Patrick Casinelli has been named the italian american of the Year in north County

Sons of Italy La Costa dei Fiori Lodge of Encinitas has announced that civic leader Patrick Casinelli of Encinitas has been named as the Italian American of the Year 2009. He has been honored at the organization’s 31st Anniversary Dinner Dance event, 6pm Saturday October 24th, at Saint John’s Church Community Events Center, 1001 Encinitas Boulevard in Encinitas.

Casinelli has been a leader in the growth of the Carlsbad Boys and Girls Club since 2001, having served on the board, and later was Board Chairman from 2003 to 2007. He currently chairs the annual World Beach Bocce Ball Championships, the major fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club, in an event that attracts worldwide interest on the beach in Del Mar.

He is active with Carlsbad High Noon Rotary Club where he served as Treasurer, Community Service Director and International Chairman. He also organizes an annual race in honor of his late father, Mike Casinelli, who also was a well known community leader. Casinelli is a Vice President of Employee Benefits and a Principal Owner of Cavignac & Associates Insurance. He resides in Encinitas with his wife Diane and three children, Sam, Michael and Camella.

The lodge was also honored by the presence of the current State President, Maria Pignati who received the 2009 Leadership Award.