The North Italian club celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Sunday May 4, 2025 at the St. Adelbert Hall in Berea, attended by 255 happy members and guests.

A delicious dinner was served, following appetizers, an opening prayer given by member Frank Pocci, and a toast made by the Event Chairman Joe Lucchese, whose many efforts made for a beautiful event.

Master of Ceremonies President Jim Lucchese then introduced his officers. He acknowledged 13 members with 30 or more years of membership. Of these Reno Costa, Rose Presot, Emilio Rosset, and Eleanor Zenda have been members for 66 years.

Listed in the program were the names of 42 members with 20 or more years of membership. Six members were inducted into the Clubs' Hall of Fame. They were President Jim Lucchese, Joe Lucchese, Jr., Arthur Basso, Laura Conroy, and Angelina Rosenblad and Jackie Vittaral both enrolled posthumously.

Speakers commemorating the celebration were Ohio Senator Tom Patton, Cleveland Councilman Michael Polensek who presented a proclamation from the city of Cleveland, the Hon. Basil Russo, National President of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) and the National President of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), Pamela Dorazio Dean, Curator of the Italian Museum in Little Italy, and Jessica Trivisonno from the office of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.

The clubs' attractive new banner was displayed for the first time.

The North Italian club was founded in 1925 as an all men's club by Italian immigrants who sought to create a better life for their children and future generations and promote the social welfare of its members regardless of the many sacrifices they endured. The Women's Auxiliary, which has since disbanded, was founded in 1934.

Construction on the club hall on 3121 West 33rd in Cleveland, was completed in 1934 by 150 members who volunteered on the construction for seven months.

Throughout the years, the club has enjoyed baseball, bocce and bowling teams, a singing and theater group. The traditional yearly Polenta Dinner is prepared by club members. The club continues to enjoy many social events, including participation in the Columbus Day Parade. The North Italian club is proud to have many multi-generational families as members, many of whom are the ancestors of our founders.

We thank and honor our founders for their dedication to preserve our Italian heritage.

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