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Filitalia International
President's Wall
The People That Have Led Filitalia To What it is Today
The President’s Wall honors the leaders of Filitalia International who, over the years, have guided the organization with dedication, vision, and a deep commitment to Italian culture. This space recognizes their lasting impact and celebrates the leadership that has shaped Filitalia’s growth and mission worldwide.
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Founder & President Emeritus, 1st & 3rd President
Pasquale F. Nestico, M.D.
Dr. Pasquale Nestico is a distinguished cardiologist, author, philanthropist, and visionary leader whose accomplishments span medicine, military service, and community advocacy. A retired Lieutenant Colonel and Grande Ufficiale of the Italian Republic, Dr. Nestico immigrated to the USA in 1965 from Isca sull’Iono, CZ, Calabria and has since built an extraordinary legacy of professional excellence, public service, and cultural preservation.
In 1987, he founded Filitalia International, an organization dedicated to promoting Italian heritage and culture, and has been instrumental in its growth, overseeing the expansion of Chapters across the USA and Europe. As Founder and President Emeritus, Dr. Nestico continues to serve as a mentor and counselor to Filitalia’s leadership, dedicating countless hours to guiding the organization and advancing its mission.
Beyond his contributions to Filitalia, Dr. Nestico has excelled as a cardiologist, impacting countless patients throughout his career, and as a real estate investor, demonstrating keen business acumen. His commitment to education and empowerment is further reflected in his authorship, having penned a book detailing his personal journey and experiences, available in both English and Italian.
Dr. Nestico takes immense pride in his family, his grandchildren, his patients, and his ongoing work with Filitalia. His dedication, leadership, and vision have made him a respected figure not only within the Italian-American community but also across professional, civic, and philanthropic circles.
To learn more about Dr. Nestico and his journey, his book can be found in our online store. If you would like to connect and have a conversation with him, he can be reached at pasqualenestico@gmail.com.
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7th President, Filitalia International | 2023 – Present
Saverio P. Nestico
Saverio Nestico is the current President of Filitalia International, a role he has held since 2023. A passionate leader and devoted advocate for Italian heritage, Saverio has been an integral part of Filitalia for many years, previously serving as Vice President for four years and successfully revitalizing the Southeast Philadelphia, PA COSMI Chapter as its President for two years. He also served as Chair of the La Festa della Repubblica Street Festival Committee for seven years, managing large-scale events that drew 5,000–10,000 attendees and demonstrating his exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
When he isn’t working on Filitalia, Saverio serves as President of SPN Companies. His primary business, SPN Construction Mobility, specializes in assisting individuals with disabilities through home modifications across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Saverio is also passionate about real estate investment and founded the SPN Foundation, which sponsors a national internship program for 20–25 students each year, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with hands-on experience to launch their own businesses. Saverio is happily married to his wife Christina.
Saverio values family and friends deeply and always makes time for the people he cares about.
If you would like to connect with Saverio, he can be reached at spn@spncompanies.com.
6th President, Filitalia International | 2019 - 2023
Cav. Paula Bonavitacola
Currently Serves As The Fundraising/Gala Committee Chairperson
Paula Bonavitacola served as President of Filitalia International from 2019 - 2023 and was knighted as Cavaliere in 2025, an honor bestowed by the Italian government as part of the Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Order of Merit of the Italian Republic), recognizing outstanding contributions to Italy and the Italian community abroad. Born in Pescara, Abruzzo, Paula immigrated to the United States at the age of 8, bringing with her a deep connection to her Italian heritage.
Paula is a person of action! She has been part of Filitalia since 2009 and also served as the President of our Delaware County, PA Chapter.
When she isn’t supporting the organization, she is a family woman, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, friend, and a tremendous party host. She is a retired educator, entrepreneur, and the President of her company, DeSanctis Builders, which has served the Main Line area of Philadelphia for over 50 years, handling all aspects of construction.
Her love and drive for her family, career, Filitalia, and the mission are unprecedented and unwavering.
If you would like to connect and have a conversation with Paula, she can be reached at pdesanctisbuilders@gmail.com.
5th President, Filitalia International | 2017 - 2019
Marc Virga, CLU, ChFC
Currently Serves As The Humanitarian Committee Chairperson
Marc Virga served as President of Filitalia International from 2017 - 2019 and above all, Marc is a loving husband to his beautiful wife, Alexis. As well as a dedicated father to his four children, Lillian, Desmond, Cecilia, and Roman. His family continues to grow as Alexis and Marc are expecting in May of 2026! Marc enjoys spending time with his family especially through their personal extracurricular activities, enriching events at the Union League, and cherishing the time spent in Ocean City! He also stays involved in his children’s schools, Norwood-Fontbonne Academy and Ancillae-Assumpta Academy.
Professionally, Marc is a comprehensive financial planner with Innovative Partners, a team at Creative Financial Group, an elite team of advisors recognized for helping families and businesses create strategies to help satisfy lifetime and legacy goals.
Marc started in the industry as a 19-year-old Drexel co-op student. Along with his 24 years in the industry, he also has 8 years of management experience. Marc focuses on strategic planning for his clients. He thrives in personal relationship management while holding both clients, as well as internal and external relationships, accountable to their goals and objectives. Marc believes putting together a sound financial plan is a balance between efficiency and emotion while utilizing internal and external resources and intellectual capital to help facilitate all aspects of the plan.
Charitably, Marc believes strongly in helping others in need. He values ‘service above self’ as a pillar in his life that he also shares with his family. Marc’s parents instilled that mindset in him at a young age, as his mother dedicated her life to catholic education, leadership, and service. In addition, his passion for his Italian American heritage and culture was perfectly matched when becoming a member of Filitalia International in 2008. Through Dr. Nestico’s mentorship and guidance Marc learned many valuable lessons in route to becoming the President of Filitalia International as well as presiding as the 6x La Festa della Repubblica Street Festival Spaghetti Eating Champion. He continues to carry out his mission as the Humanitarian Chair of Filitalia as well as the President of the Unico Greater Philadelphia Chapter to continue to raise money and make an impact to those in need
If you would like to connect and have a conversation with Marc, he can be reached at MVirga@1creative.com..
4th President, Filitalia International | 2013 - 2017
Rosetta Miriello
Currently Serves As The International Exchange Program Committee Chairperson
Rosetta Miriello served as President of Filitalia International from 2013–2017, where she played a key role in advancing the organization’s cultural and educational mission. She oversaw the opening of the History of Italian Immigration Museum in 2014, a major milestone celebrating the Italian-American experience. Originally from Isca sull’Iono, CZ, Calabria, Rosetta immigrated to Philadelphia, where she has been a dedicated advocate for preserving Italian heritage and supporting future generations.
She has long served as Office Manager for the Cardiology Practice of Dr. Nestico and is currently employed as Office Manager with Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia (CCP). Within Filitalia International, she now serves as Chair of the International Exchange Program (IEP) and Chair of the Real Estate Committee, continuing her deep commitment to education, culture, and institutional growth.
Rosetta is a passionate about cooking and baking, always hosting Filitalia dinners at her home.
If you would like to connect and have a conversation with Rosetta, he can be reached at rosettam@ccpdocs.com..
2nd President, Filitalia International
Michele Giampaolo
Michele was the second president of Filitalia International.