Chamber honors John Trunzo, Village of Youngstown Citizen of the Year

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, April 23, 2005

As the days approach for the Lower Niagara River region Chamber of Commerce Gala, Saturday, June 4 at the Niagara Falls Country Club, the Chamber continues its profiles of the 2005 honorees. In today’s Sentinel, we take a look at John Trunzo, recipient of the 2005 Youngstown Citizen of the Year honor.

by Sandy Hays-Mies
Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce

Mayor Neil Riordan and the Village of Youngstown have selected John Trunzo as Youngstown’s 2005 Citizen of the Year. As chairman of the Youngstown Recreation Commission, John completely designed, coordinated and chaired the revitalization of Falkner Park. In less than two years, under his driving initiatives, beautiful new brick pathways, historic period lighting, memorial trees, floral plantings, new playground equipment, picnic pavilions and memorial benches were all added for the enjoyment of the community. In this now beautiful park setting, terrific band concerts are held every Friday night in the summer, and the park is home to one of our area’s most complete and enjoyable children’s programs offered five days a week during the summer months. Youngstown Benefits
		John Trunzo, Village of Youngstown Citizen of the Year.

John spent his entire working career as an engineer, learning everything there was to know about the profession. He now spends his retirement, sharing his knowledge for the benefit of the Village of Youngstown and other organizations.

A native of Niagara Falls, John graduated from Trott Vocational High School. He went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University at Buffalo and later in life, in 1983, the West Virginia Institute of Technology awarded him with an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree. Even with such a prestigious honor on his resume, he is still a very humble man.

He and his wife, Mary Frances (Lozinsky) first moved to Lewiston in 1953. His career with Union Carbide (Ferra Alloid Division) and eventually with Elkem, took them away from the River Region for several years at a time but when he decided to retire, he knew that he wanted to return to Youngstown.

Rewarding Career

His career was long and rewarding. He started out as an engineering clerk for Union Carbide and retired as the president of Elkem Metals U.S., Ferra Alloys Operation, where he was appointed chairman of the board of Elkem Metals, Canada. During the span of his career, he held various engineering positions such as designer, estimator, construction engineer, superintendent of engineering and eminence and chief project engineer. All of these jobs have prepared him for his volunteer work.

He contributes knowledge from his acquired skills to assist Mayor Riordan and the Village of Youngstown with many projects. He and Mayor Riordan developed the War Memorial at Veterans Park. Using a preliminary design by Wendall Engineers developed in early 1990, John modified the plans.

Village Projects

He also helped the village re-engineer Second Street and he engineered the basketball courts at Veterans Park.

He says that his biggest reward for his volunteer efforts is when he goes to the park and sees the children completely engaged in all the park has to offer.

And he is quick to point out that his work isn’t done. He is excited about the prospect of building a band shell in Falkner Park.

John has been an active member of the community and has contributed countless hours of pro bono work for the Niagara Falls Country Club.

John and Mary Frances have three children. Jim lives on the West Coast, Sharon lives in Pittsburgh and Robert is the ice president of operations for the Modern Corporation.

Mayor Neil Riordan said, “John is our best and most expert volunteer and such a hard working consultant. I am simply proud to be his friend and his workmate.”