SFLIHW Newsletter Issue #4

San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk

September 2025

You’re Invited:

Join us for the next celebration of Fr. Piperni!

We will unveil a plaque honoring Fr. Raffaele Piperni, the first Salesian pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul Church and guiding force behind the Salesian Boys’ & Girls’ Club.

Friday, September 5, 2025

12:00–1:00 PM

Washington Square

666 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA

Arriving in San Francisco in 1897 with three fellow Salesians, Fr. Piperni dedicated his life to uplifting Italian immigrants. He established the city’s first “Americanization” school, giving newcomers English language skills and a pathway to opportunity. After the 1906 earthquake, when the parish was destroyed, he famously turned wagons and tents into makeshift chapels to keep the community together. And in 1904, he blessed the opening of A.P. Giannini’s Bank of Italy, linking two remarkable legacies now honored side by side.

His plaque will be the fourth marker installed at Washington Square, a lasting recognition of his vision, resilience, and compassion for generations of San Franciscans.

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A Look Back: A.P. Giannini’s Tribute

On July 23, more than 100 community members gathered in North Beach to honor A.P. Giannini, the pioneering founder of Bank of America. The unveiling of his commemorative plaque marked a moving celebration of his enduring influence on modern banking and California’s growth.

We extend special thanks to Bank of America as co-sponsor of the event, and to our distinguished speakers, including Consul General of Italy Sergio Strozzi, San Francisco District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter, Documentary Film Director (A Little Fellow: The Legacy of A. P. Giannini), Bank of America’s Elizabeth Minick, and President of SFLIHW Gina von Esmarch.

This memorable day was made possible through the collaboration of community partners, including Italian Community Services, Ital Foundation, ISSNAF, Le Donne d’Italia, Museo Italo-Americano, Nibbi Brothers, and San Francisco Italian Athletic Club Foundation. Together, we honored Giannini’s immigrant story and his vision for accessible banking that transformed lives.

Message from the President

The past month has reminded us of the extraordinary resilience and vision at the heart of our community. With A.P. Giannini, we celebrated an innovator whose vision rebuilt California’s economy. With Fr. Piperni, we prepare to honor a priest whose devotion turned hostility into respect, built opportunities for immigrants, and created a haven for youth.

Each plaque tells a story not only of what was achieved, but also of how Italian Americans shaped San Francisco’s cultural fabric and inspired generations to follow.

Thank you for joining us in ensuring these legacies are remembered and carried forward.

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About San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk (SFLIHW)

The SFLIHW celebrates the cultural, historical, and entrepreneurial contributions of Italian Americans to San Francisco and the nation. Through our bronze sidewalk plaques across North Beach, we proudly preserve and showcase the stories of those who have shaped our collective heritage.

We invite you to join us on September 5th to celebrate a man who dedicated his life to strengthening and supporting San Francisco’s Italian immigrant community. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to preserving our rich heritage.

Warm regards,

Gina von Esmarch

President

San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk

president@SFlittleitaly.us