Thursday, October 1, 2026
The colors white, red and green — symbolizing the Italian flag — were joined by gold and purple, the official colors of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, America Lodge 2245, in Franklin Square, as members gathered on March 18 to mark the start of a new term for lodge President Joseph Armocida and fellow officers.
The OSDIA is the largest and oldest organization in the country representing Italian heritage, and the future of the lodge always stems from the leadership and the duties performed by its leaders.
The lodge holds elections every two years, with the president serving as the highest-ranking officer and overseeing operations and governance. Armocida was sworn in for his second consecutive term as president of the lodge.
The installation ceremony, which took place at the OSDIA’s regular meeting place, the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Lincoln Road, recognized both outgoing and incoming officers and began with a celebratory meeting featuring authentic Italian cuisine, reflecting the group’s emphasis on family, heritage and cultural tradition.
Maria Passalaqua, a lodge member for eight years, who previously served as financial secretary for the 2024–2026 term, was installed as first vice president. She said she is eager to connect with officers from other lodges and learn more about the organization’s inner workings.
The installation included outgoing officers stepping forward, removing their regalia and returning to the general assembly. Afterward, incoming officers then stepped forward to assume their roles.
During the ceremony, Nassau County Legislator John Giuffré, also a member of the organization, recognized the lodge’s continued growth, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Giuffré, whose grandfather arrived on Ellis Island at age 14, said his Italian heritage remains an important part of his identity.
“The consistent excellence of leadership from before and after the pandemic has resulted in the growth of the lodge,” Giuffré cited. “The only organization that I know that grew during the pandemic.”
Sally Nicoletti, 88, a lodge member for 45 years, said she hopes to continue embracing her Italian roots.
Carolyn Reyes, who served as lodge president from 1999 to 2001 and now serves as its trustee, said Vincenzo Sellaro, an obstetrician who founded the Order of the Sons of Italy in America, recognized that many Italian immigrants faced challenges communicating with doctors and helped connect them with Italian-speaking physicians. Reyes was recently appointed as a New York State historian and will be working on various projects, including one based on Sellaro.
Serving as joint mistress of ceremonies for the evening, Reyes honored Armocida and his wife, Lillian. In a speech, Reyes cited her best wishes as the president and first lady will continue to implement their ideas and further the legacy of the lodge.
Lillian Armocida has continued to support the lodge and her husband as president to help meet the organization’s goals.
“We are confident that you will do us proud as we continue in your role as first lady,” Reyes said.
The lodge participates in a collection of food drives all year long. For Easter, the organization will donate Easter candy. Many members of the lodge work at St. Catherine of Sienna Outreach, where they will be assembling Easter baskets for children.
As America Lodge 2245 begins its new term, members remain committed to preserving Italian heritage, fostering community bonds and advancing a tradition of service that spans generations.
