Saint Edmond’s gets record $3M donation from Abessinio Foundation

WILMINGTON – Saint Edmond’s Academy has received a landmark $3 million donation from the Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Foundation, which marks the largest unrestricted cash donation in the school’s history.

The all-boys independent Catholic school said in a statement the gift highlights the deep ties the Abessinio family shares with the academy and its mission of fostering “Boys of Character in a Community of Faith.”

The donation will allow the academy to pursue strategic capital improvements and enhance its educational programs, ensuring the school’s legacy continues to thrive for generations.

Connection to Saint Edmond’s

Rocco and Mary Abessinio have long been connected to the school, with one of their sons and five grandchildren having graduated from Saint Edmond’s Academy.

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“Our hope is that this gift will enable Saint Edmond’s Academy to continue their mission of educating the hearts and minds of young men in a community of faith,” said Rocco Abessinio.

Domenic Maiorano, head of school, expressed deep gratitude to the Abessinio family.

“This generous donation will strengthen our mission and provide new opportunities for our students and faculty,” he said. “We are incredibly thankful for their unwavering support.”

Rocco Abessinio is well-known for his philanthropy, with notable contributions including the Abessinio Stadium in Wilmington, the founding of St. Rocco’s Church and parish in Avondale, Pa., and the Beebe Healthcare Abessinio Health Campus in Rehoboth Beach.

He is the Founder and CEO of Applied Bank and Roch Capital.

To honor the family’s extraordinary generosity, the Saint Edmond’s Academy campus will be renamed in the Abessinio family’s honor.