The Hall of Fame honors Club alumni who model our mission as productive, responsible and caring individuals. This includes past and present Club supporters who have played a vital role in the history, growth, and development of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.
Dan Healy is the owner-president and funeral director of Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center. He has been a neighbor to the Club for nearly 45 years. While he isn’t an alum himself, his children attended Camp Foster – BGCM’s summer day camp in Bedford; and he has witnessed thousands of families walk through the doors of the Club. He has been an advocate for children, public education, and the community for more than four decades, and we are grateful for his friendship.
Ron Covey has dedicated decades of service to the Club. First as a volunteer, then a Board Member, now a Trustee, and always a dear friend. Ron served on the BGCM Board of Directors for 12 years and was President of the Board from 1998-2000. Following his time on the Board, Ron became the President/CEO of St. Mary’s Bank where he continued to be an advocate for children in our community. Now retired, Ron enjoys spending time with his family, and attending Club events and activities.
Rich Webber joined the Club as a teen. He spent most of his time playing basketball and found the Club to be a second home for him. Following high school graduation, Rich stepped into the role of Coach for our Club’s basketball team, which he coached for several years. Today, Rich is co-owner of Goldenrod Restaurant in Manchester and remains connected to the Club by sponsoring our CYO basketball team. He also hires many Club teens to work at the restaurant so he can mentor them, just as he was mentored at the Club.
Shirley Tomlinson grew up at BGCM and was a leader to her peers. She was named BGCM’s Young Women of the Year twice, created her own leadership program called Gemstones – which is still active, and participated in Keystone. As an alumna, Shirley volunteered at the Club as a Keystone co-advisor, and eventually was hired to be the Teen Director. Shirley was a difference-maker, a role model, and a source of hope to the Club’s members. Today, Shirley holds the position of Community Engagement & Outreach Specialist at the Office of Health & Equity at New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services, while still dedicating time to her family and the Club.
Catherine Kabala is a BGCM alum, a Club volunteer, and a former staff member. In 2010, Catherine was named BGCM’s Youth of the Year. Catherine currently works as a counselor at Central High School.
Jocelyn is a BGCM alum, a Club volunteer, and a former staff member, as well as our 1998 Youth of the Year. Each year Jocelyn honors her parents with a scholarship for BGCM graduates. Jocelyn currently works at MyTurn as the Director of Development and Finance
Ann Pappas was a long-time staff member who took pride in her kitchen and was the first to prepare breakfast and dinners for all members of the Club. She was loved by everyone who had the privilege to meet her. Ann was inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously.
Brian Tremblay is a pillar of the Manchester community and a former staff member of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. Brian dedicated over 40 years of outstanding service to the Club throughout his career here. His great work has incredibly impacted the lives of the Club’s members, staff, and the community. Brian continues to be a fantastic mentor and friend to many and is an unwavering supporter of BGCM’s mission.
Florence Glaude was inducted posthumously, honoring her legacy. Florence was a dedicated member of the Muchachos, a group that delivered numerous award-winning musical performances throughout NH over the years. She was also a beloved BGCM staff member who impacted many lives during her career at the Club, creating many fond memories of her interactions with members at the front desk.
Steve Tanner was a dedicated member of the Muchachos group. Steve is a Boys & Girls Club of Manchester alumnus and has been a longstanding trusted consultant for the IT department. Steve continues to work closely with Club staff to ensure that their technology and systems always function at their best. His dedication over the years has been outstanding.
The Girls Club empowered the young women of Manchester for more than 80 years (1901-1983) with a variety of enrichment programs at their Chestnut and Manchester Street facilities. At the core of their existence, were the caring and dedicated staff members such as long-time executive director Helen Closson. Today, continuing the tradition of empowering young female leaders is Girls Inc. of New Hampshire.
Arthur Pappas is a 1975 graduate of UNH Durham and Boys Club alumnus who has always had a love of sports, including tennis, baseball, and basketball. Arthur is the third generation to own and operate the Puritan Backroom restaurant in Manchester, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017 and is known for its generous support of many community organizations.
Arthur Sullivan is a Boys Club alumnus, member of the Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps and graduate of Central High School. Arthur attended Keene State College. His entrepreneurial spirit was unleashed as a young boy, and he entered the real estate market at the age of 21. Today he co-owns and operates a thriving real estate development corporation known as Brady Sullivan Properties in Manchester.
Dianne Mercier is a community leader and president of People’s United Bank NH. Dianne is actively engaged in advocating for youth and creating increased opportunities for workforce development. Dianne was named Manchester’s Citizen of the Year in 2017. She is an avid spokesperson for youth-strengthening development opportunities. Club involvement is a family affair. Her husband, John, (who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014) and her children Robert and Sarah are all former Club kids.
Dan is a 1978 graduate of Central High School and a Boys Club alum. He is a career-licensed electrician, veteran Manchester Alderman, and has dedicated 30+ years to coaching and officiating youth athletics in the Manchester community.
Pat is a graduate of Trinity High School and the University of New Hampshire, an English language teacher and a Boys Club alum. Pat received the prestigious 2015 Carl Lundholm Memorial Award for service to youth and athletics.
A graduate of Manchester Central High School and New Hampshire College, Ed currently serves on the board of trustees of Southern New Hampshire University. Ed is a Manchester Boys Club alum and was the 1967 Boy of the Year. Ed is the President and CEO of The Wolak Group. He and his family own and operate nearly 100 Dunkin’ Donut franchises in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York.
Barry Brensinger, a long-time supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester and a principal designer for Lavallee Brensinger Architects, is a past board member and currently a member of the Board of Trustees. Barry has been recognized for his strong community involvement and commitment to numerous organizations and was named the Gr. Manchester Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2006.
Jennifer Wishinski, an alumna of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, was the ultimate Club kid who adopted the Club as her home. She was named Young Woman of the Year in 1991. Jen is a graduate of Memorial High School, the University of New Hampshire, and Seattle University. She taught marine biology to children early in her career and has since turned her passion for children into a nursing career as a pediatric nurse practitioner in the Seattle area.
Kenneth Vachon, an alumnus of the Manchester Boys Club, was named Boy of the Year in 1973. Ken was a member of the Muchachos Drum & Bugle Crops marching in the drum line, performing throughout the Northeast and Canada. He was recognized as “Mr. Muchacho” in 1975. Ken was instrumental in bringing the Muchachos back together for Manchester’s sesquicentennial in 1995 and continues to be involved as a member of their board.
Panagiota Vailas, is the proud mother of the five Vailas brothers, including 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee Nicholas Vailas. Born and raised in northwest Greece, she came to the United States at the age of 23 and raised her five boys as a single parent. Her exhibition of work ethic, courage, optimism, and constant love of her children earned her induction into the Hall of Fame, representing all the hard-working, loving parents of our Club kids.
Gary Frost grew up in Keene, NH and is a graduate of Keene High School and the University of New Hampshire. Gary began his career with the Manchester Boys Club in 1976 at the Pinardville Unit. He rose steadily through the ranks becoming executive director in 1988, a role he held until his retirement in 2015. Gary has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named BGCA’s Executive of the Year in 2014. Gary was instrumental in leading the efforts to expand and renovate the Union Street Clubhouse in 2010. Gary is a proud husband, father, and grandfather.
Joe Hungler was a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester in the 1980’s. Joe was a two-time Youth of the Year, a part-time staff member at the Club and Camp Foster. Joe is a graduate of Manchester High School Central, the University of Vermont and Clemson University. His career in the Boys & Girls Club Movement has taken him from Manchester to Nashua to Waltham and Worcester. Currently, Joe is the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell. He is a proud family man and active member of his community.
Sarah McEvoy is a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester Board of Trustees. She served as a member of the Board of Directors from 2000-2010 and 2011-2014 and served as a board president. Sarah and her husband Marty are hockey fanatics and cheer on the UNH Wildcats every season. Sarah is the administrator of Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center.
Joe Sullivan was a member of the Manchester Boys Club and is a graduate of Saint Anselm College. Joe is the father of three children; he coached numerous sports teams in Manchester, was a member of the Raphael Club and was awarded the Christa McAuliffe Award, which is emblematic of being the finest writing teacher in NH. Joe was a beloved English and creative writing teacher at Manchester High School West and a columnist at the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Tom Bullock, an ice hockey player, and coach has been a generous, long-time supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. Tom is president of Amoskeag Beverages. He and his business partner, “Bo” Dickson (also a 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee), built their company into one of the largest beverage distributors in the U.S. Tom’s kindness and philanthropy is evident throughout the greater Manchester community.
Bo Dickson is an alumnus of the Manchester Boys Club and began his athletic career as a member of the Club’s basketball programs. A graduate of Central High School and the University of New Hampshire, Bo Dickson was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball and football and is a member of the UNH Athletic Hall of Fame. Bo helped build Amoskeag Beverages into a premier beverage distribution company before his untimely death in 1997. Bo was a strong advocate and supporter of the Club and began a long history of support that now spans three generations of leaders at Amoskeag Beverages.
Steve McMahon’s long-time support began in 1985 when he joined the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. In 2015, Steve was also recognized for 30 years of continuous board service. Steve is one of the Club’s strongest advocates and was instrumental in the success of the Building Better Lives Capital Campaign to renovate and expand the Union Street Clubhouse.
Stan Spirou arrived in Manchester from Porti, Greece in 1960 at the age of 9. Basketball became the common language that opened doors for him on the playgrounds and in school. He spent all his free time at the Manchester Boys Club playing on the little league team and in basketball leagues. Stan’s professional career includes teaching, coaching and mentoring students at Memorial and Central High Schools and he has served as the head basketball coach at Southern New Hampshire University (formerly NH College) since 1985.
John Mercier was a member of the Manchester Boys Club and graduated from Central High School in 1981 and later Bentley College. John’s passion as a Club member was basketball and the craft shop. John is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester and works for Primary Bank. He and his wife Dianne are long-time supporters of the Club, and their two children – Robert and Sarah – are alumni as well.
Marc Mercier was a member of the Manchester Boys Club and graduated from Central High School in 1980 and the University of New Hampshire. Marc is the Vice President of Operations at Maritime Program Group. Marc and his brother, John, were captains and player coaches for the City-Wide Basketball League. Marc and his family, Dineen, and Holly DePaolo are also long-time supporters of the Club. Holly was a Club member and Camp Foster counselor.
Ezekiel A. “Zeke” Straw was honored posthumously for his community service and support of the Manchester Boys Club. Zeke was a native of Manchester and was a graduate of Webster School, St. Paul’s School, and Dartmouth College. Zeke was a prominent figure in the banking industry before cancer claimed his life at the young age of 47 years. Zeke Straw served as the Boys Club’s capital campaign chair in 1955 and was the third generation of Straws to serve as board president (1959-1964).
Ed Bednarowski served as a long-time member of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. Ed was well-known in the Manchester community and was a principal at Central Paper Products. He was proud of being part of the initial team that had the vision to expand and rebuild the Union Street Clubhouse. Ed was a natural leader and served as president of the organization in 1993 and 1994. In addition to his work with the Boys & Girls Club, Ed was involved in numerous organizations including the NH Lodging & Restaurant Association, the International Center, and the United Way.
Don Beleski has created a legacy as a local athlete, coach, and Boys Club staff member. Don was a member of the Manchester Boys Club as a youngster and was named the 1956 Athlete of the Year. He served as the Club’s athletic director for eight years before a long career at Cummings Printing. Don was a coach of track, football, baseball, and basketball. The highlight of his coaching career was being crowned Babe Ruth World Series Champions in 1976.
Butch Joseph was a member of the Manchester Boys Club and graduated from Central High School in 1952. Butch was drawn to athletics as a youngster and his Boys Club claim to fame was receiving the first ever Most Valuable Player Award in 1947. Butch served in the U.S. Navy and made a career out of teaching and advocating for youth athletics in Manchester and Nashua.
John Clayton attended the Manchester Boys Club during his grade school years. His favorite activities included ping pong, bumper pool, and basketball, but it was the library that became his sanctuary. During his youth, John was an accomplished student and basketball and football player. John worked for The Union Leader for over 20 years and is well-known for his “In the City” feature column. John is the author of seven books about Manchester and New Hampshire; and he has won numerous awards, including an Emmy in 1995 for his work on New Hampshire Crossroads.
Kevin Clougherty grew up in the gym at the Manchester Boys Club. His life was influenced by many Boys Club staffers, including Norm Penner, Earl Felch, Whitey Bazookas and Don Beleski. Kevin is a graduate of Merrimack College. For nearly 20 years, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Manchester. Currently, Kevin is the Commissioner for the NH Department of Revenue. Kevin served on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club and is a current member of the Board of Trustees.
Bill Marvin is a graduate of Colby College. He operated the Manchester Manpower office for more than 25 years. He is a long-time, generous supporter of the Manchester Boys Club and the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, as well as many other non-profit agencies throughout Manchester. He was honored as the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1996.Bill has served on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees.
Ms. Chartier served as the Manchester Boys Club’s librarian from 1961 to 1977. She had a strong interest in young people and saw the need to give many boys at the Club better direction when it came to proper behavior, manners, and the need to be a good student. When asked of their memories of Ms. Chartier, members would say that she always dressed nicely, she was fair, loved to read, and “our hands were always clean.”
Ron Houle is an alumnus of the Manchester Boys Club. Ron spent much of his time in the Club’s craft shop, helping Dick Jarvis with the firing of ceramics, and he was named “Boy of the Year” in 1970. Ron was also a member of the Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps. The discipline and skills he perfected as a bugler served him well, graduating from West Point in 1976 and beginning a career in the military that spanned more than 24 years.
Dick is a long-time staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. He has dedicated his life to working with children. Dick began his involvement with the Manchester Boys Club as a volunteer for the Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps and served as the business manager for many years. Dick assumed the role of arts & crafts director in 1967 – a position he held for 34 years! Dick continues in a part-time role at the Club arriving every morning for the before school program and driving a bus each afternoon. He is a member of the Board of Trustees and the Heritage Society. An additional passion is his volunteer work with the First Congregational Church in Manchester.
Mark Letendre is an alumnus of the Manchester Boys Club. Mark’s accolades at the Club were numerous and included the Library Award, Craftsman of the Year and “Boy of the Year” in 1974. Mark developed an interest in sports medicine as a young man – he began as an athletic trainer at Central High School, moved on the AA and AAA minor league baseball teams and has worked with the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. Mark currently serves as Director of Umpire Medical Services for Major League Baseball. Mark continues to make great contributions to the Boys & Girls Club Movement, serving on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Arizona.
Jim Truncellito is an alumnus of the Manchester Boys Club and was a member of the 5th & 6th grade championship basketball team that played during halftime of a Celtics game at Boston Garden. Jim, like his father, is a graduate of Dartmouth College and is a principal of Truncellito Insurance Services. Jim served as a board volunteer for 10 years and remains actively involved with the organization as a member of the Board of Trustees and served on the leadership group of the Building Better Lives Capital/Endowment Campaign that built the renovated Union Street Clubhouse.
Ray Truncellito served on the Board of Directors of the Manchester Boys Club. Ray continues to be involved with the organization as a member of the Board of Trustees. Ray Truncellito is a graduate of Dartmouth College, worked in the insurance industry and played an integral role in the formation of the Boys & Girls Club Formal Ball, which was a highlight of the holiday season for more than 40 years. Ray was honored by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce as its Citizen of the Year in 1989.
Max Duckoff served as Board President from 1941 to 1959 and as Chairman of the Board from 1960 to 1964. He was instrumental in leading a capital campaign effort in 1957 to build our Union Street Clubhouse.
Dr. Foster served as Board President from 1924 to1931 and donated 22 acres of land in Bedford that we all know as Camp Foster today.
Dave Goodwin served as Board Treasurer from 1948 to 1959 and was a member of the Board of Trustees. David Goodwin was well known in the Manchester community for serving as a Trustee of the Cogswell Benevolent Trust which has supported many community organizations and activities, including the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.
Norm Penner led our organization as Executive Director from 1958 to 1988. He has always embraced the mission of the organization with the priority being the care and concern for those kids most in need. Norm continues to support the Club as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Nick Vailas is an alumnus of the Manchester Boys Club. He is a husband, father, coach, entrepreneur, outdoorsman and advocate for those in need. Nick is the founder and CEO of Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center in Bedford. Nick willingly took the chairmanship of the Building Better Lives Capital/Endowment Campaign to renovate and expand our Union Street Clubhouse, raising over $7 million dollars.
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