Beginning at Jefferson and Powell streets and ending in front of the historic Saints Peter and Paul Church, the Italian Heritage Parade is the longest consecutively running Italian parade in the United States. This year is its 157th year. 

At every civic parade, a Grand Marshal is selected as the ceremonial leader of the parade. They ride in an open car representing a particular cause, and have made notable contributions to their community. 

The co-Grand Marshals for this year’s Italian Heritage parade were Riordan alumni Larry Nibbi ’63 and Sergio Nibbi ’54. The Nibbi Brothers are the owners and operators of Nibbi Brothers General Contractors. 

Their journey began at a humble carpentry business founded by Marino Nibbi in 1950. The quality of his work was renowned, and soon his brother Pete joined him. Together they formed the Nibbi Brothers. Marino’s two sons took over as the second generation of Nibbis, and now the third generation runs the business. 

Their family business embodies the Riordan Marianist Family Spirit. “It was such an honor to be chosen as Grand Marshall. As a child, I remember going to the parade and never in a million years would I think I would ever be Grand Marshall,” Larry Nibbi said.

The Nibbi brothers have completed a myriad of projects throughout the Bay Area. They have even done a few projects seismically preserving the historic buildings of San Francisco, such as The Exploratorium at Pier 15, and Phases I and II of the Old St. Mary’s renovation. 

They showcase immense gratitude for the Riordan community. “My favorite thing at Riordan was the great experience I had learning and the wonderful friendships I made,” Larry Nibbi stated. “To this day, I still have many of the traits I learned at Riordan.”

Finally, Nibbi offered some wisdom for current Riordan students:  “Enjoy every moment and get involved in as many activities as possible and make as many friends as possible as those friendships will last a lifetime.”