The long way here

A new beginning

After completing his compulsory military service in Italy, George Papallo moved to Stamford on October 16, 1978.

Building for a hometown

Members of the Papallo and Altamura families volunteered their time and construction experience to help build a new church in Ariola, Italy.

Helping neighbors recover

George Papallo joined community volunteers to help neighbors recover following the March 2010 Nor'easter, including removing a massive fallen tree from a Stamford home.

A family tradition in Stamford

Christopher Papallo, Stella Papallo, and Vincent Altamura carried the banner in Stamford's Columbus Day Parade from Mill River to Columbus Park on October 9, 2011, continuing the family's longstanding involvement in Stamford's civic and community life. View photographs

A parade grows into a festival

George Papallo and Christopher Papallo volunteered in Stamford's Columbus Day Parade and later played significant roles in planning and organizing its evolution into a Columbus Day Food Festival. That event eventually developed into the independently operated and highly successful That's Amore Italian Festival.

Preserving Columbus Park

Christopher Papallo helps organize preservation efforts for Stamford's Columbus Park and its statue of Christopher Columbus, taking part in public forums alongside historians, authors, and civic leaders. The effort runs alongside a broader public debate over Columbus Day and Veterans Day on the Stamford school calendar, a decision the Board of Education later reverses. View photographs

Preserving Veterans Day for Stamford students

George Papallo and Christopher Papallo joined Stamford families, veterans, and community leaders in advocating to preserve Veterans Day on the Stamford Public Schools calendar, appearing before the Board of Education, which votes to restore the observance so students continue to mark the day honoring those who served.

Back the Blue

Christopher Papallo is recruited to help organize Stamford's 2020 Back the Blue Rally, held at the city's old police headquarters. View photographs

Community leadership: George Papallo and Christopher Papallo

George Papallo has given four decades to Stamford through construction work for neighbors in need, kitchen leadership at community fundraisers and large events, and long-running volunteer service alongside the families he has known for generations.

Christopher Papallo contributed to local scholarship, golf fundraiser, social media, Columbus Day Festival, and bocce committees before expanding his service through national-level social media and youth committees. He also served on the New York City Columbus Day Parade Committee.

Twenty and counting

Christopher Papallo has helped foster and place twenty rescue dogs through Pit Stop and Project Precious Rescue, with that work continuing, and supports legislation focused on improving pet safety. View photographs

Rallying around Daniele

In 2021, George Papallo and Rachel Altamura Hahne brought family, friends, and the wider community together for a family-led fundraiser supporting Daniele and cerebral palsy awareness.

Integrità is founded

In 2023, George Papallo, Christopher Papallo, and Rachel Altamura Hahne founded Integrità | The Papallo Family Fund. Their dear family friend Domenic A. Sammarco served as an original Board Member during the organization's earliest days. Though his time on the Board was brief, his friendship, service, and belief in the family's mission remain part of its foundation.

A network takes shape

More than fifty local businesses and organizations join as donors, sponsors, and program partners, alongside Integrità | The Papallo Family Fund's flagship community initiative, the Stamford Italian Soccer League.

The Columbus Day Tournament turns thirty

The Stamford Italian Soccer League celebrates its 30th Anniversary Columbus Day Tournament with a free Finals Celebration at Westhill High School, powered by Integrità | The Papallo Family Fund and benefiting the Stamford Italian Soccer League Annual Scholarship Fund and the fund's medical initiatives. The milestone draws participation from Mayor Caroline Simmons and State Representative Tina Courpas, who presents an official citation from the State of Connecticut, with representation from the office of Senator Chris Murphy. View photographs

Stamford FC 2013 Girls reach Nationals

An Integrità | The Papallo Family Fund team grant supports the squad's participation at Nationals. View photographs

Operation Labor of Love launches

Rachel Altamura Hahne launches Operation Labor of Love, bringing the community together to support active-duty service members overseas and veterans closer to home. View photographs

Seasonal Giving launches

The first coordinated toy, coat, and food drives, hosted with partner businesses across Stamford, with volunteer sorting and distribution. View photographs

The first formal scholarship program

Integrità | The Papallo Family Fund's scholarship program launches, recognizing students of character and perseverance and reducing real financial barriers to education.