Senate Resolution No. 1968

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Anthony Ventiera upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Order
Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Cellini Lodge
No. 2206, on March 22, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those 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 honor
Anthony Ventiera upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Cellini
Lodge No. 2206, on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Westbury Manor in
Westbury, New York; and

WHEREAS, This year's theme is "La Festa 2024àCelebrating Cellini 56!
A Salute to Adele Balsamo, Kathryn Grande, and Anthony Ventiera, Cellini
Lodge No. 2206 Past Deputies, OSDA! And Special Recognition of Cellini
Lodge Veteran Members"; and

WHEREAS, The mission statement of the Order Sons & Daughters of
Italy in America is "We endeavor to keep alive Italian culture &
heritage by inspiring members to participate in the Italian- American
experience by sharing traditions and stories through lodge and community
events; and to be charitable in both educational and humanitarian causes
for and beyond our members and community"; and

WHEREAS, Anthony "Tony" Ventiera was born in Brooklyn, New York, to
Angelina and Carmine Ventiera; he attended Queen of All Saints grade
school and Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School before receiving his
Bachelor's and Master's degrees from St John's University; and

WHEREAS, While in college, Anthony Ventiera met the love of his
life, Mary Ann; the couple was united in marriage in 1967, and together
they raised two daughters; and

WHEREAS, For 35 years, Anthony Ventiera worked in Corporate Human
Resources, achieving the title of Vice President; he also worked for the
Town of Oyster Bay and Prudential Real Estate; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, Anthony Ventiera joined the Order Sons of Italy in
America, Columbus Lodge No. 2143, where he the ranks to become its
President in 2009; furthermore, for more than 30 years, he has served on
several committees, including 27 years as chairman of the very
successful Columbus Lodge Annual Italian Feast and Festival; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Ventiera attributes his interest in Order of Sons
of Italy in America to his father, who served as Grand Venerable of the
State of New York from 1959-61; he has fond memories of attending many
functions at the old Romulus and Remus Lodge on Myrtle Avenue in
Brooklyn; he also remembers how his parents brought him up with all the

Italian traditions, including the importance of spending time with
family; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Anthony Ventiera is a member of Delaney Council, Knights of
Columbus, and is a member of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce where he
served as President and is currently serving on its Board of Directors;
and

WHEREAS, A resident of Massapequa Park, New York, Anthony Ventiera
enjoys performing with his bands, Time Was and Piece of the Rock; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife of 56 years, with him throughout
have been two daughters, Christine Maddox and Michele Vollaro, and four
grandchildren, Joseph, Lauren, Alexa and Christopher; and

WHEREAS, A testament to their dedicated service to others, the Order
Sons & Daughters of Italy in America maintain a highly successful
scholarship and charity program, raising funds annually to provide
monetary awards to the numerous beneficiaries of the New Hyde Park
community; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Order Sons of Italy in America, past and present, who
have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of
life for the community it serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Anthony Ventiera upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America,
Cellini Lodge No. 2206, on March 22, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Anthony Ventiera.