About Columbus Lodge #2143

In 1963, A small group of men, led by Angelo Roncallo, started talking about forming an organization of Italian Americans in Massapequa.

On February 16, 1964, the idea became a reality for these three men, Angelo Roncallo, Dominick Baranello and Pat Vincent Landi: The Columbus Lodge was duly constituted in the Order Sons of Italy in America.

Since that day, The Columbus Lodge has achieved success in financial, social and fraternal goals. The Lodge, headquartered in Farmingdale, has membership primarily (but not restricted) to the areas of Massapequa, Farmingdale, Bethpage, Plainedge and Plainview. Presently, under the leadership of President Fred Bellise and supported by the Past Presidents and Immediate Past Presidents, the organization continues its efforts to promote fraternalism, philanthropy, and supporting others.

Through its highly successful Scholarship Awards program, funds are raised annually to provide monetary awards to the children and grandchildren of Lodge members and to students in the community who attend Farmingdale, Massapequa, Bethpage and Plainedge High Schools. In addition, membership in Columbus Lodge entitles their children and grandchildren to compete in state and national OSIA scholarships. This year we are holding the first ever Casino Night to support the Scholarship program, with all the event’s proceeds supporting the program and today’s youth.

Over the years, Columbus Lodge has participated in National/State OSIA Fund Raising projects for charities such as Cooley’s Anemia, Arthritis Foundation, Disaster Relief Funds, The Gift of Sight and St. Francis Hospital Heart Program, as well as donated $10,000 perpetual scholarship to the Grand Lodge Foundation.

Now in our 24th year, the Lodge, in cooperation with the Town of Oyster Bay, has sponsored an Annual Italian Feast and Festival, where several thousand people attend every year. The Feast and Festival provides additional funds to support the Lodge’s many charitable and community donations.

In the realm of social and fraternal activities, the Lodge has or had programs involving golf, bowling, softball, picnics, fashion shows, holiday parties, and Atlantic City and Broadway show trips.

Lastly, we are proud that the Lodge presents a real picture of the Italian-American suburbanite who has achieved a respected and reputable position in the community. Among its members have been two Congressman, two NYS Senators, two Supreme Court Judges, three NYS Assemblymen, a County Legislator, two Town Supervisors, several town Councilmen, and one Nassau County Executive, along with other successful professionals who have helped to create a positive and fraternal spirit. Some of our members have also been honored with the position of President and State Officers in the Grand Lodge of N.Y. OSIA. In June 1999, Nicholas Viglietta followed in the footsteps of Brother P. Vincent Landi and Brother Angelo Roncallo in receiving the “Bene Emeritus Award” from the Grand Lodge of New York OSIA for outstanding and distinguished service in the Order. The “Bene Emeritus Award” is the highest award New York State can bestow on a member. In addition, several of our members have received other state awards such as Lifetime membership, Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, and Family of the Year.