Onesti named president of Italian American Sports Hall of Fame

Ron Onesti was unanimously selected to become president of the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, its board of directors announced Monday.

Onesti is the organization's second president. Founder George Randazzo served in that capacity from 1977 until his sudden passing last July.

"This is an honor I will not take lightly," Onesti said. "As only the second president this organization has had in its forty-three-year history, I do not intend on trying to fill George's shoes. I just want to shine the ones he wore."

Onesti is the president of Onesti Entertainment. The company's holdings include the Arcada Theatre and Club Arcada Speakeasy in St. Charles and the Des Plaines Theatre, among others.

He has served the national organization in various roles for over 30 years. According to the NIASHF, he has produced events, edited Red White & Green Magazine and sat on the board of directors.

"The board of directors selected Ron Onesti to lead and to cultivate the NIASHF as he has the credentials, the passion and the history with the organization to take us to the next level," board chairman Tony Ferraro said. " We are committed to Ron's vision as we continue to foster the legacy created by our founder, George Randazzo."

Onesti is also a vice president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, which produces Chicago's Columbus Day Parade. He also sits on the board of directors of the Italian American War Veterans Museum.