In Memoriam: Fred Rotondaro

June 2017

We're deeply sorry to share the news that Fred Rotondaro passed away Monday. He was IADLC's treasurer, as well as one of its founders in 1993 after organizing Italian American outreach for the Clinton/Gore presidential ticket. 

He was always inspiring others to embrace and act on his Italian-American, Catholic, and Democratic values of solidarity, equality, and love. He was a Pope Francis Democrat long before the Pope was Francis. 

And he was the best friend anyone could ever have. We will miss him so much. 

If you can, please join us to celebrate his life. His obituary and funeral details are below. 

– Art Gajarsa and Jim Rosapepe

Chair and Vice Chair, IADLC 

Obituary for Alfred Rotondaro 

Died on Monday, June 26, 2017 in Shady Side, MD due to a brain tumor. Born in Pittston, PA, on June 26, 1939 to the late Rose and Angelo Rotondaro, Fred was the beloved husband of Kathleen Mullan Rotondaro; devoted father of Vinnie (Audrey Neff) Rotondaro and Cara (Justin) McDonough; proud nonno of Nora, Gabriel and Adriana McDonough; loving brother of Mary Thomas and fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. After receiving his Masters Degree at Creighton University, Fred was a professor at his alma mater, the University of Scranton, and earned a PhD in American Studies from New York University. Fred went on to serve as Executive Director of the Community Progress Council in York, PA where he met his wife. Moving to Washington, DC, Fred became the Communications Director of the National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs. He then served as the Executive Director of the National Italian American Foundation for 22 years. Following his retirement, Fred was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, the chair of Catholics In Alliance for the Common Good and the treasurer of the Italian American Democratic Leadership Council. He was a friend and mentor to many, and was fiercely devoted to his family, who were his pride and joy and greatest source of strength. Friends are invited to celebrate Fred's life on Thursday, June 29 from 6 to 8 pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, June 30 at 12 noon at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 101 Owensville Rd., West River, MD. Condolences and tributes may be made by clicking the tab on this page.

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