Avon UNICO Citizen of the Year 2016

AVON, CT -- The Avon Chapter of UNICO is honored to announce that the 2016 Avon UNICO Citizen of the Year Award recipient is John C. Carmon, a community volunteer who in many ways has made Avon a better place to live.

UNICO will present its 19th annual award at Avon Day, Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., on the grounds between Pine Grove and Thompson Brook Schools (rain date Sept. 25). All are invited to attend and there is no admission charge.

UNICO National, the United States’ largest Italian-American service organization, stands for Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity and Opportunity. The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has distinguished himself or herself with unselfish service to the community, and who has helped make Avon a better place in which to live.

Said Greg Van Deusen, a member of UNICO’s Avon Chapter, and Chairman of the Citizen of the Year Award Committee, “The Committee is truly pleased to bestow this award on John. For many years how, he has been one of the most active volunteers in our community, and he has truly made Avon a better place to live.”

John Carmon, president of the Carmon Community Funeral Home on the corner of Country Club Road and West Avon Road, has been involved in important volunteer endeavors in Avon and beyond. His work and friendly enthusiasm has had great impact in big and small ways. In Avon, Mr. Carmon has been president of Avon Dollars for Scholars. He has served as a member of the Prince Thomas of Savoy Italian Society’s scholarship committee, and on the boards of the Avon Chamber of Commerce and the Salvation Army.

Mr. Carmon has impacted Avon by providing support to other neighbors in need. He is past chair and a co-founder of Mary’s Place in Windsor in 1996, which provides grief support to children and families. In September, 2001, as volunteer president of the National Funeral Director’s Association, he helped with the recovery after September 11, 2001 by organizing volunteers who worked two-week shifts in the medical examiner’s office. He also did national media interviews on grief and recovery.

Mr. Carmon has been on mission trips throughout the world to help in areas dealing with tragedy, including to Africa, Haiti, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka. His volunteerism is rooted in his belief in getting involved, and of providing sincere care, concern, and assistance.

Terri Wilson, president of the Avon Historical Society, noted Mr. Carmon’s concern for veterans and active military personnel. When requested, Mr. Carmon offers a service of properly disposing of United States flags that are collected by U.S. veterans and the Boy Scouts.

John Carmon has lived in Avon for thirteen years. He was raised in Windsor, and graduated from Loomis School (now Loomis Chaffee) in Windsor, and the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City. He is a member of the Valley Community Baptist Church. John and his wife Linda, married for 45 years, have four sons and six granddaughters.

Upon being notified of receiving this award, Mr. Carmon noted that “ My dad always said you should not accept awards for doing the things God blessed you the resources or talents to do. I am sure there are many people more deserving of this award but I humbly accept in the spirit that you offer it. Thank you.”

Members of the UNICO Avon Citizen of the Year Award Committee are Chairman Greg Van Deusen, Bob Galiette, Nora Howard, Caroline LaMonica Joe Pavano, and Terri Wilson. Avon’s Chapter of UNICO National is at Box 1442, Avon, Ct. 06001, and www.avonunico.org. UNICO supports local scholarships, and organizations such as the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and the Wounded Warrior Project through local fundraising events.

Information about Avon Day: contact Laurie Carlson at LCARLSON@town.avon.ct.us or 860-673-6151.

AVON UNICO CITIZEN of the YEAR PAST RECIPIENTS

Stephen Gaffney Judge of Probate (1998)

Dr. Lothar Candels Pediatrician and Fisher Meadows volunteer (1999)

James Martino Chief of Police (2000)

Mary Frances MacKie Avon historian (2001)

Richard Hines Town Council Chair (2002)

Donald B. Studley VFW 3272 Post Commander (2003)

Hank Frey Realtor and volunteer (2004)

Herb Pandiscio School Superintendent; chair, Avon 175th Anniversary (2005)

Arthur and Patricia Hennig Avon Soccer Co-Founders (2006)

Dan Widing Special Olympics volunteer (2007), and

Mark Nolan Former Pine Grove School principal (2007)

John Anthony O’Neill Volunteer and collector of Avon history (2008)

William Goralski Historian and author (2009)

Carl Candels Collector of Avon Memorabilia & Avon booster (2010)

Robert H. Breckenridge, Jr. Avon Land Trust member (2011)

Diane Hornaday Chair, Avon Free Public Library Building Committee (2012)

Len Del Gallo, Sr., Chair, Avon Day. (Posthumous Award, 2013)

Mary Harrop Natural Resources Committee long-time member, election volunteer, Avon Historical Society member. (2014)

William (Bill) Newman Gildo T. Consolini VFW Post #3272 past commander

and volunteer on behalf of veterans.