TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Suzanne Fisher, Director Parks & Recreation
THROUGH: Chief Neal de Jesus, Interim City Manager
DATE: January 24, 2017
Title
RETIREMENT PRESENTATION AND CELEBRATION OF 100TH BIRTHDAY - FRED SERGIO
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to recognize Fred Sergio for his service to the City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation department for 55 years and to congratulation him on his 100th birthday.
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Background:
Fred Sergio is 100 years old today. He has worked for the City for 55 years. Fred's history as a part-time employee goes back so far that it's difficult to find any records of when he received his first paycheck as a City Employee. It is also difficult to describe all the work Fred has done for the community of Delray Beach by volunteering, coaching, and working to ensure that the parks provided a safe haven for participants.
Fred, originally from Long Island, NY, came to Delray Beach in 1955, with his wife and 4 children. They opened and worked a restaurant called "The Delray Cafeteria," which was located on Atlantic Avenue, next to the current 32 East location. In 1961, Fred was offered a job at the Delray Beach post office. The Delray Beach Civic Center was on his first mail route and that is how he discovered the need for a part-time night supervisor at the center. He worked on and off for the City until Alfred Elliott the Parks and Recreation Director at that time, asked Fred to open and maintain Miller Park. Fred has been working at Miller Park since that time.
On December 29, 1980 Fred received a certificate congratulating him on completing 30 years with the United State Postal Service. Over the years, he has gained the love and respect of thousands of children, their parents, coaches, and co-workers. Many organizations such as the Children's Home Society, Delray Beach Little League, the Chamber of Commerce, and the South Florida Collegiate Baseball League have recognized Fred and thanked him for his unselfish service and assistance to the youth of Delray. In March 1996, the City of Delray Beach dedicated the south baseball field at Miller Park as the Fred T. Sergio Field. In June 2016, Fred threw the first pitch on Parks & Recreation Night with the Delray Lightning and was honored with a commemorative jersey.
Fred's last day with the City of Delray Beach will be January 24, 2017. After 55 years, he has tendered his resignation. January 24, 2017 is also Fred's 100th birthday. The City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation is forever grateful to Fred Sergio for his lifelong commitment to providing quality recreation services for the residents and visitors of Delray Beach.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Finance Department Review:
Finance recommends approval.
Funding Source:
N/A
Timing of Request:
This is time sensitive as Fred turns 100 years old on January 24, 2017.