GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of April 19, 2003 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and President Joe Picarella led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased and ailing brothers and those in the services.

Duke Sella motioned to accept the minutes for April 5. Christ Lanieri seconded it. The motion carried.

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Sec. Bill Poleri reported that the club made a good showing at Anthony Caruso’s funeral with about 30 members in attendance. Poleri also reminded brothers that there would be no meeting on July 5 since it will be Independence Day holiday weekend.

Treasurer di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from April 5th meeting were: Luncheon, $312, and non-eaters, $5 for a total of $317. Luncheon expenses were $300 and gratuities, $5 for a gain of $12. Other incomes were: Shirts/Hats, $14; 50/50 winnings, $3, and Posters, $55. Expense was a donation to St. John’s Hospital Nurses Fund in memory of Anthony Caruso, $50. The general balance is $4044.06. Larry Mascari motioned to accept. Vito Giovannelli seconded it. The motion carried.

di Milo announced that anyone interested in making a donation to the Nurses Fund in Caruso’s name check with him for the address, which is St John’s Hospital Nurses Fund, 1328 22nd Street, Santa Monica, 90404. He later asked members to wear their name badges.

NEW BUSINESS – Vice President Steve Loyacano felt someone from the club should have spoken at the funeral of Tony Caruso. He blamed the priests because they didn’t ask if anyone else would like to speak after they finished speaking. Loyacano would like to have said something as did several other club members. He suggested that the club write a letter to Tonia Caruso expressing our feelings. Leo Matranga felt that if every one who wanted to speak got up we would have been there until nine at night. Jerry Amoroso thought we should have designated a club speaker before hand.

Pres. Picarella would love to express his and the club’s feeling to her in a letter. Sec. Poleri called for a motion so the issue can be debated. Vinny Raso motioned that the club send a letter to Mrs. Caruso. Al Molinaro seconded it. Sec. Poleri who opposed the motion qualified it by adding that Prez Picarella and Veep Loyacano would compose it. Both Raso and Molinaro accepted the addition to the motion.

Treas. di Milo also spoke against it claiming that Tonia had made all the funeral arrangements and that if she wanted people to come up she would have made sure the priests asked them to step forward. Holzer who also blamed the priests for not asking persons to come up and speak felt just the opposite, explaining that he was the first to call her the day after Tony’s death and she was so pleased that he did so. He was sure that she would appreciate a letter. Poleri called for the votes and the motion carried by 22 to 4 vote.

There were other comments made about the funeral. Patsy Perriello explained that he only saw the first episode of “Gunsmoke” 40 years ago. He never saw the program since but prior to his going to the funeral he put on the TV and “Gunsmoke” came on and the guest star was Anthony Caruso.

Norman Panto, who played the accordion at the funeral reception, said he wasn’t too sure of what kind of music he should play but finally he felt that he should liven up the pace, which was well received. Pres. Picarella asked the members to give Panto a big hand, which they did.

Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on May 3 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the May 17th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri