Saugus Founders Day Heroes

Here is a list of the past “Persons of the Year” since the award became a key part of Saugus Founders Day in 1989. In 1993, separate awards were presented to a woman and a man selected for the honor. On two occasions, a husband and wife shared the honor for one of the awards (1999 and 2000). During the 34 years that the award has been presented (Nobody was honored during two years of COVID-19), there have been 66 honorees. Past honorees convene each year before Founders Day to vote on nominations for a new “Woman of the Year” and “Man of the Year.” The plaque is inscribed with this tribute: “In Recognition of Your Dedication to The Town of Saugus. This Award Truly Exemplifies the Outstanding Ideals and Spirit of Our Founding Fathers. THE TOWN OF SAUGUS SALUTES YOU.”

Year – Recipient

1989 – Stanley Day

1990 – William McKinney

1991 – Belden Bly

1992 – Dr. Herb Upton

1993 – Alice Vail & James Virnelli

1994 – Barbara MacKenzie & John Lumsden

1995 – Kathy Blasingame & Edwin “Bucker” Holmes

1996 – Rosemary Degregorio & Clayton Trefry

1997 – Marie Poitras & Rev. Walter Smith

1998 – Therese Nolan & Ken Barnes

1999 – Louise Rossetti & Nancy & Earl Ellis

2000 – Barbara & Ralph Badger & Charles Aftosmes

2001 – Carol Cashman & Dr. Frederick Wagner

2002 – Donna Gould & Rev. Roger Nelson

2003 – Florence Chandler & Norman Hansen

2004 – Ellen Burns & Carmine Moschella

2005 – Janet Leuci & John Burns

2006 – Marilyn Carlson & Richard Barry

2007 – Jean Banks & Bob Davis

2008 – Janice Jarosz & Fred Brooks

2009 – Ann Marie Crowell & Harry Mazman

2010 – Shirley Bogdan & Doug Cooper

2011 – Katie Galenius & Stephen Rich

2012 – Dorothy Amsden & Peter Bogdan

2013 – Margie Berkowitch & Stephen Carlson

2014 – Ann Devlin & Gordon Shepard

2015 – Joyce Rodenhiser & Timothy Hawkes

2016 – Donna Manoogian & Edward Carlson

2017 – Ruth Berg & Robert Long

2018 – Janette Fasano & Peter Manoogian

2019 – Debra Dion-Faust & Randy Briand

2020 – No recipients/event canceled (COVID-19)

2021 – Event held, but no recipients (COVID-19)

2022 – Laura Eisener & Thomas Sheehan

2023 – Gail Cassarino & Jack Klecker

2024 – Mary Dunlop and William Boomhower