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Salute Antonio Gatto!

The Antonio Gatto Lodge (AGL) has a very long history in Laurel dating back to 1980. It’s just one of more than 100 Lodges of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) and 12 in Maryland. Its members cherish the importance of culture, tradition, and the contributions of shared ancestry. OSDIA started in 1905 with an overarching mission to promote culture and heritage through several branches. The Foundation promotes philanthropic efforts and to date, they’ve raised and given more than $164 million to scholarships, medical research, cultural preservation, disaster relief, and other similar causes. The Commission for Social Justice helps to fight racism, prejudice, and the stereotyping of all races, religions, and cultures.

Who was Antonio Gatto?

He was one of four children born to Guiseppe and Salomone Cologera Gatto. Born in Delia, Caltanissetta, Italy in Sicily on June 11, 1930. As a young man working in his father’s restaurant during WW II, Antonio would hear American soldiers talking about their country and was very fascinated. He began to make plans to someday leave for America someday. Then at the age of 14 he started an apprenticeship with his older brother Angelo, a tailor in Torino. He lived, studied and worked with his brother for 14 years, eventually graduating from the Prima Scuola Italiana Da Taglio. In 1958, he returned to Sicily and later that year, on September 6, he married Melina. On July 21, 1964, Tony's dream of coming to America became a reality.  In 1968, Tony and Melina and their three children moved to Laurel. He became a successful businessman, and opened a men's wear store, complete with a custom tailor shop on Main Street. The young man with a "dream" had become a success, through hard work and the determination to succeed. He was a dedicated family man, who was also active in his church and community.  On June 4, 1978, a tragic heart attack took Antonio from us.

Upcoming Events

  • Italian Heritage Festival
    Italian Heritage Festival
    Sat, Oct 07
    Little Italy
    Oct 07, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Little Italy, Little Italy, Baltimore, MD, USA
    Oct 07, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Little Italy, Little Italy, Baltimore, MD, USA
  • Italian Mass
    Italian Mass
    Wed, Oct 11
    St. Mary of the Mills Church
    Oct 11, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St Marys Pl, Laurel, MD 20707, USA
    Oct 11, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St Marys Pl, Laurel, MD 20707, USA
    Mass celebrated in Italian with dolce afterwards. Contact frank@antoniogatto.com for more information.
  • Bake Sale
    Bake Sale
    Sun, Oct 15
    St. Mary of the Mills
    Oct 15, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    St. Mary of the Mills, 114 St Marys Pl, Laurel, MD 20707, USA
    Oct 15, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    St. Mary of the Mills, 114 St Marys Pl, Laurel, MD 20707, USA
    Come get some great baked goods including freshly baked Italian bread. Get some great baked goods including freshly baked Italian bread on Sunday during the day, just stop by St. Mary's - we'll be outside under the Portico if its noce out and downstairs in the Breen room if its raining.
  • Columbus Gala
    Columbus Gala
    Sun, Oct 15
    Columbus Gardens
    Oct 15, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Columbus Gardens, 4301 Klosterman Ave, Nottingham, MD 21236, USA
    Oct 15, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Columbus Gardens, 4301 Klosterman Ave, Nottingham, MD 21236, USA
  • Dinner Meeting
    Dinner Meeting
    Wed, Nov 08
    St. Mary of the Mills Church
    Nov 08, 6:00 PM – Nov 09, 8:30 PM
    St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St Marys Pl, Laurel, MD 20707, USA
    Nov 08, 6:00 PM – Nov 09, 8:30 PM
    St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St Marys Pl, Laurel, MD 20707, USA
    Dinner meeting with great food and entertainment supporting educational programs, medical research and cultural advancement within the community.
  • Christmas Party
    Christmas Party
    Sun, Dec 10
    Historic Savage Mill
    Dec 10, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Historic Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD 20763, USA
    Dec 10, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Historic Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD 20763, USA
    Membership annual Christmas party. Contact frank@antoniogatto.com for more information.

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