Pingitore's memory alive and well at automotive extravaganza

There were almost as many stories as there were vintage vehicles at the Rhode Island Street Rodding Association’s 30th annual Automotive Extravaganza.

The event attracted a record-setting 324 classic cars, which were everywhere inside Johnston War Memorial Park Monday.

They included John Ricci’s legendary 1934 V-8 red Cadillac convertible, street rods by the dozens and a Studebaker Official Pace Car. A pristine 1966 Ford Mustang was one of the show’s main attractions and served as a special memorial to its owner, the late Ray Pingitore.

Whenever and wherever there was a car show or cruise, you would find Pingitore and his Mustang, whose wide whitewall tires were as shiny as the pearly white classic.

Unfortunately, Pingitore passed away on Aug. 18, 2018, at age 81. However, his grandson Nick Pepper and his wife, Nicole Pepper – who is a mixologist at Bar 101 in Johnston – keep his mighty Mustang and Pingitore’s memory alive, as they did Monday along with their children Nathan, 4, and Noah, 1, and a friend, Michael Gaskin, 3.

People by the dozens came up to the Pepper and asked about Pingitore’s Mustang, which drew as many rave reviews as the Automotive Extravaganza that will again benefit the Johnston Little League.

“We’re the oldest street rod club in the state,” said Ray Denisewich, the VFW Department of Rhode Island service officer who sports a classic Chevrolet but Monday manned the veterans booth along with department secretary Ernestine Vota and claims consultant Gianna Melvin. “This is without question a fantastic turnout.”

Monday’s show was so successful that RISA officials ran out of official dash plaques they gave to the first 250 vehicles that showed up and paid $10 each. The street rod group, which is led by president Ken Terino, also had 75 different awards for cars in a number of categories.

Former WPRO radio personality Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer played music throughout Monday’s show, while the Johnston Little League provided food for hungry car owners and even operated the grills.

Denisewich, who is also chief adjutant for the Giovanni Folcarelli DAV Chapter I that’s based at the Kelley Gazzerro VFW Post 2812 on Plainfield Pike, and RISA officials like vice president Bruce Cameron, secretary Steve Kennel and treasurer Charlie Brousseau were thrilled with the turnout and were “extremely elated” to be able to help the Johnston Little League.

“Our club hosts a number of car shows and events throughout the year and we proudly support many organizations and charities,” Terino said. “This year marks the 46th anniversary of the club’s founding and we’re looking forward to next year’s 31st annual show.”