DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.—Nicholas Di Tempora, chairman of Mapei Corp. has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Italy’s highest-ranking honor and most senior order of knighthood, for his humanitarian and philanthropic activities.

Investiture of the Cavalieri (knights) traditionally takes place June 2, the anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Italy. Because Di Tempora was out of the country on this date last year, Consul General Marco Rocca (Consulate of Italy in Miami) made the formal presentation to Di Tempora earlier this year.

The badge of knighthood bearing the inscription, “Al Merito della Repubblica” (for service to the Republic) encircling the national coat of arms was bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic. A copy of the decree was presented to Di Tempora.

Di Tempora was joined by his wife, Yolanda, and 40 guests at the Consul General’s residence in Coral Gables. Among those in attendance were longtime friend and business partner Dr. Giorgio Squinzi, owner and CEO of the Mapei Group (headquartered in Milan, Italy) and his wife, Adriana. At the time of his own investiture into the Cavalieri, Squinzi praised Di Tempora as a great supporter of his success with Mapei in the Americas.

In 1983, Di Tempora opened Mapei in the U.S. and eventually assumed the role of president and CEO of Mapei Americas until his retirement in 2007. “I’m deeply appreciative of this honor,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate in business and in life since the early years of my boyhood in Campobasso, Italy. Living in Canada and the U.S. has presented me with many opportunities for success, and I enjoy being able to give back to others, especially the children, at this time in my life.”

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