John Tabacchi keeps moving
Cadiz Lions honoree still active at 91 with 62 years’ membershipBy ESTHER MCCOY, Staff writer
CADIZ - At 91 years of age, John Tabacchi isn't ready to sit back and rest on his oars in the Cadiz Lions Club organization. He is serving as the club treasurer presently and jumps in to assist with community projects, such as ringing the bells for the Harrison County Salvation Army
To be added to that is the fact that he has had 62 years of perfect attendance and has served in every office in the club, along with serving as cabinet secretary at one time.
For his tireless efforts, he was honored with three awards at a surprise dinner Saturday at the Scott Memorial United Methodist Church.
Jack Kibble served as master of ceremonies and presented Tabacchi with the Melvin Jones Fellowship for his dedication to the organization through the happiness and tragedies of his life, his business and work with his church.
Past International Director Steve Shearer presented an Exceptional Service Award, under the auspices of International President Al Rendall, naming Tabacchi as a distinguished everyday hero.
Past District Governor Rob Murry told how Tabacchi had made a commitment towards the Cadiz Lions Club when he joined at the end of World War II in 1946.
"This was a time when there were ham radios rather than Internet, no cell phones or GPS, houses cost $5,600 and gas was 15 cents per gallon," he said.
"He has set the bar for all of us with his perfect attendance, the unheralded Lion," Murry said, in his presentation of the Lifetime Membership award.
Adrian Platonic capped off all the awards by presenting a gift from the club, a large stuffed lion, decorated with ribbons designating it to be the Crazed Lions Club mascot.
Tabacchi expressed humble gratitude for all the awards and attention. "I don't deserve this ... but I'll take it, he said jokingly. "Thank you for recognizing me," he said at each presentation.
He was accompanied to the dinner by his wife, Margaret; son, John; and granddaughter, Sarah, and her husband.
Past district governors attending were Phil Wallace, Bud Wills, Murry and Phil Jenkins. Visitors also were from the clubs of Adena, Brilliant, Claymont, Creston, Dover and St. Clairsville.
The Rev. Richard Hasley gave the invocation and benediction.
