Joseph Germano

Joseph Germano was born, raised, and schooled in Mamaroneck, New York. In 1943, one month shy of his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following boot camp at Paris Island, he served in the Pacific Theatre as a high-speed radio operator with the 24th Communication Marines on the flagship 1755 Eldorado.

Mr. Germano participated in the successful invasions of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippine Islands. Completing 15 months of sea duty, he was honorably discharged as a Corporal at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in February of 1946. After returning to Mamaroneck, he met and courted Miss Luisa Acocella. They married in 1950 and later became the proud parents of four children, Patricia, Diane, Lisa and JoAnne.

At the same time that he married, Mr. Germano left his job as a wheel-alignment technician and founded the Mamaroneck Garage – a complete service station and body shop for cars and trucks. At its height, he supervised 27 employees and oversaw the 24/7/365 day operation of 15 tow trucks. He retired from the business in 1994 at age 70.

In addition to being an avid golfer, Mr. Germano has worked selflessly for the highest and greatest good of his community and the nation. A life member of St. Vito’s Church, he has served as a member or officer in American Legion, Elks Club, Rotary Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Washingtonville Housing Alliance. He never hesitates to lend a hand when it is needed; when Mamaroneck’s Emergency Medical Service needed to construct a new building, Mr. Germano donated the land for it. When the Harbor Island School was in need of a bell, he supplied one!