A Brief History of the Staten Island HOG Chapter:

The Staten Island, New York chapter of H.O.G. was born on September 14, 1994 under the sponsorship of Frank Lombardi & Sons Inc. Harley Davidson in Staten Island.  The kick off meeting was held at the Huguenot Diner and was attended by 80 enthusiastic potential members. A second meeting was held on Oct 12, 1994 where discussions were held outlining how the chapter would operate. Everyone was very excited about starting a HOG chapter and sharing in the camaraderie of riding with other Harley enthusiasts.

The first year, 1995, the Director was Louis Diamond, an attorney on the Island. As any new organization begins there are growing pains. The HOG chapter was no exception. There were various concerns which arose and some internal conflicts do to personality differences.  Even with all that we made it through the first year.

The second year, 1996, the Director was Marty Brenner. During his administration the chapter worked on the various problems and turned the corner becoming a well run chapter with many rides and an active membership.  This was the first year the Chapter sponsored the MDA run and raised almost $10,000, an admirable accomplishment. During this year the Director, Marty Brenner, and the Assistant Director, Richie Beresford along with Mike Lombardi, the owner of the sponsoring dealer, attended the Primary Officers Training run by Harley Davidson representatives from the corporate office.

The third year, 1997, the Director was Richie Beresford. He continued the activities and rides that had been successful the year before and added some of his own initiatives which further strengthened the chapter.  There was a successful MDA run plus a chapter picnic.

The fourth and fifth years, 1998 and 1999, the Director was Anthony Striano. His two years were eventful in that the chapter, in 1998, raised over $15,000 for MDA. Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control there was a little slippage in riding safety but this was quickly rectified.

The sixth and seventh years, 2000 and 2001, the Director was Frank Jerrahian.  Frank was quite energetic in his approach to the job and instituted many changes which greatly improved the safety of the rides.   During these years we had a very active membership. The riding calendar was always full with rides every Thursday night during riding season and of course the weekends had scheduled rides to interesting and scenic places. Many of the rides have over twenty bikes, which is a credit to the chapter.  The chapter also did a few overnight rides which were enjoyed by those who participated.  Frank also instituted the "winter dinners" which get the members together during the non riding season.

The eight year, 2002, the Director was Frank Triola. Unfortunately, due to some personality conflicts, 2002 proved to be a rather turbulent year.  Fortunately, we rode out the storm and the chapter is moving ahead.

The ninth year, 2003, the Director was Anthony Guttilla. Through his diplomatic handling of a sensitive situation from the prior year he has brought back peace and harmony to the chapter.

The chapter, as of the end of 2003, is a well organized group who enjoys a lot of riding and observes a safe riding pattern.  The membership is active and vigorously participates in all activities.

The years of 2004 through 2007 have been nothing less than spectacular.  Still under the directorship of Anthony Guttilla the chapter has built a cadre of outstanding officers comprised both of old time members and energetic newer members.  The membership has grown to over 100 hundred members, the riding has been outstanding and our safety record is excellent.

For the year of 2008, the fourteenth year of the SI HOG, Anthony Guttilla continued to preside over the chapter.  He led us through another banner year filled with great riding, wonderful social functions and comradely in the motorcycling community.  At the end of 2008 Anthony announced that he was stepping down as director. He felt it was time to turn the reins over to a new administration.

As of January 2009, Chris Duane (Chrizzby) took over as Director. Chris has been a very active chapter member coming up with innovative ideas and has been an active rider. 

In January 2011 Lenny “LayBack” Mugnolo has taken on the role as Director of the Chapter. Lenny prior position was that of Editor for the Club. We look forward to many more great years

Any Harley owner who wants to be part of a vibrant organization should make it their business to check out the Staten Island HOG chapter.

Originally Prepared by: Marty Brenner, Historian  January 5, 2009

Updated in January 2011 by Webmaster to reflect new Director

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