Our Board Members and Business Links

 

THOMAS S. LABUE

President & Founder

 

Thomas S. LaBue brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, behavioral health services, entertainment venue operations, business ownership, and community development. Under his leadership, Sons of Padre Pio has coordinated charitable fundraising efforts, community outreach initiatives, scholarship programming, cultural events, and neighborhood-based improvement projects.

 

Professional Summary

Entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and community leader with extensive experience in business management, behavioral health services, entertainment operations, and organizational leadership. Recognized for building organizations, leading teams, and creating programs that strengthen local communities.

 

Professional Experience

Founder and President

– Sons of Padre Pio, Inc. 2022–Present President

– The Seneca Group of Western New York, LLC 2004–Present Owner / Manager

– Flat Iron Café, LLC 2005–Present Owner / Manager

– Center City Liquor, LLC 2012–Present  Owner / Manager

– Unity Behavioral Health 2001–2012 Manager of Adolescent Services

– University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Recovery 1999–2001 Senior Counselor

– Unity Health Behavioral Health, Park Ridge Chemical Dependency 1995–1999

 

Education

Nazareth University Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)

SUNY (Utica/Rome) Bachelor of Arts

 

⸻

 

LOU PETIX

Vice President

 

Lou Petix is Vice President of Sons of Padre Pio, Inc. and a longtime Rochester business leader with decades of experience in beverage distribution, operations management, and executive leadership. Mr. Petix has played an active role in supporting the organization’s charitable outreach efforts, community events, and operational development since its inception.

 

Professional Summary

Executive business leader with more than five decades of experience in beverage distribution, organizational leadership, operations management, and business development.

 

Professional Experience

President

– College Club/FIZ Beverages 1964–Present President

– DBK Corporation 1985–2024 President

– Baron Beverage, Penn Yan, New York 1983–2001 Vice President

– Sons of Padre Pio, Inc. 2022–Present

 

Education Aquinas Institute Rochester, New York High School Diploma | 1972

 

⸻

 

FRANK D’AMBROSIA

Secretary

 

Frank D’Ambrosia serves as Secretary of Sons of Padre Pio, Inc. and brings extensive experience in real estate investment, insurance services, business development, and financial markets. He contributes organizational leadership, administrative support, and community outreach assistance in support of the organization’s charitable mission.

 

Professional Summary Results-driven professional with diverse experience in real estate investment, insurance services, business operations, and financial markets. Strong background in leadership, sales, client relations, and community engagement.

 

Professional Experience Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

– RE/MAX Plus 2005–Present Founder & CEO

– FJD Property Enterprises 2005–Present President

– Integrity Health and Life 2015–Present

– Stock & Cryptocurrency Trader 2020–Present Vice President

– Little Italy Historic District 2018–2020 Community Involvement Member

– Sons of Padre Pio, Inc. 2022–Present

 

Education

Monroe Community College Studies in Physical Education Teaching & Coaching / Nursing Licenses & Certifications

• Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

• Certified Medicare, Health and Life Insurance Broker

• Crypto Certified Agent

 

⸻

 

BERNIE C. LIPPA

Treasurer 

 

Bernie C. Lippa serves as Treasurer of Sons of Padre Pio, Inc. and brings extensive experience in sales, marketing, business operations, account management, and customer relations. His professional background includes leadership roles with nationally recognized companies in the consumer products and distribution industries.

 

Professional Summary

Experienced marketing and sales professional with strengths in employee supervision, project management, strategic planning, customer relations, and operational oversight.

 

Professional Experience

–Marketing Specialist – Empire Merchants North 2007–Present

–Sales Executive – Kohler Company, Plumbing Americas 2005–2006

–Territory Manager – Robert Bosch Tool Corporation 1998–2005

–Yard Manager – Chase-Pitkin Home Improvement 1996–1998

–Lumber Specialist – Chase-Pitkin 1994–1996

Education

 

Canisius College Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management

 

Professional Skills

• Employee Supervision & Training

• Project Oversight

• Consumer Products Industry Knowledge

• Sales & Marketing Strategy

• Customer Relations

• Business Development

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

 

 

 

⸻

 

JOSEPH A. MUNNO

Executive Board Director

 

Joseph A. Munno serves as Executive Board Director of Sons of Padre Pio, Inc. and provides strategic leadership, organizational development guidance, and operational support in furtherance of the organization’s charitable and community-based initiatives.

 

Mr. Munno is a respected educator, administrator, entrepreneur, coach, and mentor with decades of leadership experience in education, athletics, and business management throughout the Greater Rochester community.

 

Professional Summary

Dedicated educator, administrator, entrepreneur, and mentor with extensive experience in school administration, student development, organizational leadership, athletic leadership, and business management. Recognized for building strong academic programs, improving institutional performance, and sustaining long-standing educational and business operations with integrity and vision.

 

Professional Experience

 

Owner / Operator – Premier Sports Center 1984–Present

Founder / President – University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men 2007–2020

Educator and Administrator – Rochester City School District 1972–2009

Leadership Roles Included:

• Dean of Students

• Special Education Department Head

• Assistant Principal

• Principal – John Marshall High School 2003–2009

 

Education

Morehead State University 1967–1968

SUNY Brockport Bachelor’s Degree in Education

SUNY Brockport Master’s Degree in Administration Athletic Leadership & Management

 

Achievements

• Section V Football Champion (Class AA)

• Section V Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

• New York State Lacrosse Coach of the Year (1996) Honors & Recognition

• Paul Harris Fellow Award Recipient – Rotary Foundation of Rotary International • Inducted into Phi Delta Kappa

• Inducted into the Edgerton Park ARA Hall of Fame Community & Leadership

 

Attributes

• Educational Leadership

• Organizational Development

• Youth Mentorship

• Athletic Program Development

• Business Administration

• Public & Community Relations

• Team Building and Staff Leadership

​

​

​

​