Alumni Stories

by Dana Larkin Sauers ’74, HOH '26, P ’99, P ’03, P ’03, P ’09

When Filomena Malvone ’89 is asked about her spirituality, she responds, “Spirituality has always been rooted in my belief in faith, family, and service to others. I believe in treating people with kindness, offering support when it’s needed, and finding purpose in the work I do each day.” 

That sentiment was initiated and formed in her family’s pizza shop. For those in the Hanover community, Jerry and Sal’s has been a staple of good food and service since the 1970s. While the restaurant has served the community in various locations over the years, it has created a following for young and old alike.

“I have been in the pizza shop since I was a child. We moved here from Brooklyn in 1973, and now I am proudly running the Jerry and Sal’s new location on Carlisle Street with my son, Massimo. We opened our new location on Valentine’s Day of this year, 2026, and I am so very proud to finally have a beautiful location that I can share with this outstanding community that has been so supportive through our transition. It has been a blessing since the day we moved. I hope that we can continue to serve and create a very happy space for people to come and enjoy time together and good food,” she said.  

Filomena has two children, Massimo and Sofia. Being a dedicated mother, Filomena is interested in child and adolescent development. To stay well informed about today’s culture and to teach our youth to problem-solve social situations was particularly important to Filomena, who reached out to her former Delone Catholic English teacher for advice in advance of the publication of What Would You Do If . . . A Problem-Solving Guide for Children (2022). Geared for parents or other educators to assist, the book creates projective questions about social situations, asking the child to dialogue with the grown-up to know and build confidence in typical situations. The book is filled with interesting and creative illustrations.

‘‘I also enjoy CrossFit, going to small towns nearby with my girlfriend for good shopping, and finding cafés that have the greatest espresso. I also enjoy promoting my anti-bullying book, and I am currently working on a second book on cyberbullying and predators. I want to keep educating parents, caregivers, and children to keep them safe,” she said.

Continuing, Filomena added, “Ironically, my favorite Delone memory is about the very person, Dana Sauers, who asked me to do this article. She has been an inspiration and a constant reminder of my potential.”

A highlight Filomena shared is her yearly trip abroad. “I enjoy traveling to Italy every year, making wine, going to the islands, eating much food, and spending time with our family there.”

Filomena said, “Whether I’m serving customers at my pizza shop or writing books to help children navigate life’s challenges, I strive to make a positive impact in my community. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and believe that compassion, perseverance, and gratitude are important guides in both my personal and professional life.”