SFIAC Foundation President Bill Isetta, First Lady Pat Russo, COPOMIAO/ISDA President Basil Russo,
SFIAC President Manuele La Torre and many more celebrated the past, present and future of Italian America in San Francisco
With so many battles fought to save our Italian America heritage in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and New York, just to name a few, a trip out west—specifically San Francisco—conveys good tidings for Basil M. Russo.
On November 20, the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, a mainstay of that city’s Italian American presence, held a gala event to induct Judge Russo as an Honorisu Causa Member, a distinction bestowed in recognition of his “unwavering leadership and tireless efforts to unite and strengthen the Italian American community nationwide.”
The San Francisco Italian Athletic Club (SFIAC) is a 1,000-member civic and cultural institution founded in 1917. The gala to honor Cav. Basil M. Russo was held at its historic North Beach clubhouse.
SFIAC Foundation President Bill Isetta, First Lady Pat Russo, COPOMIAO/ISDA President Basil Russo,
SFIAC President Manuele La Torre and many more celebrated the past, present and future of Italian America in San Francisco
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Russo, who serves as National President of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) and leads the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), received the honor from SFIAC President Manuele La Torre. Russo was praised for advancing innovative programs to safeguard and uplift Italian American heritage at a national level.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Russo outlined the challenges confronting Italian Americans today. He spoke about the ambitious steps ISDA and COPOMIAO have taken to ensure the survival of Italian America. The Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL) Convention, he said, will forge vital connections with young Italian Americans nationwide. The Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmakers Forum remains dedicated to improving the portrayal of Italian Americans in film and television. Russo talked about a series of landmark lawsuits to preserve Columbus Day and protect Italian American history in the public square.
Russo’s remarks—deeply felt and passionately delivered—were met with sustained applause and concluded with a standing ovation, underscoring the pride and unity of the community gathered in San Francisco.
SFIAC President Manuele La Torre and Basil M. Russo
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About the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club
The San Francisco Italian Athletic Club (SFIAC) is one of the oldest and most respected Italian American institutions on the West Coast. Founded in 1917 by Amedeo Tommasini, the club remains a cultural anchor of North Beach, San Francisco’s historic Italian neighborhood, for more than a century. With over 1,000 members, SFIAC remains dedicated to preserving Italian traditions, promoting fellowship, and supporting the advancement of Italian American culture in the region.
Over the decades, the club has been a gathering place for immigrants, families, civic leaders, and athletes. SFIAC has hosted countless community events, lectures, banquets, athletic competitions, and cultural celebrations that highlight the enduring influence of Italian heritage in the Bay Area. Its historic clubhouse—regarded as one of North Beach’s architectural touchstones—serves as both a social hub and a symbol of Italian American continuity in San Francisco.
SFIAC is especially known for its deep civic involvement, charitable outreach, and partnerships with national Italian American organizations, making it an influential voice in the cultural life of Italian Americans throughout Northern California.
Editor’s Note: The web site for the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club is https://www.sfiac.org. The web site for the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations is https://copomiao.org and for the Italian Sons and Daughters of American is https://orderisda.org
The San Francisco Italian Athletic Club,
1630 Stockton Street
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