Greece News
Published by Westside News Inc.
Jack Foy: A living piece of history from WWII
Turkey Raffle on Friday, November 22, 6 p.m., at the Greece American Legion, 344 Dorsey Road, Greece. Open to the public. Turkeys, 50/50s, side raffles, baskets, games, food and drink.
Greece News
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The Greece Arcadia Titans won the Monroe County Division III Cheerleading Championship. The team is coached by Stacey Pike. Photo from @MCPSAC on X.
North Greece Fire Department holds Dedication Ceremony for First Responder Memorial
The dedication for the North Greece First Responder Memorial was held on Saturday, October 26. The attendees were addressed by Fire Chief Battaglia, Fire Chaplin Gene Preston, Representative Josh Jensen and program chair FF Al Camp.
Numerous community donors supported this memorial effort, and the memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to those who sacrificed much, with some paying the ultimate sacrifice in service of others in their time of need.
The North Greece Fire Department is grateful for all contributors and the memorial has proven to be a community effort and will continue to do so as the personalized brick program will continue to be offered as the pathway is extended. Brick donation information can be found at thatsmybrick.com/northgreecefd.
Provided information and photos
From left are Fire Chief Battaglia, Fire Chaplin Preston, Director Wegner, Firefighter Camp, President Leskowski, past Volunteer Chief Piazza, Assemblyman Josh Jensen, and Fire Commissioner Bedford. Photo by Gene Preston
From left are Linda Beaty, Fire Commissioner Rickman, Fire Captain Howcraft (retired), Diane Howcraft, and Jerry Clement. In the background are Greg Leskowski (l) and Joni Wegner (r) Photo by Gene Preston
Photos by Susan Van Putte
Photo by Susan Van Putte
Greece Chamber and Presenting Sponsor PrivacyGuard host Community Awards Gala
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and Presenting Sponsor PrivacyGuard, recently hosted the 2024 Community Awards Gala at Chef’s Event Center & Party House, where the Chamber enthusiastically recognized exceptional individuals and organizations whose business and volunteer activities have demonstrated significant contributions to our community.
“The 2024 Community Awards Gala has returned better than ever!” said Greece Regional Chamber President and CEO Joe Robach. “A great crowd was in attendance to celebrate and appreciate the accomplishments of all the honorees. We always look forward to celebrating the outstanding individuals and organizations that make our community so exceptional. This event represents another great opportunity to celebrate our best and brightest citizens and businesses. We are especially grateful to all our sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Neil Foley of PrivacyGuard, Platinum Sponsor Faber Builders Inc., and Diamond Sponsors
ESL Federal Credit Union and The Mall at Greece Ridge. We are thankful to our Master of Ceremonies Ginny Ryan of Canandaigua National Bank. It was an enjoyable evening full of camaraderie, networking, and great food from Chef’s Catering & Party House. Again, congratulations to all our very deserving award recipients who go above and beyond to make life better!”
The Community Awards recognized the following outstanding individuals, organizations, and projects as the 2024 recipients in the following categories:
•Business Person of the Year – Al Broccuto, Jr., Zoom Drain
•First Responder of the Year
Brian Gebo, Ridge Road Fire District
•William E. Selke Senior Citizen of the Year
Jon Kuppinger, Kiwanis Club of Greece
•Young Professional of the Year
Jason Toomey, Big Ash Fireplaces & Stoves
•Arts & Culture Award
Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts
•Building Award (Renovation) – Elm Ridge Center
•Education Award – ACE @ MCC Greece Transition Program
•Environment Award – WM
•Health Award
Dr. Kathleen Wania, Greece Pediatric Medicine PLLC
•Thomas E. Schommer Spirit of the Chamber Award
Pirate Toy Fund
•Special Achievement Award
Lenora Paige, Rochester Specialty Contactors, fka: FCMSL/Flower City Monitor Services
Business Person of the Year, Al Broccuto, Jr., of Zoom Drain, said, “I am happy and humbled to receive this award on behalf of myself, my family, and my employees, in a great community that I love and where I’m proud to do business! Thank you to the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce for an uplifting evening and this acknowledgement.”
The Chamber again thanks the following sponsors to date for this year’s Community Awards:
•Presenting Sponsor – PrivacyGuard
•Platinum Sponsors – Faber Builders Inc., The Village at Mill Landing, The Village at Unity, Diamond Sponsors, ESL Federal Credit Union, The Mall at Greece Ridge
•Gold Sponsors – Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, Genesee Regional Bank
•Silver Sponsors – Bob Johnson Auto Group, Canandaigua National Bank, Orchard View Senior Living Apartments, ROC Auto Serviced & Tires LLC, WM
•Bronze Sponsor – The Summit Federal Credit Union
•Dessert Sponsor – Wegmans (Latta Road)
•Floral Sponsor – DeConnick Family Farms
•Photography Sponsor – BRL Solutions, LLC
•Venue Sponsor – Chef’s Event Center & Party House
For more information on joining the Greece Regional Chamber or on additional Chamber events, visit www.GreeceChamber. org, call the Chamber at 585-227-7272, or email Info@GreeceChamber.org.
Provided information and photo
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse seeks volunteers for 2025 season
Even in the 21st century, historic lighthouses need lighthouse keepers. At the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, they are known as “volunteers,” and they’re needed for the 2025 season, April through October.
The lighthouse, operated by the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society, needs people who can devote at least five hours a month to help with a variety of functions. Volunteers help in the gift shop and lead tours of the keeper’s house-turned-museum and tower. They also assist with cataloguing, research, archival work, gardens and groundskeeping.
To talk about volunteer opportunities with Kathy Connor, vol unteer coordinator, email her at kwolkowicz53@gmail.com or phone 585-389-1527.
“It’s a great opportunity for empty nesters, new retirees, and history enthusiasts to help the Lighthouse continue to serve visi tors from all over,” said Kathy Connor, volunteer coordinator. “Five hours a month – about an hour or so a week – is what we’ve found most volunteers are happy with.”
The lighthouse is not open for tours in the winter months but volunteers can learn “all things lighthouse” during training sessions that will take place during this off season. “We hope to have our new volunteers ready to go when the lighthouse opens again in
The lighthouse stands at 70 Lighthouse Street near Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Avenue. The grounds are open for exterior photography year-round. Visitors may call the lighthouse at 585621-6179 for more information.
Visit https://geneseelighthouse.org/ for more information on the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society. Provided information
Winter Wonderland Run supports Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester
The Winter Wonderland Run, a 5k run hosted by Wolfpack Multisport in partnership with Roc Holiday Village, announced Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester as its charity partner for this inaugural event. This new addition to the Roc Holiday Village 2024 festivities will take place under the holiday lights throughout downtown Rochester on Saturday, December 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development (PA-PYD) program that inspires girls in third through eighth grade to be healthy, joyful and confident. The GOTR program uses running to inspire and motivate girls, encourage a lifelong appreciation of health and fitness and help them build confidence through accomplishment. The organization envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.
Wolfpack Multiport, an event and coaching company specializing in local running events, is dedicated to inspiring athletes of all ages to embrace a more active lifestyle and achieve their personal bests together. By supporting Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester, they will be helping to directly impact pre-teen girls
in our community to do the same.
“We are thrilled to be named the charity partner for the Winter Wonderland Run this year!” said Kelly Fisher, Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester. “This support will help further the mission of the organization and make an impact on the lives of the 1,300 girls we will serve throughout this next year.”
All donations made during Winter Wonderland Run registration will directly support Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester, a non-profit organization serving Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Livingston counties.
To register for the Winter Wonderland Run and make a donation to Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester, visit https://rocholidayvillage.com/winter-wonderland-run/#. Provided information
Greece Historical Society’s upcoming programs
Warren C. Crandell Memorial Scholarship
Greece Historical Society will again offer the Warrren C. Crandell Memorial Scholarship to honor a past member, a World War II veteran, and scholar. Warren worked as a teacher at Britton Road and Greece Olympia and was a lifelong student of history. In his will, Warren remembered the Greece Historical Society, so they are offering a $2,000 scholarship dedicated to his generosity.
The award is open to high school seniors who live in the Town of Greece applying to a two- or four-year college or university to study History or Education. The payment will be made directly to the student who can decide where best to apply the funds: books, tuition, room and board, or other needs. The full application is available at www.greecehistoricalsociety.org.
Submissions are due before Monday, March 23, 2025.
Book and Ephemera Sale
Sunday, November 17, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Greece Museum, 595 Long Pond Road.
Dick Halsey from the Monroe County GenWeb will have a book and ephemera sale at the Greece Museum on Sunday, November 17. There will be over 100 used local history books. These include histories of Rochester, Monroe County, and some of the Towns, as well as histories of local organizations and churches. The collection of ephemera will include some individual flyers and booklets. There will be some ephemera available as lots. Dick will also have about 40 high school and college yearbooks at a reduced price for this sale.
Dick Halsey maintains the Monroe County GenWeb: https:// mcnygenealogy.com/
ROC-the-DAY for GHS on December 3
On Tuesday, December 3, the United Way of Greater Rochester will hold a 24-hour donation drive, “ROC the Day,” for not-forprofit organizations in the Rochester community. On this epic, one-day giving event, thousands of community members will be able to make an end-of-year gift to help advance their philanthropic passions.
12/14-15 NYC HOLIDAY LIGHTS & SIGHTS Rockettes show, guide, hotel, transportation ............................................................................$610+
3/12-20 CO & NM ROCKY MT. SPRING FLING Guided ski adventure, ppdo, 7 days tix $1,440+ air
BUFFALO SABRES HOME GAMES
12/7 Utah Hockey 12/27/27 Chicago 1/17 Pens 3/10 Oilers 3/27 Pens 4/6 Bruins
BUFFALO FOOTBALL @ HIGHMARK STADIUM
All include Bodine Monster Tailgate Buffet, Ride Dep. 7:40AM. Family Oriented Fun For All Ages! 12/1 San Francisco 49ers SNF! Dep. 2pm 12/22 New England Patriots 12/29 NY Jets
50 yard line S333-334...$470+ Prime 20 yard line S114 Row 1...$590+ ** Please see website as late season games are cheaper **
SU HOOPS @ DOME tix/ride/tgate
$190+ 2/5 Duke 2/15 Tar Heels 3/8 Virginia
6/22 NASCAR POCONO tix/ride/tgate Dep. 7am $250+
8/10 NASCAR @ THE GLEN PRIME FRONT STRETCH tix in high rows w/tgate, Dep. 7am Naples ...........................$200+
5480 County Rd. 36, Honeoye, ny 14471 (585) 329-5440 https://bodine-unlimited-tours-inc.business.site Departs Henrietta. Itineraries mailed 7-10 days prior to departure.
Church. The church has been a cornerstone of the town for nearly 100 years. In 1925, when Dewey Avenue was still sparsely populated, it became clear that a large residential area would soon develop around Kodak Park. To meet the needs of this growing population, Bishop Thomas P. Hickey established Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, and Reverand John M. Selinger was appointed as its first pastor. The very first mass was celebrated on November 2, 1925. Today, the parish continues to thrive under the leadership of Reverand John Firpo, with three deacons and two full-time priests serving the congregation.
Saint Charles Borromeo has also made significant contributions to Catholic education. Since its school first opened in 1926, the parish has taught core values such as respect, responsibility, and kindness. The school was damaged by fire in 1938 but was rebuilt and expanded over the years. At its peak, the school enrolled 850 students during the 1983-84 school year. The school eventually closed in 2008 after combining with Saint John’s. In addition to its spiritual and educational efforts, Saint Charles Borromeo is deeply involved in serving the broader community. The parish is engaged in a variety of social ministries, including food collections, clothing drives, Christmas giving trees, and support for Catholic relief services. These efforts extend beyond the parish and provide invaluable help to those in need throughout Greece.
“As Saint Charles Borromeo approaches its 100-year anniversary, I would like to thank the parish for its century of dedication and service to our town. It is through the efforts of churches like Saint Charles Borromeo that we continue to build a stronger, more compassionate community,” said Supervisor Bill Reilich. Provided information and photo
Jack Foy: A living piece of history from WWII
by Tami Raco
John (Jack) Foy of Greece celebrated his 99th birthday just a few weeks ago. He represents less than one percent of veterans who served in World War II who are still alive to share their experiences from the largest and deadliest conflict in human history.
Jack was born in 1925 to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Foy of Charlotte and was one of ten children in his family. He attended Holy Cross School and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1943. His dad was a plumber and owned his own residential plumbing business. His mom was a busy homemaker raising ten children.
“I was just a kid and thought I was on a big adventure,” said Foy, “I didn’t fully understand what I was getting into.” The arrival at Bastone is where the naivete of 18-year-old Foy was exchanged for the dark reality of the horrors of war. It was not long until Foy and his fellow soldiers were fired upon, had artillery dropped on them, and began to witness the lives of their comrades being taken.
On Christmas Eve 1944, Foy’s battalion marched over 100 miles in below-zero temperatures to engage in the largest and bloodiest battle the U.S. fought in WWII: The Battle of the Bulge. It was 10
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During Jack’s childhood, the economic crisis of the Great De pression was occurring. While many families struggled to have one meal per day, the Foy family was fortunate enough to have enough food to survive during this time of ex treme poverty. “Families would share with other families from their gar dens, and we were so grateful for having food to eat,” recalls Foy. At 17, Jack was fin ishing high school and was accepted into the military’s Army Special ized Training Program at Cornell University. He began his classes in September 1943 during the peak of World War II. The plan was to attend Cornell for two years and receive a degree in engineering as well as a commission into the Army Corps of Engineers. Later that semester, a need for more combat troops kept Foy from reaching his goal. “We were losing a lot of men to the causalities of the war, and there was a need for more infantrymen with high IQs, so they pulled us. I was chosen to go over with about 200 young men in my infantry company.”
Foy completed his basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and then was assigned to Company A, 347th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division. He deployed to England on the Queen Elizabeth Jack recalls, “It was the biggest ship in service. I slept in the swimming pool, and we were stacked eight high.” The Queen Elizabeth took Jack and 15,000 young men to Glasgow, Scotland, to embark on one of the bloodiest wars in the history of humankind. By this time, the war was in Metz, France, where Foy’s company joined with Patton’s Third Army. Sgt. Foy was trained to be on the front lines of combat as a machine gunner in Patton’s Army. The men then took a smaller boat to France and eventually deployed to Bastone, Belgium.
Jack Foy, August 1945
Jack Foy, Western Front World War II.
Jack Foy at the Greece Historical Society WWII Exhibit in 2015.
Jack Foy at a graveyard in Germany.
continued from page 15 from frozen feet and frozen hands. It was awful. It was the coldest weather they had had in Belgium in a hundred years,” said Foy.
The Germans staged a surprise attack in the densely forested Ardennes region, an area primarily used as a U.S. rest area for the First Army. The attack occurred during harsh weather where aerial reconnaissance was poor, grounding allied air forces. In this battle, more than 19,000 American soldiers were killed, 47,500 were injured, and 23,000 went missing.
After winning the Battle of the Bulge, the regiment was sent to Saint Vith to break through the Siegfried Line, a defensive line set up by the Germans. The U.S. Army finally broke through in early March and then moved to the Rhineland, where they captured four castles. ”We came to a small town, Rhens-on-the-Rhine. This is where we crossed the Rhine River, and it was pure horror,” said Foy. His battalion received a Presidential Unit Citation for the Rhine River crossing.
He recalls discovering his first concentration camp, Ohrdruf. “You could smell it coming down the road. When we got there, bodies of Jews were still burning in the ovens,” he said.
Foy’s company was in Czechoslovakia when the war ended in May. They ported in New York City on the U.S. Navy ship West Point. After a big celebration in the city, they went home for a 30-day leave to rest and prepare for their assigned deployment to Japan, which they were not looking forward to. During their leave, the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, ending the war. “It was the best news I ever heard,” recalls Foy.
Of the 200 in his company that deployed to Germany, Foy said, “Only about a dozen of us came back. The rest of them are buried over in France and Germany.” Jack was wounded three times by bullets and shrapnel, but his injuries were not severe. “They would patch me up and send me back out,” he said.
The memories of surviving the merciless atrocities against humanity etched themselves in Foy’s soul more than eighty years ago. When asked what kept him going through these hellish months in WWII, he replied, “My faith and prayer. I am fortunate I was raised with a strong faith in God and how much that helped me.” Witnessing the fragility of life strengthened his faith.
After over a year of being saturated in constant combat, Foy returned to civilian life with a refined perspective. “After seeing so much loss, I came back with a deep gratitude for the value of life,” he said.
When Foy returned to his civilian life in his hometown, he went
to work for his father’s plumbing business, John D. Foy Plumbing, which he eventually took over. He married a girl named Rita, whom he knew from his grammar school. They settled in Greece and raised their family of four children.
Jack remained continually active as a Veteran of WWII. He has spoken at nearly every college in the area, as well as the high schools. He has even traveled internationally to teach and share his experiences in WWII, including visiting Germany and France more than twenty times. Up until the pandemic, Foy was giving speaking engagements three times a week.
In 2019, Foy was personally invited by President Trump to be the featured speaker at the New York City Veterans Day parade. “When I got the phone call inviting me to be Trump’s guest speaker at this event, I did not believe it was really President Trump,” chuckled Foy.
In 2023, Foy was a guest speaker at a D-Day Commencement that took place at the Normandy American Cemetery. This summer, Foy and twelve other WWII Veterans who fought on D-Day were invited to speak in Normandy.
In December, Foy will be returning to Bastone as a guest to the King and Queen of Belgium. “I hate that place and the memories that came from there,“ he said. “It breaks my heart to go.”
As the numbers of living WWII veterans continue to dwindle, Jack Foy’s passion and heart to share the historical memories of the war remain strong. When asked what piece of wisdom he would like to impart to young Americans of today, he said, “Be strong in your faith in God. It will be what gets you through the rough times.” Jack still lives in Greece and is blessed with six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
David DiPonzio, Jack’s grandson, has a deep respect for and appreciation for what his grandfather and the WWII veterans gave. In September, David accompanied his grandfather to the Netherlands for their 80th anniversary of liberation from the Nazi occupation. As David and his grandpa drove the streets of the small towns and cities on the parade route that were celebrating their freedom, he recognized the gratitude and remembrance they had for those who fought for their freedoms. “I wish I could have balled up some of that energy and brought it back home,” said DiPonzio. “My grandfather’s service has impacted me immensely. It is what has fueled my passion for history and my understanding
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President Trump greeting the Veterans and Jack Foy after his speech at the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
Jack pointing out his and his brother’s names on the Gary Beikirch Veternas’ Memorial Wall at the Town Hall in Greece. Photo by Karen Fien.
continued from page 16
of just how special this country is. I will pass these traits down to my children; they will learn what occurred in that war and how
From the office of The Supervisor, Bill Reilich
It’s difficult to believe that winter is just around the corner! That being said, I would like to remind residents of our Winter Parking Ordinance, which is enforced November 1 through April 15 from midnight to 8 a.m. This allows for safer and more effective plowing and salting of dedicated town streets and helps keep the cost of snow removal down, saving tax dollars for our residents.
that war changed the course of history. They will know everything that their great-grandfather did and the sacrifices that were made by all. They will learn about the death camps and the terrible things mankind did to other human beings. So often we want to shield our children from these horrors, but we cannot. We cannot erase history. If we do, we are bound to repeat it.” of the war remain strong. When asked what piece of wisdom he would like to impart to young Americans of today, he said, “Be strong in your faith in God. It will be what gets you through the rough times.” Jack still lives in Greece and is blessed with six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
David DiPonzio, Jack’s grandson, has a deep respect for and appreciation for what his grandfather and the WWII veterans gave. In September, David accompanied his grandfather to the Netherlands for their 80th anniversary of liberation from the Nazi occupation. As David and his grandpa drove the streets of the small towns and cities on the parade route that were celebrating their freedom, he recognized the gratitude and remembrance they had for those who fought for their freedoms. “I wish I could have balled up some of that energy and brought it back home,” said DiPonzio. “My grandfather’s service has impacted me immensely. It is what has fueled my passion for history and my understanding of just how special this country is. I will pass these traits down to my children; they will learn what occurred in that war and how that war changed the course of history. They will know everything that their great-grandfather did and the sacrifices that were made by all. They will learn about the death camps and the terrible things mankind did to other human beings. So often we want to shield our children from these horrors, but we cannot. We cannot erase history. If we do, we are bound to repeat it.”
100-year anniversary. (See more about the churches anniversary on page 14)
I’ve been enjoying visiting The Center for their holiday parties. Last month, I dressed as “captain of the ship” and spent the afternoon visiting with folks at the Senior Halloween Party. The costumes were creative and fantastic! Another fun event at The Center was the Family Halloween Party. This spooky event boasted over 1,700 people!
During our most recent Greece Town Board Meeting, we recognized Saint Charles Borromeo Church as they are approaching their
As always, I enjoy hearing feedback from residents about programming and other Town-related matters. If you have any concerns, please call the town or visit our website at www.greeceny. gov.
Local Edward Jones office supports Toys for Tots drive
Diane Hennekey and Carrie Rodriguez, Edward Jones financial advisors, are supporting the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program by using their office as a drop-off location for this year’s toy drive.
Local residents may help make a difference for children in the area by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to the office, 97 Canal Landing Boulevard, Suite 1, Rochester 14626, during regular busi-
ness hours through December 4. Monetary gifts, including gift cards, cannot be accepted.
Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The Edward Jones website is at edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is careers.edwardjones. com. Member SIPC.
Provided information
Local college students earn scholarships
Students from our area were among over 750 students who earned scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. The following local students earned scholarships:
•Martina De Luccio of Rochester (14612), a graduate of Greece Athena High School majoring in voice performance, earned the
E.S. & M.R. Griffiths Scholarship.
•Aidan Eddy of Rochester (14616), a graduate of Odyssey School majoring in voice performance, earned the E.S. & M.R. Griffiths Scholarship, the James & Ruth Keir Scholarship and the Richard & Glenna Eldredge Scholarship.
Provided information
Jack flanked by his grandson, David DiPonzio, and great-granddaughter, Angelina DiPonzio, at the Gary Beikirch Veterans’ Memorial Wall.
Photo by Karen Fien.
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