Aston names Pinkowicz Citizen of the Year
ASTON » Commissioners on Wednesday night presented a proclamation to longtime township resident Barry Pinkowicz naming him as 2017 Citizen of the Year.
A graduate of Sun Valley High School and the Culinary Institute of America, Pinkowicz has been a member of the Friends of the Chester Creek Branch for 21 years and currently serves as the groups president. He was a driving force behind the construction of the Chester Creek Rail Trail along the Chester Creek.
“Middletown Phase I has become a reality and is a multi-purpose handicapped accessible trail which is a jewel for Delaware County,” said Commissioner Mike Higgins, who read the proclamation. “Barry is currently working with Delaware County and Aston Township on Phase II.”
Pinkowicz has been active with the Boy Scouts of America for 49 years and is currently a committee member/ leader for St. Joseph Church Troop #225, and a member of the National Eagle Scout Association. He has the distinction of being the first Eagle Scout in the history of Troop #225.
Pinkowicz previously served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop #223, Den Leader for Pack #77 and staff member for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.
Over the years Pinkowicz has received various awards for scouting, which include The Jimmy Steward Award for outstanding citizenship, distinguished commissioners award and distinguished leader award, state American Legion Scouter of the Year Award, Prophet Elias Orthodox Award, International Catholic Awareness Award, St,. John Neumann Award and St. George Emblem Award.
Pinkowicz has also coordinated and organized the 911 Memorial ceremony, which takes place in the township, for the past 13 years.
Pinkowicz is a member of the Sons of American Legion Post #926, and volunteers with the Aston Lions Club. He is also a volunteer at the National Fallen Volunteer Firefighter’s Memorial Foundation in Emmitsburg, Md., where he assists grief stricken families cope with the loss of their loved ones.
Pinkowicz was the recipient of the Hometown Hero Award by the Philadelphia Eagles and PECO for his outstanding service to the community and is a member of the Sun Valley High School Distinguished Hall of Fame.
Pinkowicz and his wife Janilyn are parents to their son, Ryan, and he is stepfather to Katie and Tommy.
Pinkowicz will ride in the upcoming Aston Community Day Parade and will be honored during the event on Oct. 7.
“There are a lot of people in this audience who do so much, Pinkowicz said. “To have my name with the other recipients is a great honor. My mother, who will be turning 90, instilled in myself and two brothers the importance of giving back to the community. I am honored and grateful.”