The Carbondale Chapter of UNICO National Charter Application is dated May, 12, 1959 and was signed by 48 members. The chapter was organized by J. Anthony Christopher, National Vice-President of UNICO and Rev. Joseph Ferrese.
The first meeting was held at the Mt. Carmel Church auditorium with Rev. Joseph Ferrese as our first Chapter Chaplain. The first officers elected were the following: President, C.B. Tomaine, 1st Vice-President, Atty. Joseph Marzzacco, 2nd Vice-President, Joseph Farber, Secretary, Anthony Molinaro, Treasurer, Dr. Raymond Crotti, and Sergeant-At-Arms, Joseph Perri.
The Charter Night Dinner Dance was held at the Elkview Country Club on Saturday evening, June 6, 1959. Presentation of the charter was done by Mr. Vincent J. Bonadies, National Expansion Director.
The next meeting was held at the Crystal Lake Hotel, July 6, 1959, where all members contributed out of their pocket to raise $500.00 for the Carbondale Public Library. In the succeeding years, the monthly meeting and Ladies Night would be held primarily at Pettinato's Restaurant. Past President's Dinners would be held at numerous local restaurants and many would include a tuxedo dress-code.
Bruno Falbo was President during the years 1960-1961. The chapter set up an annual $500.00 to the Carbondale Library as a perpetual gift.
In the years 1961-1962, Dr. Salvatore Pettinato was President. The chapter started an annual scholarship fund of $500.00 to St. Joseph's School of Nursing. They donated $800.00 to the Carbondale Little League for uniforms and $1,050.00 to build them a field house at the Little League Park.
Under President Anthony Mazzucca during the years 1962-1963, the 333 Club was started.
Joseph F. Cerra was President in the years 1963-1964. The Chapter raised money during a Radiothon with WCDL for Joey Cosmetis whose home was remodeled to accommodate his wheelchair. The Co-Chairmen for this fund-raiser were William Farber, Lucas Pollitts and Joseph Cerra.
With President Lucas Pollitts during the years 1964-1965, the chapter opened up donations to a wide group of charities and public funds, especially for the youth of the area.
Sam Falbo was President in the years 1965-1966 and continued the previous work of the chapter.
Under President Joseph Parise in the years 1966-1967, the chapter donated to the Ben Franklin High School Band and also donated $3000.00 to start the UNICO Football Program. The chapter would then donate this approximate amount over the next decade. The Rev. Paul Cottone became chapter Chaplain at this time.
In the years 1967-1968, William Farber was President. During that time, the chapter donated to the Anthony Andidora Fund and unfortunately, Rev. Joseph Ferrese died on January 13, 1968.
Anthony Greto was President in the years 1968-1969 and Joseph Zazzera was President during 1969-1970 and both continued the previous work of the chapter.
During 1970-1971, the chapter under President Paul Carachilo, began donating to Miss E Softball and hosted a 333 Club Football Banquet. Richard Ruggiero was elected Financial Secretary.
Under President Joseph Lopes in the years 1971-1972, the chapter continued the previous years work and accepted as the new Chaplain, Rev. Neil Gugliemelli.
Frank T. Mancuso was President in the years 1972-1973 and continued the chapters previous work. Donations were given to the Salvation Army and to the Joseph Luchesessi family. Also during this time, Nate Bruno, a Charter Member died on December 5, 1973.
With President Frank A. Zazzera during the years 1973-1974, the chapter's donations to local charities almost doubled with donations going to Lackawanna County Mental Health and also to its Association, Fell Township Little League, Catholic Charities and the Carbondale Nursing Home to name a few.
In the years 1974-1975, Dominick Mazza was President and with the chapter began donating to the National UNICO Mental Health and the Cottage Hose Ambulance Fund.
Louis Parise was President during the years 1975-1976 and continued the chapter's previous work. The Rev. William Bellucci became chapter Chaplain at this time.
Under President Joseph Cassaro in the years 1976-1978, the chapter continued the fine projects from the previous years and began an affiliation with Special Olympics with Patrick Cassaro as Chairman. Joseph Lopes succeeded Dr. Raymond Crotti as treasurer. Dr. Crotti held this post for 17 years.
During the years 1978-1979, Carmine Caudullo was President. The chapter donated to new charities such as Junior Achievement, LUF, the Kidney Association, the Chargerettes and donated $600.00 to National Mental Health. Rev. Neil Gugliemelli became chapter Chaplain again during this time. Unfortunately, Anthony Molinaro died at home; he had been secretary for 19 years.
Robert Leo was President during the years 1979-1981 and continued the previous work of the chapter.
In the years 1981-1983, Dominick Mazza was again elected President and continued the previous work of the chapter including giving Mt. Carmel a Christmas gift of $300.00. Rev. Andrew Gallia became the new chapter Chaplain.
Under President Leon Striefsky in the years 1983-1985, the chapter continued the good work of previous years and also donated to Special Olympics and Tri-County mental Health. At this time, scholarships were given to local High Schools. The chapter also sponsored at this time a Tony Bennett concert at Carbondale Area High School.
During the years 1985-1988, Joseph Carachilo was President.
While continuing the work of previous years, the chapter donated to Hope University of UNICO National. A monthly newsletter was sent to members from the president and Ladies Night was expanded due to the number of new members. In comparison to chapters across the country at this time, Carbondale UNICO had the youngest average age for members. In 1986, Carbondale sponsored the Hilton Head Island Chapter, the first new state in UNICO National in years. Leon Striefsky was elected District Governor of PA II.
Santo Cerminaro was President in the years 1988-90. The chapter continued the previous work and began a Golf Tournament which was to build a Foundation for our High School Scholarships. The Chairmen for the Golf Committee were Santo Cerminaro and Leon Striefsky. The chapter also began a Cultural Committee with Glenn Pettinato as Chairman. This committee began Italian classes for the local community and hired Terri Morrison and Marie Hornbeck as teachers. A Carbondale Area student, Delphine Russin, won the National UNICO Scholarship in 1988, which was an annual stipend of $5000.00. She was presented with her award from Chairman of the Board, Joseph Carachilo at our July meeting. The chapter also hosted a large group of teenagers from Italy at Pettinato's Restaurant at this time. They didn't understand why they couldn't have wine served with their dinner. Rev. Larry Tressler became chapter Chaplain.
In the years 1990-1992, Glenn Pettinato was President. The chapter continued its previous work and streamlined its budget, having the Treasurer handling all funds. A Fund-Raising Committee was begun with Peter "I Didn't Get MY UNICO Magazine Yet" Jennings as Chairman. Also a Quincentenary Committee was begun for an October dinner dance at Fiorelli's with Thomas Connor as Chairman and Joseph Carachilo as Co-Chairman. Rev. Michael Harris became chapter Chaplain.
Under President Thomas Connor in the years 1992-1994, the chapter continued its good work from the past. It eliminated the 333 Club and began fund-raising dinners instead. The October Quincentennary Dinner Dance was a success and many chapter members went to New York City for the Quincentennary Parade. This began a tradition where every year members of the Carbondale Chapter go to the Columbus Day Parade in the Big Apple and spend the evening in Little Italy. Usually Carbondale has more members present than any other chapter. Also at this time the Scholarship Foundation became self-sustaining. However, attendance for Board Meetings began to falter, sometimes with no quorum present.
Peter Jennings was President during the years 1994-1996. The chapter continued its previous good work and revitalized its constitution for the upcoming years. The Chapter also began to attend National Hockey games in New Jersey. Carbondale UNICO also became the sponsor for the UNICO band at this time and played during the Mt. Carmel Feast and Procession. The monthly meetings and dinner dances would now be held at the Moxie Club during these years. Rev. Michael Pulicare was chapter Chaplain.
Dr. Peter Pettinato was President from 1996 to 1998 and the chapter continued the work of its previous years. During these two years the scholarship committee added numerous changes. A blind-determination is used to screen the candidates by the committee and an Italian Heritage Scholarship was added. The pre-Lenten Carnivale was re-instituted during this time. Carbondale UNICO was also a recipient of UNICO National Matching Grants for the Cultural Committee during the two years. Rev. Russell Motsay became chapter Chaplain.
Due to temporary insanity, Peter Jennings again accepted the position of President in 1998. Chairman of the Board is Dr. Peter Pettinato, First Vice-President is Chip Calabro, 2nd Vice-President is Dr. Fred Mancuso, 3rd Vice-President is Tom Gatto, Sergeant at Arms is Tony Longo, Secretary is Don Gibbs, Treasurer is Dave Mancuso and Richie Ruggiero is still Financial Secretary. The 40th Anniversary Committee was begun with Glenn Pettinato as Chairman and Co-Chairmen Joe Carachilo, Jim Cuce, Lucas Pollits, Richie Ruggiero, Peter Jennings and Dr. Peter Pettinato. In 1999, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of our charter at the Elkview Country Club. In attendance from National was the President, Mr. Vincent DeSantis and his wife Rose from Florida, Vice President, Frank Tidona and his wife Joan and PNP Mr Joseph Manganaro and wife Martha. Mr. Manganaro served as guest speaker. Spike Mazza read the Carbondale UNICO history while Michael Cerra entertained the crowd with his dancing skills. While Carbondale UNICO celebrated this event and the fact that some Charter members were still with us, it unfortunately mourned the loss of many of its Charter Members: Albert Clause, Dr. Raymond Crotti, Bruno Falbo, Rev. Joseph Ferrese, Joseph Lopes, Joseph Marzzacco, Joseph Perri, Carmine B. Tomaine and Dr. Salvatore Pettinato. Glenn Pettinato was elected District Governor of PA II in 1999.
In 2000-02, Chip Calabro was President. Chairman of the Board is Peter Jennings, First Vice-President is Dr. Fred Mancuso, 2nd Vice-President is Mr. Tom Gatto, 3rd Vice-President is Mr. Jerry Arnese, Sergeant at Arms is Tom Gretzula, Secretary is Don Gibbs, Treasurer is Dave Mancuso and Richie Ruggiero is still Financial Secretary. During this time, Glenn Pettinato approached the group and asked for permission and for help in running for National Office after being approached by other National Officers. The group agreed and he began his long trek by becoming a member of various National committees and attending National meetings.
In 2002-04, Dr. Fred Mancuso was President. Chairman of the Board is Chip Calabro, First Vice-President is Tom Gatto, 2nd Vice-President is Jerry Arnese, 3rd Vice-President is Steve Martino, Sergeant at Arms is Tom Gretzula, Secretary is Dr. Peter Pettinato, Treasurer is Joe Masco and Richie Ruggiero is still Financial Secretary.
In 2003, Glenn Pettinato was elected Eastern Regional District Governor at the San Antonio Convention and appointed Promotional & Fundraising Chairman.
In 2004-06, Thomas Gatto was President. Chairman of the Board is Chip Calabro, First Vice-President is Jerry Arnese, 2nd Vice-President is Steve Martino, 3rd Vice-President is Joe Vitale, Sergeant at Arms is Tom Gretzula, Secretary is Dr. Peter Pettinato, Treasurer is Dave Mancuso and Richie Ruggiero is still Financial Secretary. In 2004, Glenn Pettinato was elected National Expansion Director at the Savannah Convention. In 2005, Spike Mazza finally succumbed after a long illness. The Carbondale scholarship was named after him in his honor.
In 2006, Gerald Arnese was elected President. Chairman of the Board is Tom Gatto, First Vice-President is Steve Martino, 2nd Vice-President is Joe Vitale, 3rd Vice-President is Sergeant at Arms is Tom Gretzula, Secretary is Dr. Peter Pettinato, Treasurer is Joe Masco and Richie Ruggiero is still Financial Secretary. At the 2006 Convention in Phoenix, Bob Leo nominated Glenn Pettinato for Third Vice President of UNICO National. It was supported by seven other members from the floor. At the same time, even without his physical presence due to a family emergency, Dr. Peter Pettinato was elected to the National Foundation. In 2007, with the aid of National Expansion Director Glenn Pettinato, Dr. Peter Pettinato and ERDG Gerry Heytink, Carbondale again sponsored a chapter in a new state, Rehoboth Area in Delaware. Former Carbondale resident, Mary Teresa (Sachele) Morrison assumed the presidency of this new group with 40 members on June 16, 2007. A contingent of members attended.
Finally, Chip Calabro Jr. volunteered to begin a Carbondale UNICO website. It is now up and running.
In 2008, Carbondale, for the first time, went over the 50-member mark. Yet, the group is healthy in terms of its membership and determined in its charitable and civic projects. We are proud of our Italian heritage and we want to see this pride passed on to future generations. Hopefully, our chapter will see another forty years in the future.
1999 Golf Tournament Committee
seated: Bob Leo, Dr. Fred Mancuso, Dean Fazio, and Peter Jennings
standing: Glenn Pettinato, Dave Mancuso, Luke Pollitts, Pat Cassaro, Mark Mendicino, Don Gibbs, Atty. James Tierney,
and Richie Ruggiero
1998 Past Presidents Committee
seated: Jim Cuce, Peter Pettinato, Joe Carachilo, Spike Mazza,
standing : Thomas Cerra, Mike Cerra, Dean Fazio, Richie Ruggiero, Luke Pollits