Congratulations to the 2022 Christian Brothers' Dinner Honoree: the Brillati Family, including alumni Paul Brillati, ‘90, Michael (Mike) Brillati, ‘93, and Steve Brillati, ‘93. 

DLS President Larry Rancilio announced the family's selection as part of the 2022 State of the School Address on February 16, 2022. 

“I can think of few other families who have meant as much to the De La Salle community as the Brillatis,” Rancilio said. “Paul, Steve, and Mike have followed in the footsteps of their parents, Len and Diana, and are huge supporters of what we are doing at the school. Not only have they provided financial assistance, but they have sent their boys here. It is a testament to their belief in the education we are providing to young men. I am overjoyed that they are being honored.”

“Thank you, all,” Paul Brillati said. “This is beyond words. I feel very humbled and honored. We as brothers love De La Salle and what we stand for, the continued legacy and the strong young men DLS creates. It goes without saying my brothers and I don’t feel worthy of this recognition. We do this for what the school has provided us and our families.” 

“It is an absolute honor to serve the school that has done so much for our family,” Steve Brillati said. “We are humbled and excited to accept this great award. Thank you, and God bless you all.” 

Michael Brillati was also honored as the 2017 Honoree, recognizing his many years as chairman of the Christian Brothers’ Dinner Committee, from 2007-2016. 

The late Leonard Brillati, their father, was honored in 2001.

Advancement Director Greg Esler praised the Brillati's. “I have known the Brillati boys since they were very young, and have watched them grow into great husbands, fathers, and leaders. They have been blessed with wonderful parents who taught them how faith and hard work pay off. The Brillati boys have shown their tremendous appreciation of their love for De La Salle by volunteering their time. True Pilots!” 

Matt Loria, ‘95, Dinner Committee Chair since 2019, said, “Congratulations Paul, Steve, and Mike. This is such a well-deserved honor for you and The Brillati Family!”

Loria added, "The Brillati family has been so integral to De La Salle. Even before Paul, Steve, and Mike had children at the school, I don’t think a month went by without a Brillati in the building assisting with something. They have been an active presence since the time their father was involved. Since Leonard left us, the legacy has been carried on by Mrs. Brillati, her children, their spouses, and their children.

"The Brillati boys have all been like older brothers to me in one way or another. I am proud to call them all my friends. DLS has an amazing fraternity of alumni. This is something no other school, parochial or public, will ever match. The Brillati family does a fantastic job of keeping the bonds of these relationships alive and thriving. 

"I couldn’t be more proud than to have made the telephone call to the Brillati family asking for their acceptance of this honor," Loria concluded. 

"In my two years at DLS, I’m not sure there is a family that has made me feel more welcomed, and helped me understand what DLS is all about,” said Athletic Director Dan Rohn. "They actually drive me to do the very best I can, because I want to make them proud, because I know what this school means to them and to their family."

Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, said, “The Brillatis are De La Salle. They represent the very best of who we are. In their own unique ways, each gives of their time in so many ways and are always constant proponents of De La Salle.” 

Koch praised Paul for his construction contributions and expertise to create the “state-of-the-art” TrackMan Golf Simulator Center at the Brother Robert Activity Center (BRAC) a reality. 

The 2022 Christian Brothers’ Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1, at the Jimmy John’s Field in Utica, MI. For information on tickets, sponsorships, and auction items, contact Dennis Koch in the DLS Advancement Office at 586.541.6221 or dkoch@delasallehs.com  

Photo above: Michael, Paul, and Steven Brillati

Photo below: The brothers with their children.