On March 26, 2025, the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame welcomed nine new members during its 26th annual induction dinner at LiGreci’s Staaten. This year’s class celebrated the achievements of bowlers and contributors to the sport, highlighting a mix of performance excellence and dedicated service.
The inductees included recipients of the Superior Performance Award: Naz Labetti, Michelle Dash, Rob Butler Jr., Lonnie Levy, Tommy DiNardo, Tim McAuliffe Jr., and Phil DeCessario. Honored for their contributions to the bowling community were Liz Philpott and Don Schewd, who received the Meritorious Service Award. Additionally, Joanne Soto was presented with the Gloria Simonson/Donna Zajac Memorial Award, and Bob Johnson received the Ben McNevich Memorial Award. Lifetime Achievement honors were bestowed upon Richie Hornreich, while Frank Siller earned the Rab Wilkinson “Toast of the Town” Award.
The ceremony also recognized 13 high school bowlers as Ray Laursen High School All-Stars. The honorees included Krista Tedone, Andrei Kovmir, Nicholas Nunez, Peter Flynn, and Justin Arenas from St. Joseph by-the-Sea; Moore Catholic’s Robert Werling and Zachary McGinley; Tottenville’s Anthony Laverdi and Meagan Brady; Daniel Anello of Curtis; New Dorp’s Tyler Boyle; Port Richmond’s Jacob Peterson; Petrides’ Kiara Lombardi; and Lindsey Souffrin of Notre Dame Academy.
Hall of Fame Director Ed Ellardi, in his inaugural year in the role, expressed pride in the diverse achievements of this year’s inductees. He emphasized that each recipient contributed significantly to the sport, saying, “Everybody bowled for a very, very long time, and even those who weren’t able to put up a superior performance contributed so much to the game.”
Ellardi also pointed out the close-knit nature of the Staten Island bowling community. “They were all friends on and off the lanes, and many of them grew up together. I’ve watched so many juniors here develop into the bowlers they are today, and I’m very proud of each one of them and all they’ve accomplished,” he added.
Among the Superior Performance Award winners, Labetti reflected on her father, Ray Laursen, a legendary coach who passed away in 2024. She credited him with significantly influencing her career. “Tonight helps to remember the impact my dad had…not just on me, but on the bowling community overall. It reminds me how much of who I am in this sport comes from him,” Labetti said. Notably, her sister, Philpott, was inducted on the same evening.
Ellardi highlighted the Laursen family’s remarkable legacy, noting, “We suffered a tremendous loss with Ray no longer being with us, but we know he’s here in spirit. His family’s dedication to bowling — through education and mentorship — has been incredible.”
DiNardo, another Superior Performance Award winner, shared his personal journey. He described how bowling shaped his life, leading him to pursue a career as a chiropractor. “Bowling has sculpted my life. It’s given me friends, taken me places I would have never thought I’d be, and I can’t thank my family enough for introducing me to this sport,” he said.
DeCessario echoed the sentiments of his peers, emphasizing the significant connections formed through bowling. “What means the most are the friendships, rivalries, and bonds created along the way. Bowling isn’t just about the scores — it’s about perseverance, discipline, and community,” he concluded.
The Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame continues to foster a vibrant community, celebrating not only individual accomplishments but also the friendships and mentorship that make the sport special. For more information about the Hall of Fame and its rich history, visit statenislandbowlinghof.org.
