John Woloszczak Jr. selected as Warwick Citizen of the Year

WARWICK — John Woloszczak Jr., a military veteran, retired New York City policeman, Warwick businessman and longtime volunteer for numerous community organizations, has been selected Warwick’s 2012-13 Citizen of the Year.
Woloszczak received a record seven nominations, all praising him for his unselfish activities.
After graduating from Warwick Valley High School, Woloszczak became a New York City Police Officer but continued to live in Warwick, where he married his wife Agnes and raised their four children. Following his retirement from the NYPD, Woloszczak and his wife went into business together and created Warwick Monogramming and Sporting Goods.
They also invested in village and town properties.
Woloszczak became involved in many different organizations, including the American Legion, Warwick Community Ambulance Service, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Jaycees, Lions Club, the Polonaise Society, Karolinka Polka Dancers and the Queen Village Queens.
Event co-chairs Leo Kaytes and Stan Martin said they were pleased with the quality of nominations and excited about the selection of John Woloszczak as Warwick’s Citizen of the Year.
“John Woloszczak fits perfectly with our desire to find volunteers who have demonstrated a commitment to community service over an extended period of time,” said Kaytes.
In 2008 Warwick Rotarians revived the Citizen of the Year program run by local Jaycees from 1968 through 1999. A plaque honoring all winners hangs in the Warwick Town Hall.

Celebration Oct. 20

He will be honored during a Saturday, Oct. 20, banquet at the Polish Legion of American Veterans Hall in Pine Island. The event is sponsored by the Warwick Valley Rotary Club.
The celebration begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7. A silent auction, musical entertainment and dancing are planned after the presentation. Reservations are available by calling 629-6491. The cost is $60 per person.
Any profits from the Citizen of the Year event will be used for local Rotary community donations, said Rotary President John Buckley.

Essential information:

Warwick Rotarians help sponsor dozens of local projects and organizations through donations and volunteering of time.
The service organization of community leaders, business and professional men and women, meets at noon each Wednesday at the Landmark Inn.
The local Rotarians also sponsor the Warwick Valley High School Interact Club, which has more than 100 members. Jeanine Fogler is the Interact advisor.
For more information, contact Stan Martin at stanmartin@hvc.rr.com.

What people are saying

Here are some edited comments from the citizen of the year nomination letters submitted for John Woloszczak Jr.:

“With great pride, members of our American Legion Post support the nomination of John Woloszczak for Citizen of the Year. He has been active as a military veteran in this post for many years, including service as post commander. He helps with preparations and participation for Warwick’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations. He assists in placing American flags on veterans’ graves, attends Legion services for departed members, serves on the color guard and helps the Legion achieve its objectives in ways too numerous to list.”

Nicholas P. Lesando Jr. Warwick American Legion Post 214

“John Woloszczak, Jr. has been a member of the Warwick Community Ambulance Service since 1999, serving as an active riding member and as a member of the Board of Trustees. He has worked at community events including Applefest, the Lions Club Labor Day 5K race and the AMBA clinic and activities supporting Warwick Ambulance’s commitment to serving the Warwick community.”

Warwick Ambulance Service


“John is always there if you need help. He was dedicated to the state champion but now defunct Queen Village Queens All Girl Drum & Bugle Corps. As quartermaster, he would make sure the Corps’ musical equipment truck and bus were safe to operate. He drove one of the vehicles, loaded and unloaded equipment, repaired equipment and marched alongside the girls for security at most of their 50 performances/parades per year. John is a 20-year leader with the men’s fraternal organization, The International Order of Odd Fellows, which was instrumental in rebuilding ‘Camp Sunshine,’ the children’s camp the organization sponsors upstate.”

Madeline Tramarin and Donald Bell

“We have known Mr. Woloszczak for many years. He marched in the Queen’s with our daughter, volunteered with the I.O.O.F. and has been a leader with the American Legion and the Warwick Ambulance Corps. The man is tireless and never fails to give a helping hand. He truly loves this community and is the definition of what ‘Citizen of the Year’ should be! You could not find a more deserving candidate.”

Paula and Vern Eaton


“Please add my name to those wishing to nominate John Woloszczak, Jr., as the Citizen of the Year. I worked with him with the Warwick Jaycees, the Warwick Lions Club and the Warwick Community Ambulance Corps. He was always willing to give his time and talent with a smile. He will make an excellent selection.”

Douglas R. Stage



“No person personifies citizenship, compassion, community and involvement more than John. He often prefers to work ‘behind the scenes’ without fanfare, whether helping others with financial issues or not-for-profits with donations or ‘sweat help.’ John is always willing to help others. His spirit, good humor and selflessness deserve not only a ‘thank you’ and pat on the back, but also the recognition of a grateful community. We are proud to nominate John Woloszczak for Citizen of the Year and wholeheartedly support his nomination.”

Brian Tuohy, Noble Grand, and Members, I.O.O.F Lodge 34

“John not only volunteers his time to so many organizations, groups and people, he consistently brings his positive energy, enthusiasm, willingness to help, caring nature, honesty, integrity, patience and smiles to all.” John Woloszczak has worn many hats over the years as a volunteer across so many organizations. He not only commits and gives his time and energy, but he always gives 100% of himself when he’s participating. He always has a smile on his face, a great attitude and a sense of humor. He is so genuine and caring, treating everyone equally. He is very fair, compassionate, fun loving and an honest person.”

Betty Gjertsen