For the Love of Bocce

A passion for the world’s oldest competitive game has been shared by many residents of our community. Whether they live full-time or part-time on our island, the love of bocce ball continues among many age groups, and that was on full display at the Mackle Park Bocce Ball courts, located to the rear of the Mackle Park Community Center Complex, off Andalusia Court.

Last Friday and Saturday saw upwards of 160 to 200  competitors, family, and friends attend the 2025 Charles J. Pineno Annual Bocce Tournament. The event was named to honor Charlie Pineno who founded the Marco Island Bocce League in 2017. Pineno would lose his brave battle with cancer in August 2021, but his wife Ruth Ann continues to stay active within the organization that she and her husband loved so much.

Today, there are over 25 million Americans who help to keep the game alive in our nation, and the sport is listed as one of the most popular sports in the world after golf and soccer. Its growth in Florida continues to rise, especially with our older population and the many retirement communities across the state. “Bocce is more than just a game,” said newly appointed Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Member John Martini. “It draws people together from all walks of life and promotes physical activity, strategic thinking, and friendly competition. It’s just a lot of fun,” said Martini. 

Like all good events, there has to be a ringmaster, and that was left to Peter Pareene, the longtime friend of Charlie  Pineno. Throughout the two days, he could be seen making sure everything ran smoothly both on the court and behind the scenes.

In the end, all those who participated were winners; however, as with all competitive events, there would be a team that carried away the gold. The members from the Sunset House walked away with the first place finish under Captain Tom Eland, along with Mike Zoretic, Harry Briggs, and Mike Oberholzer. Second place went to Bill Forrest, Bob Frey, and Glenn Ahlquist of the Island 5  Team. The third place finishing team was Tom and Mary Ortmayor, Rose Conti, and Joe Battagnia.

At the conclusion of the competition, players, staff, family, and friends were invited to lunch, which was served just feet away from the courts where the exciting competition of the last two days had recently taken place. The lunch was catered by Texas Tony’s.

At the conclusion of the weekend event, both Ruth Ann Pineno and Peter Pareene smiled and commented that Charlie would be proud that his legacy has continued to flourish and grow stronger over the years.