Clay model of Bronze statue to be placed Nani Falcone Community Park in San Antonio (formerly French Creek Park).  The park was dedicated on March 30, 2005.

The new Branch of the Public Library in District 7 on Mystic Park will have a  room named "The Nani' Falcone Community Meeting Room".
 

Nani Falcone's statue was installed in the "Nani Falcone Park" on the 21^st of September.  We will inform Lodge members when the dedication of the statue takes place.

Designed by Donna L. Dobberfuhl

Who was Ernani C. Falcone

Ernani, who many affectionately called "Nani'', was many things at once, both a commander and a warrior; both a dedicated Democratic leader respected by the political elite, and a champion of the little guy; both a revered member of the San Antonio community and an activist who fought for local environmental preservation. He was colorful, charismatic, controversial, and always willing to stand up against special interests. San Antonio Mayor Ed Garza said of ``Nani'' who was a close friend and advisor, ``He often spoke in a loud roar, but he did so thinking with his big heart.'' ;

He was Born in Philadelphia in 1928, Mr. Falcone attended Princeton University and served with the U.S. Army in Europe during the Korean War; he retired from the Army Reserve in 1982 with the rank of colonel; for more than 30 years, he taught high school social studies in Pennsylvania and played a vital role in the Democratic Party there;

After moving to his wife's home state of Texas in the late 1980s, he remained active in community service and politics:  a champion of grassroots efforts, he founded and chaired the Northwest Neighborhood Alliance and served as president of the Braun Station West Community Improvement Association; he was a valued advisor to Mayor Ed Garza and lent his expertise to the Zoning Commission and a technical advisory committee that monitored revisions of the city's Unified Development Code; he also gave of his time to such notable organizations as Amnesty International and Habitat for Humanity;

Fluent in five languages and an active member of the Sons of Italy, this admirable gentleman served as a recruiter for
his alma mater and helped more than 700 students gain acceptance to Princeton, including many young Hispanics, whose educational opportunities he championed;

In addition, Mr. Falcone was a tireless advocate for the preservation of greenbelts and historic trees and funding for
city parks, and it is particularly fitting that a community park be named in his honor;

Regretfully, Ernani Falcone passed away on Monday, May 13, 2002, but his strong, booming voice that always embraced the downtrodden and defended democratic ideals, will resonate with us forever.