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Graduates of Distinction Profiles

2020: Charles Kreplin

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1949
  • Patriot
  • Public Servant
  • Veteran
  • U.S. Marine Corp, 1951-53

A true serviceman to his country, his community, and our school district. Answering a call to service in 1951, Charles “Charlie” Kreplin proudly joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.

Recognized by his local community as Fireman of the Year, Red Cross Hero and well-known volunteer, Charlie has had a profound impact on his neighbors. As a lifelong resident, he was a 50-year member of Weedsport Fire Department, a member of the Cayuga County Fireman’s Association, a commander of the Clark-Heck American Legion Post #568, and a Little League and Babe Ruth coach. Caretaker for St. Joseph’s Cemetery, member of Old Brutus Historical Society and a member of the Weedsport Presbyterian Church for close to 60 years, he further spread roots in the community.

A well-known face around Weedsport, Charlie could be found driving a school bus, reassuring a parent that their child would be fine on their first day of school, helping to clear a fallen tree for his church, or marching in the Memorial Day parade while proudly representing the Marines. A common sentiment around the community: “he was always there if you needed help.” 

2020: Joseph Marshall

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1953
  • Patriot
  • Developer
  • Legislator
  • A.D. from Alfred State College, 1955
  • Army Reserve, 1955-61

A public servant in all aspects of his life. After attending college, Joseph Marshall served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1955-61. Started his long career in Weedsport working with his father and uncle in the family construction business. Self-employed for 30 years, helped build numerous houses in Weedsport and the surrounding areas.

Joseph was elected as the youngest ever Cayuga County legislator in 1972, and in 1985 was elected as Cayuga County clerk, where he was later awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award. Held state office for both the Masons and the Eastern Stars. Subsequently became chairman of the Cayuga County Legislature and the New York State County Clerks Association. In those positions, he gained a reputation of being accessible, accountable and dedicated to members of the community.

Boasting a wide-ranging career, Joseph held the title of president of Weedsport Fire Department, vice president of the Brutus Historical Society, president of Weedsport Alumni Association, member of Weedsport Masonic Lodge, officer of the Auburn Shrine Club and member of Brutus Easter Star Chapter #86.

2019: Ezio Leonardi

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1955
  • Businessman                     
  • Innovator                    
  • Public Servant

Began running Leonardi Manufacturing Company, Incorporated, a company founded in 1945 by his father Salvatore, in 1959 while still enrolled in college. An innovator and visionary who brought the business into the 21st century by expanding the scope of the family manufacturing operation beyond its small town roots. Leonardi Manufacturing Company, Incorporated originally made frames for women’s handbags and through Ezio’s business acumen and engineering leadership it blossomed into a company of wide-ranging impact. Leonardi manufactured products have flown on NASA Space Shuttle missions, been used in Hollywood movies, and the company also manufactured the blades for an American Olympic gold medalist skater. Leonardi Manufacturing Company, Incorporated evolved into a dependable manufacturing enterprise providing custom contract manufacturing and ranked among the leaders in tree care industry products and innovations.

An exemplar for commitment and work ethic, Ezio worked for more than six decades for a business that provided the members of the community with an opportunity to earn a living and served as a source of pride and respect for Weedsport.

Observable, consistent demonstration of fidelity to the Weedsport community further evidenced by the varied public service roles he embraced throughout his lifetime – Little League coach, St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery Committee member, Old Brutus Historical Society Board member, and Village Board Trustee and Deputy Mayor (1968-1972).

2018: Phyllis Tierney

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1957
  • Human Rights Activist
  • Advocate
  • Humanitarian
  • B.A. from Nazareth College, 1962; M. A. from Nazareth College, 1968; M.S.W. from SUNY at Albany, 1988

After her formal education and upon answering God’s call to become a Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Phyllis became involved in teaching, in counseling, in human services, and in the areas of peace and justice. Her life service to others went beyond the education of students with special needs and social work in the American communities in which she resided. As Coordinator of her Congregation’s Justice & Peace Ministry, she engaged in fundraising activities for a school in Haiti and used her experiences in a family shelter near the Mexican border. Additionally, in a fact-finding trip to Honduras she called attention to government abuses and other forms of terror suffered by persons forced to leave their countries because of violence.

While she graciously performed the work without consideration of benefit or comfort for herself, her work did not go unnoticed. In 1981 she was recognized by the American Red Cross for her Distinguished Achievement in Volunteer Administration. In 2013 she was nominated by her Sisters for a “Faith in Action Award” given through the Rochester Community of Churches.

Sister Phyllis exemplified a lifetime of giving for her national and international contributions to humanity.

2018: Robert Dennis Randall

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1957
  • Author
  • Historian
  • Public Servant

A man who demonstrated a lifelong dedication to his beloved community of Weedsport emanating from his love for, loyalty to, and civic leadership of. Such manifested itself through word – written and verbal – and deed.
 
Denny spent 20 years associated with the Old Brutus Historical Society serving as its President for two years. Beyond his service as a local museum curator, he was a journalist whose written work about the history of Weedsport served as valuable educational articles and appeared in local news publications monthly for 15 plus years.

He volunteered for the Weedsport Fire Department for 29 years and his experience in firefighting dovetailed nicely with his love for history and strength as a writer. He was selected to be the curator for the American Museum of Fire Fighting in Hudson, NY. His experience as a curator in this capacity served as a basis for the book he authored – American Museum of Firefighting.

In the end, the predominant theme of his life is his dedication to Weedsport as he volunteered at the local food pantry, worked at the Weedsport Rural Cemetery, and was a member of the Board for the Alumni Association. Bestowed as the President for the Class of 1957 for perpetuity by his classmates– a worthy honor befitting one of Weedsport’s finest.

2017: General Marty Lind

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1949
  • Patriot
  • General
  • Leader
  • B.S. Clarkson College, 1953; Infantry Officer Advance Course, 1961; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 1972; U.S. Army, 1953-1991

General Lind served his country in the Army service branch for over 35 years (1953-1991). Following his Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC) start to his military career, General Lind served in the Korean conflict (1955-1956). After being released from active duty and serving in the Army Reserve for two years, General Lind joined the New York Army National Guard.

From 1961 to 1991 General Lind was assigned to numerous positions of leadership within the New York Army National Guard. Promotions of rank and ever increasing responsibilities in leadership roles defined his decades of service to his country. On December 18, 1987, Lind was promoted to Major General. In June of 1989 Lind was appointed as Commander, 42nd Infantry Division leading a unit of 15,000 soldiers. Major General Lind retired on July 7, 1991.

The Distinguished Service Medal – a military award presented to a member of the Army service branch for meritorious service in the government in a duty of great responsibility – was presented to General Lind in 1991. It is the highest award bestowed an individual for non-combat actions.

2016: John E. Lamphere

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1972
  • Public Servant
  • Educator
  • Historian
  • A.A.S. from Auburn Community College, 1974; B.A. from SUNY College at Oswego, 1976; NY State Regional Police Academy, 1976; NY State Fire
    Academy, 1986; and M.S. from Marist College, 2001

Fourth generation police officer from one of the oldest families in Weedsport as the Lampheres established roots in the Weedsport community in 1787. He began his career in law enforcement with the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department in 1977 serving as a deputy and rose through the ranks to be named the first ever Chief Deputy. Before retiring in 2003, he earned the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department Deputy of the Year in 1994. He also worked as the Officer in Charge for the Weedsport Police Department from 1976 – 1990. His public service additionally involved being a lifetime member of the Weedsport Fire Department and a member of the Old Brutus Historical Society.

Started adjunct work at Cayuga Community College in 1991 teaching Criminal Justice and American History. As his law enforcement career drew to a close, he expanded his work as a professor to full-time status in 2003. As a professor, he was bestowed the Cayuga Community College Outstanding Educator Award in 1996, 2007, 2008, and 2009. In 2014, John was named Vice-President for Cayuga Community College in charge of the Fulton campus. John’s passion for American history focuses primarily on the Civil War. While he is a collector of over 500 Civil War books and a contributing author for over 10 Civil War themed books, he is most knowledgeable about the Battle of Gettysburg. He often speaks locally to groups and organizations regarding Gettysburg and has been conducting 2-3 tours each year of Gettysburg for nearly 20 years.

2015: Charles A. Cusick

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1930
  • Attorney
  • Veteran
  • Legislator
  • LL.M & LL.D from Georgetown College and Georgetown Law School, 1937; U.S. Army, 1942-1945

A man of remarkable reputation, a conscientious legislator, and a dedicated public servant. After opening a law practice in 1937 with offices in Auburn and Weedsport and following a stint in the U.S. Army during WWII as a Judge Advocate General in the European Theater with the Counter Intelligence Corps, Charles was elected to the NY State Assembly in 1946. Charles was an astute politician whom was re-elected in each successive Assembly election before retiring in 1961. During his 14 years in Albany he was generally recognized as part of the small coterie that dominated the Assembly. He was the first Cayuga County legislator ever selected to the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee – one of the most powerful committees in the Assembly – while also serving on the equally powerful Banks Committee as its Chairman. He further used his political influence and persuasive abilities to have a Thruway interchange positioned at Weedsport.

Admired and respected for what he was as a man and for what he represented – advancing the cause of good government in New York State. The people of Weedsport, Cayuga County, and New York State greatly benefited from his contributions.

2014: Norman B. Riley

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1945
  • Farmer
  • Historian
  • Artisan

In 1945, Norman Riley went into a farming partnership with his brother and father. They owned the Webster Farm in Sennett, a 400 acre operation that was considered one of the best farms in Cayuga County. After 34 years of dairy farming he retired in 1979.

His experience as a farmer proved to be the foundation for his historical and artisan pursuits. From the land he worked on, he gathered rocks and mineral samples as well as flint arrowheads tracing back to the Native Americans. Given his knowledge of farm machinery, Norm handcrafted models of such from wood. The more than 300 wooden model collection was both a work of art and a snapshot of history earning him recognition locally in countless periodicals and nationally in The Saturday Evening Post. The locally renowned collection is displayed at the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum. Finally, his influential role as curator, tour guide, consultant, and historian for the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum & Dr. Joseph F. Karpinski, Sr. Educational Center contributed to the museum becoming one of Auburn’s major attractions.

A member of the Weedsport Performing Arts Hall of Fame, Norm was a 20 year member of The Harmony Blenders, a barbershop quartet, and the Choir Director for Sennett Federated Church for over 30 years.

2013: LaVerne F. Wallace

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1954
  • Designer
  • Engineer
  • Inventor
  • A.A.S. from Auburn Community College, 1956; B.M.E. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1958

An engineer whose career in the field of experimental stress analysis enabled him to contribute to the safety and well-being of others. Solutions to failing structures or machinery required accurate analysis, insight, and creative design solutions, i.e., subway cars de- railing in Boston, falling luminaries on the Tri-Borough Bridge, vibration problems with diesel engines on new container ships of the Swedish Johnson Line. Co-founder of Sensing Systems Corporation to advance such work.

Important design innovations include: rocket engine test stands at China Lake, CA; a weight and center of gravity system for Kodak space equipment, on which he holds two patents; finger tip sensors that enable a robotic hand to have full human feeling and capability, featured on a National Geographic cover. His work has taken him far from the lab: to Pakistan’s Indus River and the largest earthen dam ever built, to the North Sea to install safety instrumentation on a salvage barge, and across North America, to test the structural integrity of nuclear power plants.

Heavily involved in community and church, he was active in Scouting, Habitat for Humanity, and on the local, district, and conference levels of the United Methodist Church. His life and work have been meaningful and fulfilling.

2012: Theodore J. Marshall

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1960
  • Entrepreneur               
  • Community Advocate                     
  • Public Servant

Trailblazing entrepreneur whose astute business acumen catapulted him to be widely recognized as one of the finest businessmen in the area. Over a forty year time period Ted developed a string of motels including Best Western Marshall Manor and Port 40 Motel, opened nineteen Pit Stop convenience stores, started Patriot Tank Lines to haul petroleum and propane products, acquired ownership of a home heating company and developed it into E & V Energy, and pursued the use of solar, geo-thermal, and wind energies through the Marshall-owned company of Pyrus Energy. Marshall Companies, spearheaded by Ted through his vision, became a multi-million dollar enterprise employing many within the community for the benefit of the community. By withstanding opportunities to relocate base operations for the business, Ted’s commitment to Weedsport is laudable and commendable. The service to the community on Ted’s part extended beyond business. He was a Village of Weedsport Trustee (1976 – 1980), a member of the Weedsport Volunteer Fire Department (1960’s – 1970’s), the Best Western Governor for the New York region (1979 – 1993), and on the Board of Directors for Lyons Bank. An exemplar leader with dollar sense and civic- mindedness.

2011: Deborah Kinney Weymouth

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1975
  • Hospital Executive
  • Athlete/Coach
  • Bank Executive
  • B.S. from Springfield College, Springfield, MA, 1979 M.B.A. from Thunderbird Global Management School in Phoenix, AZ, 1984

Deborah Kinney Weymouth possesses an extensive track record of achievements in healthcare, banking, and competitive swimming/coaching. While in Weedsport she was featured in Sport Illustrated in 1975 as the first female to be named to the Boys’ Finger Lakes All-League Swimming Team. Later, as a member of the Springfield College swim team, she earned 8 NCAA All-American honors. Shortly thereafter, she was admitted to the prestigious Thunderbird Global Management School, in Phoenix AZ. where she earned an MBA degree with honors in International Finance. Armed with the business skills learned at Thunderbird, Deborah set forth on a highly successful career that would include senior positions at two money center banks located in Phoenix, AZ, Los Angeles, CA and Rochester, NY and later, two different healthcare networks, one located in Canandaigua, NY and another in New Milford, CT. She was the first woman to lead the Connecticut hospital in its nearly century old existence. Her experience and eloquence afforded her the opportunity to emerge as a national speaker on management of quality and process improvement in healthcare.

She founded and led the Canandaigua Aquatics YMCA swim team for over 20 years. The program produced 4 swimmers achieving YMCA All-American status and over 100 New York State YMCA champions. Deborah is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, an Athena Award Winner, the 2008 Rochester Business Journal Financial Executive of the Year, recipient of the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce Youth Development Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. Deborah is the daughter of long-time Weedsport residents, Fred and Nellie Kinney.

2011: Donald G. Atkins

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1937
  • Patriot
  • Veteran
  • Businessman
  • U.S. Army, 1937 – 1968; Graduate of Army Command and Staff College, 1968

Donald G. Atkins enlisted and served in the United States Army from 1937 – 1968. He was active as an officer in World War II serving in the Africa, Italy, and Germany campaigns in the Seventh Army. He remained in the Army, serving as the Brigade Commander in Syracuse, until his retirement in 1968. He obtained the rank of Colonel.

He symbolized dedication to family and service organizations. Along with his wife of 54 years, he raised five children who all graduated from Weedsport Central School District. He belonged to the Clark – Heck American Legion Post #568 of Weedsport and the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Additionally, Donald Atkins was a successful businessman as he built the Village Diner which he owned and operated from 1955 – 1964. Thereafter, he owned and operated Weedsport Auto Sales and Mobile Homes from 1970 – 1982.

2010: Dwight Ambrose Goodwin

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1931
  • Public Servant
  • Veteran
  • Businessman

Dwight “Doc” Goodwin’s service to the public began in 1934 upon becoming a member of the Weedsport Fire Department. Served for 60 years in such capacities as Vice-President, President, Captain, Lieutenant, and Assistant Chief. Charter member of the First Aid and Rescue Squad (1934). Twice was runner-up as New York State Fireman of the Year and known as “Mr. Fireman” in Weedsport. Served his country during WWII (1941 – 1945) in the US Army as a medic. Member and Commander of the Clark-Heck American Legion Post #568 of Weedsport.

Founding member of the Old Brutus Historical Society, 1967, serving as President of the organization. Trustee and President of the Weedsport Free Library Board. Concern for well- being of children through involvement and advocacy for learners with special needs and long time work with the Cayuga County Boy Scout Council.

Had the foresight to purchase land for and build a motel, the Port 40 Motel, to coincide with the opening of the Thruway exit at Weedsport.

2010: Robert O. Jorolemon

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1967
  • Public Servant
  • Veteran
  • Businessman

Lifelong display of sense of volunteerism began with his service to his country. As a member of the Marine Corps from 1968-1970, he had a 13 month tour of  duty in Vietnam. As a veteran, he was a member and Commander of the Clark Heck American Legion Post #568 of Weedsport and a contributing member to the effort for the creation of the Town of Brutus Veterans Memorial.

Exemplified commitment to the Weedsport community as a member and chairman of the Baptist Church Board of Trustees, a long time supporter of the local Boy Scout troop, and staunch advocate of the Boys’ State program. Member and president of the Lions Club and was recognized for his service to the community earning the Lions Club International President’s Award (1994), the Lions Club Past District Governor’s Memorial Award (1997) and the Lions Club Community Service Award (2007).

Partner in the family business that originated in 1937 – Otis Jorolemon & Sons – serving local farms and agricultural interests. Named Weedsport Area Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year (1996).

2009: David E. Coyle

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1934
  • Municipal Leader
  • Public Servant
  • Veteran

Quality leader whose concerned, community interest propelled him to serve as Weedsport Village Mayor for 18 years and Supervisor for the Town of Brutus for 17 years. During his leadership, the greater Weedsport community benefited as he facilitated the implementation of its storm water and sewage system, the construction of municipal and highway department buildings, and the water transmission from Owasco Lake through Sennett to Weedsport. He also advised on the construction of St. Joseph’s Church, Weedsport Jr. – Sr. High School, and the renovation of the Centerport Aqueduct Park. Further honors include delivering a keynote address at the ceremony to highlight the opening of the Weedsport Thruway exit and having Coyle Road named after him.

Long standing dedication to the public serving his country during WWII (1941-1945) in the US Army, as a member of the Weedsport Fire Department for 19 years, including his participation as an original member of the organization’s First Aid Squad, as a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s parish, as a 15-year member of the Old Brutus Historical Society, and as a lifetime member of the Clark Heck American Legion Post.

2009: Edward J. Gleason

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1973
  • Leader
  • Serviceman
  • Patriot
  • B.S. from University at Albany – SUNY, 1977; M.B.A. from New York University, 1986; U.S. Coast Guard, 1978-1999

He served for over 30 years in a number of military and public safety roles in support of our nation and our nation’s communities. As a commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard, he served with distinction from the polar regions to the Great Lakes. His efforts laid the groundwork for passage of the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996 which strengthened the airline response to the families of airline crash victims. As Commander, Coast Guard Group Milwaukee, his units conducted over 4,000 search and rescue cases, facilitated the flow of commerce, and executed law enforcement operations to stem illicit activity.

At the conclusion of his highly decorated Coast Guard career, he was appointed to serve as Director of Wisconsin Emergency Management. Following September 11, 2001, he served as Wisconsin’s first Homeland Security Advisor. Thereafter, his work in support of our nation continued through his service as a Department of Homeland Security Protective Security Advisor working to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure.

2008: Robert H. Ward

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1948
  • Businessman
  • Community Activist
  • Civic Leader
  • B.S. Cornell University, ROTC, 1948-1952; U.S. Army, Korea, 1st Lt., 1952 – 1954

Outstanding 41-year career as local insurance man. Partner in Howe Insurance Agency for 16 years and sole owner of Howe – Ward Agency for 25 years. Served on Board of Directors, as board member and president, for Cayuga County Patrons Fire Relief Association. Served as Director of Midstate Mutual Insurance Company. Reputation for impeccable character and was recognized as Business Person of the Year in 1994 by the Weedsport Area Chamber of Commerce.

Firm belief in family, church, and community. Served in leadership capacity for many local agencies – Weedsport Baptist Church, Weedsport Alumni Association, Old Brutus Historical Society, and Town of Brutus. Stellar civic reputation. Member of Weedsport Masonic Lodge, received its Distinguished Service Apron in 2002; Member and president of Weedsport Lions Club with perfect attendance for 54 years, District Governor for Lions Club, received prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship from Weedsport Lions Club in 1995.

2008: Ella Joyce Schoonmaker

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1933
  • Artist
  • Learning Resource
  • Historian

Incalculable contribution to the arts in Weedsport and local communities. Painted murals for the Weedsport schools, local theater groups, and a local church, 1970’s – 1980’s. Designed the class ring logo and school logo, 1932. Galleried artist whose exhibits showcased her talent in watercolors and oils. Taught art classes to children and adults advocating that all “see and share the beauty all around us.”

Reputation for unfailing support of literacy. Influential in supporting the village public library as librarian and establishing it as an integral part of the community. Long time elementary school library aide dedicated to aiding the struggling reader. Founding member of the Old Brutus Historical Society, 1967. Service as an officer and active member was essential to ensuring that the local community’s history would be preserved. Modeled the notion that a good life does not have to consist solely of the pursuit of money, but rather the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

2007: Paul D. Parkman, M.D.

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1950
  • Physician
  • Author
  • Humanitarian
  • B.S. from St. Lawrence University, M.D. from the State University of New York College of Medicine, military service at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, D.C.

Paul D. Parkman, M.D. was the first to isolate rubella virus and develop a reliable test for rubella immunity. In 1965, he also developed and tested the first successful rubella vaccine. Wide use of rubella vaccines since 1969 has eliminated both epidemic and endemic rubella and their resulting birth defects from the United States. Dr. Parkman authored more than ninety scientific papers during his 30 year career in federal service in Washington, D.C., first at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and then at the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration.

2007: R. Daniel Soules

  • Weedsport Central School District Graduate 1974
  • Entrepreneur
  • Self-Made Man
  • Philanthropist
  • A.S. Cayuga Community College

Owner, partner, and an executive of numerous companies involved in real estate holdings, both commercial and residential, and restaurants. Over a three decade period, the local businessman expanded his business opportunities beyond Cayuga County to extend into states on the East Coast while still maintaining a base operation locally involving the ownership and management of commercial retail property, professional office space, restaurants, and golf course management. Model for diligence and perseverance throughout his career.

As a philanthropist, his companies, under his stewardship, have donated millions of dollars to charities, non-profit organizations, and community programs and have spearheaded fund raising efforts for such notable programs as Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.