The Connecticut Grand Lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) has been a cornerstone of the Italian-American community in Connecticut since its establishment in 1914. As part of the national organization founded in 1905 by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro and five other Italian immigrants in New York City, the Connecticut Grand Lodge has been instrumental in promoting Italian culture, traditions, and values throughout the state.

The National Organization

Originally called Ordine Figli d’Italia, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA) was founded in 1905 by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro and five other Italian immigrants who came together in New York City’s Little Italy. They created OSDIA to help Italian immigrants facing discrimination and to assist them in becoming U.S. citizens while preserving their cultural heritage. Today, OSDIA is the largest and longest-established organization representing Americans of Italian heritage.

Our Grand Lodge Journey

The Connecticut Grand Lodge oversees 10 local lodges across the state, each dedicated to preserving Italian heritage and serving their communities.  Throughout our history, we have remained committed to the founding principles of OSDIA:

• Promoting Italian culture, traditions, and heritage
• Supporting higher education through scholarships
• Engaging in charitable works
• Encouraging civic participation
• Fighting discrimination
• Fostering leadership within the Italian-American community

Notable Achievements

Over the decades, the OSDIA Grand Lodge of Connecticut has achieved numerous milestones:

• 2004: Establishment of the North Haven Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge #2805, founded by State President Neil Velleca Sr.
• 2020: Formation of the Connecticut Foundation as the philanthropic arm of the Grand Lodge, supporting educational and cultural programs, as well as other charitable causes within the state.

Community Impact

Our Grand Lodge has been instrumental in:

• Awarding scholarships to deserving students
• Preserving Italian language and cultural programs
• Supporting local charities and humanitarian causes
• Organizing cultural events celebrating Italian heritage
• Promoting positive images of Italian-Americans in Connecticut

Leadership Through the Years

The success of our Grand Lodge has been guided by dedicated leaders who have served as State Presidents:

• 1914-1915: Enrico Piccarelli*, First State President
• 1915-1923: Dr. Nicolo Mariani*
• 1923-1928: Dr. J Castanzo*
• 1928-1931: Joseph Cubelli*
• 1931-1939: Michelangelo Russo*
• 1939-1945: Gino Santella*
• 1945-1951: Anthony M. Tapogna, Esq.*
• 1951-1954: Hon. John Ottaviano, Jr.*
• 1954-1959: Domenic Cocco*
• 1959-1963: Edwin C. Chariott*
• 1963-1967: Hon. Angelo Santaniello*
• 1967-1971: Anthony De Lallo*
• 1971-1975: John A. Vigilante, Esq.
• 1975-1977: Edmond N. Tino*
• 1977-1979: Angela Gionfriddo*
• 1979-1985: Joseph Mazzola*
• 1985-1989: Sebastian M. Polo*
• 1989-1993: Robert J. Della Donna*
• 1993-1997: Jo-Anne Gauger*
• 1997-1999: Frank M. Grazioso, Esq.
• 1999-2001: John W. Troy
• 2001-2003: Michael S. Polo
• 2003-2007: Neal A. Velleca Sr.*
• 2007-2009: Carlo Carlozzi Jr.
• 2009-2011: Marc J. Garofalo
• 2011-2015: Michael S. Polo
• 2015-2019: Neil Velleca Jr.
• 2019-2021: Dan Onofrio
• 2021-Present: Neil Velleca Jr.

* Deceased

Looking to the Future

As we continue our mission into the future, the OSDIA Grand Lodge of Connecticut remains dedicated to serving the Italian-American community by adapting to modern challenges while preserving the rich heritage of our ancestors. We are committed to expanding our scholarship programs, increasing our support for local charities, and fostering new cultural initiatives that connect generations of Italian-Americans in Connecticut. Through innovative outreach and collaboration, we aim to strengthen the bond between our lodges, advance Italian-American representation, and ensure that our traditions remain vibrant for years to come.

Get Involved

Join us in preserving and promoting Italian heritage in Connecticut. Whether you are interested in cultural events, volunteer work, or becoming a lodge member, there are many ways to get involved. Contact us to learn more about membership opportunities, scholarships, and upcoming events that celebrate the Italian-American experience.