WELLSVILLE - The three-day Wellsville Riverside Reunion kicked off Thursday evening with the awarding of the Legends awards to seven individuals who have impacted the village for the better.
Tom and Jean Broderick were recognized as a single Legend award recipient.
"They've always been there organizing the reunion dinner," council member and Master of Ceremonies Joe Soldano said.
The couple's son Pat Broderick introduced them.
"They have strived to better the community and the lives of those around them," Broderick said.
The couple graduated from Wellsville High School in 1941 and have played an important role in the all-class five-year Alumni Reunion Dinner since 1950.
They were married in 1945 and have called Wellsville home their whole lives, but traveled to many places, including Canada and Ireland.
The Brodericks belonged to the former Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department Drum and Bugle Corps as well as the Wellsville High School Alumni Band. Jean was the first majorette at Wellsville High School.
Thomas Haugh, introduced by his son, Jeff Haugh, began serving the public at a very young age while working for the family business, Haugh Funeral Home.
He graduated from WHS in 1961 and opened Center Pharmacy with Larry Shafer in 1981.
Jeff stated that Haugh would often open the pharmacy on nights or weekends when he received a call to fill an emergency prescription.
"He never thought twice about his service," Jeff said.
Currently retired, Haugh still works at the pharmacy part time.
"The group we have tonight...I appreciate it," Haugh said. "Wellsville's been good to me."
Haugh is also a charter member of the Wellsville Lions Club.
"He's been dedicated to this town for many years," Soldano said.
Darlene Porter, former owner of the Wellsville Dairy Queen, was introduced by Deanna Dysert.
"Darlene was a major influence on those who worked for her," Dysert said.
Porter bought the East Liverpool Dairy Queen on Dresden Ave. in 1960, then moved to Wellsville, where she operated the Dairy Queen at the end of Route 45 for 20 years.
In 1989, Porter moved the restaurant to its current location.
In 2007, the Wellsville Dairy Queen was named Business of the Month by the village Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to serving residents hot eats and cool treats, Porter donated to Care & Share, held Car Cruise Nights in the parking lot to raise money for people in need, and provided food for many church dinners.
"Thank you to all of our customers who made those donations possible," daughter and current owner Tammy Palma said.
Frank Daniels, a 1952 WHS graduate, was introduced by his son, Frank Daniels, Jr.
"Frank was the type of police officer who didn't take anything from anybody," Soldano said.
Daniels joined the Army after high school and fought in the Korean War. He served for three years and achieved the rank of Sergeant.
After returning from the Army, Daniels worked at Crucible Steel.
Daniels joined the Wellsville Police Department in 1960.
"Serving the Wellsville community for 28 years has been a wonderful and memorable experience," Daniels said.
John "Jack" Gallagher, a former Wellsville PD juvenile officer, was introduced by longtime friend Haugh.
"I've never, ever heard a bad word said about him," Soldano said.
Gallagher graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1952. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1956.
After his time in the service, Gallagher worked at A&P Tea Co. for 18 years before he joined the Wellsville PD in 1970.
"A bad scene always became calmer just by his presence," Haugh said.
Gallagher has been a member of St. Aloysius Community Parish in East Liverpool for 53 years and a member of the Kiwanis Club for 10 years.
"It's a great honor, greatly appreciated, and will be remembered for years to come," Gallagher said of his award.
Charles Amato, inducted into the local law enforcement Hall of Fame in 1996, was introduced by his son, Nick Amato.
Amato partnered with his uncle, Pete Amato, in the Amato Real Estate Agency, and his work as a realtor helped ensure a place for McDonald's in Wellsville.
Amato joined the Army in 1953. In 1960, he received a letter of accommodation from J. Edgar Hoover.
He served on the Ohio Board of Realtors, owned and operated the Crystal Lounge on Main Street, was a sanitation officer for the village and served on the Hammond Park Commission.
"My opinion of him, (from when I was) a little boy, as a superhero, hasn't changed much," Nick said.
Biographical information was contributed by Deanna Dysert and Sue Haugh.
