Statement From Sons Of Italy® On Passing Of Mario M. Cuomo

January 2, 2015, Washington, D.C.

The Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSDIA), and its 500,000 family members throughout the United States, sincerely mourns the passing of Mario M. Cuomo, a true son of Italy and an iconic, brilliant and eloquent spokesperson on behalf of the Italian American community, people of New York, and universal progressive causes. Mario’s inspired vision and oratory elevated all people, and his “progressive pragmatism” constantly encouraged that government should be a positive force for doing good. We laud his humane approach to public service which advocated “only the government that was needed, but all the government that was needed.”

We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Matilda, to his children, New York Governor Andrew, Margaret, Madeline, Marie, and Christopher, and his fourteen grandchildren. For OSDIA, the Italian American community, New Yorkers and thinking and caring people everywhere, Mario Cuomo and his indelible contribution to safeguarding the social contract will never be forgotten.

Philip R. Piccigallo, Ph.D.
National Executive Director
Order Sons of Italy in America

Established in 1905, the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) has hundreds of thousands of family members located in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. OSIA works at the community, national and international levels to promote the heritage and culture of an estimated 26 million Italian Americans, the nation's fifth largest ethnic group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. To learn more, visit www.osia.org