2003 has been a very difficult year for NYSOSIA. We have lost many wonderful members of our beloved Order. In the absence of our ailing State Chaplain Fr. Licata, State President Joseph DiTrapani has served not only as our leader … but also as our spiritual guide. He has attended all too many funerals speaking on behalf of all of us and comforting the families of all those we have lost. As 2003 comes to an end, let us remember: Executive CSJ Board Member, Lawrence Abbondandolo of the Glen Cove Lodge #1016; Immediate Past President John Intino, Jr. of the Utica Lodge #2054; Immediate Past President of the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 Joseph Centrella; Past President of the Columbus Lodge #2143 Nelson Giordano; Past President of the Guy Lombardo Lodge #2417 Vincent Delio; President Catherine Rita Galantino of the Mario Lanza Lodge #2491 and Past President Fred Ausiello of the Galileo Galilei Lodge #2253. We also lost a “senior” Past Grand Venerable, Andrew J. Malatesta, Esq. founder of the Roma Intangible Lodge #215 in Albany. Past Grand Venerable Malatesta was honored several years ago at a State Convention and all of us who were in attendance were in awe of his “presence” and of his crisp recall of his days in NYSOSIA. Our Brothers and Sisters in Endicott were especially struck with tragedy. State Trustee Kathy Kirton of the Daughters of Columbus Lodge #1666 died in July after courageously battling a long illness. Sister Kathy was a staunch supporter of OSIA and a mainstay in District VII. She was one of those people who was not only beautiful on the outside … but also beautiful on the inside. Never speaking an unkind work about anyone, Sister Kathy lived in the true spirit of OSIA … “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. The passing of Sister Kathy Kirton left newly elected State Corresponding Secretary Louis Petrilli as District VII’s “Rock of Gibraltar”. Brother Lou, a long time member of the Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge #443, was one of the special members we would turn whenever it was necessary to “touch base” with our Brothers and Sisters in the upstate area. Elected in June 2003 to the position of State Corresponding Secretary, he was so looking forward to serving on the Executive Board of the Grand Council and we were all looking forward to working closely with him. His wife, Sister Barbara Petrilli, President of the Daughters of Columbus Lodge #1666 was so proud of his accomplishment within OSIA and was looking forward to becoming more involved in the workings of NYSOSIA. In the early fall, Brother Lou was diagnosed with a fatal disease, fought hard and then quickly lost his battle during Columbus Day weekend. How ironic that he would pass during such an important weekend for all Italian Americans. Brother Lou was so proud of his heritage and he loved celebrating it in whatever way he could. We will remember him every October when we march in the Columbus Day Parade. Most recently we lost a very special OSIA employee … Betty McCarthy. Betty worked in the Bellmore office for five years under the administration of Immediate Past President Joseph Cangemi and State President Joseph DiTrapani. Although not of Italian heritage, Betty was happy and proud to be employed by NYSOSIA. She worked diligently … giving it “her all” for our beloved fraternal organization. Her death was very sad and a shock to all who knew her and our sincere sympathy goes out to her entire family. We will miss having Betty as part of our OSIA family. As we move forward into 2004 we look ahead to making OSIA stronger and to begin planning for our 100th Anniversary in 2005. We will never forget those who have gone before us and we must all work that much harder to help preserve our beloved Order and our Italian heritage … all in their honor. We pray for State President Joseph DiTrapani to keep up his strength and help us through the times ahead. We look forward to a happy, healthy 2004 to all! Fraternally, Nancy DiFiore Quinn |
