For his lifelong service to his home community of Mineola, John Da Vanzo will receive the Maurice and Kay Kirby Award from the Mineola-Garden City Rotary.

Da Vanzo will receive the award at a dinner ceremony scheduled for April 29 at the Davenport Press Restaurant and will follow Pat Tobin, the last Mineola resident to win the award. Tobin won the award in 2000.

Da Vanzo was born and bred in Mineola. He attended Mineola public schools and lettered in basketball, baseball, football, and track at Mineola High School. He has been dubbed, "Mr. Mineola," for all his work in the village of Mineola.

The Maurice and Kay Kirby Award is just the latest in a long line of awards for Da Vanzo. A 54-year member and honorary chief of the Mineola Fire Department, he was awarded the Mineola Firefighter of the Year award at the department's 2001 dinner.

Da Vanzo attended Hofstra University after graduating from Mineola High School but left the university early to serve the country in World War II. He is a United States Navy veteran who survived the Normandy Invasion. After getting back from the war, he married Pauline Leach and the couple had five children - John Paul, Richard William, Mary Ellen, Judith Elizabeth and Theresa Ann.

In addition to his civic responsibilities, Da Vanzo has always been active in Mineola politics as he was the Mineola village trustee from 1955-1965, deputy mayor from 1960-1965, executive leader Emeritus of the Mineola Republican Committee, and president of Mineola Republican Club.

Volunteerism has also been a big part of Da Vanzo's life. He is a volunteer in the guild of St. Francis Hospital where he has racked up more than 3,500 hours of service. He has served on the St. Francis Hospital Fund Raising Committee. He has been a board member of the Mineola Library for 15 years and was chairman of the Mineola Pool Board for 15 years.

Da Vanzo has also been recognized for numerous accomplishments and what he has meant to the organizations he has been a part of. As an honorary life member and active leader in County Seat Kiwanis, he was honored as Kiwanis Man of the Year in 1988.

Da Vanzo's participation in various organizations may be too numerous for words. But his community spirit and dedication are permanent fixtures in Mineola.