LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211,
Order Sons of Italy in America, in Deer Park, New York, upon the occa-
sion of its 40th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment which
foster a spirit of community and service and which strive to preserve
their cultural heritage and provide opportunities to celebrate their
rich ethnic flavor; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211, Order Sons of Italy in America, in
Deer Park, New York, upon the occasion of its 40th Anniversary, which
will be celebrated on October 29, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Established in New York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo
Sellaro, M.D., and a small group of other professionals, the Order Sons
of Italy in America encourages the maintenance of Italian culture and
language, as well as the assimilation into American social and political
life; and
WHEREAS, For more than 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, sponsoring a wide variety of
programs in furtherance of its mission, as well as countless Italian
heritage events; and
WHEREAS, In 1968, Mario Mesisco gathered some of his closest friends,
including John and Mary De Francesco of the Enrico Fardella Lodge of the
Bronx, for the sole purpose of establishing a Lodge within the framework
of the Order Sons of Italy in America in Deer Park, New York; and
WHEREAS, After meeting prospective charter members, a name for this
new lodge had to be chosen; following a great deal of research, the name
chosen was "the Michelangelo of the United States Capitol", Constantino
Brumidi; and
WHEREAS, The name of Constantino Brumidi, along with the names of the
new members, were forwarded to the Grand Lodge of New York for charter
approval; on February 28, 1969, Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211 was
officially born and Mario Mesisco was chosen to be its first Venerable;
the title was later changed to President; and
WHEREAS, Located within a community with a large concentration of
Italian Americans, Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211 experienced an
astounding growth rate in its early days and it was soon apparent that a
consistent place was required to replace the motels, rooms from other
community organizations and cafeterias to conduct its meetings; and
WHEREAS, For several years, Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211 used
the building next door to the Mangano Funeral Home as Lodge Headquar-
ters; a few years later, the lodge rented and renovated a building on
Brook Avenue; and
WHEREAS, In the late 1970s, a spacious property on Deer Park Avenue
was available for sale and Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211 was able
to purchase the site where its present lodge now stands; and
WHEREAS, Despite many delays, Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211
opened in 1980, and the first general membership meeting was held on
June 10, under the presidency of Rocco Sciarrone; and
WHEREAS, The largest lodge of District I of the Grand Lodge, which
represents Suffolk County, Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211 achieved
one of its greatest accomplishments shortly after opening its new build-
ing; together with many other Italian American organizations and veter-
ans groups, it spearheaded the drive to help Brother Member Anthony

Casamento receive the Congressional Medal of Honor on September 12,
1980, in the Rose Garden of the White House; and
WHEREAS, Conceived as a men's lodge, Constantino Brumidi Lodge No.
2211 formed a Ladies Auxiliary in 1971 to include women in its ongoing
activities and fundraising and social events; together, the two groups
support numerous charitable organizations in the community, including
Cooley's Anemia, the St. Francis Heart Hospital, Operation Shoebox,
along with senior citizens groups in the area; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211,
Order Sons of Italy in America, is in direct correlation to the efforts
of the many individuals who have supported the development of this
outstanding organization over the years; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body salutes all of the individuals, past
and present, who have given their time to this worthy organization,
noting their commitment to enhance and improve the quality of life in
their community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211, Order Sons of Italy in Ameri-
ca, in Deer Park, New York, upon the occasion of its 40th Anniversary,
fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the sparkling success
which has so characterized its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211, Order Sons of Italy in
America.