Assembly Resolution No. 206
BY: M. of A. Raia
COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the charter
of the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America,
Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211, and paying
tribute to this year's honorees
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body, in keeping
with its time-honored traditions, to recognize those individuals and
organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Charter of the Order Sons &
Daughters of Italy in America, Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211, and
to pay tribute to this year's honorees; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a Gala
Dinner Dance held at the Lodge on Saturday, April 6, 2019; and
WHEREAS, This year's honorees include: Steven Bellone, Suffolk
County Executive; Anthony Bianco, Past President, Lodge Director; Robert
J. Cava, Attorney, Lodge Orator; Lucy F. Codella, Grand Lodge Historian;
William Lamont, Past President, Lodge Director; Robert J. Savino, Past
President, Suffolk County Poet Laureate 2015-2017; and Joseph A.
Vallone, Lodge District Deputy; and
WHEREAS, The Order Sons of Italy in America was established in New
York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D., and a small group
of other professionals; for over a century, the Order Sons of Italy and
its many local lodges have been of service to the Italian American
community throughout New York State and the Nation; and
WHEREAS, Located on Route 231 in Deer Park, New York, the
Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211 is comprised of Italian American men
and women who are proud of their heritage; its community activities show
a deep respect and regard for Italian heritage and culture, while
concentrating on the richness of life in America; and
WHEREAS, In 1968, armed with a strong compulsion to further aid and
abet the causes of the Italian-American, Mario Mesisco gathered some
friends, including John and Mary De Francesco of the Enrico Fardella
Lodge of the Bronx, New York, for the sole purpose of establishing a
lodge within the framework of the Order of the Sons of Italy in America;
and
WHEREAS, After a great deal of research and discussion, the group
named the lodge after Constantino Brumidi, the "Michaelangelo of the
U.S. Capitol"; the Grand Lodge approved the Charter on February 28,
1969, and Mario Mesisco was chosen to be Venerable; and
WHEREAS, The Constantino Brumidi Lodge quickly became very popular
and a building was needed to house its growing membership; during the
late 1960s to the late 1970s, the Lodge met in motels, rooms of various
organizations, and cafeterias; and
WHEREAS, For the next several years, members used the building next
to the Mangano Funeral Home as its Lodge Headquarters; the members then
rented and renovated a building on Brook Avenue, Deer Park, where they
held activities for four years; and
WHEREAS, Eventually the Constantino Brumidi Lodge purchased property
on Deer Park Avenue and a building was constructed as a lasting tribute
to the men and women who performed with courage, strength and
determination; and
WHEREAS, The Constantino Brumidi Lodge became a great place for its
members and neighbors to meet and socialize; today, the Lodge hosts
numerous activities such as Italian feasts, dances, and Bingo, Las
Vegas, and Night at the Races games; and provides scholarships for
members' children, health and welfare programs for members, and a blood
bank for its community; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Constantino Brumidi Lodge has made
contributions to various worthy organizations including Boy Scouts and
Girl Scouts of America, St. Francis Hospital Heart Fund, North Babylon
Scholarship Fund, Deer Park Fire Department, Deer Park Scholarship Fund,
Bishop's Annual Appeal, Birth Defects, Cleary School for the Deaf,
Cooley's Anemia, Boy's Town of Italy, and Garibaldi's Meucci Museum, as
well as Commission for Social Justice; and
WHEREAS, One of the Lodge's greatest achievements was to help
brother and veteran Tony Casamento fight for the much deserved
Congressional Medal of Honor, an award he so richly deserved; after 35
years, he finally received the prestigious award on September 12, 1980;
and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of President Carmine E.
Soldano, the success of the Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211 is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the charter of the Order Sons &
Daughters of Italy in America, Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211 of
Deer Park, New York, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the aforementioned honorees, and Carmine E. Soldano,
President, Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Constantino
Brumidi Lodge No. 2211.