The Pub on Park was the place to be on the evening of April 8 as Ace Aceto was inducted in the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame.

Aceto joins the ranks of other local comedy greats, such as Charlie Hall, Frank O’Donnell, John Perrotta, Tom Cotter, and Doreen Collins.

The Park Avenue venue was packed with family, friends, and fans of Aceto’s. The sold-out show was hosted by Hall, and the dais was filled with some very unusual characters.

Aceto was joined by Mark Shea and John Kelly, Connecticut pediatrician Dr. Jay Sutay, MaryEllen DePetrillo Rinaldi, Hall of Fame founder and director Joe Hebert, radio DJ Brian Mulhern from Cat Country in Woonsocket, “The Rhode Show” host Brendan Kirby, and traffic reporter Mike Sheridan.

Aceto was surprised with a visit from his longtime friend, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung.

“I am not here to roast Ace or make jokes. I will leave that to the professionals,” the mayor said. “I want to honor my friend, wish him congratulations, and present him with a special citation.”

As the roast got under way, the jokes were sharp, but all had an underlying tone of love, respect, and friendship for Aceto.

There was one last surprise in store for Aceto. He used to tell a story in his act about growing up and going to Catholic school, and a mean teacher named Sister Mary Snowplow. Aceto was stunned to see Collins dressed as the nun.

When it was Aceto’s turn, he gave as good as he got, and the room was entertained for the entire two-plus hours.

“This past year, 2015, was really hard on me … I could not have gotten through any of this without all the love, support, friendship, and encouragement,” Aceto said. “I am so completely blown away by this night. I will remember it for the rest of my life. Thank you all.”

Aceto has been twice nominated for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year honors. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales went to his charity.

For more information on the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame, visit richof.org or call 401-390-7547.