Assembly Resolution No. 476

BY: M. of A. Mikulin

COMMENDING the Order Sons of Italy in America upon
the occasion of hosting its 27th Annual Italian
Feast and Festival

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Order Sons of Italy in America of the Columbus Lodge No.
2143 upon the occasion of hosting its 27th Annual Italian Feast and
Festival on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in North Massapequa, New York;
and

WHEREAS, The Sons of Italy in America is a fraternal and charitable
organization which was founded on February 16, 1964, by Angelo Roncallo,
Dominick Baranello, and Pat Vincent Landi at the Columbus Lodge No. 2143
in Farmingdale, New York, with membership including citizens from
Massapequa, Farmingdale, Bethpage, Plainedge, Plainview, and more; and

WHEREAS, Under the able and devoted leadership of President Fred
Bellise, the organization's efforts focus on the promotion of
fraternalism, philanthropy, and supporting others; and

WHEREAS, A testament to their dedicated service to others, the Sons
of Italy maintain a highly successful Scholarship Awards program,
raising funds annually to prove monetary awards to the children and
grandchildren of the Lodge members and to students in the surrounding
community school districts; and

WHEREAS, Philanthropic by nature, the Columbus Lodge has
participated in National and State Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA)
Fund Raising projects for charities such as Cooley's Anemia, Arthritis
Foundation, Disaster Relief Funds, The Gift of Sight, and St. Francis
Hospital Heart Program; additionally, the organization donated a $10,000
perpetual scholarship to the Grand Lodge Foundation; and

WHEREAS, The Columbus Lodge, in cooperation with the Town of Oyster
Bay, has sponsored an Annual Italian Feast and Festival where several
thousand people attend every year; the Feast and Festival provides
additional funds to support the Lodge's many charitable and community
donations; and

WHEREAS, The Sons of Italy in America host a variety of social and
fraternal activities, such as golf, bowling, softball, picnics, fashion
shows, holiday parties, and Atlantic City and Broadway show trips; and

WHEREAS, Among the members of the Sons of Italy have been two
Congressman, two NYS Senators, two Supreme Court Judges, three NYS
Assemblymen, a County Legislator, two Town Supervisors, several town
Councilmen, and one Nassau County Executive, along with other successful

professionals who have helped to create a positive and fraternal spirit;
and

WHEREAS, Some of this organization's members have also been honored
with the esteemed positions of President and State Officers in the Grand
Lodge of New York OSIA; and

WHEREAS, In June 1999, Nicholas Viglietta followed in the footsteps
of Brother P. Vincent Landi and Brother Angelo Roncallo in receiving the
Bene Emeritus Award from the Grand Lodge of New York OSIA for
outstanding and distinguished service in the Order; the Bene Emeritus
Award is the highest award New York State can bestow on a member; in
addition, several of the organization's members have received other
state accolades such as Lifetime membership, Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, and
Family of the Year awards; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Order Sons of Italy in America, past and present, who
have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of
life for the community it serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Order Sons of Italy in America upon the occasion of hosting
its 27th Annual Italian Feast and Festival; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Order Sons of Italy in America of Columbus Lodge No.
2143.