Sons and Daughters of Italy– Osceola Lodge #2523

I joined the Osceola Lodge in September of 2014. I joined because I wanted to both learn and share about my Italian Heritage. I enjoy working with our members to give back to our communities of St Cloud and Kissimmee. 

Ellen has been a member of Osceola Lodge #2523 for about five years and loves being surrounded by fellow Italians who share a passion for food, culture, and tradition. She enjoys the Night at the Races events, treasures her Italian roots in Sicily, and finds joy in reading and cooking her favorite dishes like eggplant parmigiana and her homemade meatballs. 

Gertrude has been a proud member of Osceola Lodge #2523 since 2005, where she has cherished serving as Recording Secretary and President while giving back to the community she loves. She finds joy in traveling, dancing, and spending time with her husband of 58 years, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Joe has been a member of Osceola Lodge #2523 for over two years and treasures the friendships, shared experiences, and charity work that make the lodge feel like family. A music buff who collects guitars, he enjoys car racing, fishing, baseball, and apple pie, while continuing to support the Italian-American community and keep traditions alive.

 A proud member of Osceola Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #2523 since 2016, she grew up in the Sons of Italy, inspired by her parents and grandparents who were charter members in New York. She treasures honoring her heritage through volunteering, gardening, and family traditions, and holds dear the memory of the lodge celebrating her mother’s 50 years of service. 

Joe has been a member of Osceola Lodge #2523 for three years and enjoys the many lodge events, from Night at the Races to Designer Bag Bingo and singing Christmas carols for nursing home residents. Passionate about service, he keeps busy volunteering for multiple parishes in both New York and Florida while celebrating his Italian roots and heritage.

Marilyn has been a member of Osceola Lodge #2523 since 2021, transferring from Palm Bay Lodge where she had been active since 2009. She treasures events like Night at the Races, loves spending time with her granddaughter, and carries forward the joy of growing up in a large Italian family with rich traditions.

Tony has been a member of Osceola Lodge #2523 since November 2025, joining after the passing of his parents, aunts, and uncles to stay connected to the Italian culture and traditions he grew up with. Every Sunday, his daughters keep that spirit alive by preparing homemade Italian meals — his favorites being spaghetti and meatballs or cheese ravioli in a rich red gravy, always enjoyed with a bottle of Chianti and Italian dinner music. A lifelong wine lover who once made his own, Tony's dream Italian destination is Tuscany. When he's not at lodge events, you'll likely find him playing Bocce in his very own backyard court. 

 Michael Adamus has been a member of Osceola Lodge 2523 for approximately eight months. He was inspired to join because of his Italian heritage and his desire to learn more about his roots. One of his favorite Italian dishes is lasagna, a classic that reflects the rich flavors of the culture he takes pride in. A meaningful moment for him was his induction into the lodge, where he had the opportunity to share about his mother’s heritage. If given the chance to travel to Italy, Michael would most like to visit Vatican City, and Florence as a second destination, to experience the history and beauty firsthand. Outside of the lodge, he also serves in the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, and the Knights of Columbus. What he enjoys most about being part of the Italian-American community is the strong sense of pride, history, and culture it represents.