by Mike Sussman
The Greater New York Region recognizes it’s outstanding members by honoring their memory with awards. Most of this biography was done by Bob Valentine who interviewed Artie Finnegan, Jim Graney, and Gene McCoy and all was compiled by Mike Sussman. All of these people brought something to this club, each different, but all the same: their hard work and inspiration made this a better club.
Joe Percoco Award – Best in Show/ Pre War
Awarded to:
1937 Chrysler — Howard Kroplick
Joe Percoco – Did much and donated much to this club. A perfectionist when it came to a restoration. Always willing to give time to others. His cars included a Bantam, Cadillac Dual Cowl Phaeton, but he loved his Auburn boattail speedster. That car is quite a sight, done in Black and Orange (The Pumpkin).
Carl Capasso Award – Best in Show/ Post War
Awarded to:
1970 Chevelle Hank & Ronnie Sarno
Carl Capasso – Owner of a construction equipment repair company. First rate car guy. His family still supports the GNYR.
Joe Kissick Award – Oldest Car
Awarded to:
1903 Olds – Sam Greco
Joe Kissick – Worked hard with his wife Jacquie. Did all aspects of club activities. Did an award winning restoration of a 1924 Willys Knight. Joe also owned a 1902 Orient Buckboard and a 1910 Hupmobile.
Mike Murray Award — Best Original Classic
Awarded to:
1932 Cadillac – Robert Blakeman
Mike Murray – What a character, complete with derby and cigar. Untiring worker, he gave effort and his own money to help print our Newsletter. Worked for the NY Daily News and used his connections to help club publicity. Known for his original 1929 Cadillac Touring
Walter Beatty Award – Fire Engine
Awarded to:
1948 Ward LaFrance – Manhasset Lakeville FD.
Walter Beatty -A founding member of the GNYR. Untiring worker at all aspects of club activities. Very instrumental in getting “HX” license plates in NY. Ex-captain FDNY, started the Fire Museum of NY. Cars-1910 Model T speedster
Hank Parent Award – Station Wagon
Awarded to:
1960 Volvo PV445 – Tony Disauawo
Hank Parent-Past GNYR President 1980- Looked upon for his quite friendly leadership when the existence of the GNYR was in question due to financial problems and lack of involvement. Contributor to the newsletter including car-toons. Along with wife Sophie they worked unselfishly at all our meets. He owned a 1924 Buick Touring and a 1925 Ford T Depot Hack.
Larry Horl- Post War Cadillac
Awarded to:
1960 Cadillac – Joe Mortell
Larry Horl – Hard working GNYR member. GNYR Vice President. Brought the Old Westbury meet into the modern age. Did many award winning restorations, he especially liked his 1955 Caddy Coupe Deville.
Joe Macaluso- Original Packard
Awarded to:
1927 Packard – Primo Fiore
Joe Macaluso – Founding Member, First Director (President), Honored Member, Founding member Antique Truck Club, and Packard Club (L.I. Region). A wealth of information on all types of cars and trucks. Loved Packards. Along with his wife Pat, helped keep the GNYR a family club. When selling any vehicle, he originated the first 5/50 warranty. 5 minutes or 50 feet, which ever came first. Could host a party like no one else. Owned a sizable collection of vehicles.
Harold Pagett – Orphan Car
Awarded to:
1936 Auburn – Jean Paul Ndens
Harold Pagett – A 35 year member, who loved this club so much, he remembered us in his will. He also loved his Studebaker.
Joel Helfenbein – Best Model T
Awarded to:
1915 Ford T – Peter Osmansky
Joel Helfenbein – A large gentle man with a strong moral fiber. His mechanical abilities was only surpassed by his diplomatic skills. Always helped, never said no, and always smiled. Joel and his son Josh did an award winning restoration of a Model T.
Ray Rickenbaugh – Best Original Car
Awarded to:
1922 Reo Speedwagon – Robert Rickenbaugh
Ray Rickenbaugh – Founding member, honored member. Ray and Joe Macaluso came up with the idea of starting a New York Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Ray was active in starting the Antique Truck Club, he worked with handicapped children and the Boy Scouts. Owned many cars and trucks of the pre-war era.
Ross Klein – Best Original Car/ Post War
Awarded to:
1969 Dodge Daytona – Steve Goldsmith
Ross Klein- Best original car/post war-A walking encyclopedia of auto knowledge. GNYR President and board member. AACA judge. Owned many cars, always perfect originals.
John Enright – Best Plymouth
Awarded to:
1950 Plymouth – Jay Satestein
John Enright – Good man to have, always there, one of the Guys. John and Rosemary were always there for us. John passed on way to soon. Always loved and owned nice Plymouths.
Wanda Little – Longest Distance
Awarded to:
1967 Corvette – Joe Lamberti