The Bene Emeritus Award, the State’s highest award was presented to Sylvia Summa of the Daughters and Sons of Italian Heritage Lodge #2428 in Williamsburg, New York.  Also, a special Bene Emeritus Award was presented posthumously to Past State President Joseph Montemarano and was accepted by Past First Lady Rosemarie Montemarano. The award is given for outstanding and distinguished service in accordance with our motto - liberty, equality and fraternity.  

John Fratta, a Past President of the Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge #285 in Little Italy, and Madeline Matteucci, Past President of the Sgt. John Basilone Lodge #2442 of Bluepoint, each were presented with the Order’s prestigious Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro award named after the Order’s founder.  The purpose of the award is to recognize and acknowledge OSIA members who have distinguished themselves in the ideals and principles exemplified by its founder, Dr. Sellaro.  Louis Mazzacone and the entire Mazzacone family were presented with the 2013 Family of the Year Award.  The Mazzacone family hails from the Fr. Donald B. Licata Lodge #2435 in Beacon.  They were honored for their outstanding involvement within the Sons of Italy as well as their civic and community service.  The 2013 Literary Award was presented to Joseph Tusiani.

Representatives from 72 lodges throughout the state donated over $70,000 to various worthwhile charities including: Cooley’s Anemia, Alzheimer’s, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Cancer Research, the Gift of Sight Program. the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) and New York OSIA’s own Garibaldi Meucci Museum.

More than 450 delegates and guests were delighted to welcome New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to address those attending the convention on Friday afternoon.  New York OSIA is proud to acknowledge the wonderful achievements of Comptroller DiNapoli and could not be prouder of this fine Italian American gentleman.

The highlight of the 107th State Convention was the Installation Ceremony of the 2013-2015 Executive Board Officers held on Saturday evening, June 1st.

In closing the convention, State President Rondinelli remarked, “Think back as to why we became members of the Order Sons of Italy in America in the first place.  We are all volunteers and do things from our heart - some in different ways then others -  but all with the same goal in mind.  We want to preserve our beautiful Italian heritage, culture and traditions.”