The Sharon chapter of the Sons of Italy will present its annual Distinguished Italian-American award Oct. 13 to Carmen Surano of Greenville.

Surano said he was "surprised and shocked" when a spokesman for the Shenango Valley Lodge 875 told him he had been selected.

Bob Lowry, a spokesman for the organization, said Surano was chosen based on his contributions to the community.

Surano serves as an usher at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Greenville. He is a member of the national board of Italian American War Veterans and was elected president of that organization in 1998. He was recruited to the Army in 1955, serving with occupational forces in Germany.

He is a fourth degree member of the Greenville Knights of Columbus. He has served as grand knight, past grand knight and past district deputy.

Surano is a 1951 graduate of St. Michael High School and a 1957 graduate of the Ore Gene Barber School.

He owns Surano's Hair Styling on Main Street in Greenville.

Last year, Surano was narrowly defeated in a hotly-contested race for mayor in Greenville and served as the de-facto leader of a taxpayer's group in the financially troubled town.

Surano will be honored as part of the Sons of Italy's annual celebration of Columbus Day. Plaques will be presented at 11 a.m. Oct. 13 at a breakfast at Tiffany's in Brookfield.

The President of the Grand Lodge in Philadelphia, state Rep. Michael C. Gruitza, Hermitage, D-7th District, state Sen. Robert D. Robbins, Salem Township, R-50th District, state Rep. Rod Wilt, Sugar Grove Township, R-17th District, state Rep. Richard Stevenson, Grove City, R-8th District.

U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-21st District, Erie, and Mercer county commissioner Olivia Lazor will present plaques.

Sharon Mayor David O. Ryan will give the welcome. Former Sharon mayor Robert Price was last year's recipient.

The cost for the breakfast buffet is $10.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Sons of Italy, 299 Vine Ave. in Sharon. Telephone: (724) 981-9762. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.