East Boston’s Johnny Pizzi is widely known for his professional talents as a comedian and magician, appearing in venues across the United States, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Pizzi, also highly regarded for his philanthropy – often lending his hand as a master of ceremonies for charity events – will be receiving the prestigious Tony DeMarco Founders Award at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Oct. 25 at the Kowloon Restaurant.
“We’re honored to present this important award to Mr. Pizzi in recognition of his stellar contributions to our organization and many others,” said event chairperson Paul Solano. “Like Tony DeMarco for whom the award is named, Johnny Pizzi is a champion in every sense of the word.”
As one would expect, Pizzi was excited and humbled to learn of the immense honor that will be bestowed upon him at the annual induction ceremony.
“I’m very proud and honored to accept this award,” said Pizzi. “I’ve met [former world welterweight champion] Tony DeMarco, and he was a great guy. It’s always wonderful to be recognized. When people choose to acknowledge your efforts, it really means the world. For 40 years, what I’ve always liked to do is helping people.”
Eastie roots
The son of former opera singer Don Carlos Pizzi and Barbara Pizzi, Johnny grew up in the Jeffries Point neighborhood in East Boston and graduated from East Boston High School in 1970. He was a teammate of the great Dennis Dent on the East Boston Fittons semi-professional team.
A 40-year employee of the United States Postal Service, he began his comedic career in the 1990s. Pizzi and Mike Clarke are co-founders of Giggles Comedy Club in Saugus.
A courageous battle
Pizzi is currently in a battle against pancreatic cancer and has begun treatment.
“One day after I was diagnosed with cancer on July 23, I was notified that I was getting this [DeMarco] award,” related Pizzi. “I went from the devastation of being told that I had pancreatic cancer to hearing that I was going to get such a wonderful award. It kind of helped me balance out what my feelings were at that time. My entire family has been instrumental in helping me deal with this illness.”
Pizzi has “a very positive attitude” about his health situation.
“I think I have a second lease on life – God’s given me a second chance, so I’m happy about that,” he said.
Pizzi’s friends, colleagues, and many fans will be gathering at two fundraisers in his honor on Oct. 15 at Giggles Comedy Club in Saugus.And on Oct. 25, Pizzi will step to the podium – a familiar place for the excellent emcee – to receive an award recognizing a lifetime of kindness and generosity to others.