Gene Kane honored by LC
A luncheon conducted in the Lackawanna College board room honored the late Eugene Kane Sr. as a Distinguished Alumnus. Gene received the highest distinction presented by the college in recognition of his legacy as a business leader in the region.
Members of his family, including Joan, Chris, Dick, Gene Jr., Ned and Chrissy Kane and Addison, Kelly and Alex Stark; and college administrators, including President Mark Volk and Associate Vice President for Advancement Bridget FitzPatrick gathered to recognize Gene, who died in 2010.
A graduate of St. Paul's High School and Lackawanna College, Gene also completed courses in logistics at Temple University and Ohio State University. He graduated from the University of Scranton in 1954.
A year later, Gene took over the family business, a trucking company consisting only of two trucks, which his father started in 1930. He converted a 2,000-square-foot garage and established Kane Warehousing Inc. With more than 50 years of leadership, Gene transformed the humble business into a nationally recognized industry leader and a major employer in Northeast Pennsylvania - Kane Is Able, Inc.
Gene was actively involved in numerous community affiliations and organizations. He was a former executive board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Scranton, the Boy Scouts of America, the Pennsylvania Regional Tissue and Transplant Bank, the Scranton Area Foundation and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Also a past president of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council Boy Scouts of America, he was a trustee of Marywood University, the University of Scranton, and Scranton Prep.
UNICO sets date
UNICO Scranton Chapter charity ball honoring Dr. Peter Cognetti as UNICAN of the Year, will be Saturday, Jan. 26, at Genetti Manor in Dickson City.
Committee members including, Mary Marrara, chairwoman; Sal Mecca, chapter president; Palma Yanni, president of the board of directors; Diane Alberigi, Jim Barress, Dave Bieri, Lisa Bieri, Bonnie Blasé; Frank Blasi, Frank Blasi Sr., Rose Blasi, Jack Brunetti, Bill Buckley, Gayle DeAntona, Carole Dougherty, Mike Fiorelli, Linda Malinoski, Sharon Mecca, Patti Grande Rieder, Ashley Yando and Pat Yanni, have planned an event that begins with a 6 p.m. reception.
High notes
Mary E. McDonald, Thomas (Tim) and JoAnn Speicher, Gary H. Williams, Burkavage Design Associates and M & T Bank, were among the honorees on National Philanthropy Day. A committee from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, presented Mary with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Tim and JoAnn will be honored as Outstanding Philanthropists; Gary as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, the Burkavage Associates as Outstanding Corporation, and M & T Bank as Outstanding Foundation. Philanthropy Day is designated each year by an official Act of Congress to recognize the importance of philanthropy in society and pay tribute to outstanding volunteers, professionals, corporations and foundations whose contributions to our communities embody the spirit of giving.