Italian Grandsons Celebrate their 20th Year
With the theme from “The Godfather” playing in the back- ground, President Vinnie Corbo and Past President Vinny Raso kicked off the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Grandsons of Italy in America. Wearing glittering capes over their green, white and red vests and carrying the colors of the United States and Italy, they marched into a Maggiano’s dining room filled with 130 celebrants.
Once the flags were poled, the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer were recited by all. Raso welcomed the members and their guests and then introdu- ced President Corbo. After wel- coming everyone, he announced that the program would begin with a video presentation depicting GOIIA’s history.
The video opened with the club’s logo, followed by the graphic “Celebrating 20 years of this thing of ours.” A short history explained the origin of the club. “In 1988 Tony Vallo got together with four of his Italian friends: Jimmy Caesar, Gino Dente, Mike Policare and Lou De Marco.” Later they were joined by Loren Lorenzo Farmer, Steve Restivo and John Murgo. This gathering led them to officially organize in order to prevent the loss of their Italian cul- ture. They called themselves the Grandsons of Italy.
The first official meeting was held June 1, 1989. Within six months there were 20 members and by the end of 1991 it had grown to 80. Today the membership is at 120 with members from across the United States and as far away as Australia. The club’s history came to life with the showing of old photos of the members during the various years of its existence.
The background music was all Italian with songs from Italy and American songs with an Italian theme. Special recognition was given to the club’s senior statesmen, Leo Matranga and Vinny Raso. Old motion picture clips showed Matranga acting in an old movie and a television episode, and Raso performing some crazy skits.
The emotions of older mem- bers were deeply touched when the video paid tribute to the club’s deceased members in the segment called “The Honor Roll.” It was done with sensitivity and respect for the club’s brothers who are missed. The video received a standing ovation. It was produced and edited by Pres. Corbo, co-produced and photo edited by Joe Maginelli.
Special thanks were given to John Murgo for identifying the “bodies” (member names). John Murgo put the celebration together, receiving a big hand at the end of the event, by the guests who all had an enjoyable time. Vic Russo, Jim Valentine, Joe Forte and John Antonucci assisted him. The dinner was held at Maggiano’s in Woodland Hills. Raso and his lovely wife, Karen provided the entertainment.
President Corbo printed special badges for the members and their guests with their names and pictures on them. The celebration was held in lieu of the club’s annual Man-of-the-Year dinner. Among the special guests were L’Italo- Americano’s publisher Robert Barbera and his wife Jo.
Bill Polleri
From left: John Murgo, Vinny Raso, Robert Barbera, Vinnie Corbo, Frank De Santis.
