Our thoughts and prayers are with those in uniform in harm's ...

“The Order Sons of Italy in America is the oldest and largest organization of Italian-American Men and Women in the United States and Canada”

VOL. 48 NO. 7-8 JULY-AUGUST 2014

~ Ordine Figli d’Italia in America ~

The

Golden LionOfficial Publication of the Grand Lodge of New York

Largest Italian-American Fraternal Bi-Monthly in New York State 1905 - 2005

108th Annual Convention

“Pride in Membership” Theme Stirs Delegates

Tr u s t e e s a n d C o m m i s s i o n e r s E l e c t e d

Delegates And Lodges Continue Their Generosity In Supporting OSIA Charit ies

~~~~~ (Convention coverage begins on page 9) ~~~~~

NY State President Joseph Rondinelli (rear, center) poses with the 2014-2016 NY Grand LodgeTrustees - Front row - from left: Joseph DiCarlo, Cathy LemboLloyd, Valerie Gobbo, and Anthony DiCostanzo. Back row - from left: Ernest Magliotto, Luigi Squillante, John Maura, Patrick Iandoli, State President, John RubboSr., Keith Wilson, and Anthony Corsello. Three other Trustees were not present for photo op.

NY Grand Lodge Commitment To Higher Education Continues

$83,900 in Scholarships and GrantsAwarded to Our Youth

At A Special Ceremony on June 14th

At Tappan Zee High SchoolRecipients photos - see pages 19 to 23

Our t h oug h t s and p r ay e r sa r e w i t h t h o s e i n u n i f o rm

i n ha rm ’ s w ay

Ou r t h oug h t s and p ray e r sa r e w i t h t h o s e i n u n i f o rm

i n ha r m ’ s way

State Trustees

Grand Lodge OfficeEileen Stavis, Office Manager

Carol DiTrapani, Executive Assistant2101-03 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, N.Y. 11710-5605

Tel. 516-785-4623 1-800-322-OSIA Fax 516-221-OSIA (6742)www.nysosia.org • [email protected]

State Past Presidents

State AppointeesRev. R. Adam Forno ...................................................... NYS ChaplainEleanor Jobbagy............................................... New York State DeputyLouis Gallo ........................................... New York State CSJ ChairmanJoseph Sciame and Luigi Squillante ......... NY State GMM Co-Chairs

Joseph F. Rondinelli............................................... State President225 Massachusetts Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758Home Tel: 516 799-0044 Cell Tel: 516 659-4404 Fax No. 516 221-6742 Email: [email protected]

Carolyn Reres........................................... State 1st Vice PresidentRobert Ferrito.......................................... State 2nd Vice PresidentThom Lupo................................... State Immediate Past PresidentAnthony Naccarato............................................... State OratorMichele Ment........................................ State Recording SecretaryBiagio Isgro, Jr........................................ State Financial SecretaryJames Spatafora........................... State Corresponding Secretary

2712 Smith Drive, Endwell, NY 13760John A. Fratta........................................................ State TreasurerArthur Spera................................................ State Principal Trustee

The Golden Lion is the official publicationof the New York State Order Sons of Italy inAmerica (NYS OSIA) Grand Lodge, thelargest and longest established organizationrepresenting New York's women and men ofItalian heritage. The Golden Lion strives toprovide timely information about NYS OSIA,while reporting individuals, institutions,issues and events of current or historical sig-nificance in the New York Italian-Americancommunity.

The Golden Lion is published 5 times year-ly: (Jan-Feb-Mar, Apr-May-June, Jul-Aug,Sep-Oct, and Nov-Dec) by NYS OSIA, 2101Bellmore Avenue. Bellmore, NY 11710,516-785-4623. Mailed at periodicals postagerates at Bellmore and at additional mailingoffices under USPS permit #017-248. ” 1997NYS OSIA. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any method without permis-sion of the editor is prohibited. Statements offact and opinion are the responsibility of theauthors and do not necessarily imply an opin-ion on the part of the officers, employees andmembers of NYS OSIA. The Golden Lionaccepts queries, unsolicited manuscripts,news releases, reviews, and comments, butdoes not assume any responsibility for unso-licited materials. Letters to the editor mustinclude the name, address, and daytime tele-phone number of the author to be consideredfor publication.Annual subscriptions are included in the duesfor NYS OSIA.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes toThe Golden Lion, 2101 Bellmore Avenue.Bellmore, NY 11710. NYS OSIA member-ship information is available at 800-322-OSIA. Archives are maintained at theImmigration History Research Center,University of Minnesota. Printing by RichnerCommunications, Inc., Garden City, NY.

Anthony J. Gulotta+

Crescenzo Pitocchi+

Stefano Miele+

Corrado Stornello+

Salvatore Cotillo+

John J. Freschi+

Stefano Miele+

Frank Catinella+

Andrew J. Malatesta+

Francis X. Giaccone+

Ubaldo N. Marino+

Amedeo H. Volpe+

Carmine A. Ventiera+

Peter A. Brevett+

Salvatore H. Migliaccio+

George Montopoli+

P. Vincent Landi+

Joseph Bologna+

Joseph E. Fay+

Peter R. ZuzoloJoseph A. Montemarano+

Nicholas G. VigliettaJoseph Parillo, Jr.+

Joseph SciameJoseph Cangemi

Joseph J. DiTrapaniCarlo Matteucci

Nancy DiFiore QuinnSalvatore Lanzilotta

New York State Grand Council

New York State Member Bene Emeritus

Anthony CorselloJoseph DiCarlo

Anthony DiCostanzoValerie Gobbo

Patrick IandoliCathy Lembo Lloyd

Ernest MagliottoJohn Maura

John M. Rubbo Sr.Joanne Spera

Luigi Squillante Keith Wilson

2 • The Golden Lion • July-August 2014

The Golden LionOfficial Publication

of N.Y. Grand Lodge

Order Sons of Italy

in America

Published Bi-Monthly

Editor

Sal Moschella

Co-Editor

Marjorie MoschellaNancy DiFiore Quinn

Advertising Manager

Anita Rosato

Contributing WritersMike Cutillo

Dr. Ciro T. De RosaProf. Philip J. DiNovo

Florence GattoDr. Joseph A. Tursi

Past Editors

Frank RossiGuido Vitiello (Emeritus)

Joseph MagliotoFrank Rossi

Frank MalerbaPeter R. Zuzolo

August A. Di Renzo

State Photographer

Natale Mannino

Are You Changing Your Address?Please Notify The Golden Lion

This will assure that you will receive your copy of the Golden Lionon time at your new address, and the NY Grand Lodge will save the75 cents charged by the United States Postal Service for eachreturned newspaper.

Please notify us of a change of address as soon as possible.

Print all requested information, otherwise changes cannot beprocessed.

Name ________________________________________________Last First MI

Lodge # ________

Old Address _________________________________________

City _________________________ State _____ ZIP __________

New Address _________________________________________

City _________________________ State _____ ZIP __________

MAIL TO: New York State OSIA Grand LodgeAttention: Golden Lion

2101 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710-5605

Carmine Cocchiola +

Giuseppe A. Nigro +

Constantine Fascia +

Gregorio Morabito +

Lillian Black +

Philip IannuccilliFrank Picarazzi

Maria Dell’Unto +

Giacomo DiNola +

Andrew Torregrossa, Sr.+

Rev. Julius Valentinelli+

Joseph G. Bologna +

E. Howard Molisani +

Thomas F. Rosolio+

P. Vincent Landi +

Anne Fiore+

Hon. Angelo D. Roncallo+Amelia B. Magnotta +

F. Joseph Leone +

Arthur L. Pardi +

John Musicaro +

Edward InnellaHon. Josephine Gambino+

Hon. Dominic R. MassaroPeter R. Zuzolo

Louis L. Giambra+Joseph Parillo, Jr. +

Nicholas G. VigliettaSalvatore Marasa+Emanuel J. AragosaFrank D’Andrea+

Joseph E. Fay+Joseph Sciame

Rev. Donald B. Licata+

Lucy F. CodellaLouis AmbrosioJohn Dabbene+Dan Colantone

Joseph CangemiJoseph J. DiTrapani

Carlo MatteucciNancy DiFiore QuinnSalvatore LanzilottaAntonette Innella+

Sylvia SummaJoseph Montemarano+

Thom Lupo

National Officers/AppointeesNancy DiFiore Quinn........................................National Fifth Vice PresidentJoseph J. DiTrapani.................................National Immediate Past PresidentThom A. Lupo....................................................National Financial SecretaryCarlo Matteucci.....................................................................National TrusteeNicholas Mauro.....................................................................National TrusteePeter R. Zuzolo..........................................,................National Past PresidentJoseph Sciame.............................................................National Past PresidentJoseph J. DiTrapani..................National Sons of Italy Foundation PresidentSalvatore Lanzilotta...........................................National Foundation TrusteeBruce Lankewish................................................National Foundation TrusteeMarianne Principe O’Neil.................................National Foundation TrusteeCarmine Federico..........................National Arbitration Commissioner ChairSalvatore Lanzilotta................................National Arbitration CommissionerJoseph F. Rondinelli..................................Supreme Cabinet Co-ChairpersonRev. R. Adam Forno...........................................................National ChaplainJoan Rondinelli................................................Cooley’s Anemia ChairpersonDominic Massaro.........................................National CSJ President Emeritus

Circulated 5 times per year amongthe NY OSIA Membership with afamily readership of over 40,000throughout the New York State Area.

New York State Hall of Fame

D e a d l i n efor the

Next Golden Lion Issue is

September 7, 2014

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 & white for better reproduction.Digital photos should taken in the highest quality setting possible of camera,

a minimum of 300 pixels per square inch (psi) is desirable.All articles and captions must be received before the deadline date.

Please Note - Photographs are NOT returned, unless a self-addressedenvelope is provided. (Sufficiently large for photo size submitted).

The Editor reserves the right to edit articles, letters, advertisements, andother material submitted for publication, for its length, clarity, accuracy,

and for conformity to the ideals of the Order.

#

O u r t h o u g h t s a n d p r a y e r s

a r e w i t h t h o s e i n u n i f o r m

i n h a r m ’s w a y

O u r t h o u g h t s a n d p r a y e r s

a r e w i t h t h o s e i n u n i f o r m

i n h a r m ’s w a y

State ConventionA special Convention pullout section with

Convention Schedule and candidates for

State Office will be found in Part 2

Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro+

Francis Mezzatesta, Esq.+

Dr. Vincent Buffa+

Stefano Miele, +

Peter R. ZuzoloJoseph Sciame

Joseph DiTrapani

+Deceased

Dear Brothers and Sisters of theNYSOSIA Grand Lodge:

Ihope this message finds each ofyou enjoying a pleasant summer.This quiet downtime gives me thechance to reflect back on recent

New York OSIA events.

It has now been several weeks since ourvery successful 108th Annual StateConvention convened and concluded atthe Villa Roma Resort & ConferenceCenter in Callicoon. This year’sConvention was indeed very busy andextremely fulfilling as your StatePresident, this being my first StateConvention in this capacity. As wecame together at the 2014 Convention,we applauded the work of New YorkOSIA and highlighted the importance offeeling “Pride in Membership.” All thebrothers and sisters across our greatstate are very proud of their affiliationwith OSIA and their local lodges.There is no doubt that the Grand Lodgeof New York is the premier organizationof its kind in the State of New York,and we take tremendous pride in ourrecord of achievement. I witnessed first-hand our State and National Officersand delegates working at their very best- while always boasting of their careand concern for our beloved Order.

Our 2014 Convention Committee did anexcellent job coordinating activities andevents to assure that all in attendancehad a good time. A very special thankyou to Convention Chairperson CarolDiTrapani, Co-Chairpersons AnnetteLankewish, Rae Lanzilotta, ErnestMagliato, Nancy DiFiore Quinn,Carmine Rosato, and the entire conven-tion committee who took on the enor-mous task and responsibility of pullingthe entire weekend together. ToCredentials Chairperson Anita Rosatoand her dedicated team of volunteers, Isimply say – thank you. They continueto out-do themselves year after year,making sure that each one of our con-vention delegates are taken care of dur-ing their stay. I must tell you that I wasdelighted to hear the positive commentsexpressed to me about our 2014 State

Convention during and after the week-end.

Warmest congratulations to all thenewly elected State Trustees: District IJoanne Spera, Arthur Spera; District IIJohn Maura, Luigi Squillante, KeithWilson; District III, Anthony Corsello,Ernest Magliato; District IV, CathyLembo Lloyd, John M. Rubbo, Sr.;District VI, Joseph DiCarlo; DistrictVII, Valerie Gobbo, Patrick Iandoli;District VIII, Anthony DiCostanzo. Inaddition, it was my distinct privilege toappoint District I State Trustee ArthurSpera to serve as our State PrincipalTrustee. Also, best wishes to StateArbitration Commissioners:Chairperson Joseph Fratta, MarioCermele, Grace Ferarra, Frank Musarraand Joseph Vallone. And finally, wel-come aboard to our Garibaldi MeucciMuseum Commissioners: AnthonyConetta, Theresa Corey, PasqualeGreco, Colette Grillo, Mildred Mancusi,and Madeline Matteucci. We know youwill all do a great job for New YorkOSIA!

Joan Rondinelli, New York State FirstLady and Past President of the PerSempre Ladies Lodge #2344A andLouis Fazzone, Past President of theGabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321, bothreceived the prestigious 2014 Dr.Vincenzo Sellaro Award. This award isnamed after our founder to acknowl-edge members who have distinguishedthemselves in the ideals and principlesof our Order. Our honorees were mostdeserving of this very heartwarmingtribute!

Tony and Mary Naccarato and theirwonderful family received the “Familyof the Year” award. The Naccaratofamily hails from the Giuseppe VerdiLodge #2163 in Syosset, Long Island.Tony’s entire family belongs to OSIAand they were recognized for their out-standing commitment to our Order aswell as their civic service to the ItalianAmerican community and the commu-nity at large.

The 2014 Literary Award was presentedto Ms. Angela Sciddurlo Rago. Thisaward was established in 2002 to attractattention to the many Italian-Americanwriters, novelists, poets, and play-wrights who are in the process of revi-talizing the Italian experience inAmerica. Ms. Rago has dedicated theentirety of her literary work to writingboth for and about the Italian-Americancommunity, in Italian and in English.She completed her undergraduate workat Brooklyn College and additionalgraduate studies at New YorkUniversity. She certainly was a mostdeserving candidate for this most presti-gious and impressive award.

Our National/State Chaplain Fr. AdamForno spent the entire weekend with usand we thank him for the spiritual guid-ance and inspiration he offers our broth-er and sister members throughout theyear.

May I take this opportunity to mention

the tremendous success of this year’s$100 state raffle. Once again, the draw-ing went off without a problem - viaSkype from the Grand Lodge office inBellmore. It is very exciting to viewthis endeavor on the large screens in theconvention hall. We have certainlycome a long way! Special thanks toState Fund Raising Chairperson RobertFerrito, State Raffle Chairperson LouisMazzacone, and the entire RaffleCommittee for all their hard work andperserverance to make sure this rafflewas a success.

The highlight of the convention was thetremendous display of generosity fromyou, my brothers and sisters - whodonated over $88,000 to our variousworthwhile charities. including:Cooley’s Anemia, Alzheimer’s, Autism,Cancer Research, the Commission forSocial Justice (CSJ), Gift of Sight,Veterans’ Assistance Fund, Hope for theWarriors, and New York OSIA’s ownGaribaldi Meucci Museum. There is noother Grand Lodge that can competewith the Grand Lodge of New Yorkwhen it comes to charitable giving. Youare truly the very best!

Friday afternoon we remembered fondlyour beloved Past Grand VenerableJoseph E. Fay. We joined together in aheartfelt tribute led by Fr. Adam Forno.Brother Joe was a true believer in ourmotto “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”and loved the Order Sons of Italy. Itwas a special tribute we will not forget!

We were honored to welcome NewYork State Comptroller ThomasDiNapoli as the keynote speaker onFriday evening, May 30th. ComptrollerDiNapoli addressed the delegates at ourbanquet dinner and spoke proudly abouthis Italian heritage. ComptrollerDiNapoli is a dear friend to New YorkOSIA and we are most appreciative ofall that he has done for us. We couldnot be prouder of this fine ItalianAmerican gentleman!

The Installation Ceremony of the 2014-2016 State Trustees, Garibaldi MeucciMuseum Commissioners andCommissioners of Arbitration was heldon Saturday evening at our final ban-quet. As always, the InstallationCeremony is carried out in a very tradi-tional manner and is the appropriatetime to thank our outgoing officers andwelcome our newly elected officers.Kudos to all!

Many may think that the Order is nottoo busy during the summer months, butJune brought several important events.On June 5th, I, along with members ofthe Grand Lodge Foundation, represent-ed you at a special dinner in recognitionof the 60th Anniversary of the Cooley’sAnemia Foundation. Over 300 guestswere in attendance at The Lighthouse atChelsea Piers in Manhattan to honor thepatients and to celebrate the efforts ofall the supporters of the Cooley’sAnemia Foundation. As you are aware,OSIA has been a close friend and sup-portive partner of the Cooley’s AnemiaFoundation since its inception in 1954.The evening was filled with wonderfultributes to many special heroes of theCAF. I was beaming with pride when

our State First Lady Joan was presentedwith a “special honor” for her manyyears of devoted service to the Cooley’sAnemia Foundation.

Sunday, June 22nd was a very specialday for New York OSIA as we celebrat-ed the 109th Anniversary of the found-ing of the Order Sons of Italy inAmerica. It was my honor to presentthe State President’s LifetimeAchievement Award to State HistorianLucy Codella. For some 48 years, Lucyhas served our Order with tremendouspride and distinction and most certainlydeserved all the accolades and wonder-ful tributes she was afforded. In addi-tion, National/State Past PresidentJoseph DiTrapani was inducted into theNew York Grand Lodge Hall of Fame.This “high honor” memorializes thecontributions of distinguished membersof New York OSIA who have achievedthe highest level of leadership on aNational level, that being, NationalPresident. What a privilege it was forme to present this award to our NationalPast President Joseph DiTrapani. Wealso paid special tribute to StateImmediate Past President Thom Lupoand presented him with the 2014 BeneEmeritus Award. Unfortunately,Brother Thom was unable to receivethis recognition at the State Conventionand we enjoyed celebrating with himand Past State First Lady Barbara atOSIA’s Anniversary Day Celebration.Thanks to the exceptional planning ofChairperson John Fratta and Co-Chairperson Louise Corsello and theircommittee – we had a most enjoyableafternoon. Warmest thanks and bestwishes to all!

I was delighted to attend the StateScholarship and Cornaro AwardProgram on June 14th. Thanks to StateScholarship Chairperson Michele Ment– the program was outstanding. Over50 students were in attendance at thescholarship award ceremony – alongwith their parents, grandparents andother family members. They are fabu-lous young adults and we wish themwell in all their future endeavors. Ithink everyone left with pride in theirheart and hope in the future of OSIAand our country!

The 2014 Italian Heritage Night atEisenhower Park was held on June23rd. The weather was perfect andeveryone seemed to have enjoyed theentertainment. Special thanks to State1st Vice President Carolyn Reres whoprepares this casual outdoor event forall of us to enjoy. On Saturday, June28th at the Smithtown HistoricalSociety Fairgrounds in Smithtown,Long Island, the NYS Commission forSocial Justice coordinated a fantastic“Italian Heritage and Cultural Festival.”Under the keen leadership of State CSJChairperson Lou Gallo, the committeeworked diligently to prepare this specialevent. We extend our appreciation andthanks to Chairperson Lou Gallo andthe entire committee for planning anextraordinary day of special events. Itwas a tremendous success - filled withpride for the Commission for SocialJustice and New York OSIA!

continue on next page

The Golden Lion • July-August 2014 • 3

Joseph F. Rondinelli

State PresidentGrand Lodge of New York

From The State President’s Desk


From Your ChaplainDear Brothers and Sisters:

This past Father’s Day, I was invitedto the home of my friends Lisa and Ed.They have a beautiful 1780 farmhouseset on 60 acres of land. When dessertwas being served one of the young adultsons began to give Ed and grandpa giftsfor Father’s Day. I was eating my deli-cious Friendly’ ice cream cake, as thedads opened their cards and gifts, whenall of a sudden the young man offeredme a gift bag and said, “Here Father,this is from all of us. After all you areour spiritual father.” I was so surprisedI teared up.

At that moment I realized all overagain the importance of special days toremember who we are and the blessingswe have received. We need Father’sDay, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving,Valentine’s, Memorial, Independenceand Labor Day, birthdays, anniver-saries, etc. We need these special daysbecause we tend to lose our appreciationof some of the most treasured peopleand significant events in our lives.

Psychologists tells us that if weattended to every sound we hear orcolor we saw we would literally goinsane. To protect ourselves from thisinsanity we “habituate” these soundsand colors; that is, we block them out ofour consciousness. It is a defensemechanism and a good thing. If wehabituate everything, however, forexample sunsets, family, friends, free-dom, our cultural heritage and the like--we lose our appreciation and take themfor granted.

I am writing this just before theFourth of July when we will once againremember our freedom from the BritishEmpire and our Declaration ofIndependence in forming The UnitedStates of America. One cannot help butthink of all the men and women whohave helped to shape this great nation.

Mindful so many of our ancestors,and those in our Italian-American com-

munity today, who also have con-tributed to the building up of our coun-try, I am grateful for the Order Sons ofItaly in America. Our mission calls us,in powerfully productive ways, toremember and celebrate who we are andhow we can continue to contribute tothe good of our nation.

As we move through the summerfrom Independence to Labor Day maywe deepen our appreciation for OSIA,by “dehabituating” ourselves andbecoming excited all over again aboutthe gifts that have been given to us andthose we are called to share. Fittingly,then, allow me to end with the words ofWoodrow Wilson: “The AmericanRevolution was a beginning, not a con-summation.”

Rev. R. Adam Forno

National/NYS OSIA Chaplain

P.S. JULY 15th IS THE REVISEDDEADLINE FOR HUMOR BOOKSUBMISSIONS. Please send yourstories/jokes/one liners to: HUMORBOOK, NY Grand Lodge Office, 2102Bellmore Ave., Bellmore, NY, 11710 ;or e-mail them to [email protected].

Please also note that my new address isthe Carmelite parish and priory at the:Church of St. Joseph, 416 ThirdStreet, Troy, N.Y. 12180

Reverend R. Adam FornoState and National

Chaplain, OSIA

Pre

sid

ent’

s P

ho

to A

lbu

mThe life of the State President of theNew York Grand Lodge is never quiet -but I must tell you how proud and hon-ored both Joan and I are serving as yourleaders at this time. Every day is chal-lenging and we are constantly meetingnew people and widening our circle ofexperiences. As the summer moves on,various committees will continue theirwork and planning for our upcomingFall activities. For many of us, it ishardly a restful summer, but the work ofNew York OSIA must move forward.

Remember that October – ItalianHeritage Month – is just around the cor-ner and you should be sure that yourlodge is planning something special tocelebrate “our month!” Invite a guestspeaker to your meeting, set up anexhibit in your local library, view anItalian film at your lodge – please besure to plan something.

Finally, New York OSIA has designatedOctober as “Membership Month.”Along with celebrating our Italian her-

itage, try your best to bring in a newmember to your lodge. It is up to eachand every one of us to celebrate who weare and all of the accomplishments thatItalians and Italian Americans have con-tributed to make this world we live in abetter place.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and rest upso you can all be ready for a busy Fallseason ahead. Joan joins me in wishingeach of you a safe and pleasant summer,as you spend time with your family andfriends. It all goes by way too quicklyand before we know it, the busy monthsfor OSIA will be here.

A Happy and Safe Summer to all!!

Fraternally,

Joseph F. Rondinelli

Joseph F. RondinelliState PresidentGrand Lodge of New York

ItalIan amerIcan nIght at eIsenhower Park. The annual event took place on June 23, 2014, on a beautiful early summer night with clear skies and mildweather. Under a canopy of stars, the spectators were entertained by a trio of accomplished singers with mostly Italain tunes. A great night was had by all.As always, the NYS President and Distict II Lodge Presidents were honored for their service to the Order, the County of Nassau, and to their local com-munities. In photo, State President Rondinelli and Lodge Presidents (back row), are joined by elected officials, Nassau County officials, teachers from EastMeadow’s Parkway Elementary School with the school children who sang the Italian National Anthem.

State President’s Message (continued from previous page)

Attention All NY State Officers and ChairpersonsScheduled Plenary Sessions

July 26, 2014 - Summer SessionHosted by Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge #443 - Endicott

October 25, 2014 - Fall SessionHosted by Fr. Donald B. Licata Lodge #2435 and

by St. Francis of Assisi Lodge #2629 - Beacon

January 31, 2015 - Winter SessionJohn Michael Marino Lodge #1389 - Port Washington


L e t t e r sFraternal Support

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Please accept our sincerest thank you for all of your cards, phone calls, emails,

flowers and well wishes on the passing of our Daughter-in-Law Alexandra. "Alex'

was a beautiful girl, inside and out. She inspired so many people, with never a

harsh word towards anyone and always a bright and radiant smile. She never once

felt sorry for herself and always faced her battle head on. Her spirit will leave for-

ever, we will miss her terribly.

All our Love and Respect to All,

Arthur, Joanne and Joseph Spera and Family

To Grand Lodge of New York, OSIA

Our sincere thanks to all the staff and members of the Grand Lodge for your king

words and the flowers sent during the difficult times we have experienced with

Jennifer’s passing. The Sons of Italy was so important to her.

Thanks again,

Joe, Nancy and Marisa Rubè

District Lodge Member DOD3 2428 Sylvia Summa 5/28/2014

Sister Bene EmeritusPast State Trustee - Lodge Past President

1 2211 Paul Coniglio 6/28/2014Lodge Past President

2 2143 Joseph Basile 6/10/2014 3 2343 Salvatore DiFiore 5/31/2014

Father of State Past President Nancy DiFiore Quinn

May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.Names as submitted by Lodges as of July 7, 2014

In Memoriam109th OSIA’s Anniversary Celebration

NYC’s “Little Italy” - June 22, 2014


Joseph J. DiTrapaniJoseph DiTrapani has been active in the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) for over 38 years.Joseph became OSIA’s National President on August 14, 2009, during the 51st Biennial NationalConvention in La Jolla, California. On August 13, 2011 at the 52nd Biennial National Convention heldin Orlando, Florida, Joseph DiTrapani was re-elected by acclamation to serve a second two-year termas National President.

Born in Brooklyn, he was one of four children in a family with roots in Sicily and Calabria. He receivedhis Bachelor of Business Administration in 1972 from the prestigious College of Insurance and beganhis career at Washington National Life Insurance Company. A year later, he joined Dascit/White &Winston, New York State's largest life, health and pension brokerage agency. Joe was appointed to theposition of Vice President in 1986 and, the following year, became an Executive Vice President.

Joseph and his partner purchased Dascit/White & Winston in December 1989, and Joseph served as itsPresident and CEO until August 1997. During that year, he merged the Dascit/White & WinstonCompany with the BISYS Insurance Services and served as Senior Vice President. In 2006, Joe joinedas Partner the insurance brokerage agency Professional Group Marketing, Inc., and serves as SeniorVice President of Sales overseeing all operations of their Manhattan and Hawthorne location.

A member of the OSIA Per Sempre Lodge #2344 since 1976, Joe served various positions at the filiallodge level and was elected to Lodge President for five years. For the New York Grand Lodge, he hasserved as State Principal Trustee, Recording Secretary, Vice-President, and then rose to New York StatePresident in 2001. Joseph led the New York Grand Lodge through the darkest days of 9/11 and the hor-rific times that followed, with grace under pressure. He brought a new vision to OSIA with his ease inleadership and approachability.

Joe has been active nationally since 1985, when he was appointed to the position of National Overseerof the Garibaldi Meucci Museum. He also has served as National Delegate during the past fourteennational conventions. For the last twenty-two years he has been on various national committees includ-ing the Cabinet, Membership, Investment, Future Good & Welfare of the Order, and the 2005 CentennialCelebration. He was Chairman of the National OSIA 49th Biennial Convention that was held in NewYork City in August 2005. It was at this convention that Joe was unanimously elected to the position ofNational Fifth Vice President. Joe also has served as National First Vice President in the role of NationalMembership Chair. This committee worked to expand all levels of OSIA membership: filial, subordi-nate, and national at-large membership (ALM). Joe traveled the country opening new lodges in Stateswith no grand lodge and stayed in constant contact with the National Office to help grow, promote, andbuild a strong membership base for OSIA.

As the National President of OSIA, Joe helped continue numerous positive programs generating inter-est and excitement among OSIA members, as well as needed funds for the Supreme Lodge. These pro-grams, like the Italian Heritage DVD Series, the UNITOURS-OSIA Travel to Italy Tours, and the OSIALicensing Program (specifically, the Leone D’Oro wines and other products) focus on the history, cul-ture, and experience of Italian Americans in the U.S., as well as developments unique to OSIA. AsPresident, Joe helped raise funds for a center for autistic children who were devastated by the April 2009L’Aquila earthquake. In September of 2010, he traveled to Italy to bring $235,000 of OSIA/SIF fundsto the center in L’Aquila, Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per L'Autismo.

In December 2009, OSIA officers voted unanimously to support funding for the Advanced Placement(AP) Italian language program and pledged $50,000. Through his leadership with other ItalianAmerican organizations, including NIAF, UNICO, Columbus Citizens Foundation, and the AmericanSociety of the Italian Legions of Merit, Joe successfully helped save the AP Italian from being elimi-nated by schools.

After completing his four years as National President, Joseph DiTrapani’s service to OSIA did not cometo an end. In August 2013 he was unanimously voted to serve as the President of the National Sons ofItaly Foundation (SIF) and he has been diligently working to securing funding for this charitable orga-nization ever since. Established in 1959, the SIF has given $125 million to scholarships, philanthropy,medical research, disaster relief and cultural preservation.

Joe is a member of the prestigious Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York City and the DanteFoundation of Nassau County, widely known for its scholarship program. In addition, in December2005 Joseph DiTrapani was presented with the title of Cavaliere through the Chancellery of the SavoyOrders in Geneva, an honor that is bestowed upon persons of importance in the Italian American com-munity. At the present time, Joe holds two prestigious titles of Ufficiale in the Order of Saints Mauriceand Lazarus and the title of Commendatore that he received directly from the President of the Republicof Italy.

A dynamic leader, Joe has united and inspired many to take the next step together, confident in the future,confident in the ability to make OSIA stronger and more productive than it has ever been. As someoneonce said, “Blessed is the leader who seeks the best for those he serves!”

Thom A. LupoThom A. Lupo was elected by acclamation as the 30th State President of the New York Grand Lodgein June 2011 and served admirably in that position for two years. Totally committed to the Order Sonsof Italy in America, State Immediate Past President Lupo brings earnest love of his Italian heritage aswell as keen leadership ability to all his OSIA endeavors.

Thom Lupo was born on November 2, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York to Anna and John Lupo. Thomgrew up with three siblings - two sisters, Margaret and Mary Ann and a brother John.

After graduating from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, he continued his education at theesteemed St. Johns University. A conscientious student, Thom Lupo received his BS degree inBusiness Education in 1970 and his MBA degree in Accounting in 1975. Thom served as an NCO inthe military for six years, completing his commitment as a member of the New York State ArmyNational Guard.

In July of 1968, Thom met Barbara Murello at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Street Festival inBrooklyn. As a true Brooklyn born Italian American - he was working at one of the concession standsmaking zeppoles - and the rest is history! They were married on August 2, 1970 at the very same OurLady of Mt. Carmel Church. In August of 1975 they moved to Centereach, Long Island and wereblessed with two sons - Brian and Michael. Brian is married to Nancy and they have two wonderfulsons Christopher and Matthew. Michael and Jeri are the proud parents of their beautiful daughtersSummer and Autumn. Their grandchildren have become the center of Thom and Barbara Lupo’s life.

Thom began his OSIA career in August 1984 at the Andrea Doria Lodge #2201 in Centereach, LongIsland. He immediately became involved in many aspects of the lodge activities including member-ship, bingo, fundraising and served as the lodge CSJ liaison and newsletter editor. He served in var-ious executive positions before being elected President by acclamation. Thom served as the Presidentof the Andrea Doria lodge for two terms and was noted for his leadership ability by being electedChairman of the District I President’s Council. He also served as a Trustee of the Suffolk CountyChildren’s Camp during the projects’ early years.

In June 1994, Thom was elected a State Trustee from District I. In that role, he developed a deep senseof commitment to the Grand Lodge. This desire to serve OSIA resulted in his election to the office ofState Financial Secretary in which he served for four years, State Recording Secretary a position heserved for four years, State Orator, State 2nd Vice President, and State 1st Vice President in the GrandLodge of New York, Order Sons of Italy in America.

Always finding time to devote to OSIA, he served as the State Membership Chairperson. During histenure as State Membership Chair two new lodges were instituted, the A.P. Giannini Lodge #2859 andthe Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge #2867. General New York OSIA membership also increased during histwo years serving as the State Membership Chair. He is also an active member of the Board ofDirectors of the OSIA Lion’s Pride Day Care Center and a member of the New York OSIA SeniorHousing board. Thom has been representing the Andrea Doria Lodge as a State Delegate for the pasttwenty-four years and has also served as a National Delegate from New York at the past six BiennialNational Conventions. He is currently serving as the State Immediate Past President and the SupremeLodge Financial Secretary.

Thom began his private career in 1971 as a statistician at Standard & Poor’s Corporation, a Divisionof The McGraw-Hill Companies. He became a Division Manager in 1975 and was named Publisherof the Book Services Group in 1978. Having demonstrated his ability to grow the earnings for hisgroup, he was given general management responsibility for several additional operating units and wasnamed Vice-President in 1988. After 39 years experience in the highly competitive financial and busi-ness information service industry, he recently retired as the President and Director of Standard &Poor’s Money Market Directories, Inc., a subsidiary of The McGraw Hill Companies. Currently, heis employed by the Town of Brookhaven.

His experience in competitive business has earned him the skills of a manager with excellent inter-personal abilities. These “good sense” traits have assisted Thom Lupo in becoming the leader that heis today.

On a personal note, Thom is a member of the Centereach Civic Association, the Sacred Heart Councilof the Knights of Columbus and the State University at Stony Brook, Center of Italian Studies. Heenjoys gardening and listening to classical music - especially Luciano Pavarotti!

Always mindful and proud of his Italian heritage, Thom Lupo is a true Son of Italy and an ItalianAmerican role model for all to admire.

Proudly displaying his coveted Bene Emeritus Award Plaque is Thom A. Lupo. The pre-sentation was made at the 109th Anniverary Celebration in NYC’s “Little Italy.” Sharingthe happy occasion with Thom are, from left: State Recording Secretary Michele Ment,State President Joseph F. Rondinelli, and Bene Emeritus Award Chairperson NancyDiFiore Quinn.

Newly inducted into the NY Grand Lodge Hall of Fame, National Immediate PastPresident and NY Past President Joseph J. DiTrapani proudly displaying the plaque thatwill be affixed on the Hall of Fame wall at the Grand Lodge Office. With him are two pre-vious recipients: State/National Past Presidents Peter R. Zuzolo (left) and JosephSciame (right). They are joined by NY State President Joseph Rondinelli (2nd from right).

2 0 1 4 B e n e e m e r i t u s a w a r d 2 0 1 4 H a l l o f f a m e a w a r d

L u i g i ( L o u i s ) F a z z o n eLou was born in 1940 near Caiazzo in the Campania region of Italy. He came toSchenectady, New York in 1954 at the age of 14, and was enrolled in the ninth grade at OneidaJunior High School, and graduated from Linton High School in 1958.

During high school, Lou signed-up for a six-year term of duty with the U.S. Navy and wenton active duty for two years after graduation. He served aboard the destroyers USS ClarenceK. Bronson and USS Robert L. Wilson as a boiler technician, third class.

In 1961, Lou began his career with the New York State Office of General Services as a steamfireman at the Campus Power Plant in Albany. In 1963, Lou married Antonietta DeMarco andafter the loss of their first child in 1968 they raised a great family. Son Anthony Fazzonereceived a Masters’ Degree from Hofstra University and married Beth Scarano. They havethree great kids: Nicholas, Jenna, and Nathan. Son James Fazzone received a Masters’ Degreefrom Union College. He married Kristi-Anne Berner and they have a wonderful son, Max.

Throughout his career, Lou continued to pursue education and in 1980 he received aBachelors’ Degree from Empire State College. He was promoted to the position of assistantdirector of the Division of Utilities and later was promoted to director, a position he held untilretirement in 1999 after 38 years of service to New York State.

Throughout school, military service, and even during his work career, Lou learned about themany forms of discrimination against Italians and responded by developing a sense of prideand determination to do whatever it takes to promote and protect the Italian heritage and cul-ture.

Lou joined the Sons of Italy Lodge 321 in 1979 to pursue his convictions about the Italianculture and heritage. In 1987, Lou became Vice President of Lodge 321 and from 1992through 1996 served as President of the Lodge continuing his work for the Order. From 1996through 1999 he served as State Trustee from District VI.

In 2006, the Lodge building on Liberty Street in Schenectady was sold, and in 2007 a newbuilding on Hamburg Street in Rotterdam was purchased. Lou became very involved in therenovation of the building, and by the end of 2007 the new facility was ready for use.

In 2007, Lou, as house chairman, started many new fund raising activities. New functions andan improved location, drew new members and guests to the Lodge. By the time EmanuelAragosa's term as president ended in 2009 the Lodge’s membership had grown substantially.

In 2009, Lou again began a new term as Lodge president, with the goal of continuing toincrease membership. By 2012, Lodge 321's membership surpassed 500 for the first time inmany years. In 2013, Lodge 321 became the largest Lodge in New York State.

Lou built the Lodge’s bocce courts, and started the men’s and women’s bocce league, as wellas the annual golf tournament and many important programs including Italian classes, host-ing Special Olympics athletes for bocce training, and a Bell Jar game to raise funds for char-ity.

When Hurricane Irene destroyed the town of Rotterdam Junction, Lou went into action andput together a group of Lodge 321 members that prepared food for the thousands of peoplethat were helping the residents of Rotterdam Junction cleanup and rebuild. Lou and the Lodge321 members cooked food for more than 600 people, serving it at the local fire station.

Lou's hard work and dedication to the Sons of Italy has helped to improve the Order’s imagein the community and has gained the respect of other organizations locally and at the statelevel. None of this would have been possible without the help of many members as well asLou's wife Antonietta, the entire Fazzone family, and friends who have been behind him allthe way. n

J o a n R o n d i n e l l iJ oan Rondinelli was born in Hempstead, New York to Marie and Benny Maiorana onSeptember 3, 1959. She grew up in a loving family along with two brothers and two sisters -Mark, Anthony, Roseann and Tina. The Maiorana children were raised in Hewlett, New York andJoan attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and then moved on to George W. Hewlett HighSchool where she graduated in 1977.

During her high school years, she worked part time for a finance company and had such a goodworking relationship with them that she was hired as a full time employee as soon as she gradu-ated. Joan worked her way up to Executive Administrative Assistant and remained with the sameemployer until she had her first child.

“Joanie.” as affectionately called by all who know and love her, married Joseph F. Rondinelli(OSIA’s New York State President) on April 10, 1987 and together they have three wonderfulchildren Joseph, Leeann and Tiffany. The Rondinelli children are all living at home as they con-tinue their education. Joseph and Leeann are also members of the Per Sempre Lodges and allthree children have been involved in OSIA from the day they were born!

With a passion for “cooking for a crowd” and entrepreneurship abilities, Joan Rondinelli has beenthe sole owner and employer of “Our Family Affair Catering” for the past 27 years. She is a fan-tastic cook and a gracious host and thinks nothing of inviting 20 – 30 – or even 40 people to herhouse for a traditional Italian meal. Many a holiday is spent with the Rondinelli family at theirhome in Massapequa.

Joan Rondinelli is also a civic-minded individual who believes in volunteer work to better thecommunity. She served on the P.T.A. Executive Board at the Forest Road School in ValleyStream for many years. She especially enjoyed volunteering as Class Mom for all three of herchildren and did so at Forest Road School, R.J. Lockhart School and Maria Regina School. Wellknown for her innovativeness in fund raising, she assisted and chaired many school events. Withall of this, she also found time to volunteer as a Brownie Girl Scout Leader for four years.

Joan has been an active member of the Per Sempre Ladies Lodge 2344A in Lynbrook, sinceJanuary of 1989. She slowly worked her way through many of the elected positions until elect-ed President by acclamation in March 2005. She served as President of Per Sempre Ladies Lodgefrom March 2005 through March 2009. During her tenure, Joan’s tremendous leadership quali-ties came to light. She successfully ran innovative themed Fashion Shows, Operation Shoe Boxfor our Troops, a “High Tea” Party, many “Supermarket” Bingos and numerous other events.These were not only financially successful, but socially successful, and as a result, the lodge grewin membership.

The proudest moment for the Rondinelli Family was when they were selected to receive the 1998New York State Family of the Year award. This special honor was bestowed upon them at theState Convention held at the Concord Hotel in June 1998. It was truly a rewarding day for Joanand the entire Rondinelli family.

On an OSIA District level, Joan Rondinelli served as the District III Presidents FinancialSecretary for 4 years and chaired then State President Nancy DiFiore Quinn’s congratulatorybreakfast on behalf of the district.

On an OSIA State level, she served as Mistress of Ceremony for the past 6 state conventions. Sheis an integral part of the state Walk A Thon Committee, Convention Committee, ConventionEntertainment Committee and Autism Committee. She has served as the lodge deputy to theAnthony Casamento Lodge as well as the Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge. One of her proudestaccomplishments has been the fact that as New York State Cooley’s Anemia Chairperson, shehosted seven successful Cooley’s Anemia Dine Arounds.

A true Italian American role model, First Lady Joan Rondinelli served as Grand Marshal of the2013 Long Island Columbus Day Parade and most recently was selected to be an honoree at“Nassau County’s Women’s History Month Celebration” honoring Nassau’s Outstanding Womenof Achievement. What a fitting tribute! Joan Rondinelli has it all. She is a loving mother – wife– businesswoman and eager volunteer. You couldn’t ask for anything more! n

2014 D r. Vi n c e n z o S e l l a ro Aw a rd R e c i p i e n t s


Louis Fazzone (right) is shown accepting the 2014 Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Award,from NY State President Joseph Rondinelli (center) and Sellaro AwardCommittee Chair John Fratta.

An admiring and proud NY State President Joseph Rondinelli presents his wifeand State First Lady Joan Rondinelli with the 2014 Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Award,at the NY State Convention. On left is Sellaro Committee Chair John Fratta.

Photos by Joseph Fratta8 • The Golden Lion • July-August 2014

The 108th Annual State Convention of the Grand Lodge ofNew York, Order Sons of Italy in America, was held onMay 29-June 1st at the Villa Roma Resort & Conference

Center in Callicoon, New York. Special kudos to StateConvention Chairperson Carol DiTrapani and the entireConvention Committee for a wonderful event. State PresidentJoseph Rondinelli presided over the convention and it wasobvious to all that he was well prepared and enjoyed oversee-ing all the aspects of the business portion of this yearly “com-ing together” of the brothers and sisters of the Grand Lodge ofNew York.

During the convention, the following State Trustees wereelected for a two-year term: District 1 - State Principal TrusteeArthur Spera, Joanne Spera; District 2 - John Maura, LuigiSquillante, Keith Wilson; District 3 - Anthony Corsello, ErnestMagliato; District 4 - Cathy Lembo Lloyd, John Rubbo, Sr.;District 6 - Joseph DiCarlo; District 7 - Valerie Gobbo, PatrickIandoli; District 8 - Anthony DiCostanzo. Garibaldi MeucciMuseum Commissioners elected were: Madeline Matteucci,Colette Grillo, Mildred Mancusi, Theresa Corey, PasqualeGreco, and Anthony Conetta. In addition, StateCommissioners of Arbitration elected were: Joseph Fratta(Chair), Grace Ferrara, Mario Cermele, Frank Musarra, andJoseph Vallone.

New York OSIA State First Lady Joan Rondinelli, a PastPresident of the Per Sempre Ladies Lodge #2344A inLynbrook, and Louis Fazzone a Past President of the GabrieleD’Annunzio Lodge #321 in Schenectady, each were presentedwith the Order’s prestigious Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro awardnamed after the Order’s founder. The purpose of the award isto recognize and acknowledge OSIA members who have dis-tinguished themselves in the ideals and principles exemplifiedby its founder, Dr. Sellaro.

Tony and Mary Naccarato were presented with the 2014Family of the Year Award. The Naccarato Family hails fromthe Giuseppe Verdi Lodge #2163 in Syosset, Long Island.They were honored for their outstanding involvement withinthe Sons of Italy as well as their civic and community service.The 2014 Literary Award was presented to Angela SciddurloRago. Ms. Rago has dedicated the entirety of her literary out-put to writing both for and about the Italian-American commu-nity, in Italian and in English.

Representatives from 72 lodges throughout the state donatedover $88,000 to various worthwhile charities including:Cooley’s Anemia, Alzheimer’s, Autism, Cancer Research, theCommission for Social Justice (CSJ), Gift of Sight, Veterans’Assistance Fund, Hope for the Warriors, and New York OSIA’sown Garibaldi Meucci Museum.

More than 400 delegates and guests were delighted to wel-come New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli toaddress those attending our Friday evening Banquet. NewYork OSIA is proud to acknowledge the wonderful achieve-ments of Comptroller DiNapoli and could not be prouder ofthis fine Italian American gentleman.

The highlight of the 108th State Convention was theInstallation Ceremony of the 2014-2016 State Trustees,Garibaldi Meucci Museum Commissioners andCommissioners of Arbitration held on Saturday evening, May31st. In closing the convention, State President Rondinelliremarked, “It is up to all of us to keep our Order moving for-ward and to carry on as respected and accomplished ItalianAmericans. Together we will meet the challenges of tomorrowand celebrate our extraordinary Italian heritage!” n

Re-printed from the July 2014 NY Grand Lodge Press Release.

1 0 8 t h N e w Y o r k O S I A A n n u a l S t a t e C o n v e n t i o n



the naccarato family

The Naccarato and Scelta families are proud members of the Order Sons ofItaly in America, Giuseppe Verdi Lodge #2163, in Syosset, Long Island,where Mary and Tony Naccarato reside. Tony served as lodge President

twice and Mary served as the first and only female President in the fifty year his-tory of the Lodge. Their daughter, Christina Scelta, her husband Anthony, andtheir children, Samantha 11 and Anthony 5, reside in Bethpage. Their sonAnthony Naccarato also resides in Syosset, along with his wife Erin and theirdaughter, Grace 9. Tony joined the lodge in 1978 and Mary and Christina joinedin 2007, when the lodge became co-ed. Anthony Scelta, who serves as RecordingSecretary and Anthony Naccarato, who serves as a Trustee, joined in 2005.

Mary recently retired as Director of Occupational Therapy after thirty-four yearsof service. She also served for seven years as the Long Island Gerontology Chairfor the NY State Occupational Therapy Association. In 2010, Tony retired as theVice-President of Human Resources of a maritime company, but remained as aConsultant for Strategic Planning. He is President/Chairman of the AmericanMaritime Officers Service that promotes the interests of the American Maritimeindustry, and he is Chairman of two Pension Plans, with over two billion dollarsin assets. In 2009, Tony received the “Man of the Year Award” from the“Maritime Port Council of Greater NY” and the “Lifetime Achievement Award”from American Safety, Inc.

Mary and Tony belong to many OSIA charitable committees, including the Giftof Sight, Cooley’s Anemia and Walk-For-Education. The family believes that it isimportant to give back to the community. The Scelta family is heavily involvedin the Bethpage community. Christina was the School Community Service Chairat a local food bank for four years and currently serves on the School DistrictExecutive Board. She is Girl Scout “Cookie Mom” and this year they donated250 boxes of cookies to our troops. Anthony is a softball coach for his daughter’steam. Anthony and Erin, who are 9/11 survivors, are part of the “SurvivorsNetwork,” which provides comfort to fellow survivors. Tony volunteers asChairman of the Executive Committee for the United Seaman’s Service, a non-profit chartered by the US Congress, which runs centers in Asia, Africa, Europeand the Indian Ocean, to assist seafarers and military personnel serving abroad.Grace, who is a talented competitive dancer, and Samantha, who holds a blackbelt in karate, donate part of their allowance to charitable causes. Anthony Jr. isalso studying karate.

Mary is State Cooley’s Anemia Chairperson and has recently chaired her first suc-cessful Dine-Around. She is also Deputy to the Per Sempre Ladies Lodge. Tonycurrently serves as State Orator and Investment Committee Chairperson. He hasserved as District II Trustee, State Principal Trustee, and as a Commissioner ofthe Garibaldi-Meucci Museum. This family demonstrates the true meaning ofLiberty, Equality, and Fraternity, by their work on behalf of the Order and by theirgenerous support of our charities. They are truly proud of their Italian heritage,but at the same time, they are as equally proud to be an All-American family. n

A very proud Naccarato Family, led by Anthony and Mary Naccarato (front-2nd and 3rd from left), pose with NY State President Joseph Rondinelli (farleft), after accepting the “Family of the Year Award” at the 108th StateConvention at Villa Roma Resort and Convention Center.

2014 famiLy Of the year award 2014 PresidentiaL Lifetime aChievement award

For exemplifying the principles of the Order, Lucy Codella was selected as therecipient of the 2014 NY Grand Lodge Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardby NYS President Joseph Rondinelli. The award was presented to her at theOSIA’s 109th Anniversary Celebration in NYC’s “Little Italy.”

Lucy C. Codel la

Lucy F. Codella is first generation Italian. Born to Italian immigrants, Canio andLucia Codella, she was the youngest of four children. She is a graduate of WhitePlains High School, NY Institute of Dietetics, and Cornell University Extension

Division in Personnel Management. She was employed by The Gannett Newspaperswhere she became Employee/Benefits Manager for 1,500 employees. She retired fromGannett in 1994.

Lucy joined the Order Sons of Italy in America in 1966, becoming an active member ofthe Aquileia Ladies Lodge #935, White Plains. After serving in various Council posi-tions, she then became Venerable for nine years. Later she was re-elected to serve foran additional four years. When this lodge dissolved in 2013, she became a proud mem-ber of the Christopher Columbus Lodge #692, in Ossining. At the 1984 StateConvention, she was elected State Trustee and in 1985 was appointed State PrincipalTrustee. In 1987, she was elected State Recording Secretary. At the 1991 NationalConvention she was elected National Historian and re-elected 3 othjer times. Shemoved forward to become National Fourth Vice President and then National Third VicePresident, the highest position a woman from NYS OSIA has ever held. While in thatposition, she was appointed National Cooley’s Anemia Chairwoman. As NationalHistorian, she was invited to be a guest speaker at two of the American Italian NationalHistorical Association conventions. She was then elected as a National Commissionerof Arbitration. Commended for her dedication and commitment to the Order, shebecame a Bene Emeritus Recipient at the 2007 state convention

Recognized for her dedication and capabilities, in 1975 she was appointed as SupremeDeputy to Connecticut and later to Washington, D.C. Twice she was summoned to rep-resent the Order at prestigious receptions honoring Italy’s President and Prime Minister.At the 1979 National Convention she was the only OSIA woman selected to address thePresident of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

Lucy chaired the OSIA’s 100th Anniversary celebration in NYC’s Little Italy in 2005.This four-part event, held in one day: a ceremony at the US Custom House; Mass at OldSt. Patrick’s Cathedra; the dedication at the Founding Site; and Dinner with 499 peoplein attendance. A huge and successful undertaking. She also served as Lodge Deputynumerous times and she was honored and recognized by a number of Sons of Italylodges, civic organizations and by her community. Lucy’s two most gratifying honorswere when she was chosen to be one of thirteen women in NYS to receive the “Womanof Distinction Award,” and also when Governor Pataki selected her as one of four out-standing Italian American citizens, bestowing her with the “NYS Award of Excellence.”

Her activities and involvement are not only with the Order. She also held high office inmany other Italian American, civic, and community organizations and still volunteers atColumbus Citizens Foundation and with Senior Net and is secretary of her ParishCouncil.

When her parent’s hometown, Calitri, Prov. Di Avellino was partially destroyed duringthe 1980 earthquake, Lucy appealed to the Village of Mamaroneck to adopt and raisefunds to restore the high school. She and the committee collected over $30,000 to pur-chase educational equipment. When she returned to Calitri in 1985 she was honored bythe townspeople, when they reopened the school.

Although Lucy is involved in so many activities she always makes time for her family,sister Jennie Tompkins, brother Canio (Ken), sister-in-law Dolores, nieces and nephewwith their families, cousin Frances Brocchi, and her dear friends. n

Angela Sciddurlo rago

Angela Sciddurlo Rago has dedicated the entirety of her literaryoutput to writing both for and about the Italian-American com-munity, in Italian and in English. Angela was born in Mola diBan, where she performed as leading young actress in produc-tions of the Filodrammatica Molese Theatre Company. In 1978she emigrated to Brooklyn, U.S.A. and began writing prolificallyfor Italian community theatre, while she completed undergradu-ate work at Brooklyn College and then graduate studies at NYU.Six of her plays were produced in succession in Italian and the

Molese dialect with great response from her audiences in theMolese clubs of Bensonhurst and South Brooklyn. The size of her following, and enthusi-asm for her writing resulted in ten years of play productions. Angela was repeating the tra-dition of 19th century Italian immigrants whose mutual benefit societies produced dialectplays for their communities, a practice long since gone.

Ms. Rago also writes in English, and expanded her sphere to include Off-Broadway theatre,short stories, the novel, and also the widest possible audience, film. Her first novel, titledYesterday's Sky, a metaphor for the fate or destiny that hovers above each individual,explores an Italian family's struggle to emigrate to the U.S. Her comedic films are: the culi-nary escapade Sister Italy (Paisan Films, now in worldwide distribution), and the paralogi-cal adventure, Madame Soraya (Leone Productions).

Angela Rago's literary work mirrors the Italian-American world with its vivid assortment offascinating characters. Her themes are those of migration, assimilation, and adaptation,sometimes successful, sometimes with one foot still in Italy. Her comedy treats of a world-view that celebrates small town Italian culture, whether that town be located in Bensonhurst,Brooklyn, or in southern Italy, but also a worldview that illustrates the psychological andsociological contexts in which her characters navigate.

Playwright, journalist and theatre critic, Mario Fratti, comments: "Angela Sciddurlo Rago isan exciting artist. Brilliant, sensitive, unique. I love her paintings and I love, admire herwriting. Excellent plays and film scripts. She is now finishing her novel. I have read the firstdraft. A touching, loving description of Italian-American life. She reveals the sounds andjoys of people we fall in love with. A great novel.". n


2014 LITErArY AWArD

ELEnA CornAro AWArD 2014

Alessandra Leri, Ph.D.Dr. Alessandra Leri is Associate Professor of Chemistry atMarymount Manhattan College in New York City, where sheteaches courses in chemistry and environmental science whileleading an active undergraduate research group. Last year, shewas awarded a Distinguished Chair position in recognition ofher research activities. Dr. Leri earned a B.S. in Chemistry fromthe College of William and Mary in 2000 and a Ph.D. inChemistry from Princeton University in 2007. In between, shetook a detour from science at the University of Virginia, whereshe studied Italian literature and taught Italian language, earningher M.A. in Italian in 2002.

Dr. Leri’s research interests lie in organic geochemistry, particularly the biogeochemicalcycles of halogens in terrestrial and marine environments. Her papers have made importantcontributions to overturning the long-held view of halogens as unreactive inorganicelements in the environment. Notably, her research has revealed that natural organochlorineproduction varies seasonally and is associated with fungal degradation of plant litter on theforest floor. She has also shown that naturally produced organobromine is ubiquitous in bothmarine and terrestrial environments. Dr. Leri’s organobromine studies dramatically changedthe perception of bromine in the environment and were recently featured as a ScienceHighlight by the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource. Much of her work has reliedon a novel synchrotron-based method that she developed as a graduate student to quantifytotal organohalogen concentrations in heterogeneous environmental samples. This year, sherefined this methodology for work at higher energies, in the interest of continuing theinvestigation of natural bromination mechanisms in seawater.

Through her research, Dr. Leri seeks to illuminate the delicate chemical balances in naturein order to understand how human activity might affect them. The influx of halogenatedorganic pollutants into the environment has altered the balance of the natural halogen cycles,posing serious risks to ecological and human health. After spending many years studying thenatural production of organohalogens in the environment, Dr. Leri turned her attention toorganochlorine pollutants, specifically the by-products of disinfection in manufacturing andhousehold processes. With undergraduates at Marymount Manhattan College, she hasinvestigated the production of organochlorine through laundry bleaching and measuredorganochlorine concentrations in feminine hygiene products. Her work on organochlorine inbleached laundry has been featured in Men’s Health magazine and in several blogs relatedto healthy living.

Dr. Leri is a strong advocate for independent research in undergraduate science education.She regularly brings Marymount Manhattan undergraduates to the synchrotron facility atBrookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island for experimental “beamtimes,” which shehas been awarded through a highly competitive peer-reviewed proposal process. Herstudents have won numerous presentation awards at undergraduate research symposiathroughout the Mid-Atlantic. Dr. Leri considers her role as research mentor to youngscientists the most important part of her job. Auguri Dottoressa Leri. n

17th Annual Walk for EducationEisenhower Park - May 17, 2014

Saluti miei fratelli e sorelle.

I hope you are enjoying the summer as best as you can. Yet the work of CSJ trundleson. We opened the quarter in April with another presentation of my “History in aBox” presentation at the Luigi Pirandello Lodge in Fresh Meadows, Queens—-a tes-tament to our lives literally surrounded by Italian innovation and inventions. Thispresentation was done six times now to 3 lodges and 3 schools, and at the conven-tion 2 more requests were made. I really do appreciate the interest since it exempli-fies our interest in our Italian legacy. Let’s keep it going!

Speaking of the convention, CSJ provided a display of positive image materials atthe entrance to the hall, and I must commend all delegates for their interest through-out the convention in taking so much of our material. We were almost completelycleaned out! Thank you, and spread it to your lodges, schools, and libraries. Let it beknown what we do and have done! Our video was shown just prior to my presenta-tion highlighting the year’s eclectic work, and we held a workshop on the Fridayafternoon attended by not only Board members but also some delegates. Our discus-sion focused on suggestions to address defamation of Italians in the media, and thegeneral consensus was we need National’s help to arrest the problem. This consen-sus was channeled to National for their review and consideration. Again, thank youfor your interest and support, especially that the delegates saw fit to award us with$2,000 more in donations than last year.

Furthermore, at the convention I was afforded the opportunity to discuss with theVincent Lombardi Lodge some issues emerging in District 8. Although we were suc-cessful in reinstating Italian at Olympia High School in the Greece School Districtlast November, parents and students for the first time demanded the introduction ofItalian at Odyssey High School in Greece. The School Board refused. Casa Italiana,the Italian culture center at Nazareth College in Rochester, is slated for trouble too.Because Nazareth is facing financial trouble, college officials cut the Director, Dr.Stella Plutino-Calabrese, a former Cornaro award recipient of ours, and replaced herwith a professor who is going to retire next year. Thanks to a teacher of Italian, LinoPizzolanti in the Greece School District, he will begin now to mobilize teachers andparents at Odyssey High School to revive the Italian language issue and meet withthe new professor of Casa Italiana concerning our interest there. I will provideupdates. In addition, the lodge will revive the essay contest in local schools originallyproposed and organized by our late District 8 Chairwoman Jennifer Rubè.

Regarding Jennifer, the CSJ Executive Board donated $100 to the Vincent LombardiLodge for their scholarship fund and a $250 brick to the museum in memory ofJennifer at the convention. Thanks to the work and research of District 8 StateTrustee Tony DiCostanzo, he has made a recommendation to me for a new District8 CSJ Chairman that I will follow up on. Thank you Tony.

While on the subject of challenges to school Italian language programs, we are nowfaced with an emerging plethora of more cuts. Sewanaka and Utica school districtsare entertaining cuts, and President Joe Rondinelli has informed me he wants us towork on re-introducing Italian in the Seaford School District. I have been in contactwith the superintendent a Sewanaka and an interested party gathering the facts beforewe take action. Thanks to the vigilance of District 6 CSJ Chairman Joe DiCarlo, heis providing me with material and updates of the situation in Utica. In May I took atrip to Albany to meet with the District 6 presidents and deputies to encourage themto aggressively recruit lodge liaisons to bolster our strength in working on CSJ prob-lems. Consequently, I am entertaining the idea of meeting with the New York StateCouncil of School Superintendents to make them aware of our concern with thisproblem statewide. In the immediate sense I am thinking of mobilizing a CSJ TaskForce to make contact with these districts simultaneously to ward off the program-cutting juggernaut seemingly emerging. Recording Secretary Keith Wilson is step-ping up his continuous efforts of assessing the Long Island districts regarding the sta-tus of Italian with a new survey requesting specific information. Stay tuned for fur-ther developments.

In the midst of all this heady hijinks, I attended the NELA Awards Affair in May forthe very first time. I’m so glad I went, for it allowed me to meet and gain a rapport

with our National OSIA President Anthony Baratta and the eventual new NationalCSJ president Joe Boncore from Massachusetts. Every leisure moment I dedicatedmy time to discuss serious CSJ issues, especially the necessity of a strong nationalorganization with supportive state satellites. If you have followed the racist issue ofpro basketball’s LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling, Adam Silver, the NationalBasketball Association Commissioner, stated in the press that all fines againstSterling will be distributed to ANTI-DEFAMATION GROUPS!! I have already writ-ten to Boncore about writing a letter to the Commissioner to put in a bid for saidmoney. What an opportunity! I hope we’re successful.

One of my other concerns with National was the issue in April of the city ofMinneapolis’ resolution substituting Columbus Day, a legal federal holiday, withIndigenous Peoples Day. Thanks to my driven appeals, President Baratta instructedBoncore to write a letter to the city. Joe Boncore sent me the letter for my review,and with a few suggested changes by me, Boncore sent the letter. We haven’t heardback yet, but I continue to pressure Boncore to mobilize all state CSJ chairmen tohelp at once! I continue to impress him that our predecessors were successful withstopping California over the same issue, and therefore we must apply the same pol-icy with Minneapolis forthwith! I’m still waiting for a reply.

In fact, very shortly I will send to Boncore my agenda of issues that National MUSTentertain now with strong states’ support in order to make CSJ a truly worthy pow-erhouse on defamation and positive image issues. Hopefully, that dream will cometrue.

Turning now to more sublime experiences, I am elated to report to you that on June14th the Town of Islip re-dedicated Anthony Casamento Park thanks to the efforts ofWest Babylon vet Arnold Merkitch and our CSJ. Islip personnel and officials wereso committed in launching this effort that I’ve written a letter to Supervisor TomCroci thanking him profusely. A plaque was dedicated and photo releases to the presswere issued with CSJ playing a prominent part. Furthermore, another great hit tookplace on June 28th at the Smithtown Historical Society Fairgrounds - our long-await-ed Suffolk County Heritage and Culture Festival sponsored by CSJ and the Society.The compliments are still coming and buzzing, and the weather was absolutely per-fect! Mille grazie to all state officials, lodges, members and your friends and rela-tives who attended. We had about 1,500 in attendance, and I hope the lodges scoredwith new members! Performers, presenters, and vendors want to return, and theFestival Committee has already met and critiqued the affair. Yes, they want to do itnext year, and we will be meeting in September to begin the task anew! Their confi-dence is literally soaring, especially since it took the whole committee a year to planit all, and at times we were proceeding down blind paths with no assurance of suc-ceeding, but we always somehow prevailed. In the final analysis we had a great crewthat really stuck it out——Tom Bandise and Gerri Ianello Graham from the SellaroLodge (with Bob Graham on Festival Day), Diana Grauer and Joe Tursi from theToscanini Lodge, Joe Vallone and Richie Macellaro from the Papallo Lodge, District1 CSJ Chairman Charlie Lucie from the Perry Como Lodge, Luisa Potenza andCathy LaGrega from the Basilone Lodge, Gene DeMaria, Luisa’s friend, Tony Rotolifrom the Vigiano Bros. Lodge, and Liz Rizzo and yours truly from the Landi Lodge.When President Joe commended the CSJ and me personally I then knew my dreamwas finally fulfilled. Voila!

Have a great summer and look forward to the annual CSJ/AIAE Unity Breakfast onSunday, September 14th from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Hofstra University. We’ll be intouch.

Fraternally,

Lou

“Fighting Bias,

Building Pride”

C S J C h a i r m a n ’ s M e s s a g e

12 • Golden Lion • July-August 2014

Louis J. Gallo Jr.

Commission For Social Justice

Present at the re-dedication of the Anthony Casamento Park on June 14, 2014,were: from left - CSJ Recording Secretary Keith Wilson, Councilman StevenFlotteron, CSJ Chairman Louis Gallo, Patrick from West Islip Public Library,Event Chairman Arnold Merkitch, CSJ Researcher Elizabeth Rizzo, and PastPresident of Casamento Lodge Janet Rodgers.


The Leonardo Da Vinci Lodge #2385 of inwwod participated in theAnnual Inwood Memorial Day Parade on Sunday May 25. The lodge createda float for the parade with pictures showing events from WWII. In picture, fromleft: in top row: John Palladino and Rosario Panuccio; middle row: JimmyRizzo, Andrew Reilly Jr, Pete Capozzi, Carl Strain, and Jimmy Esopa: frontrow: Andy Ashettino, Mike Risolo, and Frank Sarro.

Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 - Smithtown. The lodge was recognized forhaving made a donation to the Smithtown Library, which was used to upgradepart of the children’s room. A plaque inscribed with the name of the Lodge wasinstalled in the room. Pictured from left are: John Martins, trustee; SueMcManus, assistant director; Brother Joseph Vallone, VP of the library board;Anthony Monteleone, president of the library board; Sister Geraldine IannelloGraham, Lodge President; Sister Janice Sibilia, chair of the Sellaro Lodge ItalianHeritage Committee, and Library Board members - Robert Lusack, GerardCairns, Diana Schilling-Held, and Otis Thornhill.

At the 94th Anniversary and testimonial dinner dance, the Loggia Glen CoveNo. 1016, honored Immediate Past President John Macari. The dinner wasattended by national and state officers, lodge presidents and representatives,dignitaries, members, family, and friends. In photo, from left: Angelo Grande;Kathryn Grande, Dinner Dance Co-Chair; Antonetta Sclafani; Joseph Gallo,President; Lillian Ceriello; Tony Ceriello, Dinner Dance Co-Chair; Janis Ceriello;honoree John Macari, IPP; and guest Julianna Blunt.

Perry Como Lodge #2846 - Northport. MeMoriAL DAy CereMoNy. Taken onMay 25, 2014, at the Huntington Town Veterans Plaza at a wreath laying cer-emony in honor of Michael Colamonico and other deceased veterans of theTown of Huntington. Mr. Colamonico, a World War ll Prisoner of War, was anactive member of the Perry Como Lodge.

Brumidi Lodge #2211 - Deer Park. Members and friends of the lodge,dressed for the times, went back to the “good-old-times” of the 50s to enjoy anight of fun and nostalgia. The clothes worn by some of them, were actually wornby them back in the 50s.

Remembering Those Who Made The Supreme Sacrifice

2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon, May 1, 1999. It was a sunny and peacefulSaturday morning, when members of the Order gathered bright and early atEisenhower Park to “take a walk” for education. Prompted on by camaraderie,music, and by State President Joseph Cangemi and First Lady Michelina, the“walkers” did their part to raise funds for the State Scholarship Program.Chaired by then First VP Joseph DiTrapani, the event met all the expectationsin raising funds. Stopping to take a quick photo, before resuming their three-mile walk, are: from left - Stella Grillo, her grandson Frank, and her daughterStella; Florence Gallo, Sylvia Summa, Anthony Summa, Anita Rosato, RichardHaemmerle, and Antonio Baffo.

Down Memory Lane


AT LARGE MEM-BERSBrian C. AnnerJake A. BarneyMatthew T. BensonElizabeth M. BriertonJames P. BossMarissa CarozzaFrancesca S. CasalinoMichael J. CavataioJonathan M.CharbonneauCatherine R. CiancioKyle R. ColtellinoGabrielle A. CosentinoJennifer E. CurrierKarissa M. DeLucaKevin B. DeptulaMichael J. DiGuilmiMichael DiMattiaMichael DotzlerMax J. FeinbergChristopher FerraroMichael J. FerraroTimothy E. FugerAlexandra M. GallettaAngela M. GattoCara M. GibbonsAnthony P. GrazianoBrittney A. GrellaCaroline A. GroveMaria K. GuadagnoDaniella R. JoyceFrancesca La RosaMooreNicholas LernerJoseph M. MadiaKatelyn A. MasulloMarisa N. MeyerJames A. Morris, Jr.Rebecca L. NicholsonSarah E. NiroNicholas J. NovarroVincent J. OlivetoJennifer N. OrlandoThomas J. PassaroMichael A. PastoreAntonia A. PiccirilloJoseph G. PintoErnesto J. PorcariMiranda E. QuartaroLeah K. RagnoDanielle T. RagusaBlake L. RoccaJustin T. RosenbaumShane C. RosenthalNicholas R. Rossi

(con’t)=

AT LARGE MEM-BERS (con’t)Desiree SaccoMarissa N. SansottaMichael J. SchmidJoseph A. ScognamilloLeah SilidjianSamantha N. SpezialeJames M. StephenElizabeth P. Terry-KantorChristian L. ToscanoJustin D. TruglioEmily J. TymanAlexandria S. UsakNicole S. ValentinoNicolette M. Vigiano

DISTRICT I2319Andrew PrudenteThomas Rondi2612Carmine DeMaioChristine DeMaioDiane DiAgostinoNicole GrazianoDonna InterlicchioJoseph InterlicchioCharles LandiFrank MessinaJoseph MessinaLori Ann Messina2846Thomas J. CostaJack ProvenzanoMaryLee TramontePete TramonteDominick Tripole

DISTRICT II1016Michael NightingaleNancy SbarroFrank StancoNella Stranieri1389Anthony AbiccaJoseph Tatta2143Bryan MorabitoLawrence MorabitoFrank FranchiRaymond GrazianoMichael Sarlo2206John AdamoGiovanni Suitieri

DISTRICT II (con’t)2214Maria Esposito2245Pio Bonfitto, Jr.Amelia IntagliataDaniel R. McHaleMaria A. McHaleCarol A. PusanoGuido SalemiGail A. SchoenhaarConcetta SoldanoJames Soldano2568Dorothy CollinsJoan Trovato

DISTRICT III212John C. CaminitiLaraine CaminitiDiana CerulloRobert CiceroAntonella ColangeliLeonard D’AmbrosiaMarialana DiMarzioRegina KaykatyLouis R. LeoniniDaniel J. Pennachio Jr.Joann Zolfo285Theresa SareoToniAnn Verra2428Linda Fonte2859Rose BalsamoGilda BiondiJohanna DeSaroFrancine GibneyLouis Sacco

DISTRICT IV2248Rose Marie Gioggia

DISTRICT VIII2397

Paul BarrettAlan J. BrignallChrsitopher A. DecolaThomas S. MarshRonald J. MartinoMike MorabitoColin J. MorehouseJohn Oughterson n

Membership 2014

New members initiated as of June 30, 2014

Loggia Glen Cove No. 1016. The lodge recently initiated three new mem-bers into the oldest lodge on Long Island. In photo - left to right: JosephRondinelli, State President; Joseph Gallo, Lodge President; new member LenAbbate; Angelo Grande, Membership Chairperson;and new members - MarioGallo and Giuseppe Malzone.

Columbus Lodge #2143 - Farmingdale, New MeMbers. On May 14, 2014,five new members joined the ranks of the Order. They are seen being instruct-ed by Lodge Deputy Anthony Cerrielo on the protocol of the Order. The fice are:(in alpha order): Frank Franchi, Raymond Graziano, Bryan Morabito, LawrenceMorabito, and Micheal Sarlo. Lodge President Philip Guerrieri (far left) officiat-ed at the Initiation Ceremony.


2014

July 26 - NYOSIA Summer Plenary Session tobe hosted by Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge #443 atthe Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge Hall, 126 OdellAvenue, Endicott. Contact: Eileen Stavis @516-785-4623.

Aug. 16 - NYOSIA CSJ Presents a “StreetCorner Doo Wop Show” to benefit CSJ CulturalPrograms, Kings Park High School, 200 Route25A, Kings Park, 4:00pm, $45pp. Contact:Joseph Vallone @ 631-269-5725.

Sept. 14 - NYOSIA Celebrates the 22nd AnnualItalian Festival at Hofstra University, SouthCampus, Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead,11:00am. Contact: Eleanor Jobbagy @ 516-358-9151.

Sept. 14 - NYOSIA CSJ/AIAE Unity Breakfastto be held at Hofstra University, HempsteadTurnpike, Hempstead, 8:30am. Contact: LouGallo @ 631-821-2290.

Sept. 19 - NYOSIA Celebrates Italian HeritageNight at the Long Island Ducks Game atBethpage Ballpark, 3 Court House Drive,Central Islip, BBQ @ 5:30pm, Game @7:05pm, $30 & $50 tickets available. Contact:Robert Ferrito @ 917-440-5435 or CharlesLucie @ 631-499-8684.

Oct. 12 - Long Island Columbus Day Parade.Main St, Huntigton, 12:00pm Kick-off, 9:30amBreakfast. Contact Keith Wilson @ 516-633-1435.

Oct. 14 - NYOSIA Annual Golf Outing at Townof Oyster Bay Golf Course. More info to follow.Contact: Robert Ferrito @ 917-440-5435.

Oct. 25 - NYOSIA Fall Plenary Session to behosted by St. Francis of Assisi Lodge #2629 andthe Fr. Donald B. Licata Lodge #2435 at theKnights of Columbus Lodge Hall, 25 TownsendRoad, Beacon. Contact: Eileen Stavis @ 516-785-4623.

Nov. 22 - NYOSIA Gift of Sight Annual AwardsLuncheon to be held at the ImmaculateConception Center, Douglaston, 12:00pm.Contact: Marianne Principe O’Neil @ 516-883-5762.

Nov. 30 - NYOSIA Christmas Concert featuringInternational Vocal Artist Giada Valenti atMolloy College, Rockville Centre. More info tofollow. Contact: Robert Ferrito @ 917-440-5435.

2015

Jan. 30 - NYOSIA 22nd Anniversary WinterCharity Ball to be held at the Chateau Briand,Carle Place, 7:30pm. Contact: Joan Rondinelli@ 516-799-0044 or Annette Lankewish @ 516-933-7393 or Madeline Matteucci @ 631-654-2578.

Jan. 31 - NYOSIA Winter Plenary Session to behosted by John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 atthe Pt. Washington Senior Center, Pt.Washington. Contact: Eileen Stavis @ 516-785-4623.

Local Lodges2014

July 18 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 -Italian Night-Scholarship D/D at BrumidiLodge Hall, Deer Park, 7:30pm, $35pp.Contact: Fran Barone @ 631-667-1543.

July 19 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - Annual FishingTrip. Contact: Salvatore Squillante @ 516-505-8880.

July 20 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 -Annual Family Picnic at Manorhaven Park, Pt.Washington, 12:00pm. Contact: John DiLeo @516-859-4111 or John Maura @ 516-250-2900.

July 24 - Donatello Lodge #2559 - 30thAnniversary D/D honoring sponsoring lodgesGalileo Galilei, Cellini, (Past) Italo Balbo,Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro & EmmaGlowacky at Chateau Briand, 6:30pm, $85pp.Contact: Maria Kobylarz @ 516-852-7345.

July 27 - Antonio Meucci Lodge #213 - Festivalat the Valhalla Dam. Contact: Mario Cermele @914-325-1239.

July 27 - Columbus Lodge #2143 - LodgePicnic at Marjorie Post Park, Massapequa.Contact: Chris Molina @ 516-220-9619.

July 27 - District I Queen’s Pageant - Queen’sPageant at Constantino Brumidi Lodge Hall,Deer Park, 3:00pm, $45pp. Contact: DianeGrauer @ 631-242-2710.

July 31 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 -Vigiano Brothers Memorial Golf Outing atTimber Point Country Club, Great River,7:00am, $150 per golfer, $55pp dinner only.Contact: Tom Tartaro @ 516-364-8879.

Aug. 2 - Vincent Lombardi Lodge #2270 -Membership Appreciation Picnic at Casa Rube,71 Cohasset Drive, Rochester. Contact: NancyRube @ 585-461-1181.

Aug. 8 - Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge #443 - PigRoast at Lodge Hall, Endicott. Contact:Bartender @ 607-785-2567.

Aug. 9 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 -Hawaiian Luau at Constantino Brumidi LodgeHall, Deer Park, 7:30pm, $40pp. Contact: RoseDispenseri @ 631-254-3015.

Aug. 13-Aug. 18 - Cellini Lodge #2206 -Annual Cellini Lodge Feast. Contact: AlfonsoSquillante @ 516-280-4080.

Aug. 17 - Loggia Glen Cove #1016 - AnnualPicnic & BBQ at Glen Cove YMCA, Doson’sLane, Glen Cove, $12pp. Contact: StephenRyder @ 516-674-3562.

Aug. 18 - Leonardo Da Vinci Lodge #2385 -Charitable Golf Outing honoring State TrusteeAnthony Corsello at Inwood Country Club,Inwood, 10:30am, Golf & Dinner $200pp.Contact: Andrew Reilly @ 516-640-0931.

Aug. 22-Sept. 1 - Giuseppe A. Nigro Lodge#2234 - Annual Mother Cabrini Feast at SuffolkCounty Community College. Contact: TheresaPernice @ 631-231-7033.

Aug. 24 - Galileo Galilei Lodge #2253 -Scholarship D/D at Hartigan Manor, Bethpage,1:00pm. Contact: Michele Sewitch @ 516-458-0474.

Aug. 24 - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 -Fashion Show at Marconi Lodge Hall, Islip,6:30pm, $35pp. Contact: Irma Jacinto @ 516-457-2956.

Aug. 25 - Loggia Glen Cove #1016 - Ernest J.Pascucci Memorial Golf Outing at Glen CoveGolf Course. Contact: Portia Ryder @ 516-674-3562.

Sept. 3-7th - John Michael Marino Lodge#1389 - 35th Grande Festa Italiana at N.Hempstead Beach Park. Contact: John Maura @516-250-2900.

Sept. 4 - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 -Social Night at Marconi Lodge Hall, Islip,7:30pm, $20pp. Contact: Joseph Canestro @631-678-3220.

Sept. 7 - Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 -Arthur Avenue Bus Trip to Ferragosto departingSmithtown LIRR Train Station, AtterburyDrive, 10:00am, $25pp. Contact: RobertGraham @ 631-265-0205.

Sept. 11 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - Grab BagBingo at Marcus Christ Hall, New Hyde Park,7:30pm. Contact: Vincent Illuzzi @ 917-922-8045.

Sept. 11 - Vigiano Brothers Lodge #3436 - 9/11Memorial Candlelight Ceremony at HarborFront Park, 101A E. Broadway, Pt. Jefferson,6:30pm. Contact: Annette D’Angelo @ 631-928-9167.

Sept. 11-14th - Rockland Lodge #2176 - 4thAnnual Feast at German Masonic Park, WesternHighway, Tappan, $2pp. Contact: Greg DeCola@ 347-346-1462.

Sept. 13 - Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge #443 -Annual Clam Bake at Lodge Hall, Endicott.Contact: Bartender @ 607-785-2567.

Sept. 14 - Loggia Glen Cove #1016 - BocceTournament at Lodge Hall, 69 Glen Street, GlenCove, $10pp. Contact: Nina Trolio @ 516-676-7126.

Sept. 16 - Per Sempre Ladies Lodge #2344A -Special “Tea Party” for State First Lady JoanRondinelli at Greis Park Recreation Center,Lynbrook, 7:00pm, $10pp. Contact: MildredMancusi @ 516-359-1745.

Sept. 18 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 -Fashion Show at Constantino Brumidi LodgeHall, Deer Park, 7:00pm, $45pp. Contact:Antoinette Masi @ 631-243-3988.

Sept. 26 - Anthony Maggiacomo Lodge #2320 -Annual D/D at Westchester Manor, 7:00pm,$85pp. Contact: Peter Tamburri @ 914-476-9659.

Sept. 27 - Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 -Night at the Races at Constantino BrumidiLodge Hall, Deer Park, 7:00pm, $12pp/$6 perchild. Contact: Carol Nani @ 631-242-4261.

Sept. 28 - Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 -40th Anniversary D/D at The Elks Club,Smithtown, 2:00pm, $55pp. Contact: RobertGraham @ 631-265-0205.

Sept. 28 - Columbus Lodge #2143 - AnnualItalian Feast & Festival at N. Broadway,Massapequa, 11:00am. Contact: Tony Ventiera@ 516-851-8531.

Oct. 2 - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 -Social Night at Marconi Lodge Hall, Islip,7:30pm, $20pp. Contact: Joseph Canestro @631-678-3220.

Oct. 2 - Rockland Lodge #2176 - Golf Outing atBlue Hill Golf Course, Pearl River, $170pp.Contact: Tony Siciliano @ 845-521-9344.

Oct. 4 - Fr. Vincent Capodanno Lodge #212 -Testimonial D/D honoring IPP Theresa Corey atLaGreci Staaten, Staten Island. Contact: RoseKelly @ 718-494-4928.

Oct. 5 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 -89th Anniversary D/D honoring IPP EricPappalardi at Chateau Briand, 12:00pm, $85pp.Contact: Marianne Prince @ 718-631-7917.

Oct. 18 - Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge #443 -Columbus Day D/D at Lodge Hall, Endicott.Contact: Matt Coletta @ 607-785-2567.

Oct. 18 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - Atlantic CityTrip. Contact: Salvatore Squillante @ 516-505-8880.

Oct. 18 - Progresso Lodge #1047 - ColumbusDay D/D at Ramada Inn, Syracuse, 6:30pm.Contact: Carmine Federico @ 315-457-5010.

Oct. 18 - Galileo Galilei Lodge #2253 - ItalianHeritage “Night of Comedy” at Knights ofColumbus Hall, Hicksville, $60pp. Contact:Michele Sewitch @ 516-458-0474.

Oct. 18 - Loggia Glen Cove #1016 - ItalianFestival at Lodge Hall, 69 Glen Street, GlenCove Contct Tony Sclafani @ 516-759-2313.

Oct. 22 - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 -Traditional Oktoberfest at Marconi Lodge Hall,Islip, 6:30pm, $27pp. Contact: Jean Simone @631-581-7520.

Oct. 24 - St. Francis of Assisi Lodge #2629 -25th Anniversary D/D honoring State PresidentJoseph Rondinelli & State Recording SecretaryMichele Ment at Knights of Columbus Hall, 25Townsend Road, Beacon, 7:00pm, $65pp.Contact: Louis Mazzacone @ 845-797-3278.

Oct. 24 - Vincent Lombardi Lodge #2270 -Annual Christopher Columbus Awards D/D atBurgundy Basin Inn, Pittsford, 6:00pm, $50pp.Contact: Sandra Meleca @ 315-986-1097.

Oct. 25 - Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge #443 - FishFry at Lodge Hall, Endicott. Contact: Rudy @607-785-2567.

Oct. 26 - Antonio Meucci Lodge #213 - 100thAnniversary Columbus Day D/D at the VillaBarone Hilltop Manor, Mahopac. Contact:Flavia DiNota @ 914-769-8987.

Oct. 26 - John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 -Family Pasta Dinner at Pt. Washington SeniorCenter, Pt. Washington, 3:00pm. Contact:Antoinetta Ardovini @ 516-627-1886.

Nov. 2 - Giuseppe A. Nigro Lodge #2234 - 44thAnnual D/D at Mediterranean Manor, $80pp.Contact: MaryAnn DeCostanzo @ 631-730-2846.

Nov. 2 - Columbus Lodge #2143 - TestimonialD/D honoring IPP Ed Bochynski at StuartThomas Manor, Farmingdale, 2:00pm. Contact:Bill Murphy @ 631-375-0701 or Frank Musarra@ 516-756-2067.

Nov. 3 - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 -Lodge Memorial Mass for Deceased Membersin Italian at Marconi Lodge Hall, Islip, 7:30pm.Contact: Robert Necci @ 631-256-6397.

Nov. 6 - Giuseppe Verdi Lodge #2163 - 50thAnniversary D/D honoring Giuseppe VerdiLodge Past Presidents at the Chateau Briand,Carle Place. Contact: Anthony Naccarato @516-921-7839.

Nov. 6 - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 -Social Night at Marconi Lodge Hall, Islip,7:30pm, $20pp. Contact: Joseph Canestro @631-678-3220.

Nov. 9 - Fr. John Papallo Lodge #2684 - 20thAnniversary Brunch honoring Past StateTrustees Joseph Vallone, Louis Gallo and PastState Principal Trustee Angela DeCosimo atCrestwood Manor, Northport. Contact:Maddalena McKee @ 631-269-2906.

Nov. 11 - Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge #2583 -Scholarship D/D at Marina del Rey Caterers,Bronx, $125pp. Contact: Mario Annunziata @914-879-2523.

Nov. 13 - Per Sempre Ladies Lodge #2344A -Fashion Show at Verdi’s of Westbury, Westbury,7:00pm. Contact: Mildred Mancusi @ 516-359-1745.

Nov. 14 - Cellini Lodge #2206 - ThanksgivingSocial at Clinton Martin Park, New Hyde Park,7:00pm. Contact: Luigi Squillante @ 516-292-2488.

Nov. 16 - Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372 -Annual D/D honoring IPP Patricia Ferrari andPat Tuosto at the North Ritz Club, Syosset,12:00pm, $85pp. Contact: Rick Trapani @ 516-997-7957.

Nov. 16 - Perry Como Lodge #2846 - 6thAnniversary D/D at Mannino’s Restaurant,Commack, 5:00pm. Contact: RosemarieSimeone @ 631-368-7782.

Nov. 23 - Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 -Ladies Auxiliary Holiday Fair at MarconiLodge Hall, Islip, 9:00am. Contact: JeanSimeone @ 631-581-7520.

As of 7/7/14

2014 OSIA UPCOMING EVENTS

State/National Events

I’m writing this as the 2014World Cup soccer tournamentheads down the homestretch. By

the time you read it, we will knowwhich country can boast about beingthe world champs for the next fouryears.

We know it won’t be Italy. Ourbeloved “Azzurri”were bounced outof the tournamentat the group stage.We know it won’tbe the UnitedStates. UncleSam’s lads gave ita good run,advanced out ofthe difficult“Group of Death”

but lost to Belgium in the secondround.

OK, before I risk losing most of youdear readers, this column is not aboutsoccer. Really. It’s about Italian bar-bershops. Follow me:

A friend of mine, knowing what ahuge fan of the World Cup I am, sentme a column from the ChicagoTribune in which the writer, wantingto cull some insights and tidbits aboutthe 2014 tourney, chats with a realexpert, an Italian immigrant fromSalerno named Raffaele. The neatthing about the way he wrote thepiece, though, is that he didn’t let onthat his “expert” was a barber untilabout halfway through the column.

It reminded me, though, of my dad’sbarbershop back in his southern Italianvillage of San Salvatore Telesino. I gotthe pleasure of experiencing it onlyonce, back in 1990, ironically whenanother World Cup tournament wasgoing on, that one being played inItaly.

The shop was tucked on a little cob-blestone side street in dad’s village,halfway between the main piazza andChiesa Santa Maria Assunta, thechurch where my mother and fatherwere married. The street is StradaProvinciale 69 (or at least GoogleMaps tells me it is), and calling it astreet might be stretching it; it is wideenough for only one Fiat at a time,which I think is why it was made a

one-way street years ago.

My buddy Ken and I were in Italy toexperience both the ’90 Cup and thevillage. Dad took us for a walk downto the shop one afternoon when agame was on television. The barber,who had cut dad’s hair -- in fact, thehair of all the men in the village -- fordecades, was more a friend than a bar-ber. He also ran a Soccer Club and hisshop was the headquarters.

He had a small -- maybe 12-inch --black-and-white set that was up on ashelf in the corner of the shop. It wasa one-chair barbershop, so it wasn’tlarge, but that day, there must havebeen three dozen Italian soccer afi-cionados, their eyes glued to that set.Most of them were puffing away furi-ously on cigarettes and drinking wine.Some wine actually got in theirmouths but most of it spilled on thefloor as they waved their wine glasseswildly while adding commentary tothe game. Ken and I, American out-siders, sort of stayed out in the door-way and peered in at this whole scene.Besides, the air was fresher.

Holland was playing Ireland thatday, and the tifosi of San SalvatoreTelesino were decidedly behind theIrish. I’m not quite sure why unless ithad something to do with World War I… or II. Now, many might call soccera boring game, but I prefer to think ofit as “nuanced.” That game, as I recall,contained plenty of nuances that drewyelling, cursing and catcalls from theanimated barbershop gang. It wasprobably about as lively as a barber-shop can be, and in my memory banks-- a 1-1 tie -- the whole scene remainsin black-and-white, sort of like aSophia Loren movie.

The barber -- the leader of theSoccer Club -- has since died. But theChicago Tribune article brought back aflood of memories. Especially sincehis name was … Raffaele.

Mike Cutillo is President of GenevaLodge 2397 in upstate New York. He isthe Executive Editor of the FingerLakes Times daily newspaper and canbe reached [email protected].

Food Trucks and Peddlers

There seems to be a new craze in thecity-food trucks! Is it really an inno-vation? The dirty water frankfurters

(hot dogs) with sauerkraut and mustardwere a quick lunch as long as I canremember. For years, Italian Americansenjoyed church feasts where trucks withmini-kitchens served us sausage heroes,zeppole, pizza, and ices.

The differencenow is new cuisineis represented due toan influx of popula-tion from exoticplaces. Styrofoamcontainers withshish kebab, pulledpork sandwiches,quesadillas or gyros,

are pushed through the windows by thepopular food truck chefs. They have per-mits, but I sure hope they are inspectedfor cleanliness too.

Recently I saw a caravan of foodvendors parked right on Fifth Avenue, infront of the Metropolitan Museum. Notonly could you buy the usual ice creambut also choose from gourmet pretzels,mac’ n cheese, crepes, Thai noodles, –or perfect for me, a Nutella filledbrioche.

The scene reminded me of an early1900s iconic photo of immigrant ped-dlers and carts clogging the streets inlower Manhattan. Any one of themcould have been my father! With con-tadino blood in his veins, he could nottolerate the indoor atmosphere of facto-ries, so he became a produce peddler.For many years he drove his truckhawking the freshest fruits and vegeta-bles that came from nearby farms. “Meloni dolce come zucchero,”“Lattuga fresca,” “Piselli,” “Fave.”

In his sing song manner, reminiscentof an Arabic chant from his nativeSicily, he summoned his customers tohis rolling store. His faithful patronshaggled and tasted before actually pur-chasing the ingredients for their eveningmeal. My father’s goal then was to havea storefront using the startup funds fromhis “food truck.”

Now the reverse process is the trend.The vendors are coming out of theirestablished restaurants and customizinga menu for on the street sales.“Hipsters” are good repeat customers.They appear to enjoy juggling a plateand dodging drips on themselves whileeating beside a truck. Although Hipstersare into less formality in attire and cui-sine, they usually aim for the healthychoices like salads and smoothies.While they may be adventurous and try“larvette” (insects) deep fried withcream cheese (Yuk), I would rather havea ricotta sandwich with chocolate shav-ings any day-of-the-week.

I know there is a meatball truck some-where with quite a variety of “polpette,”but I wonder if the taste would meet ourstandards. The only truck I would go toregularly is an arancini (rice-balls) sell-er.

As of now I have not found a vendorthat makes my absolute favorite –“arancini.” The deep fried rice-ballswith meat and peas in the center reallydo look like little oranges.

This could be a new career opportuni-ty. The truck could be called “Flo’s Five Star Rice Balls!” Whoknows, I could be nominated for aVendy Award (given to food trucks) forunique offerings and catchy trucknames.

I’ll never get used to eating standingon the street but I guess it could be funonce in a while.

by Florence Gatto - Contributing Writer

T h e n a n d N o w A l i t t le off the top . . . and a corner kick, tooby Mike Cutillo - Contributing Writer

Florence is a Past President of the Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372, and a member of theOSIA Scholarship Committee. Flo is the author of “The Scent of Jasmine - Vignettes froma Sicilian Heritage.” She has studied in Italy under Fullbright and NYS Teacher Grants. n

Pushcart vendors in Lower Manhattan in the early 1900s



The Leonardo Da Vinci Lodge #2385 of Inwood, presented $2,450 inawards to five high school seniors on June 23.The seniors will use the schol-arship money to further their education. Picture left to right: Back Row -Scholarship Chairman Pete Capozzi, recipients Edward Trotta and NicholasPicini; Lodge President Joe Squitieri; and recipient Joseph Montilli Jr.Seated are: recipients Alexandra Spinelli and Melissa Meric.

Perry Como Lodge #2846, Northport. Each June, the lodge awardsfive scholarships of $750 each to outstanding graduates of local highschools who have enrolled in a four year college or university. In addi-tion to certificates from the Perry Como Lodge, each recipient receivedproclamations from local and state public officials. Pictured from left:Charles Lucie, Scholarship Committee Chair; recipients - Julia Montella,Katherine Hughes, Samantha Macy, Austin Marchese, and Jake Weiner;and Lodge President Anthony P. Gallo.

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Brumidi Lodge #2211 - Deer Park. Lodge President Ciro Capano andLadies Auxiliary President Sabrina Savino (extreme right and left) arejoined by Town Officials and recipients, as $13,000 in scholarship awardswere presented to deserving students on May 20, 2014.

On June 18th, the John Michael Marino Lodge Foundation, Inc. ofPort Washington, presented its Academic Scholarships - The Gilda andTony DiStefano Scholarship in Memory of Maria Bianco, Dante Medal forExcellence in the Study of the Italian Language, Italian Studies Awards,and Athletic Awards to a total of twenty-one high school students. Picturedwith the scholarship and award recipients are Foundation President JohnO'Neil, Lodge President Tony Conetta, and Lodge First Lady andScholarship Chair Nancy Conetta. The Foundation also presented mone-tary awards to fourteen local charities.

Marco Polo Lodge #2214 - Levittown. On June 9, 2014, the lodgeheld its scholarship awards ceremony at which 3 deserving students wererewarded for their commitment to education. They are shown with mem-bers of the lodge and Town of Hempstead Councilman, Gary Hughes.

The

Golden LionSECTION 2

Official Publication of the Grand Lodge of New York

Largest Italian-American Fraternal Bi-Monthly in New York State

Columbus Lodge #2143 - Farmingdale. On June 8, 2014, the AnnualScholarship Awards were presented to sixteen most-deserving students.One - Leah Ragno, was also the recipient of NELA and NY StateScholarships; two other received NY State Scholarships; and threereceived NY State Grants. Pictured are 12 of the 16 recipients that wereable to attend. The lodge awarded close to $9,000 to the students.


nYS CSJ District II eight Annual "La Bella Lingua Achievement Award."Recipients Brendon Nally and Michael Ferraro (1st and 3rd from left) pose withthe Commitee. From left: Phyllis Cerullo, Jean Gagliardo, Mary Ann Rispoli, AnnaAcquaviva, Maria Matassa, Mary Abby, and Mary De Rosa. Seated: Lee Cerulloand Louis Gallo.

__________________________________________

The 2014 annual NYS CSJ District II "La Bella Lingua Achievement Award" waspresented to two students for excelling in Italian Language courses. The committee:Phyllis Cerullo, Ann Acquaviva, Maria Marchese, Mary Abby, Jean Gagliardo,Marjorie Moschella, Lee Cerullo, with Chairperson Mary Ann Rispoli), chooseMichael Ferraro from Manhasset High School and Brendon Nally from PlainedgeHigh School. The event took place on May 15, 2014, at the Marco Polo Lodge.

Michael Ferraro was quoted: "I believe I have what it takes to make a difference inour world... "I feel I have a unique determination and unstoppable will that will helpme pursue my dreams while helping others, never forgetting my heritage along theway..." I plan to continue my study of Italian language and culture, and hopefullyspend a semester abroad in Italy."

Brendon Nally was quoted: "Through studying the Italian language, we can beginto understand how revolutionary and advanced the Italian truly were and continue tobe... "I chose to study Italian to revive the language in my family, because it is partof my history and helped to shape the identity of my family as a whole. Studying theItalian language is relevant today, because it contributes and maintains cultural diver-sity in the modern world."

Chairperson Lee Cerullo welcomed and greeted those in attendance, State OfficersLouis Gallo, Keith Wilson, Lodge Presidents, CSJ Liaisons, recipient's Parents,Siblings and Teachers of Italian and Guests. Before the Award presentations a lightdinner was served,donated and prepared by District II Liaisons. n

Submitted by Lee Cerullo

S c h o l a s t i c A w a r d s A t L o c a l L o d g e sS c h o l a s t i c A w a r d s A t L o c a l L o d g e s

During the meeting of May 25, 2014, NYS CSJ District II Liaisons presentedSister Mary Ann Rispoli (Chairperson of "la Bella Lingua Achievement AwardCommittee) with a plaque, in recognition of her outstanding work and dedicationwith CSJ. Mary Ann is flanked by NYS CSJ Chairman Louis Gallo (L ) and NYSCSJ DISTRICT II Liaisons Chairperson Lee Cerullo. Congratulations.

Arturo Toscanini Lodge #2107- Dix Hills. ITALIAn LAnGuAGe AwArDS. (L-R)Northport HS Awardee Brian Shields, Counsel Gregory J. Atherton representingAssemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci, Lodge President and Chairman Joseph A.Tursi, Harborfields HS Awardee Jaqueline Canino, Commack HS AwardeeVincent Elvezio, and “NYS Tino LoMeo Awardee”, Blake L. Rocca. Two otherrecipients could not be present.

Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 - Smithtown. Marian Palazzolo (center),represented the lodge at the Smithtown HS Awards Ceremony, where she pre-sented Dante Medals to two students who excelled in Italian Studies. Picturedfrom left, are the recipients: Kathleen Heslin (left), Marian, and Mia Trentadue.The Dante Medal was named for Durante (Dante) degli Alighieri who was amajor poet of the Middle Ages. His masterpiece, Divine Comedy, is consideredto be the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language.

Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372 - Bellmore.

2 0 1 4 G R A D U A T E A W A R D S R E C I P I E N Tchairperson - Florence Gatto


Some of the 67 scholarship recipients that were able to attend the Presentation Ceremony, pose as a group with State and National Officers, State ScholarshipChairperson Michele Ment (far left), and District Scholarship Chairpersons including: State President Joseph Rondinelli, National 5th VP Nancy DiFiore Quinn, andCornaro Award Recipient Dr. Alessandra Leri (center - standing beneath banner).

Additional Scholarship Coverage in next 3 pages u

uuu The 2014 Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Award recipient - Dr. Alessandra Leri,is being presented the Cornaro Award by NYS President Rondinelli, while NYSConaro Award Chairperson Dr. Louis Mignone (center), who is also a past recipientof the prestigious award, looks on approvingly. Amongst her many achievements,Dr. Leri is a strong advocate for independent research in undergraduate scienceeducation. (See Dr. Leri bio on page 11.

2014 Grand Lodge Scholarship Awards’ Ceremony

$83,900 Awarded to 67 Deserving Students

Cornaro Award presented to Dr. Alessandra Leri

t he new york Grand lodge Foundation, Inc. order Sons of Italy in america,awarded $83,900 in scholarship and grant money to 69 students on Saturday,June 14th at a special awards ceremony held at tappan Zee high School in

orangeburg. new york. Foundation president Joseph F. rondinelli, First ladyJoan, Foundation Second Vice-president robert Ferrito, Financial officers BiagioIsgro and John Fratta, Foundation directors arthur Spera,, carlo matteucci, peterZuzolo, family members and friends were present to witness the presentation ofawards to 50 of the recipients. teo led us in both the Italian and national anthemsand later entertained us by singing a song made famous by andrea Bocelli. thekeynote speaker for this event was Vincent marmorale. he spoke to the scholarshiprecipients about the Italian immigrant experience and the role played by manyItalians in Italy during the holocaust of world war II.

State Scholarship chairperson michele ment explained that the new york Grandlodge Foundation, Inc. was formed in 1982 and since that time, through the gen-erosity of members and friends of the Foundation and through the Filial lodgesScholarship programs has continued to help many young people achieve their edu-cational goals. She also explained that four additional special awards were addedthis year. they were the arturo toscanini lodge #2107 Scholarship in honor ofEdith and peter Zuzolo, the Ferdinand and dorothy dipoto memorial Scholarship– parents of Former First lady madeline matteucci, past State Venerable Joseph E.Fay memorial Scholarship, and the Franca and antonio capicotto FamilyScholarship.

the Elena lucrezia cornaro award was presented to dr. alessandra leri,professor of chemistry at marymount manhattan college by committee chairper-son dr. lois pontillo mignone. this award recognizes outstanding Italian-american women in education for their significant contributions to their professionand their communities. It is named for the first woman in history to receive a ph.d.Elena cornaro earned her doctorate from the university of padua, Italy, in 1678.dr. leri explained to the students that they should never give up on their dreams.

Foundation president Joseph rondinelli congratulated the award recipients ontheir accomplishments, emphasized the importance of receiving an education andasked that they remember the Sons of Italy after they have completed their coursesof study by continuing their oSIa membership by either joining a local lodge orremaining a member-at-large. he also told the students that there are oSIa lodgesthroughout the country and if they are far from home and need help, they shouldcall our Grand lodge office and we will provide them with the information regard-ing the lodge closest to them to provide the help needed until their parents are ableto arrive. n

BriTTnEy A. grEllA

ann marIE montEmarano mEmorIal GraduatE

ScholarShIp; and thE GIuSEppE canGEmI mEmorIal

GraduatE ScholarShIp

Brittney believes the culture shapes you as an individual,especially because she is a first generation Italian-american. her family came to the united States in pursuitof the american dream, which is continuously being ful-filled through her. She attended our lady of mercyacademy for high school and obtained her diploma. Shethen went to hofstra university and recently graduated with

a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor inmathematics. In august, she will be attending St. George’s university School ofmedicine in the west Indies where she will be completing her md and plans tobecome the first physician in her family – fulfilling her dream.

TimoThy E. FugEr

Edward InnElla FamIly GraduatE ScholarShIp In

EducatIon; and thE pEtEr r. ZuZolo Jr. mEmorIal

ScholarShIp For ScIEncE, EnGInEErInG, or tEchnoloGy

tim is a motivated designer pursuing a masters ofarchitecture degree at norwich university. he takes inspi-ration from his Italian heritage. tim not only speaksItalian, but has traveled to Italy a number of times as well.he studied a semester in rome and was able to visitmilano, Venezia, Firenze, pisa, assisi and many other

places while there. he finds comfort in researching con-temporary Italian design and designers in his spare time, looking into figures such asaldo rossi, carlo aymonino, and renzo piano.

20 • The Golden lion • July-august 2014

NY GRAND LODGE-DISTRICT

DISTRICT I RECIPIENTS (Joanne Spera - Chairperson)

1 • MIChaEl J. DIGuIlMI

Andrea Doria Lodge #2201 Scholarship; and the Andrea Doria Lodge #2201 Anthony Graziano Memorial Scholarship; andthe Anthony Casamento Lodge #2612 Scholarship in Memory of Nancy Ravasio Proctor.

2 • CaRolINE a, GRovE

Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 Scholarship in the Name of Marietta and Philip Lagana; and the Dr. Vincenzo SellaroLodge #2319 Scholarship in Memory of Nardina Trotta.

3 • ElIzabETh M. bRIERToN

Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #2232 Scholarship in Memory of Sal Licata; and the Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211Scholarship in the name of Pasquale Curcio; and the Sargeant John Basillone Lodge #2442 Scholartship.in Memory of OurFounders

4 • MICahEl a. PaSToRE

Giuseppe A. Nigro Lodge #2234 Scholarship in Honor of Mother Cabrini.

5 • vINCENT J. olIvETo

John Bosco Lodge #2384 Scholarship in Memory of Vincent J. Martorana, Esq.; and the John Bosco Lodge #2384Scholarship in Honor of Marcia Ann Curcio; and the John Bosco Lodge #2384 Scholarship in Memory of Vincent Campanna.

6 • JaMES P. boSS

The Philip & Marietta Lagana Family Scholarship; and the Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 Scholarship in Memory ofJohn Farina.

7 • blakE l. RoCCa

Tino LoMeo Memorial Scholarship; and the District I Presidents’ Scholarship; and the Lion’s Pride Day Care Scholarship.

8 • MaRISa N. MEyER

Arturo Toscanini Lodge #2107 Scholarship; and the Arturo Toscanini Lodge Scholarship in Honor of Peter and Edith Zuzolo

9 • alExaNDRIa S. uSak

The Paolo and Francesca Gionsiracusa Memorial Scholarship; and the Lawrence Andrew Klein Memorial Scholarship.

10 • GabRIEllE a. CoSENTINo

St. Thomas Aquinas Lodge #2569 Scholarship in Memory of Frank Melia, Jr.; and the Guy Lombardo Lodge #2417Scholarship.

11 • NICholaS lERNER

Carlo & Anna Matteucci Memorial Scholarship; and the Carlo & Madeline Matteucci Family Scholarship; and the Ferdinandand Dorithy DiPoto Memorial Scholarship, Parents Former First Lady Madeline Matteucci.

12 • NIColETTE vIGIaNo

Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 Scholarship in Memory of Joseph and John Vigiano.

DISTRICT II RECIPIENTS (Angelo Grande - Chairperson)

13 • CaRa M. GIbboNS

Edward J. Speno Lodge #2568 Scholarship in Memory of Joseph Grasso; and the Carlo & Concetta Quatraro MemorialScholarship.

14 • JoNaThaN M. ChaRboNNEau

America Lodge #2245 Scholarship and the America Lodge #2245 Scholarship in Memory of Joseph A. Montemarano; andthe Chris Seidel Memorial Award.

15 • DaNIElla R. JoyCE

Michael & Elizabeth Carrera Scholarship in Memory of Lisa Carrera; and the District II Presidents’ Scholarship inMemory of Lisa Carrera; and the Agnes & John Funk Scholarship in Memory of Sam DiTrapani.

16 • NICholaS J. NovaRRo

Eda Opulente-Meglio Scholarship and the Cellini Lodge #2206 Scholarship.

17 • ThoMaS J. PaSSaRo

Donatello Lodge #2559 Scholarship in Memory of Charles J. Fuschillo and all Deceased Members; and the Nicholas G.Viglietta Scholarship; and the Judge Frank A. Gulotta Lodge #2180 Scholarship.

18 • DaNIEllE T. RaGuSa

Marco Polo Lodge #2214 Scholarship; and the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 Scholarship in Memory of JudgeVincent R. Balletta, Jr.; and the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 Scholarship in Memory of Deceased members.

19 • NIColE S. valENTINo

Elizabeth Prestigiacomo Memorial Scholarship Award donated by Frank Prestigiacomo, Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372;and the Maffettone Family Scholarship in Honor of Domenic and Virginia Maffettone.

20 • SaMaNTha SPEzIalE

Angelo & Kathryn Grande Scholarship in Memory of Rose & Frank Della Ratta; and the Angelo & Kathryn GrandeScholarship in Memory of Angelina & Ignatius Grande; and the Enrico Fermi Lodge #2150 Scholarship in Memory ofPietro Scalamandre.

21 • JuSTIN TRuGlIo

The Marianna Crescimanno Memorial Scholarship; and the Carmine Cocchiola Memorial Scholarship.

22 • FRaNCESCa S. CaSalINo

Martone Family Scholarship in Memory of Lorenzo Martone; and the Michael Valente Lodge #2667 Ed BuscemiMemorial Scholarship.

23 • JaMES a. MoRRIS JR.Captain Kathy Mazza Lodge #2163A (Aida Lodge) Scholarship in Memory of Kathy MazzaDelosh.

DISTRICT III RECIPIENTS (Rosemarie Stathes - Chairperson)

24 • Max J. FEINbERG

Daughters & Sons of Italian Heritage Lodge #2428 in Memory of Nicola Fiscina; and theJosephine Gambino Scholarship.

25 • aNThoNy P. GRazIaNo

District III Scholarship; and the Ponte Family Scholarship; and the Jimmy Durante Lodge#2514 Scholarship

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The golden lion • July-august 2014 • 21

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

DISTRICT III RECIPIENTS (Continued)

26 • JENNIfER N. ORlaNDO

Verrazano Lodge #212 Scholarship; and the Anthony Brusco Family Scholarship..

27 • JOSEPh M. MaDIa

Mario Lanza Lodge #2491 Scholarship in Memory of Deceased Members.

28 • ChRISTOPhER fERRaRO

Per Sempre Lodge #2344 Scholarship in Memory of Vito Summo; and the Per Sempre Lodge #2344 Scholarship inMemory of Jake DeLuca; and the Salvatore DiTrapani Memorial Scholarship.

29 • JOSEPh a. SCOgNaMIllO

Per Sempre Ladies Lodge #2344A Scholarship; and the DiFiore Quinn Family Scholarship in Memory of Ann DiFiore andNora Quinn; and the Rondinelli Family Scholarship in Memory of Marie Maiorana.

30 • MaRISSa N. SaNSOTTa

Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge #2741 / St. Gennaro Society Scholarship; and the Frank and Maryann Barone Scholarship inMemory of Antonio and Anna Barone.

31 • MaTThEw T. BENSON

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Fratta & Family Scholarship in Memory of Anthony Louis Fratta; and the Giuseppe Mazzini Lodge#137 Scholarship.

32 • MIChaEl J. CavaTaIO

Father Vincent R. Capodanno Lodge #212 Scholarship in Memory of John Dabbene; and the John Dabbene MemorialScholarship; and the State Past Venerable Joseph E. Fay Memorial Scholaship.

DISTRICT Iv RECIPIENTS (Margaret Forte - Chairperson)

33 • DESIREE SaCCO

District IV Scholarship; and the Antonio Meucci Lodge #213 Scholarship in Memory of B. Albert Roselli; and the AntonioMeucci Lodge #213 Scholarship in Memory of Deceased Members.

34 • lEah SIlIDJIaN

Le Amiche Lodge #2550 Scholarship; and the Christopher Agostino & Deceased Members of the Anthony MaggiacomoLodge #2320 Memorial Scholarship.

35 • KaRISSa M. DEluCa

Joe DiMaggio Lodge #2248 Scholarship in Memory of Colette Cannizzaro; and the Christopher Columbus Lodge #692Scholarship in Memory of Deceased Members.

36 • CaThERINE R. CIaNCIO

Eric & Michele Ment Family Scholarship in Honor of our Parents; and the Joe DiMaggio Lodge #2248 Scholarship inMemory of Michael Messineo.

37 • MIChaEl DIMaTTIa

Franca and Antonio Capicotto Family Scholarship

DISTRICT v RECIPIENTS (Sybil DeSimone - Chairperson)

38 • JuSTIN J. ROSENBluM

Filippo Mazzei Lodge #2207 and Marino Family Scholarship in Memory of Nicholas Serra & Barbara Adinolfi; and theRockland Lodge #2176 Mowerson Family Scholarship in Memory of William A. Mowerson.

39 • KEvIN B. DEPTula

Filippo Mazzei Lodge #2207 Olori Family Scholarship in Memory of Catherine and Louis Olori, Sr.; and the FilippoMazzei Lodge #2207 Family Scholarship in Memory of Elizabeth Iannone.

40 • alExaNDRa M. gallETTa

Romanesque Lodge #2198 Scholarship; and the Frances Colello Memorial Scholarship, Founder of the RomanesqueLodge #2198.

41 • NIChOlaS R. ROSSI

Beatrice Waked Memorial Scholarship; and the Dominick Cardone Memorial Scholarship.

42 • JaMES M. STEPhEN

Vincent Linguanti Lodge #2212 Scholarship in Memory of Deceased Members; and the Filippo Mazzei Lodge #2207Family Scholarship in Memory of Martha and Donato Marcario.

43 • REBECCa l. NIChOlSON

District V Presidents’ Millennium Scholarship; and the Etruscan Lodge #2238 Scholarship.

DISTRICT vI RECIPIENTS (Cesare Maniccia - Chairperson)

44 • SaRah E. NIRO

Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321 Dominick Ferro Memorial Scholarship; and the Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321 inMemory of Arthur Pardi Scholarship; and the Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge #321 Joseph and Chris Parillo Scholarship.

45 • KaTElyN a. MaSullO

Roma Intangible Lodge #215 Scholarship in Memory of F. Joseph Leone; and the Jim FrigoletteMemorial Scholarship.

DISTRICT vII RECIPIENTS (Josephine Federico - Chairperson)

46 • MIChaEl J. SChMID

District VII Scholarship; and the Daughters of Columbus Lodge #1666 Scholarship.

47 • fRaNCESCa la ROSa MOORE

Genevieve Federico Memorial Scholarship; and District VII - Joseph Sciame Scholarship.

48 • ERNESTO PORCaRO

Joseph and Johanna Conte; and the Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge #443 Scholarship.

49 • JaKE a. BaRNEy

Dante Alighieri Lodge #436 Scholarship[

DISTRICT vIII RECIPIENTS (Valerie Gobbo - Chairperson)

50 • ChRISTIaN l. TOSCaNO

Richard DiMarco Sr. Memorial Scholarship Donated by John DiMarco; and the Jane LippaMemorial Scholarship; and the Giambra Family Scholarship.

51 • EMIly J. TyMaN

Geneva Lodge #2397 Scholarship in Memory of Deceased Members; and the Guglielmo MarconiLodge #154 Scholarship.

aDDITIONal RECIPIENTS - SEE NExT PagE u

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22 • the Golden lion • July-august 2014

2 0 1 4 S t a t E W i d E a W a r d S r E C i p i E n t S - (Presented by State Chairperson - Michele Ment)

M ARI A K . g U AD Ag N O

GiUSEPPE A. niGRo MEMoRiAL SChoLARShiP

Maria is graduating from East islip high School in June2014. She is a member of the national honor Society andis ranked in the top 10 students of her class. She has stud-ied the italian language all through middle school and highschool, including college level italian.

Maria will be attending new york University’s TischSchool of the Arts in the fall where she plans to study Film

and Television Production.

ELI ZABETH P. TERRY- KAN TO R

niChoLAS J. LoMUSCio MEMoRiAL SChoLARShiP;AnD ThE FioRiTo/FAy iTALiAn STUDiES SChoLARShiP

Elizabeth is graduating in the top 1% of her class atClarkstown high School South in West nyack, ny. She is anational Merit Finalist and a College Board AP Scholar withhonors, as well as a member of the national honor Society,the Mu Alpha Theta Math honor Society, the Tri-M Musichonor Society, and the italian Language honor Society. Sheis a 3 time winner of the American Mathematics Competitionand the American Scholastic Mathematics AssociationCompetition and a 2 time state finalist in the national history

Day Competition. She is also the editor in chief of Mad AboutMu, the quarterly Mu Alpha Theta math magazine, which has won

both silver and gold medals from the Columbia Scholastic Press. Elizabeth also performswith the helen hayes youth Theatre, Coupe Theatre Studio, Centerstage, and theRockland youth Dance Ensemble. Elizabeth also plays piano, bass, and auxiliary per-cussion for her school’s marching and jazz band, and is the piano accompanist for 3 dif-ferent musical groups. She will be attending harvard University in the fall where sheintends to receive her Bachelors of Science Degree biomedical engineering.

LEAH K . RAg N O

DiTRAPAni FAMiLy SChoLARShiP in MEMoRy oF SiMon R.DiTRAPAni

Leah is the valedictorian of the 2014 class at Farmingdalehigh School and a AP Scholar with honor. She has a nearperfect SAT score and is a member of the national honorSociety, French honor Society and the Tri-M Music honorSociety. Leah is also the recipient of the henri F. SalvatoriMemorial Scholarship of the national Sons of italyEducational Leadership Grant (nELA) program.

She is a volunteer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerin new york City since the tenth grade. Leah will attend the University ofPennsylvania in the fall and plans to study medicine and philosophy.

JEN N I FER E . CU RRI ER

REv. JULiUS vALEnTinELLi, C.C.S. RELiGioUS voCATion SChoLARShiP;AnD ThE ny GRAnD LoDGE FoUnDATion, inC. SChoLARShiP inMEMoRy oF ThE iTALiAnAMERiCAn hERoES oF 9-11

Jennifer attended Auburn high School along with her twinbrother Michael. She also has two older brothers.Currently, she is a member of six clubs, and is president ofthe Spanish Club. She is also a Class officer and Presidentof the national honor Society.

Jennifer also plays sports. She is one of the captains of thevarsity Soccer team. She will attend villanova University in the fall majoring inBusiness and Finance. Jennifer has been accepted in the Business School’s GlobalCitizens Program to study abroad in London the second semester of her freshmenyear.

M I CHAEL J . FERRARO

FR. DonALD B. LiCATA SChoLARShiP

Michael Ferraro is from Manhasset, n.y. he has been and con-tinues to be an active member of his school and greater commu-nity. Michael has excelled not only in academics, but also insports including lacrosse, soccer, basketball and golf. Threeyears ago, Michael and his brothers approached the nyC ParksDepartment with an idea to bring lacrosse clinics to inner citykids through the existing summer camp program. he and hisbrother recruited friends and fellow lacrosse players to help. Theclinics continue to be an integral and growing part of the camp

program. Michael has studied the italian language for six yearsand hopes to be the one to re-introduce it to future generations of Ferraros. he will beattending Dartmouth College in the fall where he plans to study economics and history.

AN TO N I A A . PI CCI RI LLO

ThE John ASSEnzio JR. MEMoRiAL SChoLARShiP FoR

UnDERGRADUATE EDUCATion AnD ThE CooLEy’S AnEMiA

SChoLARShiP

Antonia Piccirillo is graduating from Mohonasen high Schoolin Rotterdam, new york. Throughout high school, she hasbeen actively involved with the Music/Theatre Department,Student Council, and many different honor Societies. Thisyear she was chosen to be the Drum Major for her school’scompetitive marching band that she has been a part of for fiveyears. She is also a member of the national, Mathematics, and

Tri-M Music honor Societies, serving as an officer for each,and she has been the Sergeant at Arms of the Class of 2014 for the past four years. Thisfall Antonia plans to attend St. John Fisher College in Rochester, new york with a majorin Adolescent Mathematics Education. She hopes to work as a Mathematics Teacher andeventually receive her Doctorate in Educational Administration and establish a career asa Superintendent of Schools.

2014 GrantS rECipiEntS (Susan Alicea - Presenter)

1 • Miranda E. Quartaro

Columbus Lodge #2143 Grant; and the Romanesque Lodge #2198 Grant

2 • ShanE C. roSEnthal

Ascatigno, Guarino, Marino Rockland County Educational Grant; and the Michael& Betty Santoro Grant in Memory of Angelina Santoro; and the Matthew DiFioreGrant

3 • KylE r. ColtEllino

The Gift of Sight Grant

4 • JoSEph G. pinto

Grand Lodge Foundation Grant

5 • anGEla M. Gatto


6 • Brian C. annEr


7 • MariSSa Carozza


8 • MiChaEl dotzlEr


1 2 3

5 6 7

4

8

Golden Lion • July-August 2014 • 23

The tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the

blood of patriots and tyrants.

Thomas Jefferson

Ital ian American HeroesCongressional Medal of Honor Recipients

Peter J. Dalessondro

Born - May 22, 1918 - Watervliet, NYDied - October 15, 1997 - Watervliet, NY

Rank and organization: T/Sgt., U.S. Army, Company E, 1st Battalion, 39thInfantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and. date of action: Near Kalterherberg,Germany 22 December 1944. Entered service at: Watervliet, NY.

Citation: He was with the 1st Platoon holding an important road junction on highground near Kalterherberg, Germany on 22 December 1944. In the early morninghours, the enemy, after laying down an intense artillery and mortar barrage, followedthrough with an all-out attack that threatened to overwhelm the position. T/Sgt.

Dalessondro, seeing that his men were becomingdisorganized, braved the intense fire to move among themwith words of encouragement. Advancing to a fully exposedobservation post, he adjusted mortar fire upon the attackers,meanwhile firing upon them with his rifle and encouraginghis men in halting and repulsing the attack. Later in the daythe enemy launched a second determined attack. Once again,T/Sgt. Dalessondro, in the face of imminent death, rushed tohis forward position and immediately called for mortar fire.After exhausting his rifle ammunition, he crawled thirty yardsover exposed ground to secure a light machine-gun, returnedto his position, and fired upon the enemy at almost pointblankrange until the gun jammed. He managed to get the gun tofire one more burst, which used up his last round, but withthese bullets he killed four German soldiers who were on the

verge of murdering an aid man and two wounded soldiers in a nearby foxhole. Whenthe enemy had almost surrounded him, he remained alone, steadfastly facing almostcertain death or capture, hurling grenades and calling for mortar fire closer andcloser to his outpost as he covered the withdrawal of his platoon to a second line ofdefense. As the Germans hordes swarmed about him, he was last heard calling for abarrage, saying, "OK, mortars, let me have it - right in this position!" The gallantryand intrepidity shown by T/Sgt. Dalessondro against an overwhelming enemy attacksaved his company from complete rout.

During the battle, Dalessondro was captured and held in a German Prisioner ofWar camp from December 1944 to April 1945. While being held he escaped. He wason the run for days. Hungry, thirsty and cold, Peter came across a farmhouse. Hewent to the farmhouse for help. When he entered the farmhouse there were severalGerman soldiers stationed there as an outpost. Peter was then re-captured. He waspresented the Medal by President Harry S. Truman at the White House on August23, 1945.

In addition to the Congressional Medal of Honor, Peter Dalessondro also received:Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster(2), 2 Bronze Star Medals (Heroic). Purple Heartwith Two Oak Leak Clusters (3 Purple Hearts for being wounded in North Africa, inCherbourg, France; and in the Ardennes, Germany (when captured); and numerouscampaign medal for his participation - Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France,and Belgium-Rhineland-Ardennes.

After returning home to Watervliet, Peter was elected, as a Democrat, to the NewYork State Senate from Albany County.. He served in two different Districts from1947 to 1957. He resigned from the Senate in 1957. After retiring from the Senatehe became Secretary to the Senate Minority Leader. He retired from public office inOctober 1977. He may have been officially retired but he stayed very active in Al-bany County politics. He had visited the Democratic Headquarters on the day that hedied.

Between 1945 and 1995 Dalessondro was honored over forty times by fraternal,military, religious, political, and civic organizations for his service to the commu-nity, including twice by the Loggia Roma Intangible #215, in 1978 and 1986, receiv-ing its highest award - the Leone d'Oro Award. Others honors includes a statue and aroadway named after him.

Proud of his Italian heritage, Peter belonged to different Italian American organi-zations, including the Roma Intangible Lodge and then the Gabrielle D’AnnunzioLodge #321. Peter was married and had two daughters and two grandchildren. n

Prepared by Sal Moschella - Editor

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

(LEZIONE NUMERO SEI) LESSON NUMBER SIX

Cose Utili (Useful objects)

Esercizio A

Repeat the words above, including the indefinite articles (un, uno, etc.) Articolo indeterminativo (Indefinite article)The indefinite article in Italian refers to the English a/an or the number one.

This article has four forms: un, uno, una, un’

Masculine Feminine un libro una porta un orologio un’università uno studente uno zaino

1. Un is used with a masculine noun beginning with most consonants or with avowel.

2. Uno is used with a masculine noun beginning with s + a consonant, z, or ps.

3. Una is used with a feminine noun beginning with a vowel.

4. Un’ is used with a feminine noun beginning with a vowel.

Esercizio B. Luigi is pointing out to a friend, items in his room.

Example: stereo Ecco uno stereo

1. Ecco ____ calendario, ____ calcolatrice, _____ finestra, ____ tavolo,

_____ sedia, ____ computer, ____ giornale, ____ orologio,

_____ zaino, ed ____disco.

Esercizio C. Indicate who the following persons or things are:

Example: professore È un professore. università È un’università.

Ecco _____ studente, _____ studentessa, _____ professoressa,

_____ signora, _____ signorina, _____ signore, ____ amico,

_____ amica, _____ Italiano, _____ Inglese.

un libroun quadernoun discoun calendarioun foglio di cartaun giornaleun televisoreun dizionariouna pennauna matitauna rivistaun registratoreuna cassetta

a book a notebook a disk, a record a calendar a sheet of paper a newspaper a television set a dictionary a pen a pencil a magazine a tape recorder a tape cassette

una calcolatriceuna radio un orologio una sedia un tavolo una tavola una porta una finestra un computer uno stereo un telefono uno zaino una bicicletta

a calculator a radio a watch, clock a chair a table (worktable)a table (for eating) a door a window a computer a stereo a telephonea backpack a bicycle

Answers to Exercises in Italian

Esercizio B Un calendario, una calcolatrice, una finestra, un tavolo, una sedia, un computer, ungiornale, un orologio, uno zaino, un disco

Esercizio C uno studente, una studentessa, una professoressa, una signora, una signorina, unsignore, un amico, un’amica, un Italiano, un Inglese (an Englishman) (or) un’Inglese(an Englishwoman)

#

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Diciamolo In Italiano (Let’s Say It In Italian)By Professor Emeritus Joseph A.Tursi - Arturo Toscanini Lodge #2107, Dix Hills.

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