The monthly meeting of the March Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association was called to order by President Bob Mattox on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 1:50 pm, in room 150 at the Hall of Justice.
Roll Call of Officers:
President Robert Mattox, Vice President Al Luenow, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees John Centurioni, John Keane, Harold Vance, and Joe Riley were present. Trustee Sally Foster was excused. President Mattox opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of the minutes of the
February 2013 meeting:
A motion made by Reilley, and seconded by Centurioni, to approve the February minutes passed without objection. The minutes were passed with the following correction. Under New Business, to pay Reilley and McDonough for the transition of Secretary in February. A motion was made by Luenow, and seconded by Centurioni.
Receiving Applications for New Members; Suspensions and Reinstatements:
Outgoing Secretary Joe Reilley and Trustee John Keane met with San Francisco Police Academy Class 235 and signed up several members. These members will be accepted after successfully completing their probationary status in the SFPD.
There were no suspensions or reinstatements.
Communications and Bills:
Treasurer Dean Taylor presented the Treasurer’s Report and requested approval of payment of expenses, including approval of two benefit payments. A motion was made by Luenow, and seconded by Vance, to pay the bills and the benefits. The motion passed without objection.
Report of Visiting Committee:
None
Report of Trustees:
The Association received notice of one member death this past month.
John Julian Ruggiero 95 years, a native of San Francisco, a graduate of Galileo High School, star #1414.
John was appointed to the Department as an emergency appointment to the Police Academy on May 1, 1949 at the age of 32. John was then assigned to Co. C on May 16, 1949 and was a permanent appointment on July 5, 1950.
On September 16, 1950, John was assigned to the Co. K Solo Motorcycle Unit where he was reportedly the first officer to ever wear a hard helmet in the history of the Motorycycle Unit of the San Francisco Police Department. John served our department honorably until February 23, 1964 where an on-duty injury forced him into retirement. John received a Department Commendation for his involvement in the arrest of five subjects who Burglarized a theatre.
John’s parents were from the same town of Verbicaro in Italy, near Calabria. They were unaware of their same origin, and later met in San Francisco and married. John had a brother, Joe, who also worked for the SFPD, and a sister, Florence, whose husband was a Daly City Police Officer. John’s niece, Arlene, married Bob Fife, now a retired Captain of the San Francisco Police Department.
John, who worked on the waterfront prior to his SFPD appointment, was a jack-of-all-trades with skill in woodwork, electrical, and automotive repair. John was a big fan of the Giants and 49ers, and is survived by his two daughters.
Report of Special Committee:
None
Unfinished Business:
None
New Business:
A plaque was ordered and will be given to Past President Matt Gardner to honor his year of service. Matt served as our President in 2012, and helped guide our transition toward technology in regard to accounting, and our membership roster.
Treasurer Taylor, Secretary Reilly, Marilyn Hardiman, and part time Asst. Monica Centurioni collaborated to input all our data to our computers.
A letter will be drafted and sent to the representatives of Wells Fargo expressing our thanks and appreciation for their hard work and successful business plan.
Good of the Association:
An invitation was extended to our board, through President Mattox, to attend a business presentation by J.P. Morgan.
Adjournament:
President Mattox set the next meeting for Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 1:45 pm in Room 150 at the Hall of Justice.
A moment of silence was observed for our deceased member. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:45.
Fraternally
Mark J. McDonough, Secretary