SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Lodge 255, Free and Accepted Masons, held a special dinner to honor two past masters, Ralph Victoriano and Irvin Ramer, who have served the lodge for more than 50 years.
Past Master Augustus "Gus" Hatzas said the dinner was held to highlight the high level of service that Victoriano and Ramer continue to provide to the Lodge and the community.
"Their lives, both professional and personal, have touched and enhanced the greater Shamokin community in many ways, none the least of which was calling Shamokin 'home,'" he said. "Their lifetime of service through this ancient and honorable fraternity proves how committed they are to building a better community for everyone."
Victoriano established a successful insurance agency. Ramer was noted for being a skilled master craftsman at PPL. They both live in Coal Township.
Following the dinner, a brief, but poignant, ceremony was held, in which they were presented a gift and certificate from Thomas Sturgeon, right worshipful grand master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Robert Briggs, district deputy grand master for the 58th District, represented Sturgeon.
"The Grand Lodge also wished to thank Ralph and Irv for their continued work on behalf of Freemasonry," Hatzas said. "Their lives serve as an example to other men, especially the brethren of every lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania."
Hatzas also personally recognized them for their service as master and presented each with a lapel pin.