John Calcagnile, second from left, who last Thursday was elected as the new second vice chairman of CB 10, has long been a civic leader in South Queens. Here, he stands with members of Howard Beach’s New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program. File photo
Community Board 10 elected longtime civic leader John Calcagnile as the South Queens’ group’s newest second vice chairman last Thursday, tapping the Howard Beach architect to replace Robert Ruffin, Sr., who died in December at the age of 94.
Board members voted 19-11 to usher Calcagnile into the position, for which Donna Gilmartin, also a longtime civic leader, too had been appointed. CB 10 member Anthony Cosentino nominated Calcagnile, and board Chairperson Betty Braton put forward Gilmartin.
During the vote, which was taken by roll call, many members voting said it was difficult to decide, with both Calcagnile and Gilmartin being respected leaders in the community.
“Thank you very much,” Calcagnile said following his win. “I’m very surprised.”
Calcagnile has served on CB 10 for more than a decade and a half and is currently the chairman of the board’s influential land use committee. A founding member of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation, Calcagnile is a frequent sight in the community and has, for example, conducted pro-bono work for Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach and the Broad Channel American Legion Post.
Born and raised in East New York, Calcagnile moved to Howard Beach with his wife, Cecilia, in 1981 and opened his Howard Beach-based business, John D. Calcagnile Architect on Cross Bay Boulevard, in 1985. He and his wife have two children, Gerard and Lisa.
Board members welcomed Calcagnile to his new leadership position.
“John Calcagnile is knowledgeable, he’s fair, and he is an extremely active member of the community and a longtime board member,” said CB 10 member Joann Ariola. “He has more than earned his seat at the executive table.”
The new second vice chairman replaces Ruffin, who died Dec. 28. A World War II veteran, Ruffin served his community for decades. He was a member of the board for 32 years and a lifetime member of the NAACP. He also served as chaplain of the Proctor Hopson Post #1896 VFW and was a member of the American Legion Post #1946 in Laurelton.
By Anna Gustafson
