Paterson Rotary Club

In 1962-1963 our District Governor was "Virginius" J. (Joe) Grassey. With the first name he had been given by his parents, it was only a small wonder that he chose the name of "Joe" as the name he used during his life as the rugged individual he was when he served as the Vice President of the Grand Union Company and our District Governor.

With the passing of time of over forty years since Joe served as Governor, your editor is indebted to the efforts of Bill Fenners of the Paterson Club for providing the research needed to provide the write up for this Rotary year, as well as providing the background on Governor Joe as an individual.

The International President in 1962-1963 was Nitish C. Laharr from Calcutta. The International Convention was held in St. Louis, Missouri.

District Conferences were held at Atlantic City at this time and the District Conference Chairman was Past President Ralph M. Fava of the Paterson Rotary Club.

Governor Joe had served as the Conference Chairman in 1962 and the Paterson club served as the host for the Conference. Walter Miller of the Union City Club served as Governor Joe's Treasurer for both the Conference and for the year.

Noteworthy events or activities during the year included the project to establish an International Students House on the campus of the Farleigh Dickerson University in Teaneck, and the passage at the Conference of a resolution to select the District Governors by a nominating committee.

The Golden Anniversary of the Paterson Club was held this year at a lavish dinner dance held at the New Jersey Country Club on March 2, 1963, and on March 28, 1963 the District and the Paterson Club were honored by the attendance of R. I. President Elect Charles W. Pettengill at a luncheon meeting of the Paterson Club attended by Representatives of all 44 clubs of the District at that time.

We thank Bill Fenners for filling us in on this exciting year of our District's history.

Questions or looking for more information please contact district7490rotary@gmail.com

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