About Us

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The LRB started as an affiliate of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA), which is the founding organization and the national charter.  Originally known as Ordine Figli d’Italia, the national charter was founded in 1905 by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro and a group of five immigrants that had newly emigrated to the United States during a time known as the great Italian migration (1880-1923). 

Many Italian immigrants arriving during this time were on their own, without family or friends, and starting a new life in unfamiliar surroundings. The organization was created for their benefit, to help in their transition to becoming citizens of the United States, and to provide assistance in areas relating to their health, well-being, and future success as productive members of society.

There were purposes of the Order Sons of Italy in America which included promoting national education, encouraging the dissemination of Italian culture, organizing programs for patriotic and humanitarian purposes and combating discrimination while protecting and upholding the positive image of Italian heritage in the United States.

Founded May 8, 1916, Loggia Ruggero Bonghi Lodge #543 (LRB) has been a cornerstone of the Ambler community for almost  110 years. We have a rich history of serving the community and providing a welcoming space for those seeking fun and friendship. All are welcome!!!

In 2013 LRB, along with most of the Pennsylvania Lodges re-affilliated to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Sons and Daughters of Italy.  In seeking more autonomy, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, at its June 2013 convention in King of Prussia, PA, voted to become an independent organization from the Order Sons of Italy in America.

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Corporate Charter was amended so that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Order Sons of Italy in America is now the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Sons and Daughters of Italy.

Dedicated Leadership

The leaders of The Sons and Daughters of Italy have made our club what it is. We are very grateful for their service and guidance and that of our past leaders. Below is a list of names of those currently serving on our Board.

ANTONIO ISABELLA

President

ADELE BOVA

Vice President

DOMENICO CASALINUOVO

Treasurer

GREGORIO CILIBERTO

Financial Secretary

CARMELO PILEGGI

Orator

PETER BECCHINA

Recording Secretary

FRANK BOVA

Guard

DOMENICK PASQUALI

Historian

VINCENZO MANDARANO

Master Of Ceremonies

JOSEPH AMMENDOLA

Past President

JOSEPH CASALINUOVO

Trustee

JOSEPH CERMINARA

Trustee

CARMINE CILIBERTO

Trustee

RICHARD PASCERI

Trustee

PIETRO MAZZEO

Trustee

My history with the club starts back to my childhood spending time there with my family and friends back in the 1970’s up through a lot of changes over the years to where we are today.  Like the rest of Ambler, the club has been going through a period of reinvention while staying true to our roots.

As we enter the new year (our 110th year), I am proud to oversee a ramping up of improvements to our building and growth in membership.  I also understand that the biggest enemy of progress is the status quo.  Therefore, I will continue to maintain an environment that welcomes new members and new ideas that will make us a center of community in Ambler.

This all aligns with the vision of our new State President, Amato Sanita; who is also looking to revisit the status quo statewide and welcome new ideas and ways of doing things… going as far as encouraging new members to “call him any time”.

If you have not been to the club lately, please stop by and see what’s been going on and share your ideas.  

                                                                                                                                                        -    Antonio Isabella. LRB President

JOSEPH  PAONE (Member)

Joe Paone is a more recent addition to the club… joining in 2024.  A proud first-generation American, Joe is the son of Italian immigrants from Maida who settled in Ambler, Pennsylvania, in the 1970s.  Joe’s work spans both adult and children’s fiction. He is the creator of  The Baron’s Daughter, a sweeping historical fiction debut that takes place in Maida, Catanzaro during World War I.  With a passion for narrative that bridges generations, Joe’s writing is marked by rich cultural heritage, emotional depth, and an enduring love of history.

GREGORIO CILIBERTO (financial secretary)

Greg has been a member since 1978 and is working on continuing the legacy with his son and grandchildren.  He is currently the financial secretary.  However, Greg has contributed his time, energy and talents to the club in various ways over the years.  Specifically, by applying his years of experience in facilities management to maintain/improve the current property and plan for the future.  Greg has shared his vision of building the club into a family friendly place where the Italian culture can be preserved and shared with the younger generations.

DOMENICO CASALINUOVO  (Treasurer)

Dominic has been a member since 1979 shortly after immigrating to the United States.  Since then he has supported the club in a variety of ways including managing the club space, bartending, coordinating events and now as treasurer.  In these various roles, Dominic has been sure to make the club a well maintained and friendly place for our members and other visitors.

Dominic is also a major promoter of the club and is committed to expanding the club membership and reach into the community.

RICHARD PASCERI (Trustee)

Rick is a third generation member of the club, who has been an official member since 1995.  Rick’s family history with the club goes back to his grandfather (member #377) who joined back in 1938.  Rick’s own history with the club goes back to the early 1970’s when he would come by after school to help his father with the improvements that were being done at that time.  Rick is continuing that tradition by volunteering his time and contractor skills to the planning and implementation of improvements to the club space as well as the rest of the facility.