National News

Tony Bennett’s Final Performance Airs for All

After eight decades as a performer, Tony Bennett took the stage of New York’s Radio City Music Hall for his final performance on August 3, 2021—his 95th birthday. On November 28, CBS aired his performance for all to see in a television special called “One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.”

Bennett sang many classics—including his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” along with “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York.” The concert also included duets with Lady Gaga, with whom Bennett released an album entitled Love for Sale last September. The album has received six Grammy nominations. It also earned Bennett another impressive distinction. At 95 years and 60 days old, he was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest person to release an album of new material.

Six months ago, Bennett’s family revealed that he is suffering from Alzheimer’s and that he, at times, does not know where he is or what is happening around him. However, on the night of his final performance, he knew

Tony Bennett performs at the Sons of Italy Foundation’s 2003 NELA Gala.

exactly where he was: on stage. He not only received his first standing ovation prior to singing a single note—he also earned a dozen more over the course of the concert.

Bennett was presented with the Sons of Italy Foundation Humanitarian Award at the National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala in 1999. He also attended and performed at several galas over the course of NELA’s 32-year existence.

Ohio Lodge Member Wins OSDIA Family Photo Contest

In celebration of Italian Heritage Month last fall, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) held a members-only Family Photo Contest in partnership with My Italian Family, who donated a Genealogy Research Package worth $3,000 to be awarded to the contest winner. OSDIA’s National Office received hundreds of captivating submissions along with their remarkable back stories. Alas, only one winner could be chosen. The OSDIA Membership Committee and OSDIA Technology Committee reviewed all submissions and cast votes—and Gloria Marano of the John Pirelli Lodge #1633 located in Dayton, Ohio, was declared the winner!

Gloria, who serves as Vice President of her lodge and Trustee of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, submitted a family photo that features the Marano family celebrating Christmas in 1947 at her grandparents’ house in Brooklyn, New York. In the photo, they raise a toast as her uncle hoists a jug of her grandfather’s homemade wine. Her father, Carlo F. Marano, Sr., was a freelance photographer and took the picture. Her mother, Marjorie Caudill Marano, is on the far left and eight months pregnant with Gloria’s older brother, Alphonse. The Marano family has its Italian roots in the towns of Avellino and Salerno.

Congratulazioni to Gloria and grazie mille to every member who participated. Although there could be only one contest winner, submissions will be periodically appearing on OSDIA’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Keep an eye out for yours!

Gloria Marano’s winning submission, in which her family says salute e buon Natale!