The New England Patriots recognized what many in Saugus have realized for decades: Gene Decareau is a champion.
Decareau was honored as a Community Champion by the organization at its annual Patriots Premiere on the field at Gillette Stadium Sept. 1. Community Champions were thanked for their dedication in building stronger New England communities.
Decareau, who was joined by his wife, Arlene, for the ceremony, was nominated for the award by WIN Waste Innovations, the Patriots’ official waste and recycling partner.
“Gene Decareau is an absolute gem,” said Michelle Nadeau, senior marketing strategist at WIN Waste who has been working on community relations efforts in Saugus for more than a decade. “We chose him from hundreds of community partners we work with in the region and we are proud to see him honored for all the good that he has done in the community for more than a half-century.”
Decareau, a U.S. Navy veteran who will turn 93 in November, has a long list of community service, including: YMCA director, Saugus Lions Club member and director, Little League coach, Cubmaster, Board of Appeals, Retirement Board, Saugus Food Pantry, Charter Commission, Town Meeting member, Friends of the Senior Center and Saugus Veterans Council.
“If every town had more people like Gene Decareau, we would all be better off,” said Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano. “He has served his country and his community with honor and distinction for his entire life. It’s fitting that he would be recognized on a field where so many champions have played, because he truly is a champion person.”
Also at the Premiere event, Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. was presented with the 2022 New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award. Wise was recognized for his outstanding commitment in giving back to the community.
