On Saturday, Comm. Thomas A. Lupo was formally installed as the new National President of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the oldest and largest organization representing Italian-American men and women in the U.S. Lupo succeeds Michael G. Polo, who was elected in 2023.

Lupo, previously National 1st Vice President, is a member of Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 in Smithtown, New York, and has been an OSDIA member for 41 years. As an active member of the New York Italian-American community, Lupo has served in various OSDIA positions at the national and state level, including as a Past President of the Grand Lodge of New York. Lupo was previously an executive in various positions for Standard & Poor's, and currently works for Suffolk County, New York, as Assistant to Suffolk Country Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr.

The installation ceremony took place in Orlando, Florida, during OSDIA’s 59^th Biennial National Convention (BNC), the largest and most significant gathering of the organization’s leadership from around the country.

In addition to Lupo, a new Supreme Council was installed, including the following officers: Comm. Joseph Sciame, Sons of Italy Foundation President; John Fratta, Commission for Social Justice President (nominated, confirmation pending); Kevin Caira, National 1^st Vice President; Dr. Mark DeNunzio, National 2^nd Vice President; Brian Andzik, National 3^rd Vice President; Frank Gattuso Esq., National 4^th Vice President; Robert Ferrito, National 5^th Vice President; and Michael G. Polo, Immediate Past President. National trustees and line officers were also formally installed during the event.

Addressing the crowd after his installation, Lupo spoke about the significance of this new role and his priorities for the upcoming term. 

“My vision for the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America is one of national unity, strategic growth, expanded impact and renewed purpose,” he said, adding that strengthening our lodges at all levels remains a priority. “Our lodges are the heart of our organization, the places where friendships are forged, traditions are celebrated and support is offered,” he added.

Drawing on the importance of community, Lupo also expressed his goals of expanding community service and charitable endeavors, as well as engaging the next generation throughout the entire organization.

Though the BNC serves to install new national leadership, it is also an opportunity for hundreds of Italian Americans from around the U.S. to network, engage with leadership and attend a variety of breakout sessions and cultural events throughout the week. 

Among these events were award luncheons and galas, honoring dignitaries and leaders within the Italian-American community. This year’s honorees were: The Hon. Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller (Guglielmo Marconi Award); Joanne Persico, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at St. John’s University (OSDIA Sports Award); Gianpiero Piovani, Head Coach of Inter Milan Women (OSDIA International Sports Award); Lynn Lawrence-Murphy (Vincenzo Sellaro Award); and Frank Panessa (Vincenzo Sellaro Award). 

Each of the honorees were recognized for their contributions to the Italian-American community and for exemplifying the ideals under which OSDIA was founded: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. 

This year’s BNC was particularly significant, as it marked the 120^th anniversary of OSDIA’s founding. OSDIA was founded in 1905 by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, an Italian immigrant who dreamed of strong ties and mutual support within the Italian American community.

Since its humble origins as a mutual aid society in New York City, OSDIA now boasts more than 400 lodges throughout the U.S., Italy and Canada. It is also home to more than 100,000 members and family affiliates.

In addition to its large membership, OSDIA is also a leader in philanthropic efforts through its Sons of Italy Foundation, as well as anti-defamation and positive imaging efforts through its Commission for Social Justice. Through both arms, OSDIA has given tens of millions of dollars in scholarships and charitable donations and has been a leader in advocacy for the Italian-American community.