Tag Archives: OSIA

The Order Sons of Italy in America, Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin, honored a dozen outstanding individuals from all walks of life at the 18th annual Leonardo da Vinci Awards of Excellence Gala on May 5 at White Eagle Banquets in Niles. “Our recipients walk among giants in their chosen professions,” says Lodge President Marie Marsalli. “They lead by example and truly embrace their Italian heritage.” Fra Noi’s own Pat Capriati, author of the monthly Italian-language profile “L’eta d’oro” and co-host of the bilingual radio program “Domenica Insieme,” received an Award of Excellence in Communications at the event. Also receiving awards …

As the second female president of the recently renamed Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, she taps into a long history of volunteer leadership. Honoring tradition while staying open to unprecedented change is one very tough balancing act. It takes a strong, sure-handed leader to make it work. Enter Vera Girolami, who became national president of the recently renamed Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America in August after serving for more than a decade in other executive roles. By the way, she’s only the second female president in the 112-year history of the organization, which added …

The Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, celebrated their 93rd Annual Columbus Banquet on Saturday evening, October 7, 2017. The event was held at Villa Brunetti, Franklin Park, IL. Anna DeLuca, Columbus Banquet Chairwoman, welcomed the guests and introduced the Master of Ceremony for the evening, the Honorable Anthony Calderone, Mayor of Forest Park, Illinois. The MC introduced the Grand Lodge Officers, our honored award recipients, the Consul General of Italy and the Columbus Day Queen as they entered the hall. Highlighting the evening were the presentation of the 2017 Humanitarian Award …

New JCCIA President Enza Raineri was among a dozen community leaders honored at the 16th annual Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence Gala on May 7 at White Eagle Banquets in Niles. The event was hosted by the Order Sons of Italy in America’s Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin. Raineri received a Community Leadership Award along with Berwyn Police Chief Michael D. Cimaglia, Festa Italiana Milwaukee founder Paul F. Iannelli, OSIA Roma Lodge President Rick P. Bonanno. Also honored were firefighter and paramedic Jeffery H. Bruno (Community Service); singer Jack V. Miuccio (Entertainment); Conca d’Oro Restaurant proprietor Peter Carini, Tucci Restaurant proprietor …

The Order Sons of Italy in America’s Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin honored State Rep. John D’Amico as Humanitarian of the Year and Retired U.S. Army Colonel Renato (Ron) Bacci as Columbus Patriot at their 92nd annual Columbus Banquet on Oct. 8 at the Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. (708-403-7822) John D’Amico was born June 12, 1962. As a lifelong resident of Chicago’s northwest side, he graduated from St. Edward Catholic Elementary School, Weber High School, and he attended Northeastern Illinois University. John currently resides in Chicago’s Edgebrook neighborhood with his wife, Christine, and three children, whom are now in …

  Fifteen distinguished professional Italian Americans were honored with a Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence at the 15th Annual Reception and Ceremony on May 1, 2016, at White Eagle Banquets in Niles. The event was hosted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, the Hon. Anthony Calderone, Mayor of Forest Park, introduced Richard R. Della Croce, who gave a wonderful performance as he sang both the American and Italian national anthems. Mayor Calderone introduced Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli, who welcomed the honorees and guests. In the …

  The Order Sons of Italy in America’s Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin honored the DiNovo Family of 115 Bourbon Street as Humanitarians of the Year and Army Lt. Col. Robert Ruffolo as Columbus Patriot at their 91st annual Columbus Banquet on Oct. 10 at the White Eagle Banquets in Niles.  115 Bourbon Street was established 17 years ago by Nick DiNovo, who was later joined by Nick’s brother, Vince, and their father, Anthony “Pops” DiNovo. A Merrionette Park entertainment venue with a New Orleans theme, the business is run today by the brothers. Hosting more than 100 events …

  The Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge 2700 presented its 2015 Joseph Caldarone Memorial Scholarship to (from left) Marissa Politano of Tinley Park, who plans to major in medical lab science with a minor in music at Illinois State University; Victoria Schwieger of Chicago, who plans to major in engineering at Purdue University; Skylar Blasz of Chicago, who plans to major in special education at Illinois State University; and Gabriella Adamo of Frankfort, who plans to major in physical therapy at Purdue University.  

Joseph Sciame received the Order Sons of Italy in America’s Guglielmo Marconi Award at the organization’s biennial convention in August. The award is presented to an Italian American who has made significant contributions to the United States. Sciame is the vice president for community relations at St. John’s University, the president of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations and the past chair of the National Association of Student Aid Administrators. An active member of OSIA since 1968, he has served as the past national president of OSIA and the past president of OSIA’s Grand Lodge of New …

    The IL/WI Grand Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America held its 46th biennial convention in June. Elected to the Grand Council were Marie Marsalli, president; Frank Schiro, first vice president; Maria Mancini, second vice president; Richard Della Croce, immediate past president; James LasCola, orator; Judith Simoni, recording secretary; John Simoni, financial secretary; Carl Busateri, treasurer; Elia Kress, historian; the Rev. John Belmonte, chaplain; and Margurite Rowley, Christine Della Croce, Joseph Dentice and Anna DeLuca, trustees. Recently elected lodge presidents include Giacomo Mancini, Bert Jacobson, Anthony DiMiele, Joseph Emanuele, Ben Todaro, Leonard DePasquale and Paul Loparco. …