August 2024 President Message
My time as President is quickly drawing to a close and what an enjoyable experience it has been.
In Frank Sinatra’s iconic song “My Way” the thought of doing a task alone is the main theme. Ironically having the honor to serve as the president of NYSFDA can be perceived as a sole individual, but that is so far from the truth…
The officers I served with are the best group of funeral directors and friends a person can ask for. I have four biological brothers bound together by our shared DNA. Bobby, Scott, Michael and Mark are like four additional brothers linked together by our love and dedication of funeral service and our volunteerism to NYSFDA.
The management team at NYSFDA needs to be acknowledged for how easy and smoothly issues, concerns, scheduling and the everyday business of NYSFDA was handled during my time as President. Not once did I feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities entrusted to me this past year. You made the job easy for me and I thank you all for letting me be part of your team this last year. Kelly, Meg, Melissa, Kim, Cherie and Randy thank you and all of your associates for your friendship and helping me get through the year. Mike Lanotte gets his own thank you. His ability to keep our weekly conversation as a fifty/fifty split between NYSFDA concerns and the New York Mets is truly a special gift. Mike is more than an executive director and I am honored to call him a friend for life. While Scott will take over the weekly NYSFDA phone calls, I’m still calling every Tuesday to talk about our NY Mets.
My family and staff at the funeral home also made the year easier. Annette for understanding this dream and letting it be an important part of our lives the last few years. My brothers for covering the funeral home when I was occupied with NYSFDA business. Staff for putting up with my brothers while I was away…
Last but not least to the NYSFDA board for accepting some of the changes I initiated at our meetings. I believe a board acts as a team and all of you were supportive of me. FDSS, PrePlan, Tribute and the Bridge once again thank you for letting me to sit in and interact at those meetings. I take pride that I did not miss any board or committee meeting this year and always felt welcome and involved in each one.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost wrote a poem that the line above is taken from and it talks about life’s journey and the choices we make. I have had the honor to be the 67th President of NYSFDA and that choice is certainly the road less traveled by, it has made such a difference to me in the most positive way.
Thank you all for your trust and support the last year.