Italian Society of Savannah

To cherish the recollections of our homes and the birthplace of ourselves and our forefathers, to promote good fellowship among Italians and their descendants in this their adopted City and Country, and to promote an appreciation of Italian arts, culture, and science.

Founders and Past Presidents


Founders
The four Founders are honored by the organization for their benevolence, vision and forethought in founding a vehicle for Italian Americans living in Savannah and the surrounding area to demonstrate pride in their ethnicity and to take a place of prominence along with the other major ethnic male societies in the area.

The Founders
(Left to Right)
Frank Finocchiaro
Peter Chiofalo
Otto Aliffi
Robert DiBenedetto, M.D.

Founding History 
(By Robert DiBenedetto, M.D.)


n early 2003, Frank Finocchiaro, Otto Aliffi, Peter Chiofalo and Dr. Robert DiBenedetto met at Peter’s house to consider an attempt to resuscitate the Italian Heritage Society of Savannah which had been in existence for approximately 20 years. Savannah has had a long history of Italian organizations consisting of The Italian Club which was founded in the early 1940s and subsequently disbanded in 2012 and the previously noted Italian Heritage Society. Both of these organizations were co-ed. However, Savannah has had fraternal ethnic male organizations for many years. These organizations have become part of the cultural history and fabric of the city. The St. Andrews Society has been in existence since 1737 and the Hibernian Society was founded in 1812. The French Society, German Heritage Society, German Friendly Society and Jewish Harmony Club also have all been in existence for many years. The founders were impressed with the success and longevity of these ethnic societies whose calendar of events culminated each year in a black tie banquet celebrating their heritage. In view of this, it was decided to embark upon establishing an Italian Society which would be modeled after these organizations stressing the promotion of good fellowship among Italians and their descendants and the promotion of an appreciation of Italian arts, culture and science.

 

Subsequently, each of the founders contacted friends and former members of the previous Italian Societies and called an initial meeting at the Johnny Harris Restaurant. A group of 18 prospective members attended and decided to embark on establishing this Society. Over the next several months, bylaws were written, a logo was designed, Dr. Robert DiBenedetto was elected president, and additional members recruited. The preliminary work was finished in a few months and plans were made to hold the First Annual Columbus Day Banquet Celebration on October, 2003 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa overlooking the Savannah River.

 

Past Presidents


(Left to Right, 1st row to 2nd row)

Robert DiBenedetto, M.D. 2003-2005

Anthony Schopp, 2006-2007

Otto Aliffi, 2008-2009

Kim Iocovozzi 2010-2011

Robert Schivera, 2012-2013

Scott Lauretti, 2014-2015

Richard J. Greco, M.D. 2016

Kevin Iocovozzi, 2017-2018

Blake L. Greco, 2019-2020

Mathew Schivera, 2021-2022