The Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame celebrated its 26th annual induction ceremony on March 10, 2024, at LiGreci’s Staaten, welcoming nine new members into its Class of 2025. The event showcased the achievements of these bowlers and recognized their contributions to the sport within the Staten Island community.
The new inductees included recipients of the Superior Performance Award: Naz Labetti, Michelle Dash, Rob Butler Jr., Lonnie Levy, Tommy DiNardo, Tim McAuliffe Jr., and Phil DeCessario. Additionally, Liz Philpott and Don Schewd received the Meritorious Service Award. The ceremony also honored Joanne Soto with the Gloria Simonson/Donna Zajac Memorial Award and Bob Johnson with the Ben McNevich Memorial Award. Lifetime Achievement honors were presented to Richie Hornreich, while Frank Siller was named the recipient of the Rab Wilkinson “Toast of the Town” Award.
The event also recognized 13 local high school bowlers as Ray Laursen High School All-Stars. The honorees included Krista Tedone, Andrei Kovmir, Nicholas Nunez, Peter Flynn, and Justin Arenas from St. Joseph by-the-Sea; Robert Werling and Zachary McGinley from Moore Catholic; Anthony Laverdi and Meagan Brady from Tottenville; Daniel Anello from Curtis; Tyler Boyle from New Dorp; Jacob Peterson from Port Richmond; Kiara Lombardi from Petrides; and Lindsey Souffrin from Notre Dame Academy.
Hall of Fame Director Ed Ellardi, in his inaugural year in the position, expressed pride in this year’s inductees, stating that they represent a diverse range of accomplishments. “Everybody bowled for a very long time, and even those who weren’t able to put up a superior performance contributed so much to the game,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of community and friendships formed through bowling, highlighting that many of the inductees have known each other for years.
Among the Superior Performance Award winners, Labetti shared heartfelt memories of her father, the late Ray Laursen, a respected coach who passed away in 2024. “Tonight helps to remember the impact my dad had…not just on me, but on the bowling community overall,” Labetti said. She noted that her family’s legacy continues within the sport, particularly through her sister, Liz Philpott, who was also inducted that evening.
DiNardo, another award recipient, reflected on how bowling has shaped his life, leading him to pursue a career as a chiropractor. “Bowling has sculpted my life. It’s given me friends and taken me places I would have never thought I’d be,” he shared. His sentiments echoed those of DeCessario, who reminded attendees that the essence of bowling lies beyond scores. “What means the most are the friendships, rivalries, and bonds created along the way,” he concluded.
This year’s ceremony not only honored athletic achievements but also celebrated the enduring bonds formed through the sport. To learn more about the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame and its history, visit statenislandbowlinghof.org.
