STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— The Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame rolled out an evening worthy of a perfect 300 on Sunday at LiGreci’s Staaten, enshrining nine new members into its Class of 2025 and celebrating the 26th anniversary of its induction ceremony.
This year’s class included Superior Performance Award recipients Naz Labetti, Michelle Dash, Rob Butler Jr., Lonnie Levy, Tommy DiNardo, Tim McAuliffe Jr. and Phil DeCessario, as well as Meritorious Service Award honorees Liz Philpott and Don Schewd.
Also receiving recognition were Joanne Soto, who earned the Gloria Simonson/Donna Zajac Memorial Award, and Bob Johnson, honored with the Ben McNevich Memorial Award. Lifetime Achievement honors went to Richie Hornreich, while Frank Siller was named the Rab Wilkinson “Toast of the Town” Award winner.
Additionally, 13 local prep bowlers were named Ray Laursen High School All Stars: Krista Tedone, Andrei Kovmir, Nicholas Nunez, Peter Flynn and Justin Arenas of 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, who’s in his first year in the role, said this year’s class “brings a little bit of everything” to the organization’s collective résumé and that each inductee is highly deserving of the honor.
“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. It’s really about what they’ve done for others — helping, teaching, running leagues, and so on. They did an excellent job,” he shared.
He also noted that coming together to honor some of the borough’s best keglers — and to remind the community of its closeness — reflects just how tight-knit Staten Island truly is.
“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,” Ellardi said.
Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame inductee Naz Labetti poses with her induction trophy and HOF Director Ed Ellardi on Nov. 23, 2025.Michael O’Brien
Among the Superior Performance Award winners was Labetti, whose roots in Staten Island’s bowling community run deep. She stressed how pivotal her father, the iconic borough coach Ray Laursen — who passed away in 2024 — was in shaping her career.
“Tonight helps to remember the impact my dad had…not just on me, but on the bowling community overall, reminds me how much of who I am in this sport comes from him,” said Labetti, whose sister, Philpott, also went into the Hall on the same night.
“Even to this day, when I watch my husband (Jim) in the pro shop, I see things he does that remind me of my dad. He is carrying on a legacy, and it’s really important to me — it means a lot to see that continue.”
Ellardi also highlighted the profound impact the Laursen family has had on the bowling community and how meaningful it was to induct Labetti, saying, “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. They do so much for all bowlers, not just the juniors. They truly are a remarkable family.”
Fellow Superior Performance Award winner DiNardo also shared how much bowling has shaped his life, crediting the sport with even helping him choose his career path.
“Bowling has sculpted my life. It’s given me friends, it’s taken me places I would have never thought I’d be, and it even led me to become a chiropractor. I can’t thank my family enough for introducing me to this sport.”
He also even expressed gratitude for the moments spent in the heat of competition with his fellow community members, saying, “Sometimes we’d fight over silly things, and the next day we’d be hugging. That’s the bowling community. Bowling has given me so many lifelong friends, and I’m thankful for every one of them.”
Also offering remarks was Superior Performance Award winner DeCessario, who reminded attendees that bowling is a special sport because of what happens off the scoresheets.
Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame inductee Tommy Dinardo poses with his induction trophy and HOF Director Ed Ellardi on Nov. 23, 2025.Michael O’Brien
“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. Every night on the lane is a reminder of that greatness,” he concluded.
To learn more about the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame and its history, visit statenislandbowlinghof.org.
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