GREENFIELD — Town Council Vice President Isaac Mass has requested the new Senior/Community Center be named the John A. Zon Jr. Community Center after a man who he called “a tireless advocate for seniors, veterans and young people in Greenfield.”
In an email Friday afternoon, Mass wrote that Zon, who died in 2012 at the age of 89, epitomized service and commitment to the community, and that his name will be a symbol to all that the new building is truly a community center and a place where seniors are welcome.
The $4.2 million project was approved by Town Council during its meeting Wednesday night, and Mass asked that his request be placed on the next council meeting agenda for forwarding to the Planning and Construction Committee for public hearing and recommendation.
“By not calling this facility a senior center, we will be able to attract more patrons who believe they are not old enough for or in need of senior services, but who want to be part of our community,” Mass wrote. “It will further serve as a reminder to those who primarily occupy the building that it is a building which was built to service the entire community and should be available for such use.”
Zon was a 1941 graduate of Greenfield High School and a veteran of the Army, serving from 1943 to 1946 and receiving numerous awards. A machinist and supervisor, he was employed by Greenfield Tap and Die until retirement.
He was also a member of the Holy Trinity Church, served as chairman of the Board for the Council on Aging for many years and sat on the Franklin County Technical School Committee. A Little League coach for 10 years and an avid Red Sox fan, Zon created a Red Sox museum in the basement of his home. He also loved his garden and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Greenfield resident and elder care advocate Albert Norman, who worked closely with Zon, said he was a remarkable community personality who was deeply committed to the town.
“He was a great neighbor and totally committed to the Council on Aging and to seniors, so (the name) is very appropriate,” he said. “I don’t know anybody of his generation that was more committed to helping older people live at home and for him, it was just part of being a community citizen.”
You can reach Aviva Luttrell at:
aluttrell@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 268
On Twitter, @AvivaLuttrell