‘Glo' Okon bids farewell at SACHA auxiliary luncheon

Warwick - On Jan. 9, the officers and members of the St. Anthony Community Hospital Auxiliary (SACHA) met to discuss plans for this upcoming year. But it was also an important meeting for another very special reason. Gloria Okon, SACHA’s immediate past president, who led and revitalized the organization for more than 10 years, had just revealed the news that she would be moving away from Warwick to live closer to her children and grandchildren. This February, Okon, who has her home in Warwick Meadows up for sale, will move to the Westchester County community of Rye. “Ever since Gloria Okon stepped down,” said Terry Gavan, who succeeded Okon as president of SACHA, “I’ve learned how hard it is to fill her shoes. I still ask her for advice and I will continue to do so. She was and will always be our inspiration.” Okon’s friends call her “Glo.” And on Aug. 19, 2004, during the 10th annual celebration of “Ladies Night Out,” Gloria “Glo” Okon, former actress, singer and TV personality and then president of SACHA, was crowned “Queen for a Day.” The highlight of the festive celebration in the Village of Warwick was designed to honor a special lady, recognized by her family or friends for her generous spirit, caring heart and selfless nature. There were many reasons, therefore, to justify Okon’s nomination. Throughout the years, there was hardly a charitable event that couldn’t call on Gloria Okon for a heart and soul contribution as a volunteer, committee member or leader. Whether it was selling books for the Albert Wisner Public Library, coaching students, directing a high school production, selling raffle tickets, driving for Meals on Wheels or hawking ducks for Winslow’s Annual Duck Derby, she could always be counted on as an enthusiastic volunteer. And although, as SACHA’s longtime president, much of her time was spent directing that organization, she still found hours leftover for projects sponsored by other organizations such as Rotary and the Warwick Community Center. Okon also served on St. Anthony Community Hospital’s Annual Spring Ball and Golf Classic committees and the Warwick Citizens World Trade Center Memorial committee. In her spare time you might have found her working for a Church Renew Program or the annual St. Stephen’s Bazaar. Long before moving to Warwick, Okon had become widely known as “The Weather Girl” on New York’s WPIX TV Channel 11. She also hosted other television shows including New York’s annual “Easter Parade” and she enjoyed an exclusive contract, during the 1960s and 1970s, as the spokesperson for Arnold Bakery. She was married to the late Ted Okon, a well-known TV producer. Today, Okon, who has three married sons, is a proud grandmother of seven grandchildren. Until last year, her main focus had been shepherding SACHA through a series of fund raisers for the hospital such as the annual June “Under the Tent” Party at Hickory Hill. She served as Event Chair for that event until June 2005. “In just the last few years under Glo’s leadership,” said Gavan, “we raised more than $200,000 for St. Anthony Community Hospital. Everyone in our organization still works hard but no one has as much enthusiasm and dedication as Glo. She inspired us all and we will miss her.” Gavan then turned to Okon and smiled, “Our love is going with you.” Okon fought back tears and praised the members of SACHA for the good work of the organization. “You’ve given me 10 wonderful and happy years,” she said. “I leave you in good hands but I really hate leaving Warwick. I love the town and I love our community hospital.”