Newsletter from The Everett Chamber of Commerce

Appreciation Breakfast and 9/11 Remembrance Review

Appreciation Breakfast Program Cover 2010

       On Friday Morning, September 10th, the Everett Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Appreciation Breakfast and 9/11 Remembrance at the Connolly Center. A crowd of over 150 people attended to pay homage George Desiderio and Ray Lepore, both WWII Veterans and to remember James and Mary Trentini who tragically lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Chamber President, David O'Neil introduced the veterans and Peter Cocciardi spoke on behalf of the Trentini's. In total, 16 recipients have now received memorial scholarships in the names of James and Mary Trentini. Daniel S. Concannon and Shannon Murphy were this year's recipients. Shannon Murphy was in attendance with her mother. Daniel S. Concannon was unable to attend because he had already started college in another state.
     George Desiderio and Ray Lepore spoke about their military service and then received several citations from Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Jr., State Senator Sal DiDomenico and State Representative Stephen "Stat" Smith. Peter Cocciardi then spoke about his friendship with James and Mary Trentini and the unfortunate events that played out on September 11th, 2001. He also informed the crowd of the new plans to rebuild the area of Manhatten now known as 'Ground Zero'.
     The Island End Industrial Park generously sponsored the event and everyone in attendance enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast prepared by the Square Deli. Donations will be accepted for the Trentini Scholarship at the Everett Chamber of Commerce, 467 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, telephone # 617.387.9100.
     Below is a brief synopsis of George Desiderio and Ray Lepore's distinguished military careers. Congratulations to both of you and to this year's Trentini Scholorship recipients, Daniel S. Concannon and Shannon Murphy.

George Desiderio

Mr. George Desiderio was born on February 22nd, 1925. Educated at Everett Publics Schools, he graduated in 1943. Less than a month later he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He served in the infantry, 1st Army 4th Division, in Europe. George was wounded at the end of November 1944 in Hurtgen Forest, Germany. He was in the hospital until May 7th, 1945. He then joined Task Force 'A' in the fight for Norway's freedom from German occupation. Later, he was sent to France and then returned home for a 90 day leave. Soon after, George re-enlisted in the army of occupation Germany. Upon the end of his service in Germany, he returned to the U.S. George received his 2nd discharge in the fall of 1946 after achieving the rank of Sergeant. After a short courtship, George married Nancy (Juliano) in May of 1947. They raised four children: Susan, George, Paula and Karen and to date: five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren have been added to the family!
George was employed for 18 years as a HVAC contractor, five years for the Parker House where he assisted in hotel renovations and 20 years at Sears Roebuck, Co. where he contracted interior sales. George also served on the Board of Assessors for the City of Everett for 8 years and 7 years as Director on the Board of Veterans Service. What does he do now? George says, "Very little"! He does, however, write the Veterans Corner Column in the Everett Advocate Newspaper.
His Veteran service includes: Past President of the Everett Allied Veterans Council, the Commander of D.A.V. Chapter #51 for several tours and is presently an Adjutant for the D.A.V. Congratulations, Mr. George Desiderio...

Raymond Lepore

Mr. Ray Lepore is a life long resident of Everett. He attended the Everett Public School System. After he graduated, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 5th, 1942.
He received brief training at Newport Naval Station in Rhode Island. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bogue, CVE-9 from 1942-1943, the Nucleus of the Submarine-Killer Group in the Battle of the Atlantic. From there, Ray was reassigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. San Jacinto, CVL-30, September 1943 as part of the advance crew in preparing the ship for commissioning in November 1943. He set sail for the Pacific in early 1944 and joined up with Task Force 58/38, the fast carrier striking force of the Pacific Fleet. Remained in the forward area until the end of the war. Ray had the privilege of serving with the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. He is the holder of (2) Presidential Unit Citations and (10) Bronze Battle Stars! He was discharged on February 27, 1946.
Ray married Alice (Montemorra) in 1950. They raised three children: Stephen, Andrea and Janet and to date have 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
After graduating from Northeastern University, Ray went on to work at BLH Electronics as Director of Purchasing, Director of International Sales and Marketing and Director of Operations. From 1980 to the present, Ray has been the owner of RL Electronics, Inc., a World Wide supplier of Precision Electronic Force Measuring and Weighing Systems.
Ray's accolades include: One of the original members of the Everett Auxiliary Police, Past President of St. Anthony Holy Name Society, Past President of Pope John XXIII High School Father's Club and Chairman on the Board of Advisors, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mount Saint Joseph Academy and a Past President of the Everett Chamber of Commerce! Congratulations, Mr. Ray Lepore...

Top Row: Scholarship Recipient Shannon Murphy with her mother, Elaine
Middle Row: State Representative Stephen "Stat" Smith with George Desiderio
Bottom Row: Steve Rocco, Ray Lepore, Henry Rocco, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Jr., Anthony Ferrante and and Councilor Ken Giannelli
2010 Appreciation Breakfast Pictures # 2

2010 Appreciation Breakfast Pictures # 2

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Top Row: Reverend Tom Coots, Councilor Rosemary Miller and Barbara Barber
Middle Row: Amy and Peter Cocciardi
Bottom Row: Carmin Mercadante (sitting with all of his friends)

2010 Appreciation Breakfast Pictures # 1

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Top Row: George Desiderio, Ray Lepore, Chamber President David O'Neil and Mayor DeMaria
Middle Row: State Senator Sal DeDomenico and Ray Lepore
Bottom Row: Patricia Malatesta, Della Spadafora and Henry Cappuccio

2010 Appreciation Breakfast Pictures # 3

2010 Appreciation Breakfast Pictures # 3

2010 Appreciation Breakfast Pictures # 4

2010 Appreciation Breakfast Pictures # 5