Mount Calvary Cemetery Group announces employee awards

Mount Calvary Cemetery Group recently presented its 2018 Employee Awards. These include Outstanding Performance, Idea of the Year, Safety, and Customer Service, along with one Longevity Award. 

Mount Calvary has a record of employee loyalty. While only one award was presented in 2018 for years of service, two other employee awards (Outstanding Performance and Gregg Fronzak Award) combined to represent 99 years of service to the cemetery.

Outstanding Performance award was given to lead horticulturist Ralph Evert.  He directs the cemetery’s maintenance programs overseeing 365 acres of Mount Calvary’s five properties. This encompasses overall planting design to details of weed control. The 29-year Mount Calvary employee lives in Wheatfield.

Larry Durenbeck was recognized for his 35 years of service. He has been a member of the Grounds Maintenance Department for most of his Mount Calvary career. He is the point person for all service requests regarding grave repair as well as equipment associated with burial sites. Durenbeck lives in West Seneca.

The Idea of the Year came from new employee Timothy Simmance.  His previous cemetery industry experience, especially with foundation and grave preparation, enabled him to bring innovative methods enhancing Mount Calvary’s position as the area’s premier cemetery. He is a resident of Kenmore.

Douglas Stanley can be called fanatical about safety, and so was presented the Safety Award. As a mechanic, he ensures that all the equipment is properly working and all safety measures are in place. He focuses on looking for small issues that could become large problems and on personnel operator safety. Stanley was previously an Idea of the Year winner after finding innovative ways to reduce mechanical wear and tear and equipment costs. He lives in Cheektowaga.

The Gregg Fronzak Award was created several years ago in recognition of outstanding customer service.  It is only presented when an exceptional employee goes above and beyond what is expected.  James Wild, the 34-year Mount Calvary veteran, always looks for additional ways to assist families the cemetery serves.  He is a problem solver not willing to take “can’t be done” as an answer.  Wild’s responsibilities include caring for eight mausoleum buildings and immediate surrounding grounds. He also spearheads the cemeteries floral programs.  The worth ethic of this Cheektowaga resident led to his being awarded the Fronzak Award.

Founded in 1859, Mount Calvary Cemetery Group is a corporation of five cemetery properties including Mount Calvary Cemetery, United German & French Roman Catholic, Buffalo Cemetery, Ridge Lawn Cemetery and Pine Lawn Gardens in Cheektowaga. The cemetery strives to provide for the remembrance of lives; each in its own unique and meaningful manner.