New Kensington church celebrates 42nd annual Italian Fest

Gina Abdallah of New Kensington knows the secret to a delicious cannoli is not its filling, nor is it the shell or nuts, or other accoutrements.

It is the love you put into making it.

“It’s what makes them tasty, the love,” Abdallah said. “I love doing it. I love being at festivals. I love my church. It’s a great part of the community.”

Love was in every bite of the desserts, as well as lasagna, meatballs and other goods, at the 42nd annual Mount St. Peter Parish Festa Italiana in New Kensington on Friday and Saturday.

Abdallah has volunteered at the cannoli tent for at least the past five years. She was assisted by fellow parishioners Monica Pallone and new recruit Aimee Tatrn of Lower Burrell.

Tatrn said she was honored to be a part of the team.

“I was born and raised here,” Tatrn said. “It’s my life. The atmosphere is very joyful, upbeat. Everybody loves everybody. I’m getting goosebumps. It’s just amazing. Gina’s a beautiful person inside and out.”

More than 570 cannolis went out Friday — the opening day of the two-day festival.

Volunteer Natalie Brock of New Kensington, who managed the kitchen in the main dining hall, said she set various alarms to make sure foods were replenished on time.

More than 1,500 meatballs, 250 sausage sandwiches, 640 pieces of lasagna and 40 pounds of polenta were served along with numerous baked goods, beverages and an untold number of rolls.

That’s not counting the pizza, sausages, chicken wraps and other things outside the dining hall.

“It’s fun to work with everybody,” Brock said. “I’ve had amazing help from prep, purchasing, all of this. I definitely wouldn’t be able to be done without everybody. It is a little stressful because it’s a first time for me. It’s down to a science at this point.”

Brock, 30, started volunteering at the festival around age 8 with the children’s games and crafts. This was her first leadership role.

David Briscoe of Allegheny Township brought his family. The church is very meaningful to them.

It’s where he and his wife, Pat, tied the knot 41 years ago. Pat is the Italian in the family and introduced them to the good life.

They got some lasagna and meatballs. Their grandchild, 17-month-old Catrina, enjoyed the bread.

“I like coming here,” said Catrina’s mother, Jessica Briscoe of Allegheny Township. “People cook authentic Italian food, and it’s delicious. You can get lasagna anywhere, but it’s not going to be like this lasagna. I guarantee it. I like desserts, so I’m going to get a ton of those before I leave here. … It’s cool to see all the family that’s not blood to us, that is still family that comes here.”

Lasting tribute

One familiar face that was noticeably absent was longtime parishioner, volunteer and “mama” to many, the late Patt LaRussa.

The New Kensington native-turned-Tarentum resident had prepped and run the pizza side of the festa for many years. LaRussa often would take a break from the heat and have a seat where pizza slices were served, at a tent outside the main hall.

LaRussa died Oct. 10 after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and suffering a massive stroke. She was 85.

A table by the tent supported a small framed sign that read “Patt’s Kitchen” next to a chef’s hat with an Italian flag imprinted all around it. There was also a memorial sign with the words “Mama Patt” written atop some roses.

A plaque with LaRussa’s name on it sits in the main dining hall.

She was a good friend to retired Monsignor Lawrence Dominik and grandmother to Lexi Waltz, both of New Kensington. The pair made sure LaRussa’s spot was secure.

“A couple times a week I would walk my neighborhood and I would visit her in her house,” Dominik said. “We had a very good longtime relationship. She was an example of attachment to tradition. She came from an Italian immigrant family. She was absolutely faithful to the church. Everybody’s faithful in a different way.

“Some people are priests and they have to minister to people. She devoted her time to her church. She was always here in the kitchen, and whatever had to be done she was available. That’s very meaningful. If everyone did that, a lot would be very different.”

Waltz, who wore a festive pizza hat for the event, said LaRussa was one of the cornerstones of the family. She was able to pass on recipes and wisdom during her time.

“I know she would be very excited we’re all here right now taking over this for her,” Waltz said. “Every year we were here. She did all the prep and everything. We came to work the night of (the festival). This is the first year that we had to do all (of it without her). She taught me all the recipes. I’m glad she did so I can carry them on. She had a huge impact here at the church and everyone’s lives. Everyone was her grandkids. Typical Italian church grandma.”

Other festival activities included basket raffles, impromptu police K-9 demonstrations and performances by strolling accordion player Pat Septak, Larry and Nicole Bello and Satin Whip.