The Roman Society

The Roman Society
Still 'all for one' after 110 years - Roman Society
Times, The (Trenton, NJ) - Saturday, September 30, 2006
Author: DONNA McARDLE, Special To The Times

TRENTON - It has stood as a centerpiece of Trenton's social
life since 1938. Roman Hall Bar and Restaurant has witnessed
countless wedding, communion, confirmation and funeral
receptions, marking the passage of time by hosting myriad
events that bind a rich community social structure.
"I remember growing up," said Roman Society President Stephen
Rosati, "it was known (that) if you were getting married,
you were going to the Roman Hall."
The building, as steeped in tradition as it is, is only a
symbol for a much older institution, the Roman Society,
which this year is celebrating its 110th anniversary with
a party at, of course, Roman Hall.
In 1896, 13 men from Rome started a society that would
help their sick and provide survivor benefits. United
under the motto, "One for all and all for one," the
organization blossomed and still remains true to its
original goals. The Roman Society's 200-plus members
today are still embraced in its benevolence, and the
modest dues, which are supplemented by rental fees and
restaurant revenues from Roman Hall (which the society
wholly owns), continue to fund charity for its members.
Four generations of members can proudly point to their
long traditions in the Roman Society. The all-male club
has a women's auxiliary, which started when women with
Roman roots also wanted affiliation with the Society.
Sam Ungarini, chairman of the 110th Anniversary Committee,
said that the Oct. 8 celebration will be one more
opportunity for members to gather. "We enjoy getting
together and share food with friends."
The society also hosts an annual children's Christmas
party with breakfast with Santa, an adult Christmas
party and an annual picnic.
Rosati, who is the third generation in the society,
is proud of his society membership and the celebration
of his heritage. He knew growing up that when he was 18,
he would pledge membership, just like his 13-year old son,
John, now knows that he too will pledge when he becomes of age.
"(Membership) is a sense of brotherhood," he said. "We
always have dinner together, our pasta and wine."
Rosati explained that the society was very specific to
Italians from the Rome area, and that the society had
genealogists who researched family histories for new
members who applied.
"There are other clubs from other places in Italy.
There used to be quite a few groups, but we are one of
the few left."
Rosati attributes the society's longevity to a deep
spirit of cooperation.
"We have managed to get along over the years," he said.
Not only did the Society pay members' sick benefits and
survivor benefits long before Social Security and
disability insurance came into existence, it also has
branched out into smaller philanthropic ventures, including
a modest scholarship fund and helping with the annual Feast
of Lights Italian festival in Chambersburg . "We give small
investments," Rosati said.
Although the society still helps its members with social
benefits, it is not large enough to replace traditional
health insurance and disability plans. "Our club members
don't count on this," Rosati said, "we just help out."
Ungarini, who is active in the society, says he knows that
his 79-year-old dad is proud of him for helping with the
organization's activities. "I believe in my heritage, and I
believe in my parents. I owe the world to my parents.
This club keeps me connected to my Italian heritage and
is a source of pride to me."
Planning for the 110th anniversary celebration has been a
huge amount of work, more than he anticipated, Ungarini said.
"This has been an all-consuming affair; so much work and
for things I had never done before, like the ad book."
It is an event, however, he is anxiously anticipating, from
good food, music and dancing to a host of speakers who will
fete the organization. Six members - Mario Costantini,
Orlando Morganesi, Silvio Palombi, Maurice T. Perilli,
Andrew Scorsolini and Aristide Ungarini - are being honored
for 65-plus years of membership. All the honorees joined near
the end of the Great Depression and have a legacy of
memories as members of the Roman Society.
Rosati, who has yet to make a trip to Italy, said it is a
common pastime for many of the members to travel to their
place of birth and visit with family.
"I'd love to go back," he said. "Both sides of my family
come from Italy."
While he believes it is important to remember his heritage
and past, he is firmly rooted in today.
"(In) raising my son, I have let him grow up as an
American, but I also love being Italian, and this is part
of his life," Rosati said.
Roman Society members have maintained their loyalty over
the years, many keeping their memberships active long
after they have moved away.
"We have active members in Florida and North Carolina,"
Ungarini said, "old people who retired and even younger
members who may have relocated because of their jobs."
He noted that many members, who once lived in Trenton's
Chambersburg section, have dispersed throughout the area.
"It's unfortunate," he said, "but over time we have begun
to move away. But most of our members continue their ties
with the society."
As a vibrant thread in the fabric of local life and history,
the Roman Society is proud to mark its anniversary.
Ungarini is expecting 300 members to gather in celebration.
"We are proud of what we have done and proud that we are
still an organization. We have had good times and hard times,
yet we are all still together. This is what our motto is all about."