An epoch has come to an end with the retirement of Josephine Petitti as executive director of the Midwest District of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. “It’s been a long and wonderful run, and it’s been an honor to serve,” says Petitti, who has more get-up-and-go at 90 than most folks do at half her age.

A driving force for the local ISDA and the Italo-American National Union before it, Petitti joined the IANU Bianco Lodge half a century ago, taking charge of its annual St. Joseph Table and helping to transform it into a thriving annual event. She also served as cook and manager of the IANU banquet hall for years.