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Deadline
for the
Next Golden Lion Issue is
November 7, 2013
All articles for publication must be typed and double spaced.
All photograph captions must be typed and all persons identified.
If possible submit all photographs in black c white for better reproduction.
Digital photos should taken in the highest quality setting possible of camera,
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The Editor reserves the right to edit articles, letters, advertisements, and
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and for conformity to the ideals of the Order.
Pardon Our Appearance
4e are presently in the process of bringing the
%olden *ion to a ;ore up-to-date publication=
In the co;ing ;onths will be changing the
for;at to reflect our goal=
Thank you for your support and understandingA
The %olden *ion
Official Publication
of N.Y. Grand Lodge
Order Sons of Italy
in America
Published Bi-Monthly
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Editor
Sal Moschella
Co-Editor
Mar\orie Moschella
Nancy DiFiore iuinn
Advertising Manager
Anita Rosato
Contributing Writers
Mike Cutillo
DrC Ciro TC De Rosa
ProfC Philip JC DiNo*o
Florence Uatto
DrC Joseph AC Tursi
Past Editors
Frank Rossi
Uuido ]itiello L!AeritusM
Joseph Maglioto
Frank Rossi
Frank Malerba
Peter RC huaolo
August AC Di Renao
State Photographer
Natale Mannino
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MAI` TOZ New York State OSIA Urand `odge
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!
2 X The Golden Lion X September-October 2013
The Golden Lion is the official publication
of the New York State Order Sons of Italy in
AAerica LNYS OSIAM Urand `odge, the
largest and longest established organiaation
representing New Yorkbs woAen and Aen of
Italian heritageC The Golden Lion stri*es to
pro*ide tiAely inforAation about NYS OSIA,
while reporting indi*iduals, institutions,
issues and e*ents of current or historical significance in the New York Italian-AAerican
coAAunityC
The Golden Lion is published 5 tiAes yearlyZ LJan-Feb-Mar, Apr-May-June, Jul-Aug,
Sep-Oct, and No*-DecM by NYS OSIA, 2101
Bellmore Avenue. Bellmore, NY 11710,
51P-785-4P23. Mailed at periodicals postage
rates at BellAore and at additional Aailing
offices under cSPS perAit d017-2IHC e 1[[7
NYS OSIAC All rights reser*edC
Reproduction by any Aethod without perAission of the editor is prohibitedC StateAents of
fact and opinion are the responsibility of the
authors and do not necessarily iAply an opinion on the part of the officers, eAployees and
AeAbers of NYS OSIAC The Golden Lion
accepts Xueries, unsolicited Aanuscripts,
news releases, re*iews, and coAAents, but
does not assuAe any responsibility for unsolicited AaterialsC `etters to the editor Aust
include the naAe, address, and daytiAe telephone nuAber of the author to be considered
for publicationC
Annual subscriptions are included in the dues
for NYS OSIAC
POSTMASTERU Send address changes to
The Golden Lion, 2101 Bellmore Avenue.
Bellmore, NY 11710. NYS OSIA AeAbership inforAation is a*ailable at 800-322OSIA. Archi*es are Aaintained at the
IAAigration History Research Center,
cni*ersity of MinnesotaC Printing by Richner
CoAAunications, IncC, Uarden City, NYC
New York State Grand Council
Joseph F. Rondinelli............................................... State President
225 Massachusetts A*enue, MassapeXua, NY 1175H
HoAe TelZ 51G 7[[-00II
Cell TelZ 51G G5[-II0I
Fa8 NoC 51G 221-G7I2
!AailZ osia\frQaolCcoA
Carolyn Reres........................................... State 1st ]ice President
Robert Ferrito.......................................... State 2nd ]ice President
Thom Lupo................................... State IAAediate Past President
Anthony Naccarato............................................... State Orator
Michele Ment........................................ State Recording Secretary
Biagio Isgro, Jr........................................ State Financial Secretary
James Spatafore............................ State Corresponding Secretary
2712 SAith Dri*e, !ndwell, NY 137G0
John A. Fratta........................................................ State Treasurer
Angela DeCosimo....................................... State Principal Trustee
State Trustees
Susan Alicea
Anthony Corsello
Anthony DiCostanaa
Uina Ferrara
`ouis Uallo
]alerie Uobbo
Patrick Iandoli
Cesare Maniccia
`ouis Maaaacone
John MC Rubbo
Toni Spinelli
Joseph ]allone
jeith kilson
State Past Presidents
Anthony JC Uulottaf
Crescenao Pitocchif
Stefano Mielef
Corrado Stornellof
Sal*atore Cotillof
John JC Freschif
Stefano Mielef
Frank Catinellaf
Andrew JC Malatestaf
Francis gC Uiacconef
Peter RC huaolo
cbaldo NC Marinof
Joseph AC MonteAaranof
AAedeo HC ]olpef
Nicholas UC ]iglietta
CarAine AC ]entieraf
Joseph Parillo, JrCf
f
Peter AC Bre*ett
f
Joseph SciaAe
Sal*atore HC Migliaccio
Joseph CangeAi
Ueorge Montopolif
Joseph JC DiTrapani
PC ]incent `andif
Carlo Matteucci
Joseph Bolognaf
Nancy DiFiore iuinn
Joseph !C Fay
Sal*atore `anailotta
State Appointees
Rev. R. Adam Forno ...................................................... NYS Chaplain
Eleanor Jobbagy............................................... New York State Deputy
Louis Gallo ........................................... New York State CSJ ChairAan
Joseph Sciame and Luigi Squillante ......... NY State UMM Co-Chairs
New York State Member Bene Emeritus
CarAine Cocchiola f
Uiuseppe AC Nigro f
Constantine Fascia f
Uregorio Morabito f
`illian Black f
Philip Iannuccilli
Frank Picaraaai
Maria Dell’cnto f
UiacoAo DiNola f
Andrew Torregrossa, SrCf
Re*C Julius ]alentinellif
Joseph UC Bologna f
!C Howard Molisani f
ThoAas FC Rosoliof
PC ]incent `andi f
Anne Fioref
HonC Angelo DC Roncallof
AAelia BC Magnotta f
FC Joseph `eone f
Arthur `C Pardi f
John Musicaro f
!dward Innella
HonC Josephine UaAbinof
HonC DoAinic RC Massaro
Peter RC huaolo
`ouis `C UiaAbraf
Joseph Parillo, JrC f
Nicholas UC ]iglietta
Sal*atore Marasaf
!Aanuel JC Aragosa
Frank D’Andreaf
Joseph !C Fay
Joseph SciaAe
Re*C Donald BC `icataf
`ucy FC Codella
`ouis AAbrosio
John Dabbenef
Dan Colantone
Joseph CangeAi
Joseph JC DiTrapani
Carlo Matteucci
Nancy DiFiore iuinn
Sal*atore `anailotta
Antonette Innellaf
Syl*ia SuAAa
Joseph MonteAaranof
New York State Hall of Fame
DrC ]incenao Sellarof
Francis Meaaatesta, !sXCf
DrC ]incent Buffaf
Stefano Miele, f
Peter RC huaolo
Joseph SciaAe
fDeceased
National Officers\Appointees
Nancy DiFiore Quinn........................................National Fifth ]ice President
Joseph J. DiTrapani.................................National IAAediate Past President
Thom A. Lupo....................................................National Financial Secretary
Carlo Matteucci.....................................................................National Trustee
Nicholas Mauro.....................................................................National Trustee
Peter R. ^uzolo..........................................,................National Past President
Joseph Sciame.............................................................National Past President
Joseph J. DiTrapani..................National Sons of Italy Foundation President
Salvatore Lanzilotta...........................................National Foundation Trustee
Bruce Lankewish................................................National Foundation Trustee
Marianne Principe O’Neil.................................National Foundation Trustee
Carmine Federico..........................National Arbitration CoAAissioner Chair
Salvatore Lanzilotta................................National Arbitration CoAAissioner
Joseph F. Rondinelli..................................SupreAe Cabinet Co-Chairperson
Rev. R. Adam Forno...........................................................National Chaplain
Joan Rondinelli................................................Cooley’s AneAia Chairperson
Dominic Massaro.........................................National CSJ President !Aeritus
Grand Lodge Office
!ileen Sta*is, Office Manager
Carol DiTrapani, !8ecuti*e Assistant
2101-03 BellAore A*enue, BellAore, NCYC 11710-5G05
TelC 51G-7H5-IG23 1-H00-322-OSIA Fa8 51G-221-OSIA LG7I2M
wwwCnysosiaCorg P nysosiaQaolCcoA
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My Dear Brothers and Sisters:
W
ithout any real warning, fall has
officially arrived and the summer
of 2013 is behind us. Looking
back over June, July and August, the
days of this particular summer were
anything but Guiet. As you will remember, soon after our Annual State
Convention in June, we celebrated our
10Jth Anniversary at the founding site
in Little Italy in New York City. How
proud I was to represent you as State
President on this very special day.
When I last wrote, we were still enjoying the aftermath of our 10Qth State
Convention. Since that time – we have
been extremely busy and have kept the
Order on the move. Additional committee meetings in July and August kept
many of our State Officers and chairpersons extremely busy and productive.
Many of us joined together at summer
concerts, feasts, festivals and so much
more. We were overwhelmed by the
fraternalism shown to us as we visited
so many brothers and sisters around our
great state.
The July 20th Plenary Session hosted
by the Per Sempre Lodge V2344 and Per
Sempre Ladies Lodge V2344A of
Lynbrook, was a wonderful day filled
with a full agenda of items setting the
pace for this administration. The session was a huge success thanks to the
warm and generous hospitality extended
by Presidents Bobby Chiarovano and
Elaine D’Arrigo Mendez and the brothers and sisters of my home lodge. The
next Plenary will be held on October
2[th hosted by the Gabriele
D’Annunzio
Lodge
V321
in
Schenectady. I invite you to take part
with the Grand Council and various
State Commissioners and Chairs for an
informative insight as to the workings of
the Order.
I am pleased to report the Delegates
you elected to represent our Grand
Lodge at the ]3rd OSIA National
Biennial Convention in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, served with great distinction – and we were delighted to return
with the following newly elected
National Officers: National ]th Vice
President Nancy DiFiore `uinna
National Financial Secretary Thom
Lupoa
National
Trustee
Carlo
Matteuccia National Trustee Nicholas
Mauroa National Foundation Trustee
Salvatore
Lanzilottaa
National
Foundation Trustee Marianne Principe
O’Neila National Foundation Trustee
Bruce Lankewisha National Arbitration
Commissioner Carmine Federico belected chairman of the committeec and
National Arbitration Commissioner
Salvatore Lanzilotta. Immediate Past
National President Joseph DiTrapani
was also elected as the new President of
the Sons of Italy Foundation bSIFc.
Newly elected National President
Anthony Baratta also re-appointed Fr.
Adam Forno to serve as National
Chaplain of the Supreme Lodge OSIA.
In addition, it was an honor for me to be
appointed by National President Baratta
to Co-Chair the Supreme Lodge
President’s Cabinet. I am looking forward to working with and exchanging
ideas with the state presidents across the
country. I am also delighted to report
that State First Lady Joan Rondinelli has
been appointed as the National OSIA
Cooley's Anemia Chairperson. With
confidence and a willingness to serve
this important charitable endeavor, First
Lady Joan is thrilled to accept this new
challenge.
Through the tireless work and incredible generosity of the membership in the
local lodges throughout New York
OSIA the following donations were presented: $Q0,000 to Cooley’s Anemia,
$30,000 to the Alzheimer’s Foundation,
and $40,000 to the Doug Flutie Jr.
Foundation for Autism. A heartwarming
standing ovation from the national delegation for New York’s display of enormous charitable giving was given and
most appreciated.
On July 30th, the New York OSIA
Gift of Sight Committee held another
delightful Helen geller Day Camp
Outing. Special thanks to Gift of Sight
Chairperson Marianne Principe O’Neil
and the entire committee for giving so
much of their personal time to this awesome event. This was another special
day for the New York Grand Lodge.
On August 22-2]th, I traveled with
State Immediate Past President Thom
Lupo and State Orator Tony Naccarato
to visit with our brothers and sisters at
the: Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodgea
Daughters of Columbus Lodgea
Binghamton Lodgea Stella D'Argento
Lodgea Progresso Lodgea and the
Geneva Men and Ladies Lodge. We so
enjoyed spending time visiting with
seven lodges in three days in the upstate
region. It was a wonderful weekend
filled with great brotherhood and sisterhood. The reception we received was
short of amazing and please be assured we will return!
Saturday evening, September 21st we
joined with the Autism Committee at the
@2#;+(#)/A;$ @"&/&$D'1E0
NY Grand Lodge President 1ose23 45 6ondine77i and Per Se92re Ladies
Lodge :PP ;i7dred ;an<=si were 3onored ?@ t3e Per Sempre Lodge ,-.//
and the Per Sempre Ladies Lodge ,-.//A of Rock;ille Centre> at t3eir
Aoint Besti9onia7 Cinner Can<e on Se2te9?er DE FGHIE 3e7d at t3e Jood?=r@
Ko=ntr@ K7=?5 :n 23oto t3e 3onorees are f7anked ?@ t3eir s2o=ses N NY Grand
Lodge 4irst Lad@ 1oan 6ondine77i and Leonard ;an<=si5
2nd “Casino Royale” to benefit the
Doug Flutie Jr. Autism Foundation. A
special thank you to Rae Lanzilotta,
Barbara Lupo and the committee for
coordinating such an outstanding and
enjoyable evening. We applaud your
dedication to this most noteworthy charity!
As we move into the fall season, our
activities and a long list of events begins
to broaden. The month of October, as
you know, is designated as Italian
Heritage and Culture Month. Many
events are being planned and I urge all
my brothers and sisters to participate
together as we promote our rich culture
and ethnic pride. As the year’s activities
unfold you will hear and learn more
about our upcoming projects and events.
Despite all that there is to do, our committee chairpersons are doing more and
more. To do it all, we, and I especially,
need each of you. Please feel the enthusiasm that many of our brothers and sisters have and ask about a committee,
support an event, purchase a new “2014
New York OSIA Calendar,” bring in a
new member, and get on board to make
NYSOSIA the best that we can be.
Enjoy Columbus Day 2013 and be
ever so proud that we are Italian, Italian
Americans – the beneficiaries of a most
remarkable heritage. Perhaps you will
march in one of the scheduled
Columbus Day Parades either in:
Huntington, Long Island bOctober
13thca Rockland Countya bOctober
13thca or the legendary NYC Columbus
Day Parade bOctober 14thc.
Come and jon us at the Grand Lodge
Golf Outing for a great day of fraternity
and fun on October 21st. Cclebrate the
Gift of Sight Annual Luncheon on
November ktha as well as the 2]th
Annual Fundraiser sponsored by the
Garibaldi Meucci Museum on Saturday,
November 1[th. I look forward to being
with you at many of the events.
And so my brothers and Sisters, as
promised in my acceptance speech, I
will continue to lead our Grand Lodge to
the best of my ability always mindful of
the principles of our beloved Order.
Both Joanie and I will continue to attend
as many lodge and state functions as
possible. We are truly grateful for the
warm reception we are greeted with as
we travel the State of New York doing
the work of the Order Sons of Italy in
America. Attending the many events
keeps us in touch with so many of you.
For us, this is the highlight of being the
State President and First Lady.
In the months ahead I wish each and
everyone great accomplishments, strong
membership gains, and most of all,
peace and fraternity from within your
lodges. Let us always be reminded that
we all work for the good of the Order
and the Italian American community.
!"#$%&'()'*"+,-+$..State President
Grand Lodge of New York
!"#$%&'(#)$*+&)$,$-#./#01#2345/&1#2$6789 • 9
Letters
From Your Chaplain
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
P
lease join me in congratulating
Associate NYOSIA Chaplain
Father Gregory Rannazzisi who
was appointed as the Vice Rector of the
Seminary
of
the
Immaculate
Conception in Huntington, N.Y. Father
Gregory, a priest of the Rockville
Center Diocese, greatly values the
work of our Order and places himself at
its service whenever possible.
Congratulations Father Greg!
Assistant State Chaplain Fr. Anthony
Stangelli, the new pastor of the Church
of St. Brigid in Westbury, replaces Fr.
Greg as the District 2 Chaplain. I am
delighted Fr. Stangnelli is able to continue to assist as one of our chaplains.
The chaplaincy of District 1 remains
open at this writing.
On the last day of our 53rd OSIA
Biennial National Convention in
Philadelphia (August 11-17th), following the installation of our new National
President Anthony Baratta (Illinois), I
was reappointed for a third term as
National Chaplain. I am indebted to
President Baratta for his confidence in
my ability to continue to serve in this
capacity. It is a ministry of listening
and presence together with the prayers
and Masses (and jokes!) that I offer at
our assemblies. Thank you, Tony!
I wish to also thank National
Immediate Past President Joe DiTrapani
not only for my initial appointment as
National Chaplain but more importantly
for the four years of sterling service he
offered our beloved Order. While each
presidency is marked by the unique
gifts s/he brings to it, Joe demonstrated
not only an astute business acumen, that
brought our organization to financial
stability, but a leadership style that was
collegial, collaborative and transparent.
Now as president of the Sons of Italy
Foundation (SIF), Joe’s contribution
will continue to enhance our mission.
Congratulations also are extended to all
members of NYOSIA who were elected/appointed to national positions.
Today is Labor Day, the unofficial
Reverend R. Adam Forno
State and National
Chaplain, OSIA
end of summer and the beginning of a
series of OSIA events across the state
and nation. Renewed by summer days
of rest and recreation we begin our fund
raising events that support our charities.
Our local and grand lodge sponsored
events have contributed a total of $125
million in charitable giving (scholarships, medical research, disaster relief,
GMM, and more). In addition, with our
cultural, educational, linguistic, historical and social justice initiatives we
remain the premiere organization of
Americans of Italian descent.
Mindful of this great legacy may we
enter autumn with much pride and celebrate Italian Heritage Month with gratitude for the Order Sons of Italy in
America. In that spirit I extend to you
this blessing:
May God our Creator help you to discover hidden wisdom--- inspiring you to
be open, willing, and ready to share
your gifts with others. Amen
H ap p y C o l um b u s D a y
May our God who redeems, nourishes
and restores our lives bring you daily
satisfaction, renewed hope and energy
for your service. Amen
May God who sanctifies and sustains us
increase your service as you continue to
advance the family of humanity and the
kingdom God. Amen
Rev. R. Adam Forno
National/NYS OSIA Chaplain
In Memoriam
District Lodge Member
John Ambrosino
DOD
8/31/2013
New world discovery by Christopher Columbus. Created by Colin, published on Magasin
Pittoresque, Paris, 1844
Uncle of NY State President Joseph F. Rondinelli
1
2417 Lucy Delio
8/2/2013
2
2143 Armand Vella
9/21/2013
2
2
2143 Anthony Siclari
2143 Renato Saviano
8/25/2013
8/26/2013
Lodge Past President
Lodge Past President
May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
4 • The Golden Lion • September-October 2013
Remember The Date!
108th State Convention
May 29 to June 1, 2014
At Villa Roma Resort and Convention Center
John T. Vigiano
Peter A. Gay
Joseph V. Vigiano
Debbie Mannetta
Kathy Mazza Delosh
Rudolph Mastrocinque
Thomas Strada
Joseph Riverso
Joseph M. Romagnolo
Frank Mancini
Vigiano Brothers Lodge #3436 - Mount Sinai. ReMeMBeRinG 9/11. On
September 11, members of the lodge, held their Annual Remembrance Service
at the 9/11 Memorial at Harborside Park in Port Jefferson. In photo, Lodge
President Michele Sescila is on the extreme left. Also in attendance were State
Trustees Louis Gallo and Joseph Vallone. The lodge is named after NYC PD
Detective Joseph V. Vigiano and FDNY Firefighter John T. Vigiano, who as first
responders, gave their lives on that horrific day.
THE MAN WHO PREDICTED 9/11
by Robert Necci - IPP of Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 - Islip.
T
his year marks the 20th anniversary of the first bombing of the World Trade
Center on February 26, 1993. Our story begins in 1987 when Cyril Richard
‘Rick’ Rescorla, an Englishman of Italian ancestry, was hired as the director
of security at Dean Witter (DW), later to merge with Morgan Stanley. Early on
Rescorla began to look at the unusual security risks of the 40 floors occupied by
DW. Rescorla was convinced that the Towers were to be targets. He implemented evacuation drills, improved emergency procedures, and for six years warned
his colleagues and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of the vulnerabilities of one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. No one listened.
Following the North Tower attack (the first terrorist attack on American soil)
on February 26, Rescorla’s credibility was recognized and he received the necessary authority to protect his co-workers, other tenants, and the building.
Rescorla and an Army buddy, Dan Hill, his security consultant, assessed the damage done to the support columns in the basement by a bomb-laden truck. They
set out to secure the entrance to the building delivery docks. While the damage
from the explosion was substantial, the support structure was left intact, but, the
stairwells filled with smoke and severely hampered the evacuation route.
Rescorla set up fire marshals for each floor and remedied the smoke condition
that occurred. Rescorla and his security team worked tirelessly to improve security and evacuation procedures for the building.
However, Rescorla was convinced that there existed an additional liability that
needed to be addressed. He believed that there would be an attack from the air.
Again, he pleaded his conviction with the building management, the MTA and
city officials. Once again his words and concerns fell on unresponsive ears. This
was America, such a thing couldn’t happen here. American life continued unabated, but for those 7 years, until the second attack on September 11, 2001, Rescorla
was absorbed in protecting those under his charge.
On that fateful day at 8:45 AM, an American Airlines Boeing 747 loaded with
20,000 gallons of aviation fuel hit the North Tower. Rescorla immediately
ordered the evacuation of the building. By 9:45 AM, both buildings were now
engulfed in flames. ‘Rick’ Rescorla instinctively began his follow-up of each
floor seeking to rescue those paralyzed with fear. He escorted many down the
evacuation routes that he had set-up. ‘Rick’ returned to the upper floors seeking
the first responders, but by 9:58 AM the North Tower collapsed taking the life of
many, including ‘Rick’ Rescorla. The procedures established by ‘Rick’ Rescorla
saved all but two of the 2700 Morgan Stanley employees.
This man who loved America so much that he left England, came to America
and enlisted in the U.S. Army, served honorably in Viet Nam, and 30 years later
made the ultimate sacrifice for the people and country he loved. Greater love
than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.
The Golden Lion • September-October 2013 • 5
Celebrating Italian Culture and Heritage Month
Best Wishes
Italian
Heritage Month
Supervisor Kate Murray
Town of Hempstead
516-489-6000
We are proud to Support the
Grand Lodge of New York
Order Sons of Italy in America
Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor
Tony Martinez - Deputy Supervisor Councilman
Jackie Gordon - Councilwoman
Tom Donelly and Lindsay Henry - Councilmen
Carol Quirk - Babylon Town Clerk
Connie DiSomma - Receiver of Taxes
Steve Bellone. Suffolk County Executive
Tom Dolan for Suffolk County Legislator 14th LD
Paid by the Babylon Democratic Committee
Robert Stricoff - Chairman 631-991-3081
6 • The Golden Lion • September-October 2013
October - Celebrating Italian Culture and Heritage Month
Celebrate Your Italian Culture
and Be Proud of Your Heritage!
The Golden Lion • September-October 2013 • 7
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America Lodge #2245 - Franklin Square. State President Joseph
Rondinelli attended the lodge’s Scholarship Presentation Ceremony. He is
shown with, from left: Angela Pugliese, accepting for her grand-nephew,
Daniel Massimino; Victoria Charbonneau, Rosalie Caracciolo, State
President, Sara Stiklickas, and Pio Bonfitto. An additional recipient, Kiera
Grasso, couldn’t attend..
Vincent Lombardi Lodge #2270 - Rochester. The 3 Lodge Scholarship
recipients: front row, from left - Michael Lauria, Courtney Whitney, and
Micayla Greco are joined by the Lodge’s Committee. back row: from left Marisa Rubé, Joe Yonda, Ed Groszewski, Chairperson Sandra Meleca, and
Hon. Philip Datillo.
The John D. Calandra Lodge #2600 of Yonkers, presented the Michael
J. Amato Scholarship award to Ciara Coyle, for an essay on Italian Heritage.
Photo from left to right First Row - recipient Ciara Coyle, Mrs. Coyle, Nick
Longo - committee chair. Second Row - Lodge President Mike Ruggiero,
Sister Mary Alice Roemer - School Principal, Larry Cellamere - Lodge Past
President, Mike Meyer and Steve Troccolli - lodge members.
The Etruscan Lodge #2238 in New Paltz, recently awarded scholarship
to two New Paltz High School students who graduated with high achievements and community service. A celebration was held honoring Annelise
Apuzzo and Andrew Belicacicco. Pictured L-R: Marie Violante, Etruscan
Lodge IPP; George Perisco, Lodge Deputy to Etruscan; Annelise Apuzzo;
Andrew Bellacicco; and Brother Salvatore Patricola of St. Joseph's Church.
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New York OSIA Sponsors and Celebrates Italian Heritage Night at Long Island Ducks Game. On Sunday, August 4, 2013, a large contingent attended a pregame BBQ and the LI Ducks vs. York Revolution. An added attraction was watching our State President Rondinelli throw the first ball, a strike at that! Shown with
him, standing 2nd row center, are his family and some of the Sons of Italy members that attended.
8 • The Golden Lion • September-October 2013
T
The “Mother” Of All Italian American Festivals
he Feast of San Gennaro is held annually on Mulberry Street in NYC’s “Little
Italy.” This feast of feasts, originally a one-day religious commemoration,
began in September 1926 when newly arrived immigrants from Naples congregated along Mulberry Street, to continue the tradition they had followed in Italy
to celebrate San Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples. His feast day is September
19 in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.
The immigrant families on Mulberry Street who started it all, a group of cafe
owners, erected a small chapel in the street to house the image of their patron
Saint. They invited all to partake of their wares, asking the devoted to pin an offering to the ribbon streamers that are hung from the statue's apron. This money was
then distributed to the needy poor of the neighborhood.
Over time, the festival expanded into an 11-day street fair that brings over 3 million people from the four corners of the globe to “Little Italy.” The delicious
food, the free musical entertainment, Italian artifacts, parades, and proccession reflect a positive Italian American culture and heritage for all to share and possibly
bring back home with them.
The religious aspect of the festival takes place on September 19th, the Feast of
San Gennaro. The Grand Procession begins immediately after a celebratory Mass
at the Church of the Most Precious Blood on Mulberry Street, the Saints permanent home. This a Roman Catholic candlelit procession in which the statue of San
Gennaro is carried through the streets of Little Italy to the accompaniment of
bands and a great following of his devotees. It is both a festive and solemn occasion.
For 2013, the New York Sons of Italy in America, was proud to participate as
one of the co-sponsors of the festival, which include Fiat, Peroni, Medaglia D’Oro,
and Averna among others.
Prepared by Sal Moschella - Editor.
Our Little Italys: A Little Bit Of Italy In The United States
by Prof./ Cav. Philip DiNovo
T
he majority of Italian immigrants came to the United States from 1880 to
1920. The immigrants at that time left one thing behind, and that was poverty.
In Italy there was unemployment and underemployment, little or no schooling,
high mortality, almost no medical care, poor housing, rigid class structure, and exploitation. Most of the Italian immigrants during this period were single males between the ages of 24 and 45. Many of them expected to stay in the United States
only as long as it took to make enough money to improve their family situation.
There were also those who intended to send for their families as soon as they had
saved the needed funds.
Imagine how difficult it was for these immigrants to leave their parents and extended family and travel to a strange new land. Upon their arrival they felt isolation, alienated because of an unfamiliarity with the language and customs. Think
of the emotional drain on them! No wonder they became centralized in neighborhoods, many in urban areas. All types of businesses opened to serve the community. The Italian parish church was often the anchor and provided the spiritual and
social needs of the community. Immigrants established a number of mutual aid societies [such as the Sons of Italy], based on kinship and place of birth; they had
buildings that served the needs of the membership in the neighborhood. For many
Italian immigrants, migration to the United States should not be interpreted as a rejection of Italy. Little Italys are a defense of the Italian way of life and helped to
preserve the traditional order.
As time went on, some immigrants moved out of the Italian neighborhood but
returned often to patronize the businesses, attend religious services, as well as society meetings and events. The strongest Little Italys have Italian Americans living
within those neighborhoods. Even today, you will find a large Italian American
population living in Boston's "North End," Providence's "Atwell Ave," San
Diego's "Little Italy," San Francisco's "North End," the Bronx' "Arthur Avenue,"
NYC’s “Mulberry Street,”. and there are so many more similar places in the
United States. Most metropolitan areas where you find a large concentration of
Italian Americans you will find a Little Italy! Some are tourist attractions, others
only a shell of their former identity, while still others have been revitalized. The
popularity of Italian foods and all things Italian have helped to keep alive many of
America's Little Italys. Many Italian Americans who live in the suburbs return to
their Little Italy to find the real thing, to attend a Festa, or have a great Italian
meal.
You will also find Little Italys in some of our southern states, especially in New
Orleans, Louisiana and a very large one in Tampa, Florida. The majority of Italian
Americans in the nation actually live in New York State. You will find one or more
Italian neighborhoods in almost all major cities. There are at least five in New
York City with perhaps the best known Little Italy in Manhattan. In the NY Capital District you will find a Little Italy in Schenectady, Troy, and Albany. Troy has
an organization that works hard to keep its Little Italy vibrant. Schenectady holds
an annual street festival. Albany's "Little Italy" is very small, but you will find a
number of Italian stores and restaurants within the neighborhoods. Whenever you
travel be sure you find out if the city has more than one Italian neighborhood.
San Gennaro’s Feast - NYC’s “Little Italy.” On September 14th, NY State President Rondinelli and Lt. Petrosino Lodge President Emelise Aleandri led the opening day San Gennaro Grand Parade as sponsors of the 11-day festival. They are
immediately followed by the members of the Petrosino Lodge along with Figli di
San Gennaro society members.
In above photos, taken at the Grand Parade shows President Rondinelli with Petrosino Lodge Queen Joelle Maglioto (left photo). with Parade Honorary Marshal,
Wrestler Bruno San Martino (in center Photo). In photo at right, a Figli Di San Gennaro (Sons of San Gennaro) member carries the Society Banner with the image of
the Saint.
I find it very interesting to visit an area designated as "Little Italy" where a little
bit of Italy is often found. Many Italian traditions are kept alive in those areas
through festivals, institutions, services, and more ~ all indications that we are still
very much alive! n
One of the many traditional Italian bands that enhance the Italian Feast experience.
Golden Lion • September-October 2013 • 9
53rd Biennial National Convention
By Nancy DiFiore Quinn
T
his year, the 53rd Biennial National Convention
took the New York OSIA National Delegates to
the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The delegates were anxious to get the convention underway
because this would be the last convention chaired by
our own National President Joseph DiTrapani.
In the traditional New York OSIA manner, many of
the New York Delegates - with a few invited guests gathered on Monday evening to kick the week off
with a group dinner at Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant
in Philadelphia. The food was plentiful and all
enjoyed some relaxing conversation with their fellow
delegates.
The Supreme Council met in Plenary Session on
Monday afternoon and all of the New York delegates
were in attendance to view the national officers at
work. State President Joseph Rondinelli represented
New York OSIA proudly and proved himself a true
asset to our state
Tuesday morning arrived quickly and we were
ready to roll up our sleeves and begin working. The
session opened promptly at 9:00 am by National
President DiTrapani and various Executive Council
reports were reviewed and approved. After the
Presidents/Spouses Luncheon, the breakout sessions
took place and all our NY delegates served on different committees such as, Future Good & Welfare of
the Order, Resolutions & Messages, By-Law
Committee, Membership, Fundraising and Education
& Culture. The Presidents Cabinet also met to discuss various issues facing the grand lodges around the
country - concentrating on Fundraising and the IRS
filing of Form 990 (expertly delivered by Brother
Biagio Isgro). Wednesday the convention convened
with the Budget Report, By-Law Committee report,
National Executive Director’s report and reports from
the breakout meetings. After the Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro
Award Luncheon, the meeting continued and we
viewed a wonderful new DVD from the 2013 NELA
dinner. All State Presidents will be given a copy of
this DVD to make available to their local lodges.
At Wednesday’s luncheon we honored the 2013
National Sellaro Award Recipient, Brother Angelo R.
Bianchi. He was both proud and emotionally moved
during his acceptance of this award. Brother Bianchi
is a long time member of the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey and has always been a staunch supporter of his
Grand Lodge and of National OSIA. This was certainly a well deserved award!
State Past President and National Past President
Joseph Sciame addressed the delegates with regard to
the Garibaldi Meucci Museum. He explained that
OSIA has taken care of the museum for over 100
years and since 1985, there has been a professional
staff there. State grants have dried up and the newest
fundraiser for the GMM is the Brick Walkway
Program. Delegates were encouraged to purchase a
brick in tribute to their family name.
National Scholarship Chairperson Michele Ment
delivered a detailed report regarding the 2013
Scholarships that were presented at the NELA dinner
this year.
A new National CSJ Chairperson was appointed Brother Carlo Carlozzi of the Grand Lodge of
Connecticut. Our own Sister Santina Haemmerle was
given much deserved kudos on her past service as
National CSJ Chairperson.
10 • The Golden Lion • September-October 2013
Thursday was a much-needed day off from business. Many of us toured the city of Philadelphia on an
open-air tour bus. The New York Delegates had a
great time viewing the Betsy Ross House, the Liberty
Bell, Independence Hall - and of course, the famous
“Rocky” statue and “Rocky” steps!
On Friday, business continued and nominations
were made for the positions of National Officers on
the Grand Council. Elected from the New York
Grand Lodge were: Nancy DiFiore Quinn, National
5th Vice President; Thom Lupo, National Financial
Secretary; National Trustees Carlo Matteucci and
Nicholas Mauro; National Foundation Trustees,
Marianne Principe O’Neil, Bruce Lankewish and
Salvatore Lanzilotta; National Arbitration
Commissioners Carmine Federico (elected chairman
of the committee) and Salvatore Lanzilotta. Newly
elected National President Anthony Baratta also reappointed Rev. Adam Forno to serve as the National
Chaplain of the Supreme Lodge OSIA. Fr. Forno will
also continue to serve as the State Chaplain for the
Grand Lodge of New York OSIA. Immediate Past
National President Joseph DiTrapani was also elected
as the new President of the Sons of Italy Foundation
(SIF).
Regarding the charitable giving - On behalf of all
the members of the New York Grand Lodge OSIA our State President Joseph Rondinelli proudly
announced the following donations: $70,000 to
Cooley’s Anemia, $30,000 to the Alzheimer’s
Foundation and $40,000 to the Doug Flutie Jr.
Foundation for Autism. New York OSIA was by far
the largest donor during charitable giving. It is
because of YOUR generosity that we were able to
make these very substantial donations on behalf of
New York OSIA. More than $300,000 was donated
to charities on behalf of all the OSIA Grand lodges.
The Friday Sports Award Luncheon was a huge
success and a very enjoyable event. National OSIA
honored Jennifer Rizzotti, head coach for 14 years for
the University of Hartford Women’s Basketball team.
She is a three time America East Coach of the Year
Award winner and led the Hawks to four regular season championships, five tournament championships
and six trips to the NCAA Tournament. Ms. Rizzotti
was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of
Fame as part of the class of 2013.
Saturday was a day of culmination for this convention. All of the National Officers were installed - and
everyone listened attentively while National President
Anthony Baratta addressed the delegates with his
plans for the next two years of his administration. All
of the New York delegates were so proud of our humble outgoing National President Joseph DiTrapani and
delighted to have him “back home in New York
where he belongs.”
On Saturday evening, a prestigious Guglielmo
Marconi Award gala was held honoring United States
Congressman Tom Marino. A member of OSIA for
nearly ten years, Congressman Marino works diligently to promote the Italian culture and tradition, working with the Italian American community throughout
Pennsylvania and exemplifying the philanthropic and
humanitarian mission of OSIA.
It was a week packed full of meetings and breakout sessions where many OSIA concerns were
addressed. State President Joseph and First Lady Joan
hosted the New York delegates and many brothers and
sisters from across the country with warmth and gracious hospitality. Sincere kudos to New York
Hospitality Chairpersons John Quinn and John O’Neil
for their care and concern of all the delegates that
passed through the State President’s Hospitality Suite.
As a matter of fact - we must thank all the New York
delegates and their spouses for helping out whenever
needed. You were the best!
The 54th National Convention in August 2015 will
be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort &
Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Just a few notable issues that all our New York OSIA
members should be aware of:
• A by-law was passed that all Social Members of our
filial lodges have now been given the right to vote.
• National member initiation fee has been raised from
$3.00 to $8.00.
• All National officers are now responsible for their
own travel expense.
• The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has voted by an
overwhelming majority to resign from OSIA effective
June 30, 2013. By passing the abovementioned
changes, the National OSIA budget was passed without an increase in per-capita tax to the grand lodges.
Lastly I would like to introduce a program to all our
members that would help to assist our National Sons
of Italy Foundation (SIF) meet its charitable goal for
charitable giving. The program is called “OSIA’s
Sustaining Patrons Circle.” Your donation every
month from your credit card will help our National
Charities, General Charity Fund, Scholarship, Disaster
Relief and the Garibaldi Meucci Museum. Here is
how monthly giving is made easy for everyone to participate:
• Sign up for monthly giving online or mail a printable form. (log on to [email protected]. - A minimum
monthly donation of $10.00 for at least 3 consecutive
months is required to be a member of the Sustaining
Patrons Circle.
• Note the amount you would like to donate every
month. - You may change the amount of your gift at
any time by contacting the SIF National Office.
• Designate the program(s) to which you would like
your gift applied. = You may change the gift designation at any time by contacting the SIF National
Office.
• On the same day of every month, the amount you
designate will be automatically charged to the credit
card that you designate. - You may suspend your
monthly donations at any time by contacting the SIF
National Office.
• When you complete 3 consecutive monthly donations of $10 or more to the SIF, you will be installed
as a member of the Sustaining Patrons Circle and recognized on the Honor Roll.
• Each January, as long as you have participated in
monthly giving for any part of the previous calendar
year, you will receive a tax letter noting your full
donation amount for the previous calendar year.
This is really a simple way to exhibit pride in your
Italian Heritage without breaking your personal budget. You can donate as little as $10 a month - up to
whatever you can afford. Take pride in knowing that
you are helping to uphold the important work of the
SIF! For additional information, contact the National
Office at 202.547.2900 or log on to [email protected].
Let me take this opportunity to thank all of my
Brothers and Sisters for supporting my goals on a
National OSIA level. As National 5th Vice President,
I look forward to representing New York with dignity
and pride. n
Down Memory Lane
At the 45th Biennial National Convention, held in 1997, at the Breakers
Hotel in Palm Beach. FL, the NY OSIA’s own “Precision Water Ballet Team,”
during a lull in their rehearsal routine. From left:Carol DiTrapani, Edith Zuzolo,
Alice Ruttura, Marilyn Arragosa, Janet Rogers, Micki Cangemi, Marcy
Dabbene, Annette Lankewish, and Rose Lorito. Attempting to break the team
gender barrier is Antonio Baffo (right rear).
Honoring Our Own
The Per Sempre Lodge #2344 and the Per Sempre Ladies Lodge #2344A of
Rockville Centre, held their joint Testimonial Dinner Dance on September 8,.
2013, at the Woodbury Country Club. The two honorees were - NY State President
Joseph F. Rondinelli and Per Sempre Ladies Lodge IPP Mildred Mancusi (2nd and
3rd from left). Joining them are - from left: Per Sempre Lodge President Bobby
Chiarovano, Per Sempre Ladies President Lodge Elaine D”Arrigo Mendez, and
OSIA National Immediate Past President Joseph QiTrapani.
Fr. John Papallo Lodge #2684 - Kings Park. State President Joseph F.
Rondinelli attended the lodge’s Testimonial Brunch on September 15, 2013, honoring Lodge IPP Richard Macellaro (right). He is shown accepting a Certificate of
Appreciation from the State President for his contribution and devotion to the Order.
The Golden Lion • September-October 2013 • 11
Commission For Social Justice
“Fighting Bias,
Building Pride”
Louis J. Gallo Jr.
CSJ Chairman’s Message
Greetings My Brothers and Sisters
C
SJ is on a roll! We continue to transition from the previous administration, institute some changes, and yet ncver forget our missions of fighting bias and bigotry and promoting positive imagery of our history and culture. Consequently,
our work becomes very challenging constantly as we balance our attention from one
dimension to the next.
In this regard our financial team Andy Filangeri, Joe Vallone, and I finally
completed our financial transition. Thanks to the audit team led by Principal
Trustee Angela DeCosimo our two-year audit culminated in a document that provided us with recommendations to improve our bookkeeping. Andy organized a
cash flow management system from April 2013 till now to track our monthly revenue and expenditures, and with the aid of senior Board Member Josephine Cohen
the team created a proposed budget from now till the end of the fiscal year, which
will be presented to the Board for review. Once the Board approves the budget, we
will finally be on our way financially.
As we completed the above tasks, I turned my attention to district organization.
I always feel that if we have a strong base with active district chairpersons and
liaisons, CSJ will make an impact in our local communities. Thanks to my pursuit
I have appointed Charlie Lucie, Immediate Past President of the Perry Como
Lodge, District 1 Chairman. Charlie has already begun his work with gusto as he
tries to appoint officers and request more liaisons from the presidents in each of
the lodges to fill vacancies. In a meeting held in District 4 members have selected
Mario Cermele from the Antonio Meucci Lodge to be Chairman. Knowing Charlie
and Mario I know that these districts will do admirable work at the grass-roots for
our Order. In fact, to accomplish such admirable work all over I have communicated to all District Chairpersons through e-mails giving them advice and instructions
regarding communication with the Board, meetings, and finances. The expectation
is to develop a strong bond between the Board and the districts and to create a
powerful CSJ that will allow us to advance our missions successfully. We will further this effort by filling all liaison vacancies and follow with a strong liaison orientation program as I travel to all the districts in the state.
Of course, as we did all these things, we kept an eye on our missions. At our
July Board meeting we entertained a video streaming project initiated by Counsel
and Board member Mike Santo. Basically it involves using social media financed
by corporate sponsorships to gather information on every endeavor of Italian culture and linking this information to everyone on said media. Board member Liz
Rizzo of the Basilone Lodge has kept us abreast on the issue of the demolition of
Our Lady of Loreto Church in Brooklyn, a church that was truly a historic and
unique testament to Italian physical labor for over a century. Even though the
Brooklyn diocese wants to demolish the church due to lack of attendance and
develop the property for low income housing for the East New York community,
there are those in the Order and in the community that want to preserve the church
and develop a neighborhood community and arts center that would have youth
acculturation and education programs, art seminars, and worship services to name
a few. The Board is entertaining possible direct involvement.
However, as usual we have to be ever so vigilant about defamation and stereotyping. In mid-July our upstate brothers and sisters alerted us to a rambling food
truck in the Schenectady area called the “Wandering Dago” owned by two Italian
Americans that promotes a “dago” and “polack” menu. As we ignited the Board
and lodge base, our Counsel Mike Santo elected to speak directly to the owners
and made them aware of our concerns. The owners decided to organize a public
poll about the truck’s name, and when the results were in, the owners decided to
keep the name. Since we were so baffled and disappointed, I wrote a letter to all
Schenectady County legislators, the County Attorney, and the County Manager
expressing our dissatisfaction and demanded they take action! (See letter inset).
This letter was followed up by a phone call to the Presiding Chair, Judith
D’Agostino, to discover what action was taken, if any. I still await that phone
reply. Having been banned from the Empire State Plaza and Saratoga Raceway
because of the truck’s name, the owners have now initiated a lawsuit in federal district court in Albany claiming an abridgment of their free speech rights under the
U.S. and New York Constitutions, breach of contract with New York State since
12 • Golden Lion • September-October 2013
they should have had 30-days notice, and monetary and punitive damages for business and profit loss. Upon hearing of this lawsuit the members of the Gabrielle
D’Annunzio Lodge of Schenectady began to entertain the filing of an amicus brief
(“friend of the court”) on the side of the state. The lodge has been in consultation
with our Counsel on this matter. In fact, our thanks should be extended to the
lodge for its vigilance. The members have filed letters to the editor in local
papers, kept me abreast of any local coverage on the issue, and wrote a letter to the
New York Racing Association thanking it for banning the truck from the raceway.
The lodge continues to monitor the situation and we await the county’s and state’s
reaction. We will keep you informed.
Once into August we turned our attention to our annual Italian Night at the
Long Island Duck’s game and our annual Belmont Park fundraiser. President Joe
threw out the first ball, and both the Order’s and the CSJ’s logo were prominently
displayed on the field screen almost every inning since both the Order and CSJ
sponsored the event. We followed up with an exhibit of positive image material
and posters at the main entrance for the fans to take. Thanks should be extended to
Board members Angela DeCosimo and Eleanor Jobbagy for setting up the exhibit
and talking to the fans about the Order and CSJ. We’ve been encouraging all our
members in districts 1, 2, and 3 to attend the Belmont Park event. Monies from
this event are earmarked for the local districts to promote their own local projects.
We’re hoping for a great turnout to give a boost to our local districts.
As President Theodore Roosevelt used to say, “keep your feet solidly on the
ground [the present] but always look up to the stars [the future].” At CSJ we follow that maxim. As one can see from the aforementioned we are on solid ground.
As for the immediate future we will be entertaining the possibility of a new storage
facility for our archives (Jean Gagliardo), a strategy for the Brumidi postage stamp
campaign (Rocco Lanzilotta), a possible Columbus Day Parade float (John
Laruccia), our website update (Terry Tanzer), and our video library evaluation
(me). We have lots to do, but we have a dynamic team that gets it all done. Stay
tuned.
Fraternally,
Lou
August 15, 2013
Schenectady County Attorney
Schenectady County Office Building
Dear Sir/Madam:
I would like to bring to your attention a matter of particular concern to the members of our organization. Firstly, the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) is the
anti-defamation arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America. It is our function to
fight defamation and bigotry against Italians and Italian-Americans wherever it
rears its ugly head in New York State and to create and develop positive images of
said people. In this regard consider the following recent development.
About a month or so ago a rambling food truck in Schenectady called the
“Wandering Dago” with a “ “dago” and “polack” menu was literally kicked out of
the Saratoga Raceway and banned from the Empire State Plaza for the use of such
a name on the truck. The terms “dago” and “polack” have historically always been
pejorative and defamatory expressions against Italian and Polish immigrants
respectively, used in a derisive and not an endearing manner. They are no different than some of the other disparaging terms used for other ethnic and racial
groups. It is obvious to the members of our organization and our supporters then
why such an action was taken by the Raceway and Plaza officials.
We therefore took the time to contact the owners of the food truck to educate
them about the aforementioned expressions above. Our counsel, Michael Santo,
spoke directly to one of the owners, Andrea Logiudice, about the seriousness of
our concern and the need to make changes regarding the food truck’s name. Our
concerns have been met with utter disregard because recently in a post on the owners’ facebook page they categorically said they would not change the name of the
truck. Such a public statement has baffled and disappointed us to the extent that
we conjure now your involvement.
We therefore demand that the Schenectady County Legislature pass an ordinance prohibiting the use of any offensive terms and language contained in business or any other applications to the County that would offend any individual, ethnic, or racial group. If the County does have such an ordinance, then we would
demand that law enforcement take any action necessary to remove the name on the
truck. We also demand that your body or the County Executive formally direct the
Commissioner of the Schenectady County Public Health Administration to unilaterally rescind the food permit issued to this business. Nothing short of the above
is acceptable.
I am sure you will agree that even in today’s modern times with its clamor for
tolerance to all that we do not extend such tolerance in accepting even pejorative
expressions that taint innocent people of any ethnic group, especially a food truck
that rambles around town publicly reinforcing the acceptance of an ethnic slur. We
urge that the Schenectady County Legislature do something.
Thank you for your time. Feel free to contact me if need be.
Sincerely yours,
Louis J. Gallo, Jr., Chairman
Summer Plenary Session. Held on July 20th and hosted by the Per Sempre
Lodge #2344 and the Per Sempre Ladies Lodge #2344A, it was the first Plenary
presided by Grand Lodge President Joseph F. Rondinelli (center). He is shown
with Per Sempre Lodges Presidents Joseph (Bobby) Chiarovano and Elaine D’Arrigo Mendez, holding Appreciation Plaques presented to them by the State President. The newly elected and sworn-in State Trustees: Pat Iandolo and Keith
Wilson are on the right.
For More Info - Contact: Keith Wilson @ 516-633-1435
Gift of Sight. On July 30, the Gift of Sight Committee held its Annual Helen
Keller Day Camp Outing at Eisenhower Park on Long Island, providing a day of
fun and games geared for the visually impaired children. In photo, State President
Joseph F. Rondinelli, First Lady Joann Rondinelli, and Gift of Sight Chairperson
Marianne Principe O’Neil (in the center of kneeling group) with committee members and children Great Work!
OSIA was well represented at the Annual Italian Experience Festival at Hofstra
University, Uniondale. Many attendees stopped by the Grand Lodge Membership
and the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum tables to pick up materials and learn about
membership in the Order. In photo, from left: Gil DeCosimo, Luigi Squillante, Angela DeCosimo, NYS First VP and State Membership Chair Carolyn Reres, Nat
Mannino, Gina Ferrara, and Eleanor Jobbagy.
Golden Lion • September-October 2013 • 13
Then
and
Now
by Florence Gatto - Contributing Writer
On the same block
It was so much easier when we all lived
on the same block years ago.
“We” being sisters, cousins, grandparents, in –laws and paesani.
“Easier,” because we knew everyone
around and we were there for each other
in sickness and in health and rain or
shine.
We created
dependable support
systems for each
other. Children were
always
guarded
and later the roles
were reversed when
the kids kept an eye
on the elderly.
Granted the seniors
may have been intrusive at times, but if
they were not busy knitting or mending,
they were peeking behind the blinds…
observing. They knew every movement
in the area. They were the original
neighborhood watch team!
How many of us can remember our
mother’s command,
“Go bring this to Grandma!”
We only had to ask “Which one?”
They probably both lived on the same
block. “This” could be anything from
the newspaper to an onion. The kids
never complained because we might
also get a treat. My favorite was some
lemon or coffee granita in summer. In
winter, pizzette or cookies were the
prize. As a bonus, Nonna told a story
about Italy. I wish I could remember
those stories now.
Being in the same neighborhood had
many advantages. We not only shared
the figs and tomatoes, but kids could
choose to eat at Nonna’s if they preferred her menu that day.
We walked to stores, church, and school
with our cousins and if lucky, we could
be singing, “How I Adore the Boy Next
Door.” You could end up marrying him.
This was a good thing because you
knew the family and what hereditary
traits potential children could get- from
allergies to insanity!
Newlyweds found apartments nearby
and when a house was for sale someone
in the family would buy it to anchor you
on the block. Sometimes neighbors
worked on the same block. Our family
doctor and dentist had offices in their
homes.
My young family reluctantly broke tradition. We moved off the block, to our
own home, out of the city. To make
peace we invited the family for
Thanksgiving dinner in the suburbs!
Well, we did not take into account that
all America celebrates Thanksgiving
and it is the worst traffic day of the year.
We scheduled dinner for 2:30 PM. My
mother in law suggested she make the
turkey because my oven was small.
Other guests arrived with pies, pastries,
and wine. The cooked turkey was traveling on the parkway. We waited. Three
PM, and 4PM passed. Everyone was
starving so we started on the sweet potatoes, artichokes, cranberries, and the
wine. At 6 PM the stuffed bird arrived
with fatigued relatives. It just in time to
eat it as dessert!
This would never have happened if we
all lived on the same block. The bird
would have been carried over by a
strong uncle, placed on the table, and
carved on time!
I remember when we did not have to
deal with traffic, tolls, or parking issues
to visit. We just rang the bell, walked in,
said “Ciao”, and provided moral support, a daily dose of gossip, or a container of soup. Now we are scattered. I
have to make Delta reservations to see
my family or I can speak to my grandchildren on Skype! I don’t like it. I’d
rather have a real hug and kiss.
Oh how I wish everyone were on the
same block again, like the good old
days. n
Florence is a Past President of the
Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372, and a
member of the OSIA Scholarship
Committee. Flo is the author of “The Scent
of Jasmine - Vignettes from a Sicilian
Heritage.” She has studied in Italy under
Fullbright and NYS Teacher Grants.
Singing with the choir
by Mike Cutillo - Contributing Writer
H
e has called a convertible a
"portable." He has referred to the
first president of the United States
as "George Washing Machine." He is
notorious for chopping off the endings
of words so that "corner" becomes
"corn," "pocket" turns into "pock" and
"mountain" morphs into "mount,"
which leads to sentences like: "I went
arounda da corn an
saw a picture of da
mount onna da
ground so I pick it
up and put it in my
pock."
We've had some
good-natured fun in
the family over the
years, teasing our
Dad about the way
he speaks English.
Now please, don't get me wrong, we
wouldn't do it if he didn't take it as well
as he does. He laughs at himself probably even more than we do. Plus, he
knows how really proud we all are of
him, how he came to America in 1958
as a 27-year-old, knowing only a handful of words in English, and now, 55
years, later, he can tell a tale as well as
any native speaker. If not better.
It's just that, to this day, he still manages to butcher the language, and he
knows it. My sister tells this story best.
A couple of years ago, she popped in on
Dad for a quick visit, and Dad
announced, in his heavy, thick accent,
"Hey, I saw your friend Sherry at the
choir practice today."
"Choir practice?" Teresa replied. "Wow,
I've known Sherry for a lot of years, but
I didn't even know she could sing,
much less join a choir. I really wouldn't
expect that you'd bump into her at choir
practice. Are you sure, Dad, that it was
Sherry you saw and not someone else?"
"Yes, I said hello to her, and she said
hello right back to me," Dad replied.
"And are you sure it was at choir practice?" Teresa asked.
A little indignant, Dad replied: "Hey,
come on, now. I might not talk all dat
good, but I know where I went today. It
was the choir practice. And dat's where
I saw you friend Sherry."
Teresa kicks herself to this day because
she did not ask Dad what I thought
would have been a pertinent and logical
question: What in the world were you
doing at choir practice? That might
have cleared things up rather quickly
because Dad has never had any inkling
of joining any choir, at least as far as all
of us know. But Teresa didn't ask.
Instead she was just thinking that the
next time she saw her friend Sherry she
had to ask her when she had joined the
choir, of all things.
Anyway, within a few short weeks
Teresa did get together with her friend,
and it went something like this:
Teresa: "Hey, Sherry, how long has it
been since you've been singing in the
choir?"
Sherry: "The choir? What are you talking about?"
Teresa: "Yes, come on, the choir. The
last time I saw my Dad he said tha he
saw you the other day at choir practice."
Sherry: "Your Dad? Geez, I haven't
seen your Dad in months ."
Teresa: "Wow. Are you sure? That's
strange because he swore it was you.
He said you even said hello to him."
Sherry: "Oh, wait . yes, yes . I DID see
your dad . it was three or four weeks
ago. That's right, I forgot. I bumped into
him at the chiropractor's office!"
Teresa: "The chiropractor?"
Sherry: "Yes, yes, the chiropractor. I
was leaving after my appointment and I
think your Dad was just coming in for
his. Now, what was that about me
singing in the choir?"
Mike Cutillo is past president of
Geneva Lodge 2397 in Upstate New
York. He is the Executive Editor at the
Finger Lakes Times newspaper and can
be
reached
at
[email protected].
The November-December issue of the
Golden Lion will be the Christmas edition
and will include the Annual Christmas
wishes and messages. Lodges, individual
members, and anyone else interested are
urged to participate in this display of
holiday fraternalism.
For additional information please contact
Anita Rosato at 631-271-1272 or
the Grand Lodge Office at 516-785-4623
Precious Cargo - Drive Carefully
14 • The Golden Lion • September-October 2013
2013: Year of Italian Culture in the United States
Year of Italian Culture: 2013 - A year long journey ... highlighting Italy’s contemporary contributions and its legacy of culture, research, discovery and innovation...and Italy’s commemorative historic anniversaries. Italian culture is
ubiquitous, enduring and ever evolving. So this journey could be any year, anywhere:
Art/Architecture. The Year of Italian Culture was inaugurated with Washington’s
National Gallery of Art’s exhibit of Michelangelo’s David-Apollo from the unrivaled
Italian Renaissance. More recent movements include Futurismo and Metaphysical
Art.From classical to contemporary design, Italian architecture has been mirrored
worldwide for private homes and public buildings.
Music/Theatre. 2013 marks the bicentennial of Verdi’s birth; as the patriotic composer of Il Risorgimento, is Nabucco’s Va Pensiero aria was hoped to be Italy’s
national anthem. Presently, international festivals promote Italian classic, pop and
jazz music. Commedia dell’Arte, improvised theatre, lives on in every performance
of Pulcinella; Goldoni brought written dialogue to Commedia. Sicilian marionettes
tell epic tales; Pinocchio still teaches universal truths.
Science/Technology. Following the geniuses of Galileo, Meucci, Marconi, and
Fermi, the Italian born physicist Faggin designed the first commercial microprocessor. Other Italians are pioneers in digital communications and machinery design.
Italy with the United States was the first to send a satellite into orbit in 1964 and
designed over 50% of the International Space Lab. Italian medical inventions and
discoveries include the first artificial heart implanted in a human; coronary stents,
“Knockout Mice,”engineered for genetic research; and AIDS treatments.
Cinema/Photography. Cinecitta` has produced great classic films, international
productions, Neorealism, and contemporary cinema.
Italian photography has developed into a true visual art, providing images and ideas
that inspire fashion, travel and personal memory and thought.
Italian Language/Literature. Dante, the medieval poet, wrote La Divina
Commedia in Tuscan dialect, not Latin, establishing Italian as the literary language
of Italy, which eventually became the official language
of a unified Italy.
Machiavelli is the Italian historian, politician and author of Il Principe whose quincentennial is celebrated in 2013. Il Principe presented a new political philosophy:
“The end justifies the means.”
Boccaccio, Renaissance poet and humanist, penned Il Decamerone, the one-hundred
narrated tales set in 1348. 2013 commemorates the seven-hundredth year of its writing. Chaucer and Shakespeare were influenced by Boccaccio’s work.
Italian Brand/Design. “Made in Italy” guarantees style and quality worldwide. It
includes fashion, furniture, household objects, other personal and industrial products
and the graphic design, which presents and advertises the products, combining form
and function and seeming veritable works of art in and of themselves.
Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini, well known for sleek luxury automobile design,
performance and speed, also were destined to produce teams or engines to propel
Formula Uno cars with phenomenal speeds around the race track. Happy Fiftieth
Anniversary, Lamborghini!
Tastes/Flavors of Italy. Who does not enjoy the delights of discovery in moving
through a mixed antipasto with mozzarella di bufala, exactly paper thin prosciutto;
the sensation of perfectly cooked al dente pasta with a sugo that perfectly matches
the pasta’s shape to which it clings; or a perfect espresso with schiuma. This tradition continues in every trattoria and ristorante that bears an Italian name or menu.
Italian Territories. Who has not dreamed of an Italian vacation…to witness the layers of civilization in Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples; southern crossroads of Greek,
Spanish, Arabic, and Norman cultures; ancient dialects and rustic cuisines; and
Italy’s mountains, hill towns, canals, lakes, islands and beaches.
Next Generation. Italy’s next generation with its humanist, scientific and technological approach will continue to inspire research, creativity, discovery and innovation, further contributing to Italy’s legacy of enriching world civilization.
Prepared by the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee
of New York, Inc.
www.italyculturemonth.org
Scheduled Heritage and Cultural Events For October 2013
Oct. 1-31st - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 - Italian Artifacts on display at the Islip
Library, Islip. Contact: Islip Library @ 631-581-5933.
Oct. 1 - Le Amiche Lodge #2550 - Italian Heritage Pot Luck Dinner at 885 Midland
Avenue, Yonkers, 7:00pm. Contact: Paula Baratta @ 94-376-2488.
Oct. 4 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - Italian American Comedy; presented by
Prof. Salvatore Primeggio, Pt. Washington Library, 12:15pm. Contact: Tom Amato @
516-423-9113.
Oct. 4 - District I Lodges - “Class of Life” - Growing Up Italian at Polish American Hall,
Port Jefferson Station, 7:30pm, $20pp. Contact: Lou Gallo @ 631-821-2290.
Oct. 4 - Sgt. John Basilone Lodge #2442 - “Cinema Paradiso” awarding winning film
with film historian Irene Eckert at Sayville Library, 6:30pm. Contact: Joan Tasoglu @
631-682-8037.
Oct. 5 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - Italian Night/45th Anniversary at Clinton Martin Park.
Contact: Joanne Grossman @ 718-428-8725 or MaryLou Rando @ 718-359-2508.
Oct. 6 - Vincent Linguanti Lodge #2212 - Opera Presentation by Dr. Louis Orazio at
Suffern Free Library, Rt. 59 Suffern, 1:30pm. Contact: George Persico @ 845-429-8671.
Oct. 8 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - Pride & Passion: The Italians in America;
film and discussion presented by filmmaker Marino Amoruso, Pt. Washington Library,
7:30pm. Contact: Tom Amato @ 516-423-9113.
Oct. 10 - Sgt. John Basilone Lodge #2442 - “A Tour of Italy from North to South” at
Sayville Library, 7:00pm. Contact: Joan Tasoglu @ 631-682-8037.
October 11-13th - Christopher Columbus Lodge #692 - Italian Festival at Veteran’s
Park, 86 Narragansett Avenue, Ossining. Contact: Lucia Piscopiello @ 914-588-2907.
Oct. 11 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - The Little Fugitive; film and discussion
presented by Mary Engel, Pt. Washington Library, 12:15pm. Contact: Tom Amato @
516-423-9113.
Oct. 11 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - Great American Holidays: Columbus
Day; illustrated lecture presented by Dr. Ronald J. Brown, Pt. Washington Library,
3:00pm. Contact: Tom Amato @ 516-423-9113.
Oct. 11 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - PopOp: From Bolton to Bocelli; performance by Peter La Rosa, Pt. Washington, 7:30pm. Contact: Tom Amato @ 516423-9113.
Oct. 11 - Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge #2867 - 2nd Annual Event featuring the musical
performance of Angelo Ruggiero and The Flamingos. PS 232 Auditorium 153-23 83st,
Howard Beach. 7-11 pm, $5 pp. Contact:Jeff D. @347-604-4216.
Oct. 12 - Progresso Lodge #1047 - Annual Columbus Day Scholarship D/D at Ramada
Inn, No. Syracuese, 6:30pm, $45pp. Contact: Carmine Federico @ 315-457-501.
Oct. 12 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - Favorite Children’s Stories: La Befana
& Strega Nona; animated story presented by Lucy Salerno, Pt. Washington Library,
11:45am. Contact: Tom Amato @ 516-423-9113.
Oct. 13 - District I & II - Long Island Sons of Italy Columbus Day Parade, Main Street,
Huntington. Grand Marshals are: State First Lady Joan Rondinelli, Disc Jockey Don
K. Reed, Disc Jockey WHLI Paul Richards and Disc Jockey WHLI Joe Satta. Contact:
Keith Wilson @ 516-633-1435.
Oct. 14 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - Virtual Visits: Italian Paintings at the
Metropolitan; presented by Ines Powell, Pt. Washington Library, 11:00am. Contact:
Tom Amato @ 516-423-9113.
Oct. 14 - Progresso Lodge #1047 - Columbus Day Ceremony at Columbus
Monument, Syracuse. Contact: Carmine Federico @ 315-457-5010.
Oct. 14 - Edward J. Speno Lodge #2568 - Italian Heritage and Culture Month
Membership Drive Pasta Night at American Legion Hall, Post 1082, 294 Bellmore
Road, E. Meadow, 7:30pm. Contact: Carmine Biscardi @ 516-308-3490.
Oct. 16 - Perry Como Lodge #2846 - Italian Culture Night at Lodge Meeting Hall.
Contact: Maryann Sacher @ 631-757-5946.
Oct. 17 - District I Lodges - A Tribute to Italian-American War Veterans at Sachem
Public Library, 6:00pm. Contact: Lou Gallo @ 631-821-2290.
Oct. 17 - Vigiano Brothers Lodge #3436 - Italian Heritage and Culture Night at Lodge.
Contact: Michele Sescila @ 631-676-6145.
Oct. 17 - Vigiano Brothers Lodge #3436 - Author Frank Tassielli presents “An Italian
Boy’s Life” at Rose Caracappa Senior Center, Mt. Sinai, 7:00pm. Contact: Michele
Sescila @ 631-676-6145.
Oct. 18 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - Capitol Heights Lyric Opera Company:
Italian Passion in Opera and Song; live performance, Pt. Washington Library, 7:30pm.
Contact: Tom Amato @ 516-423-9113.
Oct. 19 - Vincent Lombardi Lodge #2270 - Columbus Day D/D at Midvale Country
Club, Rochester, 6:00pm, $60pp. Contact: Linda Agnello @ 585-288-4234.
Oct. 19 - Vincent Lombardi Lodge # 2270 - Italian Heritage Awards D/D at Midvale
Country Club, Penfield, $60pp. Contact: Jennifer Rube @ 585-381-5540.
Oct. 20 - Romanesque Lodge #2198 - Italian Crafts for Children, and other activities
for children and families. Haverstraw King’s Daughters Library. 1-3pm. Free
Oct. 21 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - Afternoon at the Opera: Simon
Boccanegra by Giuseppe Verdi; audio-visual lecture presented by Prof. James Kolb,
Pt. Washington Library, 3:00pm. Contact: Tom Amato @ 516-423-9113.
Oct. 23 - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 - Presentation by Dr. Frederick Zito on Life
& Experiments of Dr. Marconi at the Islip Library, Islip, 7:00pm. Contact: Islip Library
@ 631-581-5933.
Oct 25 - Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321 - Columbus D/D honoring IPP Louis
Fazzone at Mallozzi’s Banquet House, Rotterdam, $45pp. Contact: Peter Sparano @
518-355-9612.
Oct. 27 - Antonio Meucci Lodge #213 - Annual Christopher Columbus Day D/D.
Contact: Flavia DiNota @ 914-761-9073.
Oct. 27 - Andrea Doria Lodge #2201 - “Sunday Performances” Songs of Italy with
Gianni Monti and Anna Fontana at Selden Cultural Center of Middle Country Library,
Selden, 2:00pm. Contact: Virginia Abruzzo McConville @ 631-736-4951.
Oct. 28 - Marco Polo Lodge #2214 - Italian Heritage Night event with Guest Speaker
Dr. Joseph Tursi at Marco Polo Lodge Hall, Levittown, 8:00pm. Contact: Mary DeRosa
@ 516-579-1716. n
The Golden Lion • September-October 2013 • 15
Membership 2013
We l c o m e N e w M e m b e r s
New members initiated as of September 15, 2013
DISTRICT I
2232
Andrew LaRocca
DISTRICT II (cont’d)
2180
Florence C. Iovino
2319
Justin Bandise
Adele Megna
James Megna
Patricia O’Donnell
2206
Frank Cappa
Isabella Cappa
James Cola
Jack Martins
Anthony Pasquala
JoAnn Bono Strong
2451
Diane Carpenter
2442
Vincenzo Caturano
Roslyn Sesso
2846
Ann Bonosoro
Frank Bonosoro
Chiarina Eicholz
Matthew Eicholz
Rita T. Gallo
Shaina Grzecka
Charlie Raymond
DISTRICT II
1389
Marian Pia Hadelbach
George W. Martin
Doreen Severin
Michael Severin
2143
Anthony Canavaciol
Robert Fazio
Chris Russo
Joseph Sorce
Joseph Milazzo
2163A
Mary Dannebaum
Nora Ann De Carolis
Elizabeth Gimber
Maritza Mazza
Gregory Mazzeo
Mary Grace Parrans
Jane R. Trapani
2253
Franco Cavarra
Anna Boccio
Dominick Longobordi
Louise Longobordi
Ralph Mirabelli
DISTRICT III
285
Joseph Scalzo
Nikki Tartanela
2344
Christiopher L. Balestrieri
Robert Lettieri
Mario Vaglica
Frank A. Ruggiero
2344A
Patricia A. Pampino
2859
Josephine Olson
Andrew Olson
John Ross
Rose Marie Visone
2867
Joan Cardino
Linda Guarneri
Deborah McAliney
DISTRICT IV
2248
Ester A. Fallon
Ron Kiedaisch
2435
Michelle Disque
DISTRICT IV (cont’d)
2550
Rosemary Circosta
Carol Credendino
Marge Esposito
Lina Ferrito
Mary Milano
Joan Pangia
Mary Paldino
Helken Rubbo
Laura Sinatra
Joanie Simonetti
Laura Tolli
Nancy Tolli
2600
Vincent C. Grolli
Jim LanFranchi
Daniel P. Romano
DISTRICT VI
321
Anthony D’Anateti
Joe Chrys
Anthony DiCocco
Emma DiGiorgio
Aurelio Levito
John Napoli
Angelo Rossi
Antonio Santabarbara
Joseph Sorrentino
Benjamin P. Signore
Dianet Signore
Laura Taglienti
Barry Van Steele
Thomas Verrign
Vincenzo Viscusi
DISTRICT VIII
2270
Martha Benfante
Gino Ramano
Thomas A. Ferraro Jr.
Vicki Pawlyshyn
Michael R. Tomaselli
Anthony Joseph Yonda
Columbus Lodge #2143 - S. Farmingdale. On September 10, 2013, five new
members were welcomed into the lodge. They are shown taking the Oath of the
Order being administered by Lodge Deputy Anthony Ceriello (not in photo). The
new members in alpha oreder are:. Anthony Canavaciol, Robert Fazio, Chris
Russo, Joseph Sorce, and Joseph Milazzo.
Cellini Lodge #2206 of New Hyde Park Initiates New Members. State First
VP Carolyn Reres,attended the lodge’s ceremony on August 5, 2013, when 6 new
members were sworn into the Order, including NY State Senator Jack Martins.
In photo - from left: Lodge President Vincent R. Illuzzi; new members: Senator
Jack Martins, Isabella and Frank Cappa, Anthony Pasquarella, JoAnn Bono
Strong, and James Cola; and State 1st VP Carolyn Reres.
Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 - Smithtown. Benvenuti a tutti. The lodge
recently inducted 5 new members into the Order. in photo on left, 4 new members
are pictured with Lodge President Geraldine Iannello Graham. From left: Adele
Megna, James Megna, Patricia O’Connell, and Justin Bandise. In photo on right:
the 5th member - Samantha Thomas, who is a former Lodge Queen and scholarship recipient is shown with the President.
Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge 321 – Schenectady. Hostess Linda Russo serves
some of the 140 members and guests who sampled 34 entries in the Lodge’s annual Wine Tasting Contest. A delicious dinner followed. The judging made everyone who attended a winner.
16 • Golden Lion • September-October 2013
Get More Out Of Your Membership
Join a Committee In Your Lodge
2013 OSIA UPCOMING EVENTS
State/National Events
2013
Sept. 21 - nYosIa grand lodge Foundation
autism Fundraiser Casino royale to be held
at Constantino brumidi lodge hall, deer
Park, 7:00pm, $55pp. Contact: anita rosato
@ 631-271-1272.
Oct. 21 - nYosIa annual golf outing at the
town of oyster bay golf Course, 1 south
Woods road, Woodbury, $175 per golfer.
dinner at Woodbury Country Club, 884
Jericho turnpike, Woodbury, $75pp. Contact:
robert Ferrito @ 917-440-5435.
Oct. 26 - nYosIa Fall Plenary session to be
hosted by gabriele d’annunzio lodge #321
at gabriele d’annunzio lodge hall,
schenectady, 9:30am. Contact: Eileen stavis
@ 516-785-4623.
Nov. 9 - nYosIa gift of sight annual
awards luncheon to be held at the
Immaculate Conception Center, douglaston
Parkway, douglaston, 12:00pm, $60pp.
Contact: Marianne Principe o’neil @ 516883-5762.
Nov. 16 - nYosIa gMM 25th annual
Fundraiser brunch honoring salvatore and
Marjorie Moschella, Cammie brandofino,
President, staten Island Cooley’s anemia
Foundation with a special posthumous tribute
to Janet grillo to be held at the staaten,
staten Island, 10:00am. Contact: rose Frisari
@ 718-981-8543.
2014
Jan. 31 - nYosIa grand lodge Foundation
21st anniversary Winter Charity ball at
Chateau briand, Carle Place, 7:30pm.
Contact: Joan rondinelli @ 516-799-0044 or
annette lankewish @ 516-933-7393 or
Madeline Matteucci @ 631-654-2578.
Feb. 1 - nYsosIa Winter Plenary session.
location and host lodge to be announced.
Contact: Eileen stavis @ 516-785-4623.
Apr. 1 - nYosIa grand lodge Foundation
annual Cooley’s anemia dine-a-round at
verdi’s of Westbury, 7:00pm. Contact: Mary
naccarato @ 516-921-7839 or Mildred
Mancusi @ 516-295-0984.
Apr. 5 - nYosIa grand lodge leadership
seminar to be held at the antonio Meucci
lodge hall, 279 Maple avenue, White Plains.
Contact: Carol ditrapani @ 516-785-4623.
Apr. 25 - nYosIa grand lodge Foundation
32nd anniversary golden lion awards
dinner at the garden City hotel, 7:00pm.
Contact: Eileen stavis or Carol ditrapani @
516-785-4623.
Local Lodges
Sept. 22 - Fr. John Papallo Lodge #2684 annual lodge Picnic at hoyt Farm,
Commack, $20pp. Contact: anthony
diChiara @ 631-724-2905.
Sept. 28 - Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319
- brunch honoring IPP toni brenneis at villa
lombardi’s, holbrook, 11:00am, $70pp.
Contact: Janice sibilia @ 631-361-9157.
Sept. 28 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211
- an Evening at the races at brumidi lodge
hall, deer Park, 5:00pm, $12pp. Contact:
631-586-0883.
Sept. 28 - Luigi Pirandello Lodge #2875 - a
night at the races at holy Family school
Cafeteria, 7:00pm, $15pp. Contact: debra
vaughan @ 917-682-8750.
Sept. 28 - Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge #285 Karaoke for breast Cancer at tJ byrnes, 77
Fulton street, nYC, $10pp. Contact: anna
Magliato @ 347-306-9558.
Sept. 29 - Columbus Lodge #2143 - annual
Feast/Festival at no. broadway, Massapequa,
11:00am. Contact: anthony ventiera @ 516851-8531.
Oct. 3 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 soup night at brumidi lodge hall, 6:30pm,
$15pp. Contact: Carol nani @ 631-242-4261.
Oct. 6 - America Lodge #2245 - annual
scholarship d/d at verdi’s of Westbury,
1:00pm. Contact: bruno Caracciolo @ 516659-8765.
Oct. 11 - Anthony Maggiacomo Lodge #2320
- annual d/d at Westchester Manor, 140 saw
Mill river road, Yonkers, 7:00pm, $85pp.
Contact: Peter tamburri @ 914-476-9659.
Oct. 18 - Romanesque Lodge #2198 - 45th
anniversary d/d honoring Charter Members
at Madeline’s Petit Paris, 416 tappan road,
For EvEnts rElatEd to thE ItalIan
hErItaFE and CulturE Month
CElEbratIon - PlEasE sEE PagE XX
For dEtaIls.
northvale, nJ, 6:30pm, $45pp. Contact:
Judith scandiffio @ 845-359-1023.
Oct. 20 - Judge Frank A. Gulotta Lodge
#2180, Marco Polo Lodge #2214, Galileo
Galilei Lodge #2253, Edward J. Speno Lodge
#2568 - Joint lodge d/d honoring Judge
Frank gulotta lodge IPP anthony vasaturo,
Marco Polo lodge IPP leo diliberti, galileo
galilei lodge Jean Cuccia, and Edward J.
speno lodge anna biscardi at Carlyle on the
green, bethpage golf Course, bethpage,
12:00pm, $85pp. Contact: angela deCosimo
@ 516-837-8550 or Kathy vitzthum @ 516270-6050.
Oct. 20 - Michael Valente Lodge #2667 - 20th
annual scholarship brunch honoring Joe
sinnona, brigadier general (rEt.) thomas J.
Principe, douglas o’grady, and Past lodge
deputy Joseph squitieri at serata restaurant,
777 West beech street, long beach,
10:30am, $35pp. Contact: ralph Madalena
@ 516-766-7772.
Oct. 24 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389
- scholarship-Charity d/d at leonard’s of
great neck, great neck, 7:00pm. Contact:
tony Conetta @ 516-883-4266.
Oct. 26 - Roma Intangible Lodge #215 100th anniversary Celebration & golden
lion d/d honoring state Financial
secretary biagio Isgro at shaker ridge
Country Club, 802 albany shaker road,
albany, 7:00pm, $80pp. Contact: anthony
geddes @ 518-365-7431.
Oct. 26 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge
#2211 - halloween d/d and Costume Party
at Constantino brumidi lodge hall, deer
Park, 7:30pm, $45pp. Contact: ginger
Filangeri @ 631-666-0413.
Oct. 27 - Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321
- Chicken Parmiggiano dinner and silent
auction at lodge hall, schenectady,
11:30am to 4:00pm, $10pp. Contact:
renato viscusi @ 518-505-8918.
Oct. 27 - Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372 sands hotel & Casino (Pa) departs
bellmore train station, 8:30am, $45pp.
Contact: Joyce verity @ 516-804-9867.
Oct. 27 - Giovanni da Verrazzano Lodge
#1236 - 90th anniversary d/d honoring state
President Joseph rondinelli and lodge Past
Presidents at the Colonial Inn, norwood, nJ,
1:00pm, $75pp. Contact: Paul oddo @ 845359-0182.
Nov. 1 - Vigiano Brothers Lodge #3436 scholarship d/d honoring IPP Joanne spera
and district 1 deputy arthur spera at Windows
on the lake, lake ronkonkoma, $75pp.
Contact: Michele sescila @ 631-676-6145.
Nov. 16 - Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge #285 “Mr. & Mrs. shopping night out” to benefit
alzheimer’s at Most Precious blood Church
hall, nYC, $5pp. Contact: anna Magliato @
347-306-9558.
Nov. 17 - Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372 annual d/d at the north ritz Club, syosset,
12:00pm. Contact: rick trapani @ 888-9979801.
Nov. 2 - Luigi Pirandello Lodge #2875 - 1st
anniversary d/d at Immaculate Conception
Center, douglaston, 7:00pm, $75pp. Contact:
James vaughan @ 917-682-0924.
Nov. 24 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211
- Joint testimonial d/d honoring IPP andy
Filangeri & ladies auxiliary IPP debra
Prestano at larkfield Manor, E. northport,
12:00pm. Contact: bob savino @ 631-4226934.
Nov. 2 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - “dooWop”
Party with the accords at Clinton Martin Park.
Contact: anthony Calabro @ 516-739-2841.
Dec. 7 - Anthony Maggiacomo Lodge #2320
- Christmas Party at Maggiacomo lodge
hall, Yonkers, $40pp. Contact: Carmine
rubbo @ 914-423-5453.
Nov. 2 - Capt. Kathy Mazza Lodge #2163A holiday Craft and vendor Fair at bethpage
Community Center, grumman road,
bethpage, 10:00am. Contact: santina
haemmerle @ 516-731-1811.
Dec. 7 - Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321 Italian Christmas Eve Fish dinner at lodge
hall, schenectady, 6:30pm, $25pp. Contact:
angelina donadio @ 518-694-1868.
Nov. 2 - Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge #285 halloween Party at Most Precious blood
Church hall, nYC, $30pp. Contact: toni
spinelli @ 646-721-5735.
Nov. 3 - Perry Como Lodge #2846 - 5th
annual d/d honoring IPP Charles lucie at
the larkfield Manor, E. northport, 12:30pm,
Contact: anne Cajigas @ 631-754-2730.
Nov. 7 - Per Sempre Ladies Lodge #2344A annual Fashion show at verdi’s of Westbury,
7:00pm, $49pp. Contact: Mildred Mancusi @
516-359-1745.
Nov. 8 - Donne D’Italia Lodge #2330 Chinese auction at loyal order of the
Moose, lindenhurst, 6:30pm, $5pp. Contact:
vera Fisher @ 631-742-1205.
Nov. 8 - Giuseppe A. Nigro Lodge #2234 43rd d/d gala at larkfield Manor, 507
larkfield road, E. northport, 7:00pm, $80pp.
Contact: theresa Pernice @ 631-231-7033.
Nov. 10 - Uguaglianza/NE Bronx Lodge #83
- Italian Equality award Cocktail Party honoring Julia bastiani at the Italian Consulate,
690 Park avenue, nYC, 3;00pm, $75pp.
Contact: lilyanna Pekic @ 718-655-5000.
Nov. 15 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - Culture &
thanksgiving social. Contact: luigi
squillante @ 516-456-2541 or Jean
gagliardo @ 516-935-5084.
Nov. 16 - Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321 veal Cutlet dinner at lodge hall,
schenectady, 6:30pm, $18pp. Contact: Peter
sparano @ 518-355-9612.
Dec. 8 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 Christmas Party at the swan Club, glenwood
landing, 12:30pm. Contact: tony Conetta @
516-883-4266.
Dec. 13 - Progresso Lodge #1047 - Christmas
Party at ramada Inn, syracuse, 6:30pm,
$40pp. Contact: Josephine Federico @ 315457-5010.
Dec. 14 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - annual adult
Christmas Party. Contact: alfonso squillante
@ 516-280-4080.
Dec. 15 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - Children’s
Christmas Party at Clinton Martin Park.
Contact: anna Mulea @ 516-596-0910.
Dec. 15 - Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321 Kid’s Christmas Party at lodge hall,
schenectady, 2:00pm, $10 per adult, children
are free. Contact: angelina donadio @ 518694-1868.
2014
Jan. 18 - Columbus Lodge #2143 - 50th
anniversary d/d at stuart thomas Manor, s.
Farmingdale. Contact: Ed bochynski @ 516992-1775.
Apr. 4 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - 46th
anniversary d/d Cellini Charitable
Foundation, 7:30pm. More info to follow.
Contact: vincent Illuzzi @ 917-922-8045.
May 1 - Sgt. John Basilone Lodge #2442 basilone lodge annual Cultural trip, 11 day
tour through sicily, $3,569pp. Contact:
Patricia summers @ 631-567-9493.
As of 9/15/2013
n.Y.s. o.s.I.a.
Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211
2075 Deer Park Avenue Deer Park N.Y. 11729
CATERING for all occasions -- Call Tara @631-338-6357
www.sonsofitalyli.com
BALLROOM DANCING—Every Wednesday Night @ 7 P.M.
Music by D.J.Ray
BINGO—Every Monday Night
@ 7:15 P.M.
VEGAS NIGHTS--Fridays – Twice Monthly @ 7 P.M.
Bingo and Vegas licensed by Babylon Town
Call Lodge @ 631-586-3928 for further information
The Golden Lion • September-October 2013 • 17
Italian American Heroes
Summer Fun
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
Anthony Peter Damato
Born - March 28,1922 - Shenandoah, PA
Died - February 20. 1944 - Engebi, Marshall Islands
Rank and organization: Cpl., U.S. Marine Corps. Place and date of action: Engebi
Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands 19-20 February 1944. Entered service at:
Pennsylvania.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault company in action against
enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on the
night of 19-20 February 1944. Highly vulnerable to sudden attack by small, fanatical groups of Japanese still at large despite the efficient
and determined efforts of our forces to clear the area, Cpl.
Damato lay with two comrades in a large foxhole in his company's defense perimeter which had been dangerously thinned
by the forced withdrawal of nearly half of the available men.
When one of the enemy approached the fox-hole undetected
and threw in a hand grenade, Cpl. Damato desperately groped
for it in the darkness. Realizing the imminent peril to all three
and fully aware of the consequences of his act, he unhesitatingly flung himself on the grenade and, although instantly
killed as his body absorbed the explosion, saved the lives of
his two companions. Cpl. Damato's splendid initiative, fearless conduct and valiant sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.
Anthony was the son of Italian immigrants John and Speranza (Frances) Damato,
and was part of a close-knit Italian family of eight children: four boys and four girls.
He was educated in the elementary and high schools of Shenandoah. Prior to enlistment he was last employed as a truck driver.
Upon enlistment in the United States Marine Corps right after Pearl Harbor, on January 8, 1942, trained for five months in the US, then went to Ireland for more training.
He distinguished himself during the first year of his enlistment, volunteering for special duty with a select invasion party that took part in the North African landings. He
was advanced in rate for especially meritorious conduct in action while serving aboard
ship at Arzeau, Algeria, on November 8, 1942, when he landed with an assault wave
entering the port from seaward and assisted in boarding and seizing vessels in the harbor as well as the seizure of the port. He returned to the United States in March 1943,
for a short furlough and three months later sailed for Pacific duty and assigned to an
assault company of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Marines, 5th Amphibious Corps. He eventually found himself on small Pacific island that most people probably never heard
of before the war, where by his heroic action saved his fellow comrades-in-arms. He
was instantly killed. Tony was 22.
His remains are interred in the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu,
Hawaii
On April 9, 1945, the tiny mining community of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania turned
out en masse to pay homage to Corporal Damato at the presentation ceremonies for
the Medal of Honor. The presentation was made in the High School where Cpl Damato had been a student, and was presented to his mother.
Columbus Lodge #2143 - S. Farmingdale. On July 28, members and family
enjoyed a fun-filled day at the lodge’s Annual Picnic. Great food, games, and good
friends, made it a picnic to remember. Helping themselves to yummy delicacies
alla “Iavarone Brothers” style, are some of the 325 people that attended.
Giovanni Caboto lodge #2372 - Bellmore. At the lodge’s Annual Picnic on
July 14th, over 100 people were in attendance. Making the event a great success
for the guest were: from left - Dominick Santanella, Frank Tursi, Bob Ortlani, Lucio
Degrassi, Luigi Barberio, President PatFerrari and 1st VP Anthony Capriola. Jolly
the Clown, a piñata, and organized games for the enjoyment of children.
The USS Damato, a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, was named
in his honor.
Tony’s older brother Neil, was a captain in the Air Corps, distinguishing himself as
a bombardier aboard a Flying Fortress. He saw action over North Africa at the same
time that his brother Tony was in action there, and later on, he saw action over Germany. In November 1943, while Tony was fighting in small islands in the Pacific,
Neil’s plane was hit over Germany and subsequently went down over water, likely
the North Sea. Neil's body was never found. He was 25. What a heartbreak it must
have been for the Damato family in giving its two eldest sons within 3 short months
of each other, while fighting for the adoptive country of their immigrant parents. n
Attention All NY State Officers and Chairpersons
Scheduled Plenary Session
October 26, 2013 - Fall Plenary Session
Hosted by Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321, Schenectady
February 1, 2014 - Winter Plenary Session
Hosted by Lodge and Location TBA
18 • Golden Lion • September-October 2013
Le Amiche Lodge #2550 of Yonkers, held a Night at the Races on July 18, 2013
at Yonkers Raceway. The racetrack named a race after the lodge and due to space
limitations, only 10 of the 68 attendees were lucky to have their picture taken with
the winning horse. Pictured with Lodge President Paula Baratta and her husband
Michael Baratta (President of Anthony Maggiacomo Lodge #2320) are members:
Nancy Spizzirro, Fran Esposito, Michelle Simonetti, Lina Ferrito, Joanie Simonetti,
and several other guests. Win or lose, a fun evening was had by all.
Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 - Smithtown. 10 Past Presidents attended the August general meeting at which the Lodge Queen, Caroline Grove, was
crowned and new members were initiated. How wonderful to have all of these
past presidents remain active in our lodge. Pictured from left to right are:
President Geraldine Iannello Graham, IPP Toni Brenneis, PPs Janice Sibilia,
Antoinette Baldi, Eugene Sampieri, and Larry Trotta. Standing from left: Nicholas
Mauro, John Carricato, Dominick Salerno, Rocco Loccisano, and Stephen
Loccisano.
R e m e m b e r t o Vo t e
Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 - Deer Park. The lodge Queen Alyssa
Soldano (center) participated in the District One 2013 Queen’s Pageant held on
August 18, 2013. She’s flanked by, from left: Ladies Auxiliary President Sabrina
Savino; her proud parents: mother Susan and father and lodge member, Carmine;
and Lodge President Bob Savino.
Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372 - Bellmore. Enjoying a day trip to the wine
country of the North Fork on Long Island, the Caboto family and friends of the
lodge, led by Lodge President Patricia Ferrari (in front in white slacks), visited
Raphael’s Winery on August 25th. After tasting various wines, the group returned
home in a “very-happy” mood.
On November 5th
Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge 321 - Schenectady. Lodge members hard at
work in the kitchen preparing for the lodge’s Annual Eggplant Parm Dinner. The
eggplants are being prepared in the old-fashion Italian way for a yummy treat for
the 130 guests that attended.
The Golden Lion • September-October 2013 • 19
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20 • The Golden Lion • September-October 2013
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