Congratulations to Pam Donnaruma, Publisher and Editor of Boston’s North End Post-Gazette Newspaper!
Some 20 years ago, I walked into the Boston North End office of the Post Gazette and introduced myself to Pam Donnaruma, publisher and editor of the premier newspaper in the city’s iconic Italian-American neighborhood.
I mentioned to Pam that I was working on my book, The Boston Italians (ultimately published in 2007), and hoped to feature her grandfather, James Donnaruma, as one of the book’s main real-life characters. James, who founded the paper for Italian immigrants in 1895 as La Gazzetta del Massachusetts, was an important and influential champion of Italian-Americans throughout his life, and often used his paper to highlight issues that affected them (James is shown at the far right in the offices of La Gazzetta del Massachusetts in 1913).
I was so grateful that – without having any idea of who I was – Pam immediately agreed and was immensely helpful as I moved forward with my research. Pam and I have been friends since! Recently, Pam was honored with an official proclamation in recognition of the 130th anniversary of the paper’s publication by State Representative Aaron Michlewitz (see photo), as well as for her steadfast and unwavering support of the Italian-American community and residents of the North End. Pam has done a remarkable job advancing the mission of the paper – the longest continuously published ethnic newspaper in the United States – and fulfilling a true legacy of love. A paper first published in Italian over a century ago by her grandfather, James, the Post-Gazette became an English-language paper and was operated by Pam’s father, Caesar, and mother, Phyllis. When Pam took over the business, she dedicated herself to upholding and further promoting the Italian-American culture, ideals, and traditions articulated more than a century ago by her grandfather – hard work, love of family, commitment to community. She is proud of her family legacy and its perseverance even in tough times. The Post-Gazette has never once missed a weekly publication in its 130-year history!
Any honor Pam receives is so well-deserved. She has been recognized nationally for her work and philanthropic activities, and been the subject of numerous media stories – but she has never forgotten her roots. There is not enough space here for me to enumerate Pam’s countless contributions to the North End community, nor the number of times she has helped people who have stopped by her door at the Post-Gazette office on Little Prince Street. I’m just so honored and grateful that she extended a helping hand to this author two decades ago! Thanks, and congratulations, Pam!
