The Nassau County Office for the Aging recently announced Dolores Genovese as the county’s 2017 Senior Citizen “Woman of the Year” and Richard Begandy as the “Man of the Year.”
Genovese has been volunteering for more than 40 years with many organizations. She and Anthony, her husband of 62 years, have volunteered at the soup kitchen in Freeport for 19 years. She has partnered with the Massapequa School District and Yes Community Counseling Center to identify children and families who have struggled financially and emotionally to provide assistance. She is also involved in the Women’s Club of Massapequa, the Italian Club, and the Retired Teacher’s Club.
“It is my distinct honor to congratulate Dolores as Nassau County’s 2017 Senior Citizen ‘Woman of the Year’,” said County Executive Ed Mangano. “Dolores is an inspiration and role model for the young and not so young. Her advice is words to live by: ‘You have to find your passion in life and think about what works for you. You then just need to follow through…knowing what your strengths are and what you enjoy doing for others’.”
Genovese was born in Brooklyn and moved to Massapequa Park in 1940. She graduated from Hofstra University in 1954 and taught in the Massapequa School District for 29 years. Genovese has three children and six grandchildren.
Begandy is involved in many organizations including VFW Post 7763, Massapequa Park, where he was the commander from June 2004 to June 2016; Town of Oyster Bay Veterans Advisory Board, Massapequa Park Planning Commission 2010-2013; U.S. Marine Corps. 1st Division Association; and he is vice president of Massapequa Cares.
He has received numerous awards and honors: Named Veteran of the Year by the Massapequa Park Republican Club in 2010, New York State Senior Citizen of the Year representing Nassau County in Albany, and Outstanding Service Award from Canine Companions as Korean War Veteran of the Year.
Begandy participates in the bi-annual Veterans Stand Down for our homeless veterans. He continually promotes Americanism and awareness of our active military and veterans by visiting and partaking in many of the ceremonies conducted by our community’s schools. He educates local Scouts on American flag etiquette and history.
“I congratulate Richard as Nassau County’s 2017 Senior Citizen ‘Man of the Year’,” said Mangano. “Richard is most deserving of this award for his community service to residents, our nation’s heroes and for his service and dedication to our armed forces.”
Begandy was born in Pennsylvania, raised in Rochester, NY, and moved to Long Island in 1966. He has been a resident of Massapequa Park since 1984. He served in the United States Navy (1954-58).
His advice to others is “Get involved with your community!” and “We can all make a difference in our community and/or by helping our veterans.” He has followed his own advice by always striving to do everything that can be done for the community, the VFW and our military, veterans and their families.
