POY 2023

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12 | PERSONS OF THE YEAR Congratulations, Gene, having you in Saugus is a WIN for everyone. 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA 01906 WINWASTESAUGUS.COM 37 Tremont St. and 79 Lynnfield St. Peabody • 978-531-5767 Luso-American.com Congratulations to Andrea and Liz on their tireless work to advance the mission and vision of Save King's Beach. 2023 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP PERSONS OF THE YEAR Congratulations to all of this years Winners!! Peabody - Henry Breckenridge Lynn - Magalie Torres-Rowe Lynnfield - Craig Stone Marblehead - Jodi-Tatiana Charles Nahant - Virginia Fiske Saugus - Gene Decareau Swampscott - Elizabeth Smith and Andrea Amour 2023 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP PERSONS OF THE YEAR
2023 | 13 GENE DECAREAU SAUGUS By Charlie McKenna Item Staff While Gene Decareau might be 94, he isn’t letting that fact slow him down — now or ever. The lifelong Saugonian is a member of the town’s retirement board, a post he has held for more than a decade, and joined the Lions Club well before even that, roughly 55 years ago. And he still donates to the food pantry every week, though he no longer drops the food off himself. “My philosophy on life is very simple,” he said in a recent telephone interview. “You don’t worry about anything because worrying makes you sick, it doesn’t help you. What will be, will be… you might as well understand that… and be happy and keep busy.” And keep busy Decareau does. On his birthday in November, Decareau taught a class at the Senior Center, instructing a group on how to make popovers. An avid baker, Decareau said he would make a pie for someone who wrote a $50 check to the Lions Club, noting that every cent donated to the organization for charity actually goes to charitable efforts. Decareau credits his volunteer spirit to his mother, who despite raising nine children in the throes of the Great Depression, always had a seat at the table for anyone who walked through her front door. “During the Depression, everybody helped everybody else because nobody had anything,” Decareau said in a recent telephone interview. “I was taught up to always help others so that’s why I do what I do. I just try to help people. I enjoy doing it. And I hope they enjoy me helping them.” Though he added quickly, “they think I’m a pain in the tush for sure.” Despite his age, Decareau said he takes no medications, and while he has his “aches and pains,” he remains in good health. His secret? He eats a banana every day. Decareau’s wit remains sharp, too. When asked what keeps him going, Decareau, who has been married to his wife, Arlene, for 77 years, said, “My wife wants to know that too.” Arelene Decareau added that “he has a lot of energy.” But, on a serious note, Decareau said he feels it’s his obligation to help others. “I enjoy working with people, STAFF PHOTO | EMMA FRINGUELLI that’s just who I am,” he said. “It’s nice to help others.” “I’ve been involved in that town and the community ever since I can remember,” Decareau added. “It’s a great town. I love Saugus.”
Page 1 and 2: 20 23 Persons of the Year
Page 3 and 4: 2023 | 3 Publisher Edward M. Grant
Page 5 and 6: 2023 | 5 Congratulations to all the
Page 7 and 8: 2023 | 7 Congratulations to the 202
Page 9 and 10: 2023 | 9 VIRGINIA FISKE NAHANT By V
Page 11: 2023 | 11 Peabody Mayor Edward A. B
Page 15 and 16: 2023 | 15 We would like to congratu

POY 2023

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