RNR Chamber Outstanding Citizen Awards

Reading –North Reading Chamber of Commerce Honors John Murphy and Domenic Rotondi as Outstanding Citizens of the Year

The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor John Murphy and Domenic Rotondi as their Outstanding Citizens of the Year.  An awards dinner hosted in honor of these two individuals will be held at the Hillview Country Club in North Reading on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.  All are welcome to attend.

“It’s easy to understand why both Mr. Murphy and Mr. Rotondi have been selected as this year’s recipients.  Both men are long-term residents of their towns and have committed much of their adult lives to the betterment of our communities.  It’s an honor for the Chamber to be able to recognize them for their efforts,” said Gino Molettieri, President of the RNR Chamber of Commerce.

Representing North Reading, John Murphy, Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development at the Reading Co-Operative Bank, is often referred to as “Mr. Everywhere,” earning this nickname due to his unyielding commitment to a seemingly endless list of causes.  John is most well-known in North Reading for his role as Town Moderator.  Prior to this role, he served on the Board of Selectman, Trustees of Trust Funds and the Elementary School Building Committee.  John also currently serves as the President of the Woburn Business Association, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Burbank YMCA, and an active member of the North Reading Music Boosters.  In addition, John just completed an eight-year term on the Board of the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce.  It was during John’s role as President of the Chamber that the “Buy Local” campaign was created.  This effort has been an integral and successful one for the Chamber and works to remind consumers of the importance of spending money locally in support of the small businesses in our community. 

While John’s term on the Chamber Board expired in 2013, unlike most people, he does not let that keep him from staying involved.  Rather, he remains an active member of the Chamber and the Chair of the RNR Chamber’s North Reading Holiday Lights Festival.  John works tirelessly to make that event a successful one for the Chamber and community.  If you look closely, you may even see John hanging the holiday wreaths himself on the Town’s lampposts.  This is just the kind of person John is:  Dedicated, thorough and interested in using his skills to make a positive impact.  

A resident of North Reading since 1995, John lives in the town with his wife, Lorraine, and their two children.          

Representing Reading, Mr. Domenic Rotondi is the very best example of a community volunteer.  A resident of Reading for over 50 years, Domenic and his wife, Carolyn, raised three daughters in the town and, in addition to remaining active volunteers today, they find much joy in their close family life.    

This passion for family is what motivated Domenic to get involved in many organizations in the Town of Reading.  Most notably, he is a founding member of the Lions Club and is recognized by them worldwide for his impressive charitable contributions.  An active member of the Reading Lions club today, Domenic chairs multiple committees for the club and continues his work on their annual “Reading Friends & Family Day”, an event he established years ago to give the many charities in Reading an opportunity to showcase their great work to the community.  Under Domenic’s direction, this event has become a mainstay in the Town of Reading and he is constantly looking for ways to make the event even more successful and exciting for the community.

Domenic’s efforts do not end with his involvement with the Lions Club.  In fact, the list is endless.  Just to name a few, Domenic was a founder of the Bell Tower Fund, an effort that raised more than $35,000 to assist with the preservation of the steeple at the Old South Church.  He assisted with raising money for the Reading Room at the Reading Public Library.  He made and donated a beautiful dollhouse to the Understanding Disabilities raffle.  He sells Christmas wreaths for the Reading Food Pantry.  And, he even worked with his granddaughter’s Girl Scout Troop to plant a new garden island on Main Street. 

Whether he is selling raffle tickets, organizing an event or preparing meals for seniors in need, Domenic has never been afraid of hard work or of giving of his time to those in need.  You don’t need to spend more than a few minutes in Domenic’s presence to feel and understand his passion, love and appreciation for the community he lives in.  Domenic Rotondi is a trusted, kind individual who embodies all the characteristics of a true outstanding citizen. 

"It is the Chamber’s honor to recognize both Mr. John Murphy and Mr. Domenic Rotondi.  Please join us in thanking these individuals at our event on April 3rd," said Chamber Executive Director, Julie Higgins.

The RNR Chamber invites anyone interested in attending the awards dinner to contact Higgins at 978-664-5060 or email RNRChambercom@aol.com.  Tickets for the dinner are $65 per person and include a choice of entree, dessert and coffee.  Cocktails begin at 5:30 pm, featuring musical entertainment by the Reading Symphony Orchestra.

The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1989 and merged with the North Reading Business Association to form the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce in January 2000.  The Chamber has nearly 300 members and provides them with networking, educational and promotional opportunities.  The Chamber is dedicated to its members’ success and encourages participation in Chamber programs and events.  For further information or to become a member visit the Chamber website www.readingnreadingchamber.org.