The first entry into the minutes of the side order was recorded on August 1, 1905. It was during this meeting that the decision was made to form a permanent organization and the name selected was the Order of the Janizares. At the next official meeting a week later, the original name was discarded and the Order of the Alhambra was officially adopted as the name of the organization. The purpose of the Order was expanded to include the marking of Catholic Historical places. The 104 members present at the Councils meeting in February 1904 were declared the charter members of the new Order.
The purpose of the Alhambra remained unchanged until 1958, when a plan was developed whereby the Alhambra would sponsor a definite Charity, the training of Religious to teach exceptional children - - the blind, deaf, dumb, handicapped, or retarded. In 1959, the Charity and Catholic Education Fund was established. A few years later, this fund became the Alhambra Endowment Fund to be used for charitable purposes. In January 1967, the Alhambra gave out its first scholarships to assist students studying in education to teach the retarded and handicapped. The Alhambra Charity Fund, as it is now called, contains nearly three million dollars today and only the interest earnings are utilized to provide funds for scholarships, group homes, etc.
The Fez 
The emblem on the fez is composed of the red castle of Castile surmounting the crescent of the Moors and signifying the victory of the Christians. The color of the tassel is representative of the office held by the member:
The fez is our symbol of charity . . . we wear it proudly.
On Sunday morning, November 21, 1948, sixty third- and fourth-degree Knights from Greater Cleveland boarded a private New York Central Railroad passenger car at Cleveland's Union Terminal. The time was 7:20 a.m., and the weather was as warm as the climate of southern Spain.
Upon arrival in Buffalo at 12:00 noon, the group lunched and was then taken to the magnificent club of the Buffalo Knights of Columbus. At this center, the neophytes from Cleveland, as well as from other sections of the United States and Canada, were assembled for the ceremony. The neophyte's class numbered 102. It was interesting to note that the group from Cleveland more than doubled the minimum of twenty-five necessary for the charter and made up well over half of the total neophyte group.
After the induction, two hundred sir nobles attended an oasis and buffet dinner. It was at this dinner that an Alhambra charter was presented to the Cleveland group to be known as Carmona Caravan. They were named after Carmona, Spain, which was recognized for its Moorish and Roman antiques. At this time, Sir Noble Stan Nemec was elected Grand Commander and Sir Noble John Nihill was elected Scribe of the Exchequer. The election of other officers was deferred until the first official scheduled meeting on the following Monday.
At the conclusion of dinner, the Sir Nobles of Carmona Caravan boarded their special reserved railroad car and departed at 9:00 p.m. They arrived in Cleveland just past midnight. The significance of this particular Sunday is noteworthy because it was the birth of Cleveland's first and largest Caravan and one of the most successful and active groups in the Order of the Alhambra.
Now, over sixty years later, Carmona Caravan's main focus is to support programs for the mentally retarded. Over the years, Carmona Caravan has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars for programs such as scholarships to assist college students who are specializing in Special Education, the donation of classroom equipment, they provide camping scholarships, and assist with a number of educational programs. In addition, Carmona Caravan is funding and supporting a medical research program initiated by PSC Stanley A. Tytko, Ph.D. of Carmona Caravan. This program is dedicated to help in finding the causes of mental retardation and is known as the Alhambra Institute for Mental Retardation Research.
| Past Grand Commanders of
Carmona Caravan No. 75: |
|---|
 = Deceased: Requiescat in pace |
|
1 1948-1949 Stanley P. Nemec |
|
2 1949-1950 James T. Carney |
|
3 1950-1951 Joseph A. White |
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4 1951-1952 Joseph A. White |
|
5 1952-1953 John P. Nihill |
|
6 1953-1954 Walter E. Marnel |
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7 1954-1955 Steve J. Pinter |
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8 1955-1956 Robert F. Wild |
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9 1956-1957 William G. Wank |
|
10 1957-1958 Leonard M. Wurm |
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11 1958-1959 Stephen E. Hlivak |
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12 1959-1960 Richard A. Hoag |
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13 1960-1961 Alex S. Olbert, OD |
| 14 1961-1962 Norman J. Gorg |
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15 1962-1963 John E. Oster |
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16 1963-1964 John A. Peca |
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17 1964-1965 Peter J. Byrne |
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18 1965-1966 Arthur J. Reynolds |
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19 1966-1967 Victor P. DeSantis |
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20 1967-1968 Andrew A. Paluf |
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21 1968-1969 Ross D. Lombardy |
| 22 1969-1970 Joseph J. Soukenik III |
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23 1970-1971 John T. Budd |
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24 1971-1972 Louis S. Mejak |
| 25 1972-1973 Joseph F. Paratore |
| 26 1973-1974 Peter M. DeMarco |
|
27 1974-1975 Domenic G. Carbone |
|
28 1975-1976 Jack M. Harlan |
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29 1976-1977 George A. Hanzal |
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30 1977-1978 Michael G. Balogh |
| 31 1978-1979 Daniel J. Carr |
| 32 1979-1980 August F. Coneglio |
| 33 1980-1981 Edward A. Stupka |
| 34 1981-1982 Thomas J. Harlan |
| 35 1982-1983 Mario O. DiGeronimo, DDS |
| 36 1983-1984 Joseph P. Caputo |
| 37 1984-1985 Joseph Spirko |
| 38 1985-1986 Stanley A. Tytko, Ph.D. |
| 39 1986-1987 Ernest U. Fisco |
|
40 1987-1988 Anthony B. Smerglia |
| 41 1988-1989 Joseph J. Horvat |
| 42 1989-1990 Frank J. Nowak |
| 43 1990-1991 James A. Forcina |
| 44 1991-1992 Anthony L. LoPresti, DDS |
| 45 1992-1993 Vincent P. Mancuso |
|
46 1993-1994 Michael V. Rinella |
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47 1994-1995 Michael V. Rinella |
| 48 1995-1996 Richard J. Bar |
| 49 1996-1997 Kenneth J. Kovacs |
|
50 1997-1998 Michael V. Rinella |
| 51 1998-1999 Stephen F. Tytko, Ph.D. |
| 52 1999-2000 Stephen F. Tytko, Ph.D. |
| 53 2000-2001 Andrew P. Madar |
|
54 2001-2002 Lewis D. Robinson |
| 55 2002-2003 Joseph M. Mandula |
| 56 2003-2004 Neil R. Corrigan |
| 57 2004-2005 William P. Plank |
| 58 2005-2006 Patrick J. Hudec |
| 59 2006-2007 Joseph P. Hudec |
|
Our Supreme Officers - Past and Present: |
|
Peter J. Byrne
Past Grand Vizier |
|
Thomas J. Harlan
Past Supreme Organizer |
|
Rt. Rev. Jerome M. Koval, O.S.B.
Past Supreme Chaplain |
|
Stanley A. Tytko, Ph.D.
Past Supreme Commander 1999-2001 |
| We Thank God for Our Clergy |
|---|
Bishops: Most Reverend Anthony M. Pilla Most Reverend Roger W. Gries, O.S.B. Priests: Rev. Walter J. Hyclak Rev. Alexander Inke Rev. Albert M. Marflak, O.S.B. Rev. Harry S. Winca Deacon: Rev. Mr. Ross C. DeJohn, Sr. Brothers: Brother Richard J. Keller, C.S.C. Brother Nicholas J. Spisak, O.S.B. |
| Life Members:
Members of Carmona Caravan No. 75 qualify for Life Membership on the date
|
|
|---|---|
| Name: | Date Qualified: |
|
Dr. Alexander S. Olbert |
April 27, 1977 |
|
Ralph J. Perk |
January 19, 1979 |
|
Joseph W. Jerman |
February 24, 1982 |
| Stephen A. Shepard | September 3, 1982 |
| Thomas E. Gura | June 4, 1983 |
|
Frank F. Burke |
February 22, 1984 |
|
Frank A. Fortune |
February 22, 1984 |
|
Ferdinand J. Peplowski |
March 10, 1985 |
|
Patrick W. Auletta |
March 13, 1985 |
| Louis S. Madar | March 13, 1985 |
| John W. Sparano | March 13, 1985 |
|
Andrew A. Paluf |
May 11, 1985 |
| John Paulich | September 15, 1985 |
| John M. Harlan | May 21, 1986 |
|
Cornelius M. Mahall |
May 21, 1986 |
|
John J. Pierce |
May 21, 1986 |
|
Arthur J. Reynolds |
May 21, 1986 |
| Norman J. Gorg | April 4, 1988 |
| Stanley W. Bobeck | August 2, 1988 |
|
John P. Swetel |
August 2, 1988 |
| Rev. Harry S. Winca | August 2, 1988 |
|
Edward G. Hegedus |
April 19, 1989 |
|
John P. O'Connell |
April 19, 1989 |
| James A. Forcina | September 23, 1989 |
| James F. Sievers | January 4, 1990 |
|
Charles J. Kalinsky |
May 16, 1990 |
| Robert S. Durnwald | October 21, 1990 |
| Nello N. Trinetti | May 12, 1991 |
|
Michael G. Balogh |
August 28, 1991 |
|
George A. Hanzal |
August 28, 1991 |
| Steve A. Hrestak | November 22, 1991 |
|
Raymond V. Falcone |
April 22, 1992 |
| Alfonso C. Frato | April 22, 1992 |
|
Frank S. Nowak |
April 22, 1992 |
| Herman A. Casamatta | October 23, 1992 |
| James C. Shirley | March 27, 1993 |
| Frank J. Dottore | April 21, 1993 |
| Vincent P. Mancuso | April 21, 1993 |
|
Lawrence A. Piazza |
April 21, 1993 |
|
Frank C. Spremulli |
April 21, 1993 |
|
Charles A. Terrigno |
April 21, 1993 |
| Joseph A. Zingales | April 21, 1993 |
|
John J. Filo |
June 1, 1993 |
| Anthony N. DiBlatto | February 10, 1994 |
| Fred A. Finomore | April 13, 1994 |
| Frank A. Mass | April 13, 1994 |
| James A. Piazza | April 13, 1994 |
| James P. Monastra | July 10, 1994 |
| Joseph F. Paratore | March 8, 1996 |
| S. Bill E. Buemi | March 13, 1996 |
| Ross C. DeJohn | March 13, 1996 |
| Daniel E. Ferrazza | March 13, 1996 |
| Andrew E. Janko | March 13, 1996 |
| Rudolph J. Jerome | March 13, 1996 |
| Michael A. Retino | March 13, 1996 |
| Geno Manfredi | April 24, 1996 |
| Raymond J. Grabow | January 26, 1997 |
| Nacy A. Panzica | April 12, 1997 |
| Emanuel P. Capadona | April 16, 1997 |
| Frank A. Dottore | April 16, 1997 |
| Edward O. Rice | April 16, 1997 |
|
Chester Makoski |
November 15, 1997 |
| Peter M. DeMarco | January 5, 1998 |
| August F. Coneglio | March 11, 1998 |
| John F. Wroblewski | March 11, 1998 |
| Robert F. Baker | January 25, 1999 |
| Robert A. Brice | March 10, 1999 |
| Augustine Cardarelli | March 10, 1999 |
| Donald M. Fodor | March 10, 1999 |
| John A. Gallagher | March 10, 1999 |
| Daniel L. Hasinski | March 10, 1999 |
| George P. Persiano | March 10, 1999 |
| Rev. Francis M. Valentini | March 10, 1999 |
| Joseph M. Mandula | June 12, 1999 |
| Joseph J. Soukenik, III | June 26, 1999 |
| Maurice V. Cancasci | May 11, 2000 |
| Louis S. Phillips | May 11, 2000 |
| Anthony C. Natale | January 22, 2001 |
| Stanley A. Tytko, Ph.D. | March 24, 2001 |
| Mario O. DiGeronimo, D.D.S. | April 25, 2001 |
| Joseph J. LoPresti | March 6, 2002 |
| Joseph Spirko | March 6, 2002 |
|
Michael V. Rinella |
August 7, 2002 |
| Bishop Roger W. Gries, O.S.B. | August 7, 2003 |
| Necrology |
|
|---|---|
| We hold in sacred memory the names of our beloved Sir Nobles who have transferred into the Celestial Caravan reserved only for Alhambrans in the great beyond. We are grateful to these brother Sir Nobles for the legacies that they have left in our trust. May they rest in peace. | |
1950 Raymond J. Taylor, Sr. 1951 John M. Hrabak Stephen J. Vance Charles J. Wolfram 1952 Lester J. Gallagher Stephen V. Patrick John W. Winterich Joseph Yohman 1953 Victor R. Wanda 1955 James T. Malaney 1956 Leonard J. Freund 1957 Walter E. Berkebile George Cermak 1958 Cornelius F. Fitzgerald, Sr. Raymond A. Fuerst Irving D. McCarthy John P. Nihill 1959 Louis A. Kosetensky 1960 Joseph Kalill Joseph M. Mandula, Sr. Ralph B. Mosher 1961 Lester H. Corrigan Daniel Jablonski 1962 Rev. Francis J. Joyce Anthony C. Stella 1964 John A. Voendran 1965 Martin Weber 1966 Charles B. Bednar, Sr. Joseph B. Buessing Stephen B. Fetko John Majka John C. Shandor 1970 Alphonse F. Anjesky Leslie J. Corrigan George P. Klimko John F. Kontur Charles G. Menk Albert A. Romanini Frank Wishinsky 1971 Ansel Chiara Gerald A. Gahagan Alphonso Lanzara John A. Poelking 1972 Orlando M Fisco 1973 Rev. Michael Jasko, O.S.B. Felix R. Strzalkowski 1974 Joseph E. Flannery Andrew Madea Domenic Vitale Dr. Justin B. Whelan 1975 Alphonso S. Orsini Harry Pekarek Charles F. Schriner Rev. Francis J. Sczcepanski Steve Teresi 1976 Rev. Damian Baloga, O.S.B. Clyde L. Horn 1977 Albert T. Biel PGC Domenic G. Carbone Pat Delfino Edward F. Holzheimer Joseph J. Kraynak 1978 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Halloran Frank J. Kordel Joseph S. Passanisi 1979 Edward J. Gozoski Michael J. Horvath Henry G. Tayerle PGC William G. Wank 1980 Michael J. Dean Thomas R. Forcosky Anthony M. Kolar Ted Miljenovec George Oliver Herbert R. Rice 1981 PGC John T. Budd Frank J. Michalik Frank Milicia 1982 Joseph A. Cieplowski Jimmy Dunsworth Andrew P. Gadus Charles C. OBryan Rt. Rev. Msgr. William ODonnell John E. St. John 1983 George F. Benko Casimer Makoski PGC Steve J. Pinter 1984 Anthony G. Drabik William J. Gordon, Sr. Stephen P. Hangach David J. Heil Frank J. Kurdziel Hans F. Piche Ernest G. Podboy Robert D. Prendergast James J. Vana |
1985 John J. Riczo Clem Strohmeier 1986 Pat M. Christopher Anthony T. Culotta PGC Victor P. DeSantis Arthur J. Hollenbeck Emidio L. Liberatore Anthony L. LoPresti PGC Louis J. Mejak Louis S. Szabo Saverio J. Teriaca William Trubitza 1987 PGC Stephen E. Hlivak Casimer V. Kalinowski Thomas J. Keller Michael J. Kendra PGC Ross D. Lombardy William E. Salettel 1988 Steve Estok Peter Hasinski 1989 Jacob V. Senchur 1990 Armond J. Centrackio Thaddeus J. Colman Rev. Aloysius F. Dombrowski Joseph A. Kovalik, Jr. PGC John A. Peca Robert B. Rieth John E. Roso Edward E. Szplet Charles J. Tyler 1991 William Abbate Dr. Robert J. Ashdown Albert J. Horacek Joseph A. Kraig Julius M. Nagy Frank S. Pollack Peter Sanelli Stanley J. Tanski Louis J. Vocaire Most Rev. John F. Whalon 1992 Fred H. Borally Louis J. Forcina Jack W. Poshe 1993 Rev. John J. Andel Joseph R. Dzuroff Arnold V. Hovan Edward J. Kocsis Edward J. Kosztolnyik Rt. Rev. Abbot Jerome M. Koval Chester A. Lowrey PGC John E. Oster Edward N. Wrobel 1994 Raymond M Bryk Walter J. Duszynski Henry T. Rutkowski Rev. Joseph C. Step 1995 Pat Bertolone PGV Peter J. Byrne Anthony Cappadonna Arthur R. Czajkowski Joseph A. LoPresti Michael A. Mele Charles S. Saranita Anthony Wiciejewski 1996 Arriano D. Cesa 1998 Raymond V. Falcone George J. Tesar, Jr. 1999 Sebastian J. Lupica Frank S. Nowak Ralph J. Perk Arthur J. Reynolds John P. Swetel 2000 PGC Michael G. Balogh Frank F. Burke John P. OConnell John Jay Owens Lawrence A. Piazza PGC Andrew A. Paluf Charles A. Terrigno 2001 Patrick W. Auletta John J. Filo Frank A. Fortune Joseph W. Jerman, Jr. Cornelius M. Mahall Ferdinand J. Peplowski Mayor Frank C. Spremulli Abraham L. Tosti Philip M. Zannella 2002 PGC George A. Hanzel PGC Alexander S. Olbert, D.O. John J. Pierce PGC Michael V. Rinella A. Richard Valore 2003 Edward G. Hededus Chester Makoski 2004 Andrew E. Janko Charles J. Kalinsky |