Matteo Iadonisi

Philadelphia

Community Journalist at WPVI-TV (Philadelphia, PA)

Storyteller who never left home 🏙️ 1,400 feel-good stories and counting! ⭐ Community Journalist @6abc Action News WPVI-TV 📺 📸🎬 https://t.co/HaMMlQsPAO

Articles

South Jersey town pays tribute to fallen Marine for nearly 50 years

1 week ago | 6abc.com | Matteo Iadonisi

CINNAMINSON, New Jersey (WPVI) -- This Memorial Day marks 58 years since U.S. Marine Anthony Salerno was killed in Vietnam. Salerno, who was only 20 years old when he lost his life, was a talented singer and weightlifter who was proud to be a Marine. To this day, his friends, classmates, and brothers still meet to remember him.
Pa. Greyhound driver & instructor recognized for 40 years of service

2 weeks ago | 6abc.com | Matteo Iadonisi

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Crawford Lassiter has safely driven more than 2 million miles and is now paving the road for the next generation. Over 40 years ago, Lassiter responded to an ad in the newspaper and became a driver with Greyhound Lines. He has dedicated more than 30 years as a driver and around 10 as a head instructor in Philadelphia. Recently, he was recognized as a 2024 'Driver of Distinction' by the Pennsylvania Bus Association.
'BeWell': Pa. woman designs clothes for patients living with chronic illnesses

2 weeks ago | 6abc.com | Matteo Iadonisi

EAGLEVILLE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Amanda Phillips used her experience fighting Crohn's disease to create a line of adaptive clothes fit for patients like herself. She left her career in finance to start her small business, 'BeWell.' Through it, she sells shirts fit with discreet zippers to facilitate bloodwork, IVs, ports, breastfeeding, and more. BeWell has reached patients across the United States and beyond.
Pa. teen creates 'Wiffleball for the Wounded' in memory of neighbor

2 weeks ago | 6abc.com | Matteo Iadonisi

SOUTHAMPTON, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- 16-year-old Ryan Lovenstein created 'Wiffleball for the Wounded' to honor his late next-door neighbor, WWII veteran Joseph Martines. Lovenstein has fond memories watching Martines mow his lawn and listen to Phillies games on his front porch. Later in life, Martines developed heart failure and dementia. He moved into Ann's Choice senior living community, which is also now where Lovenstein works.
Sisters star as pitcher-catcher-duo on softball field at Neumann University

1 month ago | 6abc.com | Matteo Iadonisi

ASTON, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Sisters Olivia and Emily Ammon grew up playing softball together. Now, the Lancaster County natives share the field as a pitcher & catcher at Neumann University. This year, the eldest sister Olivia will graduate. That means it will be their last time playing the organized sport together for the foreseeable future. Olivia plans to pursue a master's degree in sports business. Meanwhile, her younger sister, Emily, hopes to work in the sports communications industry.
Talking parakeet helps Sisters of Saint Francis enjoy retirement

1 month ago | abc7.com | Matteo Iadonisi

ByMatteo IadonisiThursday, April 17, 2025 3:58PMPhiladelphia, Pa -- The Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia are living alongside what may be the most pious parakeet on the planet: a talking bird named "Francis" who learned everything he knows from them!Francis and his partner, Claire, were first provided to the sisters as a gift by a priest during a retreat. Now, the budgie parakeets are known to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of companionship to Sisters living at the Assisi House.
Twins make double the difference volunteering at nature center

1 month ago | abc7.com | Matteo Iadonisi

MEDFORD, New Jersey -- Twins Tim and Tom Soffer do everything together. That ranges from finishing each other's sentences to finishing important jobs in and around the nature center at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. They particularly enjoy refilling bird feeders, sweeping the floors, washing the windows, and sending out mail. "We always finish our jobs when we work together," they said in unison.
Philly principal transforms school into superhero-themed campus

1 month ago | 6abc.com | Matteo Iadonisi

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Eight years ago, Principal William Lawrence redefined his school community with one word: 'Super.'He changed John Marshall Elementary School's mascot and theme to reflect popular superhero characters. Now, the halls are filled with character painting and motivational phrases. Every morning, he starts the day by chanting affirmations with the entire student body in Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood.
WWII veteran celebrates 101st birthday and 75 years of marriage

1 month ago | 6abc.com | Matteo Iadonisi

WEST BERLIN, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A South Jersey World War II veteran is celebrating two incredible milestones this year. Anthony Simone turned 101 years old on April 5th, 2025. May 6th, 2025 is the 75th wedding anniversary of he and his wife, MaryAnn. She is 96 years old and always by his side. Simone served in the U.S. Army in the early 1940s. He recalls traveling through Europe, participating in the Battle of the Bulge, and serving guard duty in Munich.
Philly quilt artist turns snapshots of the city into fantastic fabrics

1 month ago | 6abc.com | Matteo Iadonisi

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Rachel Blosser Derstine creates incredible quilt art based mostly on scenes she and her husband capture in Philadelphia. Her work typically starts with a photo that is enlarged and printed on several sheets of paper. Then, she maps out a grid that informs the design of the quilt. She uses various materials such as fabrics, yarn, cheesecloth, and more.