Every Christmas, Denver’s Civic Center glows with thousands of lights — a tradition generations have grown up with. But few people know the name of the man behind it.

In this special Christmas Day episode, Stephanie and Sandy tell the remarkable story of John Malpiede, an Italian American electrician whose creativity, perseverance, and love for his city transformed Denver into a national symbol of holiday magic. Born to immigrants from Potenza, Italy, John spent nearly four decades as Denver’s city electrician, quietly shaping the city’s skyline — from Union Station chandeliers to the Civic Center Christmas lights that drew crowds from across the country.

Through the Great Depression, World War II, devastating fires, tight budgets, and even a shocking wiretapping scandal that briefly put his career and reputation on the line, John never stopped finding ways to bring beauty and joy to Denver. His work reflected not just technical skill, but heart — salvaging materials, inventing solutions, and believing that even in hard times, a city deserved light.

This episode explores John’s family roots, his rise as Denver’s “Christmas lights man,” the controversy that nearly derailed his career, and the legacy he ultimately left behind — one that still shines every holiday season.

A story of resilience, community, and quiet craftsmanship, Episode 81 is a reminder that history is often shaped by people working behind the scenes… flipping switches, climbing ladders, and lighting the way.

We've been on a break for the holidays, but thought we would re-release our first Christmas Special Episode! Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Dive into the warmth of the season with our Christmas Special episode of Italian American Stories, where we unwrap the past through nostalgic newspaper articles. 

In this episode, we bring you the story of a woman reliving a cherished childhood memory where she treks through a snowstorm, determined to reach her aunt's house for the beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes. 

And, to add a touch of humor to your holiday cheer, we close the episode with a chuckle-worthy exploration of the top ten gifts for Italian American children. Spoiler alert: These gifts are entirely fabricated, but they'll leave you in stitches as we imagine a world where bambini unwrap the most unexpected surprises.

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of shared memories.

Dive into the warmth of the season with our Christmas Special episode of Italian American Stories, where we unwrap the past through nostalgic newspaper articles. 

In this episode, we bring you the story of a woman reliving a cherished childhood memory where she treks through a snowstorm, determined to reach her aunt's house for the beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes. 

And, to add a touch of humor to your holiday cheer, we close the episode with a chuckle-worthy exploration of the top ten gifts for Italian American children. Spoiler alert: These gifts are entirely fabricated, but they'll leave you in stitches as we imagine a world where bambini unwrap the most unexpected surprises.

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of shared memories.