The Southington Sons of Italy has elected its new officers Saturday and presented Robert Triano with its “Brotherhood Award.”

Tony Cusano, president of the Southington Sons of Italy, said that the Brotherhood Award is the highest honor a member can receive.

The award is given to someone who has been a member in good standing for at least 10 years who have demonstrated contributions of time and effort for the good of the club. Recipients are civic minded and have also worked on projects for the good of the community. They thus present a positive image on behalf of the club, the community and Italian heritage.

Robert Triano is the eighth club member to receive the Brotherhood Award.

“Over the years, Robert has served in an array of position throughout the club,” said Cusano. “He most recently served as Vice President and this year was elected to the Board of Directors. He has also been active in serving on several town commissions and is currently serves on the Southington Board of Police Commissioners. He is a true example of an excellent members, public servant and gentleman.”

Art Secondo, an auxiliary officer of the Southington Sons of Italy said that Saturday’s meeting had the highest amount of members for election night.

“It’s obvious the Sons of Italy will enjoy strong leadership and officers,” said Secondo.

This year new additions to the Officer team are Jerry Triano as Vice President, Alex Torone as Treasurer and Dan Campagnano as Financial Secretary.

Robert Triano and Carmine Menone were elected to the Board of Directors and Mike Diorio and Kevin Kratzert were elected to the Board of Trustees.

Cusano will be starting his sixth consecutive year as the club president, said he is looking forward to working will all the newly elected leaders.

The Sons of Italy Club was founded by nine Italian immigrants and organized socially on August 21, 1910 at 40 Liberty St. in Southington and according to land records, purchased the present location 139 Center St. in 1916.

The Sons of Italy helped start the now popular Southington Italian American Festival in 2004 along with UNICO and the Chamber of Commerce.  The popular festival continues with more than 20,000 average attendances for the annual July event.

The organization continues to award seven scholarships every year to deserving Southington High school seniors of Italian descent seeking higher education of their choice and donates annually to Southington charities.

Club Officer’s

Antonio Cusano – President

Jerry Triano – Vice President

Mark Mongillo- Recording Secretary

Alex Torone -Treasurer

Danny Campagnano – Financial Secretary

Luigi Lacedra – Sgt. of Arms

Art Secondo – Auxiliary Officer

Board Of Trustees                                              Board of Directors

Pat Baldino                                                                      Robert Triano

Mario Leonetti                                                                Mike Nanfito

Bob Giammattei                                                             Carmine Menone

Kevin Kratzert                                                                Robert Mierzejewski

Michael Diorio                                                               Joseph Picone DMD

Bristol Press Published on Tuesday, 11 January 2022
Written by BRIAN M. JOHNSON

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.