Canicatti Fraternal Society

_____Canicatti Fsny

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The Fraternal Society was formed in the year 1931 in New York City by immigrants from the town of Canicatti and established themselves in New York City and vicinity. Canicatti is located in Sicily which is a southern province of Italy.
The society was formed to maintain our culture and to assist one another in a foreign land.The members of the society organize events and other festivities to encourage the preservation of our cultural identity.

It is our pleasure to bring our brothers and sisters together to celebrate our cultural traditions.The Fraternal Society of Canicatti is located in New York City in the County of Queens at 37-10 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, New York 11103. Contact us at 718-545-8228 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Immediately after the disastrous events of World War I and the subsequent economic depression that afflicted Italy, the immigration of Canicattinesi to other countries, especially the United States, reached its apex.

Far from Italy, the Canicattinesi in New York felt the need to unite. In 1918 they constituted their first association as a lodge of the already thriving “Independent Order Sons of Italy” where they remained for the next fourteen years, continuing to grow and evolving into an organization that was seen by its members as the answer to many of the problems they were experiencing in their host country.
In December of 1931, by unanimous action of its assembly, The lodge detached itself from the Order of Sons of Italy, and constituted itself as the Fraternal Society of Canicatti; an independent mutual aid society. Vincent Giardina, Filippo Polizzi, Luigi Gallo, Vincenzo Capizzi and Antonio Barnaba wrote the constitution, prepared the documents of incorporation and submitted them to the State of New York, which approved them on January 18, 1932.

The first President of the reconstituted association was Vincent Giardina; currently serving in this office is Osvaldo Lo Verme.

The purpose of the new organization was to keep all immigrants from Canicatti fraternally united; to provide them encouragement and moral support; financial assistance to those unemployed or ill, and to help with burial expenses the families of deceased members. In addition to this noble purpose, which the organization had made the center of its existence, the activities of the Society on behalf of their native country, especially the city of Canicatti, are noteworthy.
The aftermath of the enormous disaster of World War II was an Italy in ruins and the City of Canicatti is still grateful for the immediate aid received from the Fraternal Society of Canicatti of New York. When the dire need for an orphanage arose, the Society responded to the plight of the orphans of Canicatti and surrounding towns, with a very moving and generous heartfelt act of Christian solidarity and brotherly love; making it possible for the “Maria Bonsangue Orphanage” to come into existence.

The Society continues to support various charitable organizations in Canicatti and in the United States.

After seventy-five years the Fraternal Society of Canicatti still adheres to the principles set forth by its founders in its constitution. It now serves the children of those immigrants that gave it life. Under the leadership of young administrators and the wise deliberations of its assembly, the Society has kept pace with the times making its chambers more attractive; encouraging new social activities while maintaining its nostalgic link with all that is Canicatti and its traditions.

Written by: Vincent Zucchetto