Longtime Vittoria Lodge Member Joe Romitti Passes Away

Joe Romitti
Joe Romitti

The Vittoria Lodge extends its sympathy to the family of longtime member Joe Romitti.  Joseph John “Joe” Romitti, 88, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at the Madrid Home.

Joe was born on September 9, 1921 in Zook Spur, Iowa to Virginio and Assunta Milani Romitti. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army from 1942 until he was honorably discharged in 1946. During this time, he was an interpreter for the Italian Prisoners of War who were sent to various camps throughout the Midwest. On February 7, 1953, Joe married Dora Theresa Pagliai in Madrid, Iowa, and to this union three children were born, John, Mary and Paul.

Joe was employed as a production scheduler with John Deere Co. for nearly 35 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Ankeny Knights of Columbus Council 5038; Vittoria Lodge, Boy Scouts of America, Madrid VFW Post 5060, Madrid Garden Club and the Madrid Historical Society.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Dora Romitti of Madrid, three children, John S. (Kathy) Romitti and Mary C. Romitti both of Madrid and Dr. Paul A. (Roberta) Romitti of Marion, Iowa; and three grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Andrew and Lily. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, where a parish scripture service will begin at 7 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, in Madrid, of which he was a member. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, south of Madrid.

Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Malachy’s Catholic Church or the Madrid Public Library.

2009 Polenta Meal

mixing polentaA large group of Vittoria Lodge members and their families met on September 20 to share a polenta meal.   Although the polenta production got off to a slow start, there were eventually too many cooks in the kitchen and plenty of polenta toppings and desserts to be served.  In the end, everyone enjoyed great food, wonderful conversations, and left with a belly full of warm polenta.

For more photos from the polenta meal, visit the Vittoria Lodge Photo Album page.

As promised, Teresa Caracci is happy to share the recipe for the Lemon Almond Cake that quickly disappeared. See below or click here for an Adobe pdf version for printing.

Lemon Almond Cake

1 package lemon cake mix
1 cup almond paste
1 cup sugar

Mix cake mix according to directions. Mix almond paste and sugar together to a cornmeal consistency. In a greased 9 X 13-inch pan, pour half the cake mix and then half of the almond paste/sugar mixture. Add the rest of the cake mix, and then top with the rest of the almond paste/sugar mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve as is.

Teresa buys her almond paste in Pella, but she says that you can buy Solo brand almond paste at most of the groceries in Des Moines.

2009 Corn Feed Photos

DSCN4038The annual Vittoria Lodge Corn Feed was held on August 30, 2009. Although it was a rather cool day for August, the weather didn’t deter a large group from attending. The lodge furnished the hot dogs, brats, beverages, and plenty of Iowa sweet corn, while the attendees brought a variety of side dishes, desserts, and wine.

Thanks to Judy Grant for contributing photos of the event.  Click here for the complete photo album.