Ersilia celebrates the memory of someone whom they admire.
Walkers begin the route.
State Representative Joseph McGonagle said Ersilia always said and meant good morning while grabbing coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts.
State officials with members of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs.
Giuseppe shared fond memories of his mother. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
State Senator Sal DiDomenico signed a bill to educate children about domestic violence.
Race Director Marlene Zizza said it’s always good to be with the Matarazzo family.
Mayor Carlo and First Lady Stacy DeMaria are pictured with the Cataldo family.
Kiwanis Club Board of Directors Marlene Zizza, James Mitchell, Joanne Parris, President Kathy Ann Dottin, Rocco Longo and Gianna D’Angelo.
Event organizers sing “God bless America.”
Some of Ersilia Cataldo-Matarazzo’s family members: Pictured from left to right are son Carmine, daughter-in-law Ashley, son-in-law Anthony, daughter Amata Cucuzza and son Giuseppe during this year’s Walk For Ersilia at Glendale Park.
Ersilia Cataldo-Matarazzo’s extended family: In front, pictured from left to right, are sister Gina Maniscalco, brother-in-law Andrew Maniscalco, niece Elvira Maniscalco, father Giuseppe Cataldo, mother Elvira Cataldo, nephew Rocco Cerasuolo, niece Vera Elisa Buscaino, niece Rosella Bucaino, nephew Michael Buscaino, sister-in-law Silvia Cataldo, brother Anthony Cataldo, nephew Joseph Cataldo, niece Julia Cataldo, sister Erminia Boscaino, brother-in-law Joseph Buscaino and sister Tricia Larocca. In back, pictured from left to right, are brother-in-law Joseph Larocca, nephew Leonardo Larocca, sister Josephine Cerasuolo, brother-in-law Marc Cerosuolo, niece Milana Cerasuolo, friend Donna Cucuzza, son-in-law Anthony Cucuzza, daughter Amata Cucuzza, son Carmine Matarazzo, daughter-in-law Ashley Matarazzo, sister Maria Pagliuca and son Giuseppe Matarazzo.
Kiwanis Past President James Mitchell served as emcee.
Members of the Matarazzo family said the domestic violence stigma must be removed.
Members of Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s team.
Walkers listen to heartfelt speeches.
City and local officials with Ersilia’s children.
Ersilia’s son Carmine Matarazzo thanked the departments that put the walk together.
Known as the Brazilian powerhouse, Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins and Ward 5 School Committee Member Marcony Almeida-Barros.
Ersilia’s daughter, Amata, addresses the attendees at the annual Walk for Ersilia at Glendale Park.