top of page
65116433_2817257151623034_66087060055869

WHO
WE ARE

The Connecticut Grand Lodge of the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America is comprised of 10 Lodges across the state of CT. The primary purpose of the Grand Lodge is to be the conduit (link) between the activities of the National Organization and our local filial lodges. In addition, the Grand Lodge provides those that care about preserving, protecting and promoting the Italian experience here in CT with opportunities to share and learn about our language, culture and heritage; while also providing an opportunity to make friends and have fun. OSDIA Lodge members can hold local, state and national OSDIA leadership positions; represent lodges at local, state and national meetings; and vote on important issues within OSDIA, the SIF and the CSJ.

PROGRAMS
& PROJECTS
.

Grand Lodge Foundation

The CT Foundation has been formed and initially funded to be the philanthropic arm of the CT Grand Lodge. The CT Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. the CT Foundation is now positioned to contribute and support your efforts in your local community - right here in CT.

​

LEARN MORE

CTOSDIA
Scholarship

We are committed to offering one scholarship in each of the communities where we have lodges! This is a wonderful opportunity to continue to share our message and commitment to the Italian-American community. We hope you are as excited as we are as we begin this journey in preserving, promoting and supporting all things Italian.

​

LEARN MORE

Philanthropy

Beyond the annual scholarship program, it is our expectation and goal for the CT Foundation to evolve into a grant-making vehicle to support educational and cultural programs in addition to supporting other charitable causes, especially those within the State of CT. 

​

LEARN MORE

GRAND LODGE
OFFICERS
.

Neil Velleca Jr. 

State President & Membership Chair

Vacant

State First President

North Haven Sons & Daughters

of Italy Lodge #2805

Nathan Vestal

State Treasurer

North Haven Sons & Daughters
of Italy Lodge #2805

Cynthia Velleca-Fernandez

State Recording Secretary

North Haven Sons & Daughters
of Italy Lodge #2805

Paul DeRiu 

State Second Vice President

Waterbury Sons & Daughters
of Italy Lodge #2878

Michael Mooney

State Financial Secretary

North Haven Sons & Daughters

of Italy Lodge#2805

Dan Onofrio

Immediate Past State President

Valley Regional Lodge #151 - Derby

State Trustees

Robert Bongo, CT-CSJ Chairman

Amerigo Vespucci Lodge #160 

​

Lanette Spranzo Macaruso

Angelo Tomasso Sr. Lodge #2165 – New Britain

​

Susan Velleca

North Haven Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge #2805

National Delegates

State Chaplain

Rev. Frederick Aniello

Waterbury Sons & Daughters
of Italy Lodge #2878

​

STATE CHAPLAIN EMERITUS

Rev. Joseph Castaldi

State Charities Emeritus

Terry Gabucci

State Corresponding
Secretary Emeritus

Elizabeth Licata

State Treasurer
Emeritus

Frances Lovallo

PAST STATE PRESIDENTS​.

1914-1915 Enrico Piccarelli*
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 Edwim 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-         Neil Velleca Jr.

* Deceased

GET

INVOLVED

bottom of page