Scottdale man leads Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Sons and Daughters of Italy
Anthony Lizza stands in front of the Sons and Daughters of Italy lodge in Scottdale.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Scottdale’s Anthony Lizza poses by the Italian flag inside the Sons and Daughters of Italy lodge in Scottdale.
Anthony M. Lizza of Scottdale has put in his time, but he’s not done yet.
After serving the Sons and Daughters of Italy for 34 years, he was nominated and elected to lead the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania as its president.
“He has served the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for many, many years, in many capacities,” said Frank Ricco of the Brownsville Frank Ricco Lodge 731. “He has gone up the chairs. It has taken him all these years to get this position.”
Lizza was born Sept. 9, 1951 in San Giovanni di Ceppaloni, province of Benevento, Italy.
In 1967, at the age of 16, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Uniontown with his parents the late Mario and late Adelina Lizza, and his brothers Giancarlo and Walter.
In 1970, he graduated from Laurel Highlands High School and in 1974 graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Pennsylvania State University.
He now resides in Scottdale and is one of the few from southwestern Pennsylvania who have been elected to lead the Grand Lodge since its inception in 1913.
In 1983, Ricco was the first from southwestern Pennsylvania to take on such duties.
“It brings a lot of prestige to the area,” Ricco said.
Lizza said he’s “following in Frank Ricco’s footsteps.”
“I’m very proud,” Lizza said. “It is an honor. It really is. I’ve given my life to this organization.”
He joined the Sons and Daughters of Italy Loggia Civilta and Progresso 643 in Scottdale in 1980. He held the office of trustee and President before being elected State Trustee, State Orator, State Third Vice President and State First Vice President. He was elected state president at the 2013 State Convention in Valley Forge.
Lizza said he’s honored to serve the century-old organization in this capacity, especially because he was born in Italy.
“For me to become president it is an honor because I came from another country,” Lizza said. “It’s important to keep my heritage going, the customs going.”
Lizza said he’s proud of what the organization is able to do for the community.
According to Lizza, the Sons and Daughters of Italy distribute several scholarships each year to high school seniors.
“We donate a lot to charities, we do a lot for nonprofit organizations,” Lizza said. “If they need any help, we do it. We’re there for the kids. We’re there to let people to know we’re the goodwill ambassadors for the Italian people.”
In addition to serving the Sons and Daughters of Italy, Lizza also has been involved in many other aspects of the community.
He was elected three times to the Southmoreland School Board, serving as vice president for one year and president for two years. He was elected to the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit 7 for two years serving as one year as its treasurer.
He served on the regional YMCA Board of Directors for two years, and served 10 years on the Westmoreland/Fayette Private Industry Council Board via appointment of the Westmoreland County Commissioners.
He also teaches conversational Italian at Penn State.
Lizza will be honored at the state president dinner being held at the Brownsville Frank Ricco Lodge 731 on Saturday.
“I’ve been welcomed all over the state,” Lizza said. “They all treat me well — whether east, west, north or south. I like the idea that we’re one. We’re united to do what’s right for the organization all across the commonwealth.”
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