Vince's Engaging Farewell
Fumo hosts 300 plus guests at an engagement party days before his prison term begins
By VINCE LATTANZIO
Updated 5:19 PM EDT, Thu, Aug 20, 2009
Less than a week before he's set to move into his new home in prison, former Pa. State Sen. Vince Fumo brought together 300 of his closest friends to celebrate his engagement to Carolyn Zinni -- and say goodbye.
"What I have ahead of me doesn't make me happy, but it's something we're preparing to live with and go forward and get on with our lives," Fumo told throngs of reporters outside Popi's restaurant in South Philadelphia. He called the event a "celebration" and the engagement a chance to start "a new chapter."
News of the couple's engagement broke days before Fumo's sentencing of 55 months in prison for stealing millions from the state and two non-profit organizations. He was also fined almost $2.5 million. But none of that mattered for Zinni.
"I’m just looking forward to to being family and friends and celebrating our engagement," she said.
Attendees ranged from political power brokers to heads of corporations to families from around the block. Many tried to focus on the joy of the yet-to-be determined nuptials, but some couldn't help to dwell on Fumo's upcoming sentence.
"I've always said all along that I don't abandon my friends when their in trouble," councilman Frank DiCicco told NBC Philadelphia's Kristen Welker. "Vince has been my friend. He's been good to me and good to the people I represent and, uh, life will go on but I think there are a lot a of people who wish he would be in Harrisburg."
City council president Anna Vernon concentrated her comments on Zinni calling her a "very lovely, lovely girl" while entering the restaurant.
"I'm losing a friend," said Pa. State Sen. Tina Tartaglione. "I mean, I've served in the senate with Vince for 15 years and we became good, good friends...that's what's going to make it difficult this evening."
Earlier this week, Fumo's attorneys filed motions requesting an extension for the start of his prison term pending an appeal of the guilty verdict. That request was denied by the U.S. Attorney's office Thursday. Fumo must must report to prison on August 31.
Peter Nero and The Philly Pops played for guests as they dined on fish and filet mignon. Rumors swirled as to whether the party was actually a wedding, but those were proven to be untrue as the night progressed.
With that out of the way, just one question remains -- who's picking up the tab?
First Published: Aug 19, 2009 10:53 PM EDT
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