Abous Us

The Association “Amici di Camella e Perdifumo” was founded in 1998 by Nazario Larry Paragano and Frank Gargione. The mission is to contribute to these two communities’ social, cultural, spiritual, and educational development, with the participation of many locals who, over time, have joined this project. Frank and Larry were camellesi. They emigrated to the USA.

During these 20 years, the Association has contributed a great deal to the growth of Camella and Perdifumo in all its areas, meeting the needs of various kinds and leaving a deep trace. In particular, thanks to the generosity of Nazario.

In 2016 the Association obtained the ONLUS qualification and is currently trying to continue the Founder’s project and his dream for the country that gave him birth.

The first founders

Nazario Larry Paragano

PARAGANO NAZARIO (LARRY) by Vincenzo and Amoresano Carmela, born in Perdifumo. N: May 25, 1932 – M: March 29, 2016. Entrepreneur.

Born in Camella, while his father Vincenzo was serving military, he was held at the baptismal font by his elderly grandfather Nazario. At 17, he left his native country to move to the United States of America with his father, Vincenzo.

Ensigned of CAVALIERE DELL’ORDINE DELLA STELLA DELLA SOLIDARIETA’ ITALIANA

Learn more on Larry Paragano here.

Frank Gargione

GARGIONE FRANCESCO by Nicola Gargione di Lembo Carolina, born in Perdifumo. N: October 18, 1938 – M: October 3, 2016. Scientist.

NASA scientist and world-renowned expert in satellite and communication systems. He died on 3 October 2016.

Ensigned of CAVALIERE DELL’ORDINE DELLA STELLA DELLA SOLIDARIETA’ ITALIANA.

Learn more on Frank Gargione here.

President (2021)

Don Pasquale Gargione

Members (from 2018)

  1. Don Pasquale Gargione (Presidente)
  2. Matteo Villani
  3. Rosa Paragano
  4. Cinzia Izzo
  5. Francesco Gargione
  6. Antonio Mondelli
  7. Antonella Malandrino
  8. Clara Bruno
  9. Rossella Treppete
  10. Franco Serra
  11. Nicola Funicello
  12. Gianriccardo Monfardini
  13. Don Jhonny
  14. Rosa Magno
  15. Nicola di Mieri
  16. Francesco Avella

I soci fondatori (anno 1998)

  1. Francesco Gargione
  2. Don Gerardo Longobardi
  3. Francesco Pecora
  4. Cinzia Izzo
  5. Clara Bruno
  6. Giancarlo Matarazzi
  7. Giancarlo Gallo
  8. Guido Delli Iaconi
  9. Pasquale Amoresano
  10. Teresa Cauceglia
  11. Angelo Farzati
  12. Rosa Vigorito
  13. Assunta Mignone
  14. Domenico Borria
  15. Carmine Coccorullo
  16. Vincenzo Paolillo

Historical Members

  1. Paolo Avella
  2. Antonietta Milone
  3. Maria Rosaria di Paola
  4. Pasquale Fragano
  5. Massimo Petito
  6. Francesco Fronzuti
  7. Angela Matarazzo
  8. Stefania De Simone
  9. Antonio Cauceglia
  10. Vincenzo Felicella
  11. Francesco Cirillo
  12. Valentina Malandrino
  13. Michele Amoresano
  14. Ernesto Pecora
  15. Tania Delli Iaconi
  16. Nazario Lembo
  17. Don Lorenz
  18. Marco Testa
  19. Emilio Ametrano
  20. Vincenzo Abatiello
  21. Maddalena Della Torre
  22. Giuseppe Coccorullo
  23. Bartolomeo Cauceglia
  24. Giovanni Matarazzo

Soci defunti

  1. Nazario Larry Paragano
  2. Frank Gargione
  3. Don Gerardo Longobardi
  4. Pasquale Fragano
  5. Giovanni Matarazzo
  6. Carmine Coccorullo
  7. Bartolomeo Cauceglia

Presidenti dal 1998 ad oggi

  1. Francesco Gargione between 1998 and 2004
  2. Stefania De Simone between 2004 and 2006
  3. Paolo Avella between 2006 and 2011
  4. Don Pasquale Gargione starting from 2011