Buona Fortuna Lodge Honors Two Living Legacies at April 9 General Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
By Diana Mancini
On April 9, the Buona Fortuna Family came together to celebrate two extraordinary members, Joe Occhipinti and John Arleo. Marking milestone birthdays and 20 years of membership, their stories reflect the heart and history of our Lodge. What followed was more than a celebration—it was a tribute to legacy, friendship, and La Famiglia.

The Buona Fortuna Lodge gathered at the Bayview Center on April 9 for an evening filled with connection, celebration, and heartfelt recognition, as members came together to honor two extraordinary men whose lives reflect the very spirit of the Lodge: Joe Occhipinti and John Arleo.

Joe Occhipinti, a Charter Member of Buona Fortuna Lodge, celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by the community he helped build. Marking 20 years with the Lodge, Joe’s legacy is deeply rooted in its foundation. Known for his vibrant spirit and lifelong passion for music, Joe represents the rhythm of Italian heritage—where every note carries memory, and every gathering becomes a celebration.

John Arleo, celebrating an incredible 97 years, was honored for a life best described as “full of winning hands and great stories.” Also celebrating 20 years as a dedicated member of the Lodge, John’s warmth, humor, and quiet presence have made him a cherished part of the Buona Fortuna Family.

A particularly touching moment of the evening came as John was presented with a birthday card and took time to read each message—surrounded by friends who have shared in his journey. As the room joined together in singing Tanti Auguri, the celebration became more than a birthday—it became a tribute to lives well lived and deeply appreciated.

These were not simply birthdays being marked, but milestones representing decades of friendship, tradition, and community. Joe and John exemplify the enduring values of Buona Fortuna—family, culture, and connection across generations.

In recognition of members who reach the age of 90 and beyond, Buona Fortuna Lodge proudly honors them as Friends of the Lodge—an honorary distinction celebrating a lifetime of contribution and legacy. This designation ensures that these remarkable individuals remain at the heart of the Lodge, recognized not only for their years, but for the impact they continue to have.

The evening stood as a powerful reminder that Buona Fortuna is more than an organization—it is a family, strengthened by the stories, traditions, and people who carry it forward.