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Through his involvement with a multitude of New Rochelle organizations, it’s hard to believe anyone could be more attuned to what’s happening in town than the longtime manager of George T. Davis Funeral Home.
“It’s both important and rewarding to be involved in the community in which you serve,’’ said Fasano, who has been the manager of the funeral home for 22 years. “Helping the community is what our business is all about. It’s about community involvement and relationships and giving back to the community.”
Fasano was one of the honorees at the New Rochelle Council of Community Service annual luncheon earlier this year. He is acting president of the New Rochelle Lions Club, treasurer of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the YMCA.
He volunteers with the Salvation Army and its annual holiday bell ringing, is an active board member of the Westchester Nursing Home Administrators Association and several other associations in the funeral home industry. He was honored in 2008 with the Chamber of Commerce’s Humanitarian Award and in 2010 as the Chamber’s Business Leader of the Year.
Fasano pays particular attention to supporting causes of military veterans. He offers the community an annual bus trip to the Calverton National Cemetery for those who are unable to make the journey out to Riverhead, N.Y., during the year to visit their loved one’s graves.
Once at the cemetery, a service is conducted with guest speakers, Commissioner Terrance Craig Holliday from the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs of New York City, President of the Long Island American Gold Stars Mothers, music, a dove release, lunch and time at the grave site for families. He also provides special benefits for members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion at his business.
“The Long Island trip is something we like to do because people who utilize the cemetery are unable to visit us as often as they would like,’’ Fasano said. “It’s quite a touching and rewarding day for us.”
Services for soldiers have become commonplace for Fasano and his team at George H. Davis in recent years. Veterans from World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam, as well as soldiers serving the country today are passing almost daily. Fasano takes time to make sure each one gets the military tribute they deserve.
“What’s rewarding on our part is to offer benefits for veterans that people are unaware of,’’ Fasano said. “It’s important to honor them. A tribute to their military background adds a nice touch to the service. People are overwhelmed by it. Whether it be a flag-draped casket, taps or military honors at the graveside, it is very meaningful to that individuals’ family.”
Fasano feels fortunate to have been able to experience working for a family-run operation, owning a funeral home and for corporate-owned firms during his 33 years in the business. He has not lost any zest for his work during his long tenure.
“We deal with families at a very difficult time in their lives,’’ Fasano said. “There are many decisions that need to be discussed and made. If I am able to lighten their burden in a small way, my goal has been accomplished. The satisfaction and calm the family receives when my staff and I are able to accomplish things on a timely basis is our main purpose. It’s our constant daily challenge, and we work together to get accomplished. We say no to nothing.”
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