Don Genovesi - Fifty Years and Many More to Come . . .

Don Genovesi strolls into The Gathering restaurant in Manchester like a king in his court.  He knows everyone and greets people with such a genuine smile and pat on the back -- you know he’s the kind of man you’d like to have on your side, in your golf foursome, or in your Rotary Club.

The life-long resident of Manchester graduated from UCONN in 1954, served in the Army, ran his own business, served on the State Legislature and, on February 1st celebrated a half-century as a member of the Manchester Rotary Club.  Don will tell you, with a chuckle, “no one invaded Springfield, Massachusetts” where he was stationed in the Army.  

His friendly demeanor and easy going style has been his character all of his life.  A loving husband for 52 years to Mary Genovesi, he is also a great father to their three daughters and now enjoys the pleasure of grandchildren as well.

Don is a Paul Harris Fellow, an honor bestowed on club members for various reasons, but most commonly because of their generous financial support. His years with the Club saw him serve as Club President and in various leadership roles, giving his time and talents to all of the fundraising and program activities.  

An annual fundraiser for the Club is to walk – or run – the Manchester Road Race.    At age 82, Don may have been one of the oldest participants in the 2013 event, the funds for which purchase milk to be distributed to families through the local food pantry.

He remembers, ‘back in the day’ when there were no women in Rotary, and as a legislator he received some ‘meeting flexibility”, given his busy schedule. Rotarians are requested to attend weekly meetings, and can make up absences at other clubs in the area.  But Don, like many of the Manchester club, spends a lot of time in warmer states during the winter months, so, those “make up” meetings are often held in places like Naples and Clearwater, Florida.

The Rotary Club of Manchester has evolved over his 50 years, with women in membership and leadership roles, with different kinds of fundraising and many ways to serve the community and the world through the multi-national organization.  But Clubs, like Manchester, exist because of people like Don Genovesi - his hard work, his character, his good will and his “Service, Above Self” attitude.  

Congratulations Don, and we’ll see you on the golf and race course!