An Italian American Heritage Fraternity since 1914
OUR ITALIAN HERITAGE
THE KLEOS O F
A L P H A
P H I
D E L T A
Italian-American Neighborhoods BY EMIL IMBRO, PI ’67 AND RALPH ANNINA, BETA ETA ’74
An Educational Journal Volume 86, Issue 2 Spring Issue, February 2015
Compiled and edited by: John J. Russo 1331 Peachtree Lane North Huntingdon, PA 15642 E-mail: Kleos@apd.org Associate Editors/Contributors: Chris Mancusi, Fr. Jim Lentini, Emil Imbro, Jim Miller, Jeff Breen, Sal Flagiello, Tony Carfang, Emil Coscarelli, Neil Anastasio, Mike Iacovelli, Ralph Annina. Creative Designer: Jody Toth National Officers NATIONAL PRESIDENT Chris Mancusi E-mail: President@apd.org NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT James Miller E-mail: ExecVP@apd.org CENTRAL OFFICE /NATIONAL SECRETARY Fr. James Lentini E-mail: APDoffice@apd.org NATIONAL TREASURER Rick Trieste E-mail: VPFinancial@apd.org
Foundation FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN Anthony Carfang E-mail: Foundation@apd.org SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN Charles G. Fiore 42 70th Street Brooklyn, NY 11209 E-mail: CFiore@LewisandFiore.com
Central Office 257 E. Camden Wyoming Ave., Suite A Camden, DE 19934 Telephone: (302) 531-7854
Website: www.apd.org
IN THIS ISSUE: President’s Message: Mancusi’s Miles . . . 3 Alpha Phi Delta Scrapbook . . . 6 Brotherhood is for Life! . . . 8 Columbus Day & Founders’ Day . . . 9 100 Years: Through the Presidents . . . 10 Alumni News . . . 12 Scholarship Awards . . . 14 In Memoriam . . . 15 Convention 2015 . . . 16
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hen Italians arrived in America, they clustered together with others from their hometown or region of Italy for comfort, security and friendships. These sections became the Italian neighborhoods and Little Italys that remain in our cities today. Northeastern states such as New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Ohio have larger populations of Italian-Americans than other states by national average. Communities of Italian-Americans arose in most major industrial cities in the early 20th century, such as Boston, (particularly in the North End), Philadelphia, (particularly in South Philadelphia) and in specific neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, Providence, St. Louis, Chicago and a few others. New York City boasts the largest Italian-American population, which is concentrated in several communities within the five boroughs. These include Arthur Avenue in The Bronx, Mulberry Street in Manhattan and Carroll Gardens In Bensonhurst, where the Imbro’s and many brothers families settled, there are social clubs of numerous southern Italian towns including Sciacca and Porto Empedocle in Sicily. There are also many Italian businesses such as Villabate Alba Pasticceria & Bakery, L&B Spumoni Garden, Pastosa Ravioli and the birthplace of the original Sbarro’s Pork Store, all of which cater to the Italian-American community and have become landmarks in the neighborhood. This is true around the United States as second and third generation ItalianAmericans recognize and rediscover their neighborhood roots. There are many immigrants from Naples and Campania that also settled in Bensonhurst. (continued on page 15)
Cover Story
Walking in the Footsteps of our Founding Fathers In the mind of Joe Narciso (Gamma Lambda ’89), there was one and only one way to celebrate the Centennial properly: At the place where it all began 100 years ago, Syracuse University. This middle-of-the-week anniversary did not lend itself easily to an event. But as Mike and Joe were driving back from the Centennial Convention, they came to a solution that they thought would work: A day trip from NY/NJ! Joe Narciso, Mike Iacovelli, Peter Gaudiuso, and John Palamarik left on this adventure at 7 a.m. on November 5, 2014! Little did they know the spirits of the Founders were with them. On the ride up, Kola Atebo, St John’s Staten Island, through the power of Facebook, connected these road warriors with Nicholas Paro, a transfer student from St John’s, now attending Syracuse. The timing was perfect, as we arrived at 12:25 and his class ended at 12:30. We met at the main building, seemingly the only building on the campus with “Syracuse University” on it. We unfurled the Centennial Banner, and the five of us took a picture in front of the building, on the actual steps that the Founders walked upon 100 years earlier! As we snapped the picture, one of the 40,000 students at Syracuse walked up to us and said “Are you 〈⌽⌬? My boyfriend is in 〈⌽⌬ from Florida.” So, the potential future Mrs. Chase Milligan, Becca Southmayd, took another picture with us and immediately posted it to Facebook. We then met with the head of the Italian Department, Stefano Giannini. What was tentatively scheduled for a 10-minute meet and greet to explain who we were and our Italian roots at Syracuse, turned into an amazing two hours where we were introduced to the entire language department, were added to the “Italians at SU” Facebook page, and were introduced to the Director of Greek Life. What was supposed to be a handshake and a hello turned into us having a faculty member telling us, “We must get 〈⌽⌬ on this campus, how can I help?” The Centennial Kleos issue had arrived the day prior to our trip, so we gave the professor and the Director of Greek Life copies—with the seven Founding Fathers on the cover! The trip ended with a nice Italian dinner at “Fratelli’s” (great name, lousy food). To say this trip was amazing would not do it justice. A simple one-day road trip became so much more and may lead to bigger and better things! But even if it does not, four brothers from Brooklyn spent a wonderful day at the birthplace of our fraternity, walking in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers. —Submitted by Joe Narciso and Michael Iacovelli
KLEOS-The Magazine of Alpha Phi Delta, February 2015
www.APD.org
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MANCUSI’S MILES National President logs more than 5,000 miles while criss-crossing APD land
Chris Mancusi Gamma Sigma ’02
The South Florida Alumni Club (SFAC) and Delta Psi Chapter partake in a Miami Marlins game.
On the Cover TOP: On November 5, 2014, four brothers from the New York City area drove to Syracuse University to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our founding. Pictured are Peter Gaudiuso, Nicholas Paro, Joe Narciso, John Palamarik and Mike Iacovelli. Nick is a junior at Syracuse, having transferred from St. John’s, Staten Island. The other four are alumni from Brooklyn Alumni Club. Photo by Mike Iacovelli. BOTTOM: Delta Upsilon brothers at Robert Morris University celebrate Founders’ Day by posing with Robert Morris himself (statue). Photo by John Provident.
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Alpha Phi Delta men are quite different from most fraternity men throughout the Greek world. Among our many differences is that 〈⌽⌬ men get to shake hands and meet their national officers. One of the hallmarks of my administration is to ensure that undergraduates can feel the presence of the fraternity and its officers. I’ve asked our national officers and district governors to be a physical presence to our undergraduates. To lead by example, I was able to accumulate close to 5,500 miles traveled for our beloved Fraternity. As the fall semester comes to a close, I have personally met with brothers from: 11/11 districts, 23/36 chapters, 3/7 colonies or interest groups and 10/20 alumni entities. It is my plan to be able to visit with every undergraduate entity before the close of the fraternal year on June 30th. Due to my teaching and coaching responsibilities, most of these visits have been “Thousand Mile Weekends,” where I would visit numerous entities after work on a Friday and would be home on a Sunday evening just in time to wake up for work Monday morning. It’s been quite a busy semester spent on the road to say the least! The goal of these visits is to: 1) Make sure brothers know that the national fraternity appreciates their efforts, 2) Report on the activities of what is going on in the national fraternity and get a report on chapter activities, 3) Challenge the brothers to develop stronger as an entity, 4) Preview the national leadership conferences and elicit potential topics that brothers would like to see covered. Each stop is a 1:1 personal visit where I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with the guys. District meetings and events where numerous entities are present wouldn’t really count for my objective because in most instances brothers tend not to “open up.” The overall tone for the meeting has been one of service. As I’ve said numerous times in my time as a national officer, I’d often quote the legendary phrase from Al Palazzo, PNP; who would on his visits say “Hi, I’m National, what can I do for you?” I am a staunch believer that our brothers need to know that national officers are in position to serve our entities; not the other way around. Turn to page 4 for a recap of some of these visits . . .
February 2015, KLEOS-The Magazine of Alpha Phi Delta
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MANCUSI’S MILES
(Travels of the National President, continued)
Midwest & Central PA October 31–November 2, 2014
Beta Rho, Beta Omicron, Beta Theta, Psi, Delta Upsilon, Akron Colony, Misericordia Interest Group, Beta Lambda, Chi, Pittsburgh AC
National President Chris Mancusi presents Beta Lambda with an Award of Appreciation.
South Florida September 23–26, 2014
Delta Psi, South Florida AC I visited the southern-most district of Alpha Phi Delta and was treated with such warm hospitality by Brother Vince Verdile and the South Florida Alumni Club (SFAC). Jeff Breen, VP for Alumni Affairs, and Mike Young, NJAC Vice-President, joined me. The district put together an event to see a baseball game at Marlins Park, with alumni and undergrads in attendance. Brother Verdile shared his ideas with us on how we might be better able to expand to other campuses in Florida. The main highlight of the trip was our interaction with Delta Psi at Lynn University. I also met with Teresa Osorio, the Greek advisor at Lynn to get an update on our chapter. Stability and strength at Lynn is key for any potential expansion in Florida. On the final night of my visit, the SFAC put together an Italian dinner for our visit and following dinner many of the brothers went to Lynn for their Brotherhood for Life (B4L) seminar. The alumni shared their fraternal stories and its impact was certainly felt by the pledges. I certainly appreciated the hospitality and leadership in Florida thanks to District Governor Nick Tratoras and SFAC President Vince Verdile.
Buffs lost a nail biter to Oregon State, 36–31. On the final day of our visit, we met with the chapter at the IFC headquarters. I had an opportunity to check in with the chapter and find out how the national fraternity could better serve them. The brothers reported to me that the average chapter size of a fraternity at the University of Colorado was 105 with the largest fraternity had a staggering 194 men! Our chapter, at the time, had 38 guys and I explained the importance of always placing “quality over quantity,” but shared my thought that “quality leads to quantity.” I’m proud of our men. Following our meeting, the Colorado AC hosted a B4L for the first time in many years. I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with our brothers at Delta Chi. It’s at places like Colorado and Florida, where the interaction from non-chapter brothers is quite difficult, that the true love of 〈⌽⌬ is strongest. Thanks to District Governor Matt Gaudyn for helping us plan a productive visit.
NYC-East District Governor Todd Cusato, joined me for the first of the “Thousand Mile Weekends,” that took place in my car—a 2007 Nissan Altima with close to 100,000 miles on it. Many of those miles have spent considerable time on Interstate 80, the purple and white highway, that connects the hotbeds of 〈⌽⌬ in NYC and Pittsburgh. After a late start, we arrived in Erie, Pa. at close to 3 a.m. The next morning, we visited our Beta Rho brothers at Gannon University who picked up breakfast for us. There we talked about different ways to recruit in a way to help the chapter with a big pledge class in the spring. From Erie, we headed to Youngstown, Ohio where we met with Beta Omicron and the Akron interest group. Brother Leo Daprile gave a fantastic report on Beta Omicron and their willingness to assist with the Akron interest group. Zach Teeter, a transfer from our recently re-activated Delta Upsilon Chapter, has assembled a group of 15-plus men who will petition IFC for recognition at the University of Akron in Ohio. I pledged our support for the group and promised NIC intervention to help get approval by the IFC. From Youngstown, we headed to Steubenville, Ohio. Our brothers are fighting the good fight on campus and have been struggling to make ends meet. I assured them that the fraternity appreciates their efforts. We talked about ways that they could use support from other chapters in the district. They were very receptive to our ideas. From Steubenville, we headed to Pittsburgh where we attended the Pittsburgh Alumni Club’s Centennial
Colorado October 3–5, 2014
Delta Chi, Colorado AC My traveling companions, Breen and Young, joined me for a trip out to the milehigh state. On Saturday, we were able to interact with the undergraduate brothers and alumni for a tailgate as the Colorado
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A large crowd of Psi and Delta Upsilon brothers were on hand to greet Chris and Todd.
KLEOS-The Magazine of Alpha Phi Delta, February 2015
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Beta Iota Chapter is starting to gain some traction at SUNY Utica College.
Upstate NY, Hudson Valley & Connecticut November 14–16, 2014
Gamma Xi brothers give National President Chris Mancusi a tour of their campus.
Mu, Beta Iota, SUNY Albany Colony, Delta Rho, Delta Nu, Gamma Xi, Delta Theta, Gamma Iota, and Beta Beta
The brothers of Beta Beta at Manhattan University will be hosting a leadership conference in January. Dinner Dance—what a first class affair! Kudos to our PAC brothers. The following day, we met with both Psi and Delta Upsilon at Duquesne University and had over 50 brothers in attendance. I was humbled by the large showing of guys that met with us. We spoke about potential 〈⌽⌬ expansion and went over the leadership conference agenda that will take place in January. Matt Silva (Psi) and Chad Bomberger (Delta Upsilon) have done a marvelous job in leading their chapters. I expect both of these men to be future leaders in 〈⌽⌬. We then headed to Loretto, Pa. for a visit with our Beta Lambda Chapter. I helped re-activate Beta Lambda as VP for Expansion, so the chapter has always held a special place in my heart. Todd and I shared lunch with the chapter and we talked about the chapter reaching out to their alumni and trying to have them interact with the Midwest District more often. I also presented them with a plaque thanking them for their efforts in helping revitalize Chi Chapter. It was a lead from a brother at Beta Lambda that got the current crop of
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undergrads at Penn State. After close to 20plus handshakes, we were on the road to State College for a visit with Penn State. Chapter President Rob Reinhart shared a great philanthropy event that they were working on that will be spread throughout the entire IFC. It is my hope that they will be able to get a pledge class in the spring semester. We talked about utilizing Facebook to help recruit in the spring. This could have concluded our road trip but a former athlete of mine had called me earlier in the week to discuss bringing 〈⌽⌬ to Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. His group of three quickly grew to 11 in the span of a few days so Todd and I jumped off of I-80 to visit with the interest group. We have plans to start their pledge period in the spring semester. I’d like say what a fine job Mason Shattuck (Midwest) and David Kozak (Central Pa.) have been doing in their roles as district governors. These are two young men that that have shown that brothers of all ages can be leaders on the national level.
For my final “Thousand Mile Weekend” of the semester, Brothers Cusato, Breen and Young were unable to join me — perhaps due to old age! I ventured on this trip alone following a Brooklyn Alumni Club meeting, which was held in Staten Island— go figure! I drove five hours from Staten Island to Ithaca, N.Y. to see our chapter at Cornell. The next morning, I was able to answer a series of questions on how the national fraternity operated and physically went over the structure of our national budget. At Cornell, like at the University of Colorado, our brothers are a small pea in the pond of Greek life in terms of dollars spent and mansion-like housing, but our brothers continue to produce a fine product. From Ithaca, I went to see our Beta Iota brothers at SUNY Utica. This chapter is on the verge of being the best it’s been in quite some time. Chapter President Antonio Fotino really has the guys focused and it shows. We talked about trying to engage their alumni base. After Beta Iota, I went to visit Delta Rho at SUNY Oneonta. Delta Rho is one of our strongest recent reactivations. There were 25–30 men in the room as I updated them on what was going on nationally in 〈⌽⌬. I then took a two-hour trip down to Albany to perform an initiation for Phillip Waknin. There were also brothers who drove up from NYC to support the colony. These guys are trying to do the best that they can without campus recognition and I must thank Anthony Galli, who lives in Queens, a borough of NYC, for serving as (continued on page 13)
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ALPHA PHI DELTA SCRAPBOOK Photo by Mason Shattuck
Photo by Sal Flagiello
ABOVE: Past and present leaders enjoy the New York Christmas Dance. From L–R: Rob DeVito (National President from 2009–2011), Nick Franki (2011–2014), Chris Mancusi (Current National President) and Jim Miller (National VP).
Photo by Chris Mancusi
Photo by Chris Mancusi
RIGHT: Psi Chapter at Duquesne initiates four new brothers in November. The initiation was run by District Governor Mason Shattuck and witnessed by brothers of Delta Upsilon at Robert Morris.
RIGHT: Delta Epsilon Chapter continues their incredible run inducting eight more brothers on November 23. Congratulations to Jose Amezcua, Dennis Anokye, Jesse Gopeesingh, Thomas Maginnis, Rory O’Connor, Jose Rios, Sinjin Sison, and David Vargas.
BELOW: Beta Eta welcomes nine new brothers to the family on November 29. Congratulations to Phil Sagona, Anton Lunyk, Angelo Mauro, Charles Bonello, Nick Zillinii, Mathew Ross, Brandon Storz, Jack Falzone, and Yasha Shamray. Photo by Chris Mancusi
In October, the brothers of Delta Psi hold a Root Beer Float event for all students and staff at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. Photo by Dan Segal
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KLEOS-The Magazine of Alpha Phi Delta, February 2015
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Photo by Chris Mancusi
Photo by Dan Segal
ABOVE LEFT: On November 15, the SUNY Albany Colony initiates Phillip Waknin into their colony. The induction was performed by Chris Mancusi, National President, and Anthony Galli, project manager for SUNY Albany. ABOVE RIGHT: On October 25th, the brothers of Delta Psi at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. participated in a walk for breast cancer in Mizner Park, Fla. The Midwest District holds its fall meeting November 8 on campus at Robert Morris. The Delta Upsilon brothers were excited to be hosts. The district is very strong after winning outstanding district honors in 2014. Gamma Sigma Chapter at St John’s University, Staten Island, initiates two men into the fraternity on November 23. Leon Shallop and Joe Carlo were given the oath of brotherhood. The ceremony was conducted by Chris Mancusi, National President.
Photo by Mason Shattuck
Theta Beta holds its first induction since the chapter was officially reactivated in August. On Saturday, November 8, a total of seven were inducted and the chapter now stands at 20 strong. The group included two legacies (Romel and Jess Gutierrez and Mohamed and Ahmed Allam). Since the colony was formed in the spring of 2012 a total of 31 young men have taken the oath of brotherhood. The brothers pose with District Governor Sal Flagiello and three special guests from the SUNY Albany Colony who made the trip especially for this induction. First Row: Newly inducted brothers (l to r): Jesse Aguilar, Harminder Singh, Ahmed Allam, Bill Pomerans, Farhan Yousuf, Jesse Gutierrez, David Menchel. Second Row: Richard Soogrim, Steve S. Lee, Richard Hooper, Emil Coscarelli, Richard Shi, Edwin Augustin, Jacob Ryan Foster, Romel Gutierrez, Fiorentin Nacaj, Charles Fiore, Michael Albaranes, Alex Olea, Vinh Thai, Sal Flagiello. Back Row: Chris Mazzei. Photo by Emil Coscarelli
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Brotherhood is for Life! Nine years ago, an event that was started in the NYC District has grown to become a national program. Brotherhood for Life (B4L) is an event that is attended by pledges in every district as well as alumni from nearby alumni clubs. The pledges are reminded by the alumni of the benefits of Alpha Phi Delta, specifically those that happen post-college. This program has often served as a motivation for pledges to “stick it out!” In some cases, pledges are shown a PowerPoint presentation on the “History of Alpha Phi Delta” and in true Italian style the pledges are fed at the end of the event.
Photo by Chris Mancusi
Photo by Chris Mancusi
For their first time in many years, the Rocky Mountain District holds a Brotherhood for Life seminar. The event was hosted by the Colorado AC. The pledges were reminded of the benefits of 〈⌽⌬ and alumni speakers included: Chris Mancusi, National President; Matt Gaudyn, Rocky Mountain District Governor; Jeff Breen, VP for Alumni Affairs; as well as many other Colorado alumni brothers.
The NYC East and West Districts gather at St. Francis College in downtown Brooklyn for their B4L October event. The New York Alumni Club (NYAC) were hosts and provided many speakers for the large gathering of brothers. Sal Flagiello, NYC-West Governor was the emcee throughout the night. Alumni speakers included: Chris Mancusi, National President; Jim Miller, National Vice-President; Todd Cusato, NYC-East District Governor; Nick Franki, PNP; Ron Sme, National Historian; and other NYAC brothers. John Whyte, VP for Expansion went over the “History of Alpha Phi Delta” PowerPoint. Chris Mancusi and Jim Miller, who had attended the NJ B4L earlier in the night raced from Newark to Brooklyn via the Holland Tunnel and got to St. Francis just in time to close the proceedings.
Photo by Mason Shattuck
On September 25, the Florida District holds its first ever Brotherhood for Life seminar, which was sponsored by the South Florida Alumni Club (SFAC). Alumni speakers were Chris Mancusi, National President; Emil Imbro, VP for Cultural Affairs; Jeff Breen, VP for Alumni Affairs; Nick Tratoras, Florida District Governor; Vince Verdile, SFAC President; and many other SFAC alumni. A SFAC Italian dinner preceded the event. The North Jersey District has a banner year as witnessed by the large group of pledges as its Brotherhood for Life seminar. The New Jersey Alumni Club (NJAC) stepped up to the sponsor the event. Alumni speakers included: Chris Mancusi, National President; Jim Miller, National Vice-President; Jeff Breen, VP for Alumni Affairs; Al Fafara, PNP; Ray Morro, NJAC President; and Paul Zammit, NJ District Governor served as the emcee. National Vice-President Jim Miller drove all the way from Pittsburgh to attend. LEFT: The Midwest District holds its Brotherhood for Life event October 10.
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Photo by Emil Coscarelli
New York City brothers, undergrads and alumni along with family members, participated in the annual Columbus Day Parade October 13.
Celebrations /Columbus Day & Founders’ Day
Photo by Mike Iacovelli
Photo by Emil Coscarelli
New York City brothers, undergrads and alumni along with family members, participate in the annual Columbus Day Parade October 13. Above left, brothers pose with honorary brother Joe Piscopo. Above right, brothers take a photo with Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester (main celebrant of the Mass) and Monsignor Robert Ritchie, Rector of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Photos by Emil Coscarelli
On November 7, The North Jersey Alumni Club held its annual Founders’ Day dinner at Amici’s restaurant in Linden, N.J. in honor of APD’s 100th anniversary. Approximately 30 people attended.
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Brooklyn Alumni Club meets in November to celebrate Founders’ Day. Ralphie Parmegiani, Charlie Fiore, Pete Gaudiuso, Chris Mancusi, Joe Caldarella, WIll Fiore, Neil Anastasio, Todd Cusato, President-Elect Mike Iacovelli, Mike Young, Ben Ruggiero, Paul Zammit, Jeff Breen, Andy Dunn.
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100 Years Centennial Countdown
Artwork by Greg Argese
100 Years. . . Through the Presidents The Kleos welcomes back former Editor Neil Anastasio, Theta Beta ’73, who served from 1978–1983. Neil volunteered to write a series for the Centennial on our national presidents’ leadership from the beginning through present day. This is the fifth in the series. We continue to celebrate the Alpha Phi Delta Centennial with an ongoing look at our leaders through history. With a new leadership structure developed by the end of 1980, a new generation of men carried the mantle into the new millennium. Was it an opportunity for success...or a failed experiment? —By Neil Anastasio, Theta Beta ’73
The Eighties
Richard F. Primiano, 1984–1986
Anthony J. Carfang, 1980–1982
He became active in the Philadelphia Alumni Club 10 years after graduation, a quite typical progression for fraternity men graduating in the early 1960s. But, during the next 20 years, he held every office in the Philadelphia Alumni Club as well as several national offices. He witnessed undergraduate attendance at summer “New ideas, it seemed, were not conventions dwindling, and always easily embraced.” pushed for moving the —History of Alpha Phi Delta, 2001 National Council business meeting to the winter, where it remained.
Beta Delta Chapter, Temple University
Psi Chapter, Duquesne University He was the first to serve in the newly created position of Executive Vice President during the Barbarino administration. As a business and finance executive, he was perfectly suited to execute his vision of the future, the creation of the Alpha Phi Delta Foundation. After decades of discussing the need for a Traveling Secretary, the first full-time salaried Chapter Consultant was hired and timely services were delivered to the chapters. Fundraising tripled by 1982, and initiations doubled. Mailing lists were computerized, back tax problems resolved, housing debt was refinanced and houses reorganized into local ownership. In two short years a broad base of new alumni became active and replaced the efforts of the ‘super hero’ alumni of decades past.
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“Where do these changes leave the fraternity? Alpha Phi Delta now has the organizational capability to involve young alumni to assure continuity in its governing body for many years to come” —The Kleos of Alpha Phi Delta
Michael G. Zerega, 1982–1984 Psi Chapter, Duquesne University
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Expansion had become his calling card prior to his presidency, with nine chapters founded in four short years. He also served as the Chairman of the Foundation for eight years after his term. The fraternity he led was one that he, Tony Carfang, and others, refashioned, restructured and redirected. It was also a fraternity that was starting a process of return, remembrance and understanding of its Italian roots.
“Of course we are the Italian-American Fraternity and although the discussion is not concluded, its existence is in the open, and proudly so. Men who join Alpha Phi Delta now know the history and heritage of the fraternity to which they pledge lifelong devotion. For bringing this about, I am especially proud.” —Michael Zerega, 1989
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Robert J. Valeriano, 1986–1988 Psi Chapter, Duquesne University With the first summer Convention held outside of the United States, he saw many chapters close their doors, while many more were activated. Per capita semester dues, a long time financial system, was finally replaced with higher initiation fees and annual chapter dues. By term end, 11 scholarships were being awarded. He used his business expertise to finally get the fraternity on sound financial footing.
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“We also saw the first major donation by an entity to the Foundation…the Pittsburgh Alumni Club …start(ed) a printing fund for The Kleos and other fraternity publications.” — Bob Valeriano, 1989
Alexander B. Fafara, 1988–1990 Beta Xi Chapter, New Jersey Institute of Technology Never at a loss for words, he held virtually every local and national position before his election as President. As a prolific chapter visitor, in the footsteps of Palazzo and Raffa, he spearheaded prolific growth in New York and Philadelphia areas. Chapter based Alumni Associations were formed, and
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(continued) This page sponsored by the Brooklyn Alumni Club through a generous donation to the Foundation.
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KLEOS-The Magazine of Alpha Phi Delta, February 2015
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References and quotes from The History of Alpha Phi Delta, editions 1974 and 2001
“Typical of the litigious life of the 1980s was the fact that the annual alumni-undergraduate softball game was canceled at Lake Placid. The fraternity could not get a softball field for the lack of having liability insurance coverage.” —The History of Alpha Phi Delta, 2001
50 undergraduate chapters. Topics included recruitment, pledging, hazing, public and university relations, community service, career development and financial management.
Glenn A. Small, 1996–1998 Beta Xi Chapter, New Jersey Institute of Technology
(Alexander Fafara continued) official anti-hazing language was added to the Constitution. For the very first time, a National Council meeting had 100% undergraduate attendance. 〈⌽⌬ had zero outstanding debt and an all time high of 33 active chapters.
The Nineties Joseph C. Rahtelli, 1990–1992 Beta Beta Chapter, Manhattan College Despite being the youngest President since 1929, he presided over the largest expansion of chapters in over 60 years. Seeds of expansion that were planted and tendered during the previous administration came to fruition with 11 chapters and five alumni entities chartered during his term. Chapter workshops were begun at National Council meetings in the winter, and a new and streamlined Constitution and Bylaws were adopted.
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Joseph L. Rossi, 1992–1994 Beta Phi Chapter, Glassboro State College He was a seasoned veteran of expansion activities, and oversaw a move of Central Office to Cape May, New Jersey while serving as Executive Secretary. He led what was described as a “youthful Executive Committee” as President. At schools where chapters existed, attention was focused on university relations for the first time. Summer convention attendance rose 100 percent.
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“A discussion on slowing down expansion was heard throughout the duration of the meeting, as was the debate over funding insurance.” —1993 National Council meeting
His career as an environmental engineer started in northern New Jersey where he was most active fraternally after graduation. Term limit changes were enacted, and a return of the National Council meeting of the summer was hoped to spur attendance at the summer convention. The Foundation expanded its Trustees beyond past National Presidents for the first time. The Leadership Conference became a national event after regional tryouts.
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Thomas J. Carroll, 1998–2002 Chi Chapter, Pennsylvania State University The first four-year president started his professional career as a criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery County, Pa. He greatly improved fraternal communication and management, and was willing to travel anywhere. He was there in 2000 to witness a void in individuals seeking office and continued his terms in office beyond the previously traditional consecutive one year terms. He established better rapport with officials on many college campuses.
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Anthony Carfang ushered in 1980 with visionary and tireless leadership against all odds and often bitter resistance. He worked tirelessly to re-create Alpha Phi Delta into a self sustaining organization able to adapt to the future and survive forever. Many fine men followed him, each responding to the challenges of their time in office. But, was 2003 to be the end of a grand experiment or the start of something beyond our wildest dreams ? Stay tuned to The Kleos as our series concludes in the next installment of “100 years…Through the Presidents.”
Joseph G. Malecki, 1994–1996 Beta Chi Chapter, Utica College A former mayor of his hometown, Whiteboro, N.Y. in the Mohawk Valley, his administration saw enactment of a minimum academic achievement level requirement for pledges and brothers. The South New Jersey alumni organized and a membership directory was published for the first time in six years. Central Office took on an unprecedented program to provide leadership training to all
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“These chapter conferences would prove to be a worthy investment in the future of 〈⌽⌬’s undergraduate chapters. Lentini…deserves a rousing handclap for having the foresight and capability of holding these educational meetings.” —The History of Alpha Phi Delta, 2001
The sponsorship of this page is available. Contact the Alpha Phi Delta Foundation at Foundation@apd.org for more details. www.APD.org
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ALUMNI SCRAPBOOK Photo by Joseph Rahtelli
Alpha Phi Delta Making Mark with Local Knights of Columbus
Photo by Emil Coscarelli
On October 14, 2014, Kevin O’Connor, Psi ’95, became a first degree of the Knights of Columbus in Newtown, Conn. He became the fifth Alpha Phi Delta brother to become a member of this council. He joins, pictured L–R, Matt Rahtelli, Beta Beta ‘14, Joe Rahtelli, Beta Beta ‘82, Kevin, Joseph Rahtelli II, Delta Theta ‘07, and not pictured Steve Guagliano, Beta Beta ‘92. Kevin became the 300th member of the council, the first time the council has ever reached this milestone. Alpha Phi Delta has influenced the council in a profound way. Joe is the Grand Knight, (chapter president), and since joining the council leadership’s four years ago, the council has grown over 50%. In 2011, Matt started the Knights local youth division, the Columbian Squires, which has grown to be the largest chapter in North America with over 128 members.
Photo by Danny Thomas
The New York City District holds its 74th annual Christmas Dance on Saturday December 6th at Gargiulo’s in Brooklyn. The dance was very well attended by approximately 150 brothers and their ladies from throughout the NYC metropolitan area, including National VP Jim Miller and his lovely wife Joy who drove from Pittsburgh to join the festivities! Many other national officers were on hand and a great time was enjoyed by all.
Youngstown Alumni Club holds an outstanding Christmas Party to end the Centennial year. With over 80 people in attendance, it was the biggest YAC event in recent memory. The highlight of the evening was O.J. Thomas receiving the Harry V. Jannetti Unsung Hero Award for all that he has done for APD over the years without looking for or getting recognition for it. Harry passed away this year at the age of 49. OJ was presented the award by Harry’s parents.
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www.APD.org
Photo by Marie McLendon
On the Centennial of Alpha Phi Delta, 30 New York City brothers and wives gather to celebrate a momentous event in history. Many alumni of the Brooklyn and New York Alumni Clubs attended and represented most of the NYC chapters. From recent grads to 1964 grads, each reminisced about the circumstances surrounding their pledging the fraternity, and their joy to be brothers APD. At the event, the Founders were toasted with the following quote: “The unparalleled success that our fraternity has experienced vindicates its existence. From the time of its birth, APD has been growing continuously and sending its roots deeper and deeper into the lives of thousands of young men in the universities of America, giving light, strength, and inspiration: a power for good, beneath whose influence we glory. Nor is its star setting, but radiant still, it lights the way to countless individuals who find guidance in its spreading rays. To you falls the mighty challenge of keeping its glorious past untarnished. Into your hand we have placed the torch. Keep it high and pass it on ever-shining to those who follow.”
The Pittsburgh Alumni Club holds the last official Centennial event on December 22, 2014, with its annual Christmas party. The dinner, held at a local Pittsburgh restaurant, attracted 53 brothers, spouses and family members. It was the PAC’s largest Christmas dinner ever.
MANCUSI’S MILES Photo by Emil Imbro
In October, APD brothers from Pi Chapter at West Virginia University in 1968–69 reunited after 45 years at The Bolero Resort and Conference Center in Wildwood, N.J., owned by Brother Wally Lerro. Emil Imbro, Pi ’67, writes, “The bond of family we shared at that house on Spruce St. in Morgantown through Alpha Phi Delta will never fade. We were brothers!” Pictured left to right are Bob Hawken, Dan Zotttarelli, Walt Angelini, Wally Lerro, Emil Imbro, Pat Cipriani, Earl Griffith, Al Buccalo. Bill Hawkins and Gary Badowski. Brothers Ray Diaz, Joe and Jim Panetta, Angelo Gianni and John Grant were unable to attend. Brothers Joe Dicaro and Art Pasquantonio live on in our memory.
(continued from page 5) the project manager. Anthony was a former athlete of mine while he was in high school. There is no district governor that has as large of a district as Upstate NY District Governor Jeff Sidoti. Jeff lives in the Bronx and he is anywhere from three-to-five hours from his chapters. We certainly appreciate his service to Alpha Phi Delta. I spent the night in Willimantic, Conn. to visit with the Delta Nu Chapter. Delta Nu has been struggling, and after a talk with the chapter president it seems as if it will fold unless the national fraternity steps in. I know that DG Carlo Lucatino will be quite active in an attempt to save this chapter. I then headed to New Haven for a visit with our Gamma Xi brothers at Southern Connecticut State University. We ate lunch and the brothers gave me a tour of the student center, which they promise will be an excellent potential host for the 2016 National Council meeting. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my visit with Gamma Xi. They just brought in the largest pledge class since their reactivation and Chapter President Alex Audet has already assigned each newly inducted brother a role in the chapter. From New Haven, I went to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to see our Delta Theta Chapter. There, I gave the brothers a update on expansion and discussed ways they can help strengthen their district. An hourlong drive later, I met with the Gamma Iota brothers at Pace-Pleasantville. The guys gave me a report on their chapter and explained how in many ways they are leaders on campus. From Pace, I headed to Beta Beta Chapter at Manhattan College. There I met Hudson Valley District Governor Dr. Joe Carcione and over 30 Beta Beta brothers. We spoke about pledge retention as well as the interview process and discussed what the expectations would be for the chapter in hosting the Eastern Leadership Conference in January. Chapter President Johnny Moran gave Dr. Joe and me a tour of the facilities where the conference will take place. Connecticut District Governor Carlo Lucatino and Hudson Valley District Governor Dr. Joe Carcione are example of brothers who have stepped away from the fraternity after graduating college but have been re-engaged recently and have stepped up to serve the fraternity as district governors.
This page sponsored by Alex Franki, Gamma Lambda ’90, through a generous donation to the Foundation. www.APD.org
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ALPHA PHI DELTA FOUNDATION
Scholarship Awards for 2014
Nicole Torchia, winner of the Stan Raffa Award, with her father and sponsor Anthony Torchia, Beta Chi.
Nicole Lund, recipient of the new Anthony Sallo Scholarship, with her grandfather Fran Prezioso, Psi ‘56.
Christine Phelan with her parents Steve, Beta Sigma ‘76, and Diane at Muhlenberg College. Christine received the Richard Primiano Award.
Alexandra Black proudly displays her scholarship check and shares a moment with her grandfather, Bob Rini, Eta ‘51. Bob is 85 and living in Florida. Alexandra won the Frank Cavallaro Award.
Jenna Smith with her sponsor Raymo Santilli, Psi ’85. Jenna won the Felix Infausto Scholarship.
Rachel Wojnas, winner of the Southern California Alumni Club Award, with her uncle and sponsor, James Salamy, Beta Iota.
Psi Chapter had multiple scholarship winners who sent this group photo from the campus of Duquesne University. Psi award winners include Josh Semmler (A. Joseph Creston Award), Chris Leonard (Fabrizio Family Award), Matt Burnett (Russo Family Award), and Matt Silva (Military Scholarship).
Matt Burnett, Psi, with John, Psi ’72, and Mary Russo, sponsors of the Russo Family Scholarship that Matt received.
Thomas Clarke poses with his grandparents Joe (PNP), Psi ‘49, and Josie Creston. Thomas won the Raymo Santilli Award.
Applications for the 2015 Alpha Phi Delta Scholarships must be submitted by May 31, 2015. Go to www.apdscholarship.org for more information and an application. Hard deadline is May 31.
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CHAPTER ETERNAL OUR ITALIAN HERITAGE
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While attending Brooklyn College, most of the fraternity brothers came from many of the Italian neighborhoods in Brooklyn. These neighborhoods included Bensonhurst, Carroll Gardens, Bergen Beach, Cobble Hill, Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge as well as Mill Basin. These neighborhoods even today are urban villages representing many regions and towns of Italy. If you go to Carroll Gardens, there is an active Citizens of Pozzallo Society that started in the 1920s as a mutual aid group helping their members with advice and guidance needed to be successful in New York City and even has a mortuary fund. The children and grandchildren of these urban villagers are now in such professions as architects, teachers, doctors and accountants. I met with a group of the elder members, many of whom remembered my father, Antonio Annina, one July afternoon this year and over a cup of espresso we spoke about the assimilation and acculturation of Sicilians (Pozzallo is in Sicily) in Carroll Gardens. We spoke about the Longshoremen’s Union and the doctor’s clinic sponsored by the union. Since Pozzallo is on the coast of Sicily (on a clear day you can see Malta) most Pozzalesi made their living in the maritime trades in Brooklyn. They were longshoremen, merchant mariners, and fishermen. They worked the docks and unloaded cargo and worked the fishing industries. These are just two of the Italian-American neighborhoods in Brooklyn. This story has been repeated in every neighborhood which was settled predominantly by Italians in America.
William Tortorelli, Psi ’59 (Duquesne), passed away in Florida in January of 2014. He is survived by his wife Ann. Bill was an Army veteran and was treasurer of Psi Chapter. Dr. Joseph Massaro, Psi ’51 (Duquesne), of Reno, Nev., died on November 12, 2014, due to complications of a stroke. He was born on February 23,1933, in Pittsburgh, Pa. He graduated from Duquesne University, graduated medical school, then went on with his internship at Columbia University. Joe continued on to specialize in gastroenterology and internal medicine at the Veterans Administration. He started his first practice in Pennsylvania in 1964. In 1974, he moved to Reno where he set up his practice, becoming the first gastroenterologist in Reno. He had an active medical practice for over 40 years. Dr. Joe was a staff physician at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Renown, and Northern NV Medical Center. During his entire life, he was very involved in the Catholic Church. Receiving the Honors of The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and was a third order of Lay Carmelite. In his earlier years, he spent many a weekends flying his airplane. He was also very involved in American Sportsman Association where he fly fished and hunted, with close friends. John “Sonny” Ambrosia, Beta Omicron ’64 (YSU), passed away November 24, 2014 in Hollywood, Fla., where he had been a resident for the past 20 years. He worked in the insurance field as a risk manager most of his adult life. He was 72. Anthony “Tony” Scotti, Nu ’42 (Pitt), passed away November 30. Tony was a lifelong member of the Pittsburgh Alumni Club and served as its president back in 1949. He was part of an 〈⌽⌬ family with his brothers Joe, Psi (former National Treasurer); and Arthur, Nu; and nephew Vince, Beta Theta. He and his wife Theresa attended many PAC dinners and national conventions and were like grandparents to many younger brothers and their wives. Tony was 93 and living in Pittsburgh at his passing. He was a World War II veteran.
A typical Carroll Gardens shopping neighborhood.
John Carosiello, Beta Delta ’48 (Temple), passed away on December 2 at the age of 91. He was a longtime member of the Delaware Valley Alumni Club. John was employed as a metallurgist at the Philadelphia Naval Base for many years before retiring in 1979. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Francis “Sonny” B. Stablow, Jr., 85, Psi ’50 (Duquesne) died Monday, July 14, 2014, in Beaver Falls, Pa. He was a 1956 graduate of Duquesne University, where he received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy. Anthony DeGaeta, Delta Xi ’96 (Seton Hall), passed away Christmas day 2014 in South Carolina at the age of 37. He served as chapter president as an undergraduate.
Flashback—the National Secretary found this photo from the archives. It’s a 1943 University of Pittsburgh yearbook featuring Nu Chapter (Tony Scotti, recently deceased, is bottom left).
Dom Debonis, Psi ‘52 (Duquesne), made a piece of golf sports history by shooting four holes in one over 33 days in 2014, including three in three days in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Dom is 81 years old and currently lives in The Villages, Fla. He had his first hole in one in 1969, but no more until 2014.
This page sponsored by the New York Alumni Club through a generous donation to the Foundation. www.APD.org
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Join us for the start of our next hundred years.
Scenes from 2014—be part of 2015!
Convention 2015
August 12–16,2015
Holiday Inn, Gaithersburg, Md.
Family friendly, affordable rooms at $119 a night. Entertainment, dinners, activities, fraternalism. For more info, write to convention@apd.org.