Senator Jeremy Cooney Honors Local Caribbean American Community Leader With State Award for her Decades of Service

(Rochester, NY) - Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) honored local Caribbean American business and community leader Florence Pearl Rugless-O’Mealley, 95, with a New York State Senate Commendation as part of Caribbean American Heritage Month. Mrs. Rugless-O'Mealley is an entrepreneur and currently the Deacon at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church (DUPC). 

Mrs. Rugless-O’Mealley has also served on the Board of Directors of the Sojourner House for several years and now sits on its Advisory Council. She was the vice president of the Genesee Street Merchants Association, Board Member of United Nations’ Rochester Chapter, a member of the NYS Cosmetology Association, and a member of the Grapevine Association—a multicultural group that addressed diversity issues in Rochester, NY.

The Senate Commendation Award recognizes exceptional people who have made a  lasting contribution to their community through volunteerism, leadership, and charitable work as well as enriching the social, health, and educational well-being of their fellow citizens.

Senator Jeremy Cooney
"Florence has dedicated her life to serving Rochester. She has impacted countless lives in the Caribbean American community through her leadership—as a business person and as an advocate—as well as through her mentorship of young people. It is an honor to recognize her with the Senate Commendation award during Caribbean American Heritage Month."

Florence Pearl Rugless-O’Mealley (Awardee)
"I was surprised that the Senator recognized my work. It was very gracious of him to take the time to present it in person, you don't see that kind of service very often."