Origin of Pompeo Coppini Lodge

In the mid 1990's we started at a small group of individuals convinced that we had much to offer our community as Italian-Americans. By March 1977 a request for affiliation with the Order Sons of Italy in America was submitted to the National organization and we were granted a charter in April, 1997. Our lodge is named after the great Italian-American sculptor, Pompeo Coppini, who made San Antonio his home.

We enjoy the equality of both sexes, a steadily growing membership and increasing ability to make meaningful contribution to our community in San Antonio, but above all, a real sense of love and sociability amongst our members as we continue to strive for a greater awareness of Italian culture.

We meet the third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at a local Italian restaurant for social hour, dinner, and program of Italian culture. To find out where me meet click on the Events button for the location.

Nani 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.