The Italian American Athletic Club has been in existence for over 60 years. The IAAC has come a long way since its inception on March 15, 1953 when Paul Sindoni and Sam Donze formulated the concept on the stoop of Donze's Meats, 700 North Townsend Street. The IAAC club was organized for the purpose of promoting good fellowship. The following men, in addition to Paul and Sam, started the club at Mi
tchell's Restaurant on Salina St: Vic Bucci, Bob Cafarelli, John Cantanzarita, Joseph DeMichele, Nunzio Donze, Fred Fortino, Tony Giacobbi, Larry Mancini, Joe Natalizio, Joe Pisani, Joe Principato, Nino and Angelo Prioetta, Fran Sgroi, John Russo and Carl Tartaglia. The first slate of officers were elected at the first meeting. They were:
President - John Cantanzarita
Vice President - Paul Sindoni
Treasurer - Nunzio Donze
Secretary - Joe Pisani
The enthusiasm and foresight of these men created such an extensive interest among their friends that after six meetings the membership increased to such proportions that new aims and purposes were established. At this time the present of the club, the Italian American Athletic Club, was voted upon and adopted, henceforth called the I.A.A.C. A certificate of corporation type B was signed by the Secretary of State, John Lomenzo, on April 23, 1954. Tony "Gus" Mancuso, also known as "Judge", was instrumental in obtaining the above along with many other legal services which he provided the club at no charge. In its early years, the IAAC was a transient club holding meetings at Mitchell's Restaurant, Pirro's Hall, Adelphi Club and Russo's Warehouse before acquiring a lease on the Heidelberg Restaurant, located at the corner of Townsend and Division Streets. This came about in June 1955 and the club stayed at that location until the fall of 1959. Again, the club became transient, holding meetings back at Mitchell's, Haberle's Brewery conference room, Joe Palmer's Restaurant, Sorrento's, Lyndovin's, Carpenter's Hall and CCBI's cafeteria (courtesy of D.J. Nelli, club judge advocate). On February 28, 1972, the IAAC purchased the property on 823 Park Street from the Gethsemane United Methodist Church and began the task of renovating the church structure. After extensive remodeling the club rooms were opened on July 30, 1973 with a gala cocktail party. In order to secure the building loan of $40,000, co-signers were required. The "signers" were: Louis Ailello, Joe Colucci, John LoBello, Gerald Mingolelli, Sr., Sarkis Nigolian, Joe Pisani, Ron Rosecrans, Michael Sabatino, Peter Salamino, Paul Sindoni, Jack Sposato, Carl Tartaglia, Leonard Tucci and Armond Yennock. In 1990 the city of Syracuse purchased the Park Street building in order to expand Franklin School. At that time, IAAC moved to Arterial Road in Lyncourt, where they are still are today.
