Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) recently honored PFC George Wargo, Sr.–a lifelong Haverstraw resident, US Army veteran, and dedicated community servant–as he was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame program was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves in both military and civilian life. In lieu of an in-person celebration in Albany amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Skoufis welcomed Wargo to his Garnerville office for an intimate presentation surrounded by family and local officials.
“George is a dedicated and esteemed veteran who has proven his commitment to his community time and time again,” said Senator Skoufis. “Be it as a lifetime member of the American Legion, serving at nearly all levels of local government, volunteering with the fire company, supporting the local Little League program, or any of his many, many commitments, no one is more dedicated to community than George Wargo, Sr. It is my distinct honor to induct him into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame, and I am immensely grateful for his service.”
About George Wargo, Sr.:
George Wargo, Sr. enlisted in the United States Army on February 12, 1951, and served as a Private First Class.
Mr. Wargo completed basic training in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was stationed in Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia at the 3rd Army Headquarters, where he served for two years. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. Today, he is an active, lifetime member of the American Legion Post 130 in Thiells.
In 1959, Mr. Wargo was elected as Village of West Haverstraw Trustee, a position he held for 36 years. He also served as Deputy Mayor, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Fire Commissioner, Youth Commissioner, and a Member of the Advisory Board for the Village of West Haverstraw, and was Superintendent of Public Works for five years. Mr. Wargo is a life member of S.W. Johnson SFE #1 Fire Company, where he has been a member for over 60 years.
An active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #581 since 1953, Mr. Wargo is a 4th Degree Knight, serving on many committees including Bingo and the Youth Committee. Presently, he is an Honorary Trustee.
Mr. Wargo, an Honorary Life Member of the Haverstraw Little League (joining in the 1950s), has served in various offices including President, Member of the Board of Directors, Manager, Coach, Player Agent, and Umpire-in-Chief, and has umpired several games at the national level, including Little League World Series games. He is past President of St. Peter’s C.Y.O. and was the first President of the West Haverstraw Senior Citizens Club, currently serving as Vice President.
He is an alumnus of St. Peter’s Grammar School and a Charter member of St. Peter’s Parish Advisory Board, where he was an usher for Sunday Mass for over 50 years.
Mr. Wargo has received numerous awards and recognitions for his community service, including Man of the Year Award, Lions Club Award, 1st Annual Nick Picariello Award, St. Peter’s C.Y.O. Basketball Program, Volunteer, Hose Co. #1 of West Haverstraw Award and the Community Youth Award.
A graduate of Haverstraw High School, Mr. Wargo lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. A lifelong resident of North Rockland, he married his high school sweetheart, Claire McGovern. He and his wife are proud of their five children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.