Restaurant manager honored for community service

The Canastota Alumni Association has chosen Gary M. DiGeorge to receive the 2017 Special Recognition Award for his success as a restaurant business manager and for his continuous interest in the community.

DiGeorge graduated from Canastota Central Schools in 1976 where he participated in baseball, basketball and bowling. During his school years, he worked part-time in his Uncle John DiGeorge’s produce stand.

Following graduation, DiGeorge continued to operate the produce stand, first leasing, and then purchasing this business; working in partnership with his Uncle John’s two children until the late 1990s. He also leased and operated the concession stand at the Little League Field for many years. During this time he began working at the Rusty Rail Party House in Canastota, performing various duties wherever he was needed. This experience, his ability to be creative, plus his organizational skills accompanied with the understanding of the procedures needed to provide excellent banquet service, led him to be promoted to business manager by 1998.

In December 2017, DiGeorge will celebrate 30 years as an employee of the Rusty Rail. His knowledge of the restaurant business has ensured the success of this establishment. DiGeorge can be described as a “Jack-of-all-Trades.” His duties and talents are many, including acquiring bookings, proper dining room set-up, overseeing food preparation, working on the sound system and lighting when needed, as well as catering outside events. He works diligently to provide the needs of his customers for their special occasions and takes pride in seeing his friends and customers satisfied. DiGeorge spends time decorating the entire establishment at Christmas and other appropriate times. His managerial skills allow him to book two, three and sometimes four events in one day and include weddings, class and alumni reunions, dinner theater performances, sports events, community and service club events and others too numerous to mention. He takes pride in his work and strives to make all who book these events satisfied customers.

DiGeorge has been a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame since its beginning and has always been an active participant in the many activities and needs of this organization. His dedication, interest and involvement in Section III athletics earned him the Section III CNY Athletics Award in the year 2008. In 2009 and again in 2010, he received the Rotary Award for Service and Participation and was the recipient of the Canastota Lions Club’s Roger J. Uplinger Award for Service in 2015.

Di George has been a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame since its beginning and has always been an active participant in the many activities and needs of this organization.

DiGeorge