A popular community leader has relinquished one of his roles at a local civic association because of term-limits.
Tony Signorile turned over the reins as Morris Park Community Association president to Al D’Angelo after serving two consecutive 2-year terms, the maximum permitted by the organization’s bylaws.
Signorile will continue to head the extremely successful Bronx Columbus Day Parade, which is the second largest in the city and perhaps the state, he said. The parade is a function of the MPCA.
The former community association president’s time at the helm of the venerable association saw an expansion of its Italian Language Program as well as enhancements to the security office at the association’s 1824 Bronxdale Avenue headquarters.
“This was perfect timing,” he said, adding that now he will focus his efforts solely on the parade.
During his time in office Signorile performed double-duty, tackling the herculean task of managing the challenging parade each October, and the association’s nightly patrols, holiday light efforts, senior group and many activities.
“It’s been a good experience,” said Signorile of his time at MPCA’s helm. “I don’t regret any decision I’ve made…I always felt that the community came first.”
Signorile said he was most proud of the expansion of the parade that occurred over the last four years, especially the addition of an honored educator from the community in each parade.
He also is very proud of his successful petitioning of the Generoso Pope Foundation for the establishment of a scholarship for the parade’s Miss Columbus.
He added that he was happy to get the ball rolling on a planned revitalization of Loreto Park during his tenure.
Signorile said he would like to see the park boast a new softball field and, for the first time, a soccer field.
Loreto Park had once been a place where seniors would sit outside late at night under the field lights to watch a softball game while socializing, and he wants to bring that activity back.
He also played a role in advancing the creation of a Morris Park Business Improvement District, which grew in part out of his and other leaders frustration over collecting money each year from merchants for the holiday lights.
Signorile didn’t rule out a future run for the presidency of the MPCA, but for the moment, he remains the leader of the parade and simply a MPCA member.
Signorile purchased a house in Morris Park in 1978.
He raised three children, now grown, in the community: Laura, Elena and Vito. He was a longtime Van Nest Little League volunteer.
In January he retired from the U.S. Department of Labor, where he worked since 1975, he said.
D’Angleo, the MPCA president as of Wednesday, June 25, who also severed as president immediately preceding Signorile, had some nice things to say about his colleague.
“He did get things done,” said D’Angelo, adding that despite any differences of opinion, “No one worked harder.”
