President's Message

President’s Message April 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I would like to begin by extending a heartfelt thank you to Rosemarie for her exceptional leadership as President over the past eight years. As I mentioned during her last council meeting, I have very big shoes to fill. It has truly been an honor to follow in your footsteps, Rosemarie. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the National, State, and Local Lodge representatives who attended our Lodge Installation. It was a privilege to speak before all of you as the new Per Sempre Lodge President.

A special thank you goes to the previous council and our newly elected council members. I would like to thank Brother Frank Ruggiero for accepting his new position as Principal Trustee — I am excited to collaborate with each of you in the year ahead. I also want to thank the Arbitration Committee and Brother Carmine Rosato for accepting his position as Chairperson of this Committee. I would like to thank Sister Felicia Sansotta for accepting her position as Per Sempre Lodge Chaplain.

Additionally, I’d like to extend my thanks to Brother Gerardo Filippone and Brother Andy Illiano for agreeing to serve as my First and Second Vice Presidents. To our Lodge members—thank you for being an integral part of the best Lodge around. Your support is what drives us forward. We began the year with 158 members, and I am confident we can grow that number significantly. The sky is the limit, and I truly believe we will not only meet but exceed our membership goals.

Looking ahead, we have some important dates to remember. On April 1st, NYS OSDIA’s Cooley’s Anemia Dine-Around will take place at Verdi’s of Westbury. It will be a beautiful affair for such an important cause. Personally, I know several families affected by Thalassemia, and it’s heartbreaking to witness the challenges they face in their daily lives.

On Tuesday, May 27th, the Per Sempre Lodge will hold our Annual Frank Alberti Memorial Golf Outing at the Holbrook Country Club, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. As part of this event, we will honor several special individuals, including our Immediate Past President Rosemarie, our newly elected 1st Vice President Gerardo Filippone, NYS 2nd Vice President Luigi Squillante and myself. If you’d like to sponsor a flag, golf hole, or golf cart—or if you’d like to attend the honoree dinner or participate in the golf outing—please reach out to Tom Deluca at (516) 776-0989 or Eleanor Jobbagy at (516) 551-3125 to make a reservation or donation. They have all the details you need.

Lastly, Loreta and I would like to wish everyone a happy and blessed Easter, as well as a very Holy Passover. Easter is especially dear to our family, and we look forward to celebrating with all the traditional Italian foods. It has always been one of my favorite holidays, particularly with the homemade treats and rich traditions that come with it. Thank you all again for your continued support. I am excited for a successful year ahead!

-Robert