Loggia Glen Cove Installs New Officers for 2026–2027

Loggia Glen Cove, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America chapter that has anchored the North Shore’s Italian-American community for generations, kicked off its new leadership cycle on March 3 with a packed Installation of Officers ceremony that drew lodge members, elected officials and representatives from across the state.

The evening was the kind of civic gathering that too rarely gets attention anymore. A fraternal lodge, rooted in heritage and neighborhood service, filling a room with people who actually know each other and care about the same things. Glen Cove has that quality, and Loggia Glen Cove reflects it.

Raphael “Ralph” Ciano stepped forward to take the oath as president for the 2026-2027 term, joining a full slate of incoming officers who will steer the lodge through the next year. Rocco Totino was installed as first vice president, Dr. Charles Gambino as second vice president and Santina Gilio as treasurer. Pam Shaddock takes over as recording secretary, Peter O’Connor as financial secretary and Christina Abbondandolo as corresponding secretary. Mike Stanco serves as orator and Marisa Cipriano Gambino, who led the lodge through the previous term, steps into the role of immediate past president.

The trustee board installed for the new term includes Mark Galluccio, Ivonne Ciano, Ginger Hartney, Nives Mattiasich, Anthony Celifarco, Angelo Stanco, Domenick Stanco, Michael Gadaleta and Angelo Grande. Ceremonial officers Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews and Andrea Gallo, along with sentinels Larraine Tassis and Luigi Saviano, round out the ceremonial side of the lodge’s structure. The Arbitration Committee includes Al DeBlasio, Saverio Gallace, Anthony Ceriello, Janice Ceriello and Joseph A. Gallo, with Kathryn Grande, Rocco DiSibio, Josephine DiSibio and Frank Stanco serving as alternates.

Ciano expressed genuine enthusiasm about taking the helm. “I’m proud to take on this role and work with such a dedicated group of officers and members,” he said. “Loggia Glen Cove has always been about friendship, service and celebrating our heritage, and I look forward to helping carry that forward.”

Outgoing president Gambino reflected on two years of service with equal warmth. “It was an honor to serve as president of Loggia Glen Cove,” Gambino said. “Our members care deeply about our heritage, our friendships, and our role in the community. I’m proud of the work we’ve done together.”

The political presence at the ceremony was notable and appropriate. Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck attended and presented a citation on behalf of the city. Her words carried the kind of specificity that separates genuine appreciation from boilerplate congratulations. “Loggia Glen Cove represents a proud tradition in our city,” Panzenbeck said. “Congratulations to President Ralph Ciano, Immediate Past President Marisa Cipriano Gambino and the officers. Their dedication helps ensure the lodge’s legacy of heritage and service continues for future generations.”

Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton presented a citation on behalf of the Nassau County Legislature. Glen Cove City Council Members John Zozzaro and John Perrone also attended and presented a citation on behalf of the City Council.

That kind of institutional recognition matters. Fraternal and heritage organizations like Loggia Glen Cove don’t just host dinners. They provide a connective tissue between immigrant history and present-day civic life. Italian-Americans built much of Nassau County’s North Shore, and organizations like this one keep that story alive while doing real work in their communities.

For a county where civic engagement has been eroding and community organizations struggle to attract younger members, an installation ceremony drawing this kind of crowd, complete with representatives from across New York State, signals organizational health that deserves recognition.

The lodge faces the same challenges every fraternal organization faces in 2026. Membership recruitment, keeping traditions relevant to a generation that absorbs community through screens rather than lodge halls. But a strong leadership slate and visible community support from city and county officials give Loggia Glen Cove a solid foundation heading into the new term.

Ciano and his officers have a full year ahead. If the spirit of the installation ceremony carries over into the work, Glen Cove’s Italian-American community will be in good hands.