HAMPTON BAYS, NY
ABOUT US
The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons is a nonprofit Italian-American cultural festival dedicated to celebrating faith, family, food, music, and tradition on Long Island’s East End. What began as a beloved community celebration has grown into one of the
Hamptons’ signature annual events, bringing together thousands of attendees each year to honor Italian heritage through authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, and charitable giving.
Rooted in tradition while embracing a new generation, the Feast continues to evolve as a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and connection.
PRESERVING CULTURE
Celebrating and preserving Italian-American traditions, heritage, and community for future generations through authentic cultural experiences.
GIVING BACK
As a nonprofit organization, the Feast is committed to supporting charitable initiatives, community partnerships, and cultural programming that strengthen the East End community.
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY
Creating meaningful opportunities for local businesses, nonprofits, performers, artisans, and families throughout the Hamptons and Long Island.
Meet Our Grand Marshals
Gregory C. Celi
• 2025 •
Born in Brooklyn to Sicilian parents, Gregory C. Celi built a life rooted in hard work, family, faith, and craftsmanship. Beginning his career supervising departments that produced military-grade communications systems, Greg eventually founded what would become Celi Electric Lighting, Inc., a respected family-run company serving Long Island and beyond for decades.
Known for his precision, integrity, generosity, and quiet leadership, Greg has long been admired not only as a successful entrepreneur, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community figure who leads by example and treats everyone like family. His commitment to excellence and strong Italian-American values have earned him the respect of colleagues, friends, and the community alike.
The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons is proud to honor Gregory C. Celi as the 2025 Grand Marshal in recognition of his lifelong commitment to excellence, Italian-American heritage, family, and community.
Charles Anthony Leo
• 2024 •
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Charles Anthony Leo is a proud second-generation Italian American raised by his Sicilian-American mother, Maria Recca, and his Neapolitan-American father, Anthony Leo. Alongside his late wife Kathleen, Charlie built a successful electrical business and a loving family before eventually settling on Long Island’s East End.
Now retired from the family business, Charlie dedicates much of his time to his family, community service, and preserving Italian heritage through local traditions and organizations. Known for his vibrant spirit, generosity, and strong sense of community, Charlie remains deeply respected throughout the East End.
The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons is proud to honor Charles Anthony Leo as the 2024 Grand Marshal in recognition of his lifelong commitment to family, community, and Italian-American heritage.
John Tortorella
• 2023 •
Born in Calvello, Italy, in the Basilicata region’s province of Potenza, John Tortorella immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 11 and went on to build a remarkable career rooted in hard work, innovation, and determination. After graduating from the New York Institute of Technology with a degree in business and marketing, John founded J. Tortorella Pools, transforming it into one of the nation’s most respected pool construction companies.
Known for his leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence, John has spent decades contributing not only to his industry, but also to the Long Island community through civic involvement, philanthropy, and business leadership.
The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons is proud to honor John Tortorella in recognition of his entrepreneurial achievement, community leadership, and enduring pride in his Italian heritage.
Phil Forte
• 2022 •
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Ozone Park, Queens, Phil Forte is a proud Italian American whose life has been defined by service, entrepreneurship, family, and community. After honorably serving four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era, Phil pursued his dream of building his own business, a journey that eventually brought him and his family to Italy, where they spent four years reconnecting with their heritage and roots in the village of Maranola.
Returning to the United States, Phil became a respected leader in the direct sales industry, building a successful career spanning more than fifty years. Known for his humility, generosity, and strong family values, Phil remains devoted to his wife Carolyn, their children, grandchildren, and the preservation of Italian-American culture and tradition.
The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons is proud to honor Phil Forte in recognition of his lifelong dedication to leadership, community, family, and Italian heritage.