Nicholas Latino is one of the central figures of the Hoboken Italian Festival. In this interview he reflects on his Molfettese roots, his visit to Puglia and the role of the Italian-American community.
Last year you were president of the Hoboken Italian Festival and remain deeply devoted to Our Lady of Martyrs. What does this tradition represent to you personally and how has it strengthened your connection to your Italian roots?
Being president has been a tremendous honor for me and my family. This tradition means faith and hope for all who believe. It is amazing how the Society has managed to keep it alive for so many years-even during the Covid we carried on the tradition in some form, even trying to improve it. It has undoubtedly made me proud of who I am and the origins of my family.
Although she visited Molfetta only once, during Holy Week, that experience marked her deeply. What did it mean to you and what would you like to explore the next time you return to Apulia?
Holy Week was beautiful–hearing about it is one thing, but being there with my family and friends to experience it in person was spectacular. I was happy to see how much the crowd respected such a religious event, and the night procession was amazing. I would love to spend a week in Molfetta to deepen my family’s roots.
In addition to his commitment to the Society, he has also built a strong professional presence with his Toyota dealership in New Jersey. What has been the key to this success and how does he balance work and community engagement?
I think my work ethic was passed on to me when I was young. Also, the guidance of my brother-in-law John Latino has contributed a lot to my success. Respect for people and their needs is what sets me apart. Involving the community in your business and making them feel part of it makes everything more rewarding. A simple “Thank you” or “How are you today?” can make a difference in someone’s life.
In both his work and community life, he seems driven by pride in his origins and a strong sense of mission. What values guide you every day-and what message would you like to pass on to new generations of Italian Americans?
My goal is to do the right thing and find solutions to help people. Not everyone has been as fortunate as I have been. Being able to make my clients’ day better in any way I can is important to me.The message I would like to convey to young Italian-Americans is: never forget where you come from, be proud of your roots, stay humble and pass on your knowledge to those who will come after you.
The article “Never Forget Where You Come From”: Nicholas Latino and Our Lady of the Martyrs in Hoboken comes from TheNewyorker.
