Fred Santangelo and Betty Adelson are this year’s recipients of the Fourth Annual Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence.
The award is given to those who have gone above and beyond to help make Lynnfield a better place.
“This award is for those who exemplify excellence in the area of volunteerism and to honor individuals for their community service and legacy,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett. “Both have always stepped forward and given their best to the town.”
The Townsend Award was established by the Board in honor of Daniel Townsend, who died on April 19, 1775 in the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Menotomy, which took place in what is now Arlington. He is buried in the Old Burying Ground.
“He is one of our most celebrated sons and answered the first call on April 19, 1775,” said Barrett. “He was one of the very first Americans to give his life for his country.”
Santangelo and his wife, Gloria, moved to Lynnfield in 1962 and raised_
a family. Santangelo was a football player and track and field standout at Lynn Classical High School and a member of the Hall of Fame. He played football on an athletic scholarship at Wake Forest and later returned to Classical to serve as a line coach.
Santangelo on the Council on Aging for 10 years, working to expand programs for seniors. He also served on the LIFE Board of Directors, the Personnel Board and the Public Works Support Committee.
Santangelo also excelled professionally as a manager for AVCO, later Textron, working on defense systems such as the Minuteman missile. He was youth football and baseball coach and also served on the Lynnfield Junior Sports Board of Directors.
A parishioner and eucharistic minister at St. Maria Goretti Church, Santangelo is also a Past Grand Knight at the Lynn Council #70 Knights of Columbus.
Santangelo said he was “truly honored” to be recognized.
“I’ve really enjoyed my involvement in the community and have a lot of nice people along the way,” he said. “It feels good knowing that you can help people. My philosophy has always been that if you have time, talent or treasure, you need to share it.
Adelson said she was grateful to the Board of Selectmen for selecting her and also “fortunate to have worked with numerous unselfish volunteers (who have given) their precious time, unlimited energy and enthusiastic ideas.
“I am truly honored to join the company of previous recipients,” she said. “My husband, Jack, and I pride ourselves on serving on various Lynnfield community groups, both civic and non-profit,” adding that being honored was one of two highlights this year, along with the birth of her grandson.
Adelson and her husband have been active in the community since moving to Lynnfield in 1986. She was hired by the Conservation Commission as a part-time clerk in 1988. She took courses at Salem State and, through the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, studied on her own to become more knowledgeable and informed about conservation issues. After retiring in 2018 after 30 years of service, she was regarded as a respected expert on wetlands and conservation issues.
Adelson was involved in many civic organizations, including the local PTO organizations, serving on the boards of the Lynnfield Flower Workshop and Townscape. A past president with Jack of the Lynnfield Couples Club, she was a member of the Lynnfield Historical Society, the Lynnfield Athletic Association, and the Tricentennial Committee and currently serves on the Open Space Committee.
“Both Betty and Fred are worthy for their past dedication and continued dedication,” said Barrett. “They are two individuals that command our respect.”
