Filitalia International
President's Wall

The People That Lead 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.

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

7th President, Filitalia International | 2023 – Present

Saverio 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 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
Fundraising Committee Chairperson

Paula is our beloved 6th Past President. She served as President of the organization from 2019 to 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

Marc Virga, ChFU, CLU

Marc started in the industry as a 19-year-old Drexel co-op student. Along
with his 16 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.Marc is a
financial services representative and financial advisor of MML Investors
Services, LLC.

ACHIEVEMENTS
• Chartered Life Underwriter, American College
• Chartered Financial Consultant, American College
• Investment Advisor Representative, MML Investors Services, LLC
• B.S. in Finance and Marketing, Drexel University
Professional Services
• Fee Based Comprehensive Financial Planning
• Business Continuation and Estate Conservation Strategies
• Personal Financial Strategies
• Retirement Planning Strategies
• Wealth Accumulation Strategies
• Wealth Distribution / Tax Efficient Strategies
• Life Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance
• Personal and Commercial Liability Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance
• College Education Funding Strategies
• Charitable Giving Strategies
• Employee Benefits
• Executive Compensation Plans
• Risk Management