“Joey Vento was a man who brought pride to the word Italian-American,” stated the Honorable Amato Berardi, member of the Italian parliament, from Philadelphia, who represents the Italian citizens in North and Central America. Joey Vento was a hard worker and with time and dedication was able to turn a small corner sandwich shop into a cheesesteak empire! Berardi remembers going to Geno's when he first immigrated from Italy in the 70's to Philadelphia. He later met Joey and they remained good friends. Joey Vento was proud of his Italian American heritage. As Berardi became involved in politics and a supporter of italian American candidates, Joey always offered to post signs around his store and support these candidates. When Berardi himself ran for office in Italy, Joey was a great supporter. He said to Berardi that if he got elected he would go and visit him in Italy. When Berardi won the elections and became parliament member in Italy, Joey kept his promise and brought his wife and children to Italy. Joey said to Berardi that the wanted the Pope to meet him at the airport. Berardi was not able to have to pope meet him at the airport, but was able to get him front row seats for the Papal blessing at the Vatican and a personalized written Papal blessing. Joey, who was a dedicated Catholic, said it was one of the greatest gifts anyone has ever given to him. When he returned to Philadelphia, he hung the Papal blessing next to the photo of Padre Pio in the store. Berardi always remembers taking Joey and his family to a famous restaurant in Rome and at the end of the meal Joey saying “This food was good, but my cheesesteaks are better!” Berardi states, “i'll always remember bringing my family and friends to Geno's and Joey bringing us to the table in the back of the kitchen. A lot of good memories were made around that table.” Berardi also stated that Joey was always accommodating and happy when he brought Parliament members, dignitaries and entertainers from italy to eat the famous “Geno's steak”. Last October, during a visit to the US, Berardi brought five parliament members to Genos, including Secretary of the State, Catia Polidori. One parliament member ate 5 cheesteaks and said he had never had such a good sandwich! Joey always gave all of the guests his star treatment. Joey's hard work, dedication and charm will always be missed and remembered by the Italian Americans of Philadelphia.
In the picture attached Secretary of the State Catia Polidori and the Honorable Marco Pugliese (deputy for the Region of Campania)
