— A series celebrating the people, places, and organizations that strengthen and inspire communities across the Philadelphia region.

Tankie's Taps Tournament

Who Was Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile?

Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile was remembered by family, friends, and community members for his energy, loyalty, generosity, and ability to bring people together. Tankie’s Taps Tournament and the Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile Memorial Fund were created to continue his legacy by supporting the local community and creating opportunities for others in his name.  The Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile Memorial Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 2018.^[1]

For those who are not familiar with Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile, he was a young man whose bright life lit up every room he entered, every soul he touched, and every conversation he joined. Tankie loved to read, to write, to learn, to play sports, and to spend time with his family and friends. He was senselessly murdered on October 24, 2017, just steps away from his childhood home, and we grieve and feel his loss daily.

The Purpose Behind Tankie’s Taps Tournament

Tankie’s Taps Tournament and Tankie’s Angels NYB, are a part of the broader mission of the Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile Memorial Fund, which was created to help others throughout the local community while keeping Tankie’s memory and spirit alive through meaningful outreach and support initiatives.

The tournament serves as both a tribute and a continuation of the qualities Tankie represented — loyalty, generosity, connection, energy, and community. Each year, the event creates opportunities for people to come together not only to remember Tankie, but also to continue building something positive in his honor.

Through the ongoing efforts of the Memorial Fund, including Tankie’s Taps Tournament and Tankie’s Angels NYB, Tankie’s legacy continues to inspire acts of kindness, community and local business involvement, and support for others throughout the Philadelphia region and South Jersey communities. This group’s impact on the community includes scholarships to local schools, charitable outreach, and volunteer involvement.

Contributions to the Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile Memorial Fund allow his family to fulfill our mission in establishing an organization that will embody the many values that Tankie held and cherished: scholarship, athleticism, and friendship. We strive to give back to those in need, to students, to student-athletes, and to our South Philadelphia community. With a dedication towards serving others, we perfectly emphasize a characteristic that Tankie embodied the most, even up until his last breath, as he sacrificed his own life for the safety of a friend.

To date, we have established scholarships at Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School^[2] and Our Lady of Hope Regional School, both of which Tankie attended. Additionally, the memorial fund has taken on projects at various schools, such as establishing libraries and funding athletic teams. Any contribution helps us live out and honor Tankie’s life.

Carrying Tankie’s Legacy Forward

Everyone who participates in Tankie’s Taps becomes part of something bigger than a single event. Whether through playing, volunteering, sponsoring, donating, organizing, or attending, community members help continue the mission of honoring Tankie’s life through action and connection.

The tournament reflects the love that still surrounds Tankie’s memory and the dedication of those closest to him to continue turning that love into something meaningful for others. It is a reminder that a person’s legacy does not end with loss. Through community, purpose, and shared effort, that legacy can continue to grow and positively impact future generations.

Tankie’s Taps Tournament continues to bring people together in a way that reflects the spirit Tankie carried throughout his life — one built on friendship, support, positivity, and community pride.

Tankie’s Angels New Year’s Brigade (NYB) is another outreach initiative of the Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile Memorial Fund. Created to continue Tankie’s legacy of friendship, service, and community involvement, Tankie’s Angels NYB supports charitable projects, volunteer efforts, and opportunities to give back throughout South Philadelphia and surrounding communities. Tankie’s Angels NYB marches each year in the famous Philadelphia Mummer’s Parade.^[3]

More Than a Tournament

Tankie’s Taps is more than a community tournament. It is a tribute to Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile, a celebration of the relationships and memories he created, and a commitment to continuing good work in his name.

Events like this strengthen neighborhoods and remind people of the importance of community connection, support systems, and showing up for one another. At Fritz & Bianculli, our Community Spotlight series exists to highlight the people, organizations, and events that help make the Philadelphia and South Jersey communities stronger.

Tankie may have been taken from us in 2017, but his spirit continues to live on through every opportunity created, every person supported, and every individual who helps carry his legacy forward. If you or someone you know needs legal support in the Philadelphia area, our team at Fritz & Bianculli is here to help.

Join the Tankie’s Taps Tournament Community

Join Tankie’s Taps Tournament in South Philadelphia and become part of a community effort dedicated to honoring the life, legacy, and spirit of Salvatore “Tankie” DiNubile. Through remembrance, support, and community outreach, Tankie’s legacy continues to make a positive impact on others every year.