LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Italian
Fraternal Society of Green Island, celebrated on May 11, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 75th Anniversary of the Italian Fraternal Society of Green
Island; this august milestone was celebrated on Saturday, May 11, 2013,
at Franklin Terrace, Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, The anniversary celebration included a tribute to ten hono-
rees who have provided a combined 610 years of service to the organiza-
tion: Joe DeMento, Anne (DeMento) Lazzaro, Ted Tornesello, Lucy (Torne-
sello) Catellier, Marian (Botticelli) Cocca, Al Valenty, John Fusco,
Angela (Fargnoli) Weisenforth, Marie (Fargnoli) Heffern, and Michael
Cocca; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Fraternal Society of Green Island began on
September 28, 1937, when a small group of Italian men met to give aid
and assistance to their fellow Italian brethren in the decade following
the Great Depression; and
WHEREAS, Initially holding meetings in members' homes, the expanding
membership of the Italian Fraternal Society of Green Island required
ever larger spaces to accommodate them; eventually, a new building for
club activities was erected in the 1960s using donations from members;
and
WHEREAS, The Italian Fraternal Society was a focal point for many
Italian-American families during that time period; members built commu-
nity through service activities, spaghetti dinners, and spending time
with each other and their families; and
WHEREAS, The founding members of the Italian Fraternal Society
include: Raffaele Cioppa, Antimo Cioppa, Antonio Cocca, Antonia Coret-
ta, Antonio DeCianni, Giuseppe DeCianni, Vincenzo DeConno, Teodore
DeConno, John DeMarco, Antonio DeMarco, Rocco DeMento, Teodore Fistola,
Angelo Fusco, Julius Iannone, John Korka, John Maiello, Raffaele Miccio,
James Poleto, Pasquale Spano, Michael Tornesello, and John Valenti; six
of their children are still members of the Society today; and
WHEREAS, Although the building has since been sold due to declining
membership, the Italian Fraternal Society is still active, with a
diverse group of members, ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s and
beyond; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Italian Fraternal Society of Green Island, past and
present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the
quality of life in the community it serves; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Italian Fraternal Society of
Green Island; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Italian Fraternal Society of Green Island.