Parsippany Sons of Italy Install New Officers

Parsippany's Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 gathered Wednesday night at the Mount Tabor Country Club to swear in officers.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi attended to preside over the swearing-in in his capacity as a state officer for the Sons of Italy of America.

Assisting him was his father, Angelo Bianchi.  caladren 

The officers, all returning to their positions, were sworn in for new two-year terms. They are President Joseph Jannarone Jr., Vice President Louis Amato, Treasurer Robert Iracane and Trustees Jim Torsiello, Pat Calabrese, Dominic Colasuonno and Dan Marconi.

In brief remarks, the younger Bianchi talked of the importance of the organization in modern times.

Noting that Italians, in his opinion, seem to be the "last acceptable target of ethnic discrimination" for society, Bianchi railed against portrayals of sons and daughters of Italy on television, alluding to programs such as "Real Housewives of New Jersey" and "Jersey Shore."

"We are the ones who show society that Italians are people with values who work hard, care about our families and love this country," he said. "We volunteer our time to serve our communities. ... We come together to network and make the world a better place.

"It's all about relationships."

Bianchi praised the officers for their service and congratulated the members for being part of one of the most "powerful and vibrant" SOI chapters in New Jersey.

The Sons of Italy of America, Bianchi said, was established in to promote unity among Italian immigrants and their descendants, to honor Italian culture and its contribution to "the United States, the greatest nation on Earth" and to engage in social, charitable, civic, educational, and patriotic activities to serve the local community.

President Jannarone reminded those gathered of the chapter's recent civic endeavors, including , and .

Jannarone noted that the Italian school is still looking for students. He encouraged anyone interested in learning to speak Italian to check out the group's Facebook page or contact Natalia Bernini and Marilisa Zanarelli via e-mail.