Gary Fazzino, a beloved member of the Junior Statesmen family, died Tuesday, October 30 after a two- year battle with cancer. Gary was a Trustee and member of the Junior Statesmen Foundation Board of Directors for over thirty years. Over his many years of participation Gary held a number of Board offices including Treasurer and he served two terms as Foundation President. He was at the helm of the Foundation Board at the time the Junior State first began its national expansion.
Gary was devoted to local and state government and in 1977 he helped the Junior State develop the concept for a weeklong educational program on state and local government featuring speakers, simulations, debates and discussions. These programs called Symposia (now known as Institutes) offered students an opportunity to explore the government closest to them. Gary wrote innovative simulations and problem solving exercises that gave students a firsthand introduction to the challenges a citizen can face in dealing with government. Fazzino helped run the first four Symposia established by JSA.
Gary was very close to his many JSA friends who include State Senator Joe Simitian (JSA State Speaker), former White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry (JSA Governor), New York Times Editor Len Apcar (JSA Governor), campaign consultant Jef Loeb, and Superior Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman.
Fazzino applied what he learned in the Junior State in his career in public affairs and public service. He was a statesman, a gentleman, and a wonderful man.
The Junior Statesmen Foundation Directors, Trustees, Staff and Alumni wish to extend our deepest condolences to Gary’s wife, Annette, their twins, Matthew and Julia, his sister Donna and his brothers Brian and Wayne.
In honor of Gary’s lifetime commitment to the Junior Statesmen Foundation, we have created the Gary Fazzino Memorial Scholarship Fund. Contributions can be made online at www.JSA.org/GaryMemorial or by mailing a check to:
The Junior Statesmen Foundation
P.O. Box 25143
San Mateo, CA 94402
Please note “Gary Fazzino Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the memo line of the check.
