Patchogue Knights of Columbus to celebrate 120 years

If you live in and around Patchogue, you know the Knights of Columbus and the good works it’s done. For 120 years, Patchogue Knights of Columbus Council 725 has helped meet the needs of the community.

From donating school supplies to Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services to running a youth soccer tournament at the Village of Patchogue’s new field on Bay Avenue, to the food drive they’re holding at ShopRite in Patchogue on Saturday, Sept. 23, the Knights of Patchogue Council 725 have played a key role in improving the lives of thousands of people who live in the greater Patchogue area. The Catholic fraternal service organization’s assistance is open to all, regardless of their faith.

“Anybody who needs help, we’re there for them,” said Joe Fontana, a Patchogue resident who was installed in July as Council 725 Grand Knight, the chapter’s highest-ranking official.

The group will celebrate its 120th anniversary on Oct. 15 with a dinner at Knights of Columbus Hall, on West 1st Street in Patchogue.

In addition to a buffet dinner, the evening will feature music by Stan Zizka, lead singer of the doo-wop group Stan Zizka’s Del-Satins. Zizka will be backed by his group, Tangerine.

Council 725 was formed in 1923, with just 51 members. One of its first leaders was Edgar Sharp, who became Brookhaven Town supervisor and a U.S. congressman, according to longtime member Joe Brandi. Sharp served in Congress from 1945 to 1947.

The chapter has grown over the years. It now numbers almost 300 members who support four area Catholic churches: Mary Immaculate in Bellport, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in North Patchogue, Our Lady of the Snow in Blue Point, and St. Francis de Sales in Patchogue.

The group’s first hall was on Academy Street.

It bought the Patchogue Roller Rink building in 1961, where it operated a large catering hall for many years before moving to its current location on West 1st Street.

Council 725 has supported numerous local charities over the years, including Boys & Girls Club, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, Family at Arms, Gigi’s Playhouse,  Long Island State Veterans Home, Northport VA Hospital, Special Olympics, St. Joseph’s University, Sunshine Fund, and Ursuline Sisters.