Federated Italo-Americans to hold Columbus Day Banquet and Awards Ceremony on October 9 (with biography of Robert Ferrante-Renna Masters)
In keeping with the tradition, the Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California will celebrate this year the 63rd Anniversary of Columbus Day with a banquet and award ceremony to be held on October 9th at Casa Italiana, in downtown Los Angeles. The event will begin at 5:30 with a reception, followed by dinner at 6:30. Awards presentation and entertainment will follow.
The Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, Hon. Nicola Faganello will attend the festivities. Two well known and esteemed members of the Italian American community will receive the Columbian Award. They are Robert Masters and Andrew Pampuro. Here follows a brief biography of Robert Masters (the biography of Andrew Pampuro was published in the previous issue of L'Italo-Americano).
Robert (Bobby) Ferrante-Renna Masters
Robert was born on Dec. 14, 1948 in Queen of Angels Hospital to Sophie Renna Masters and Clarence M. Masters. Ten months later Robert’s father, a World War II Air Force veteran, was killed in a plane crash. Sophie raised her sons and cared for her mother, Anna Renna; they lived in a home built by Grandpa and Grandma Renna on Beaudry Avenue in Victor Heights. Sophie made many sacrifices and devoted herself to raising her two sons while also caring for her mother.
The Victor Heights area was populated predominantly by Italian immigrants from Bari in the Puglia region of Italy. The streets were filled daily with vendors selling baked goods, fruits and vegetables, dairy and fresh fish; there were four Italian markets, with butcher shops and delis. The area was often referred to as the Little Italy of Los Angeles and there was pride, energy and fraternity among the Italians living there. His grandmother Anna had only a fourth grade education, but she read letters and newspapers from home.
Robert’s mother, Sophie, provided her sons with every educational opportunity and they both became college graduates. To this day, she continues to inspire her sons and family, and those around her in the St. Peter’s community. In 1979 Robert married Beverly Ann Roach and they went to lived in Atwater. In 1981 their son Brian was born and later their daughter Desiree. Through the years, Robert has shared his home with several members of his family, providing them with support and a loving environment.
Desiree and her husband, Master Sgt. Michael Burns, live in Sierra Vistas, Arizona with 11 year old granddaughter Jordan. Robert attended Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Grammar School and went on to graduate in 1966 from Loyola High School. He was an honor student who also played football and was on the track team. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and public administration from California State University, Los Angeles and went on to complete graduate courses for teaching credentials and financial planning at UCLA.
After college, Robert held various positions in the public services sector. He worked for Social Services, Employment Development Department, where he held several positions. He later left the public sector and entered private business becoming a manager of Life and Employee Benefits at the Richard Masters Insurance Services for two years. Eventually, Robert returned to public services and again worked in various positions always dealing with insurance. Today, he works for the California State Department of Insurance. He has involved himself in issues regarding senior citizens, fighting elder abuse and is working on legislative concepts, which hopefully someday will become law.
Robert has been recognized and has received many awards from the California Insurance Commissioner for his outstanding service and contributions. In the community at St. Peter’s Italian Catholic Church, Bobby is best know for his participation and support of many groups and events that take place throughout the year benefiting this special community. He belongs and is a very active participant/officer of the various religious societies.
Beginning with Canneto Colony of Saints who nominated him, the list goes on to include St. Anthony’s Society, Pugliese Society del Sud California, San Padre Pio Society and he is a committee member of the annual St. Joseph’s Feast and Fundraiser. He is also a Lay Scalabrinian organized under the auspices of Blessed John the Baptist Scalabrini and Missionaries of St. Charles. Last, but not least, he serves as president of the St. Peter’s Parish Finance Council.
L'Italo-Americano congratulates Mr. Robert Masters as the recipient of the 2010 Columbian Award, a well deserved recognition for his many accomplishments and his dedication to the Italian- American community.
