Pius X High School Presents Outstanding Alumni Award to Tony Messineo

On behalf of Pius X High School, Msgr. Liam Barr and Keith May presented the fourth annual Outstanding Alumni Award to Tony Messineo (’59), an owner of Valentino Restaurants,  at the Friends of Pius X celebration on August 12.

According to Keith May, who nominated Tony, “Tony’s leadership and treatment of his employees and customers is a testament to his faith. Tony truly takes his faith to work with him and it is very much a part of his day to day efforts.”

A graduate of Pius X and the University of Nebraska, Tony and his brother Ron purchased a local restaurant in Lincoln - Valentino’s – in 1971. The two, along with their cousin, Mike Alesio, who joined them a year later, went on to expand that business and today Valentino’s has expanded to 39 restaurant locations in 6 states.

Throughout the years, Tony has been an ardent support of Pius X, helping with fundraising efforts. He’s also made significant contributions to the community. He has served on several boards and committees including the Wesleyan Board of Governors, Catholic Social Services, Teammates, Nebraska Restaurant Association Board, Rotary Board and Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department Board.

In addition, the Valentino’s chain has received numerous awards over the years. Tony has personally been awarded Restaurateur of the Year Award (1990), Catholic Social Services Cor Christi Award (1997), Angels of Madonna Award, Burnham Yates Citizenship Award (2002), Board of Health Regional Directors Award (2006), Cedars Home Recognition Award and 2008-2009 Lincoln Rotary #14 Rotarian of the Year.

Tony  has been married to his wife, Carmen, since 1963. They have three children and seven grandchildren.