Video of the dedication on July 19th, 2026
The friends and family of John Aramino dedicated a plaque to his life at Trigon Park in Le Roy on Sunday during the Oatka Festival.
“We are placing a sign in the park, with his photo along with a QR code that talks about his life, and heroic act. That heroic act took his life at the age of 18 in 1961,” says organizer Jim Bonaquisti. (the QR Code will be operational next week as the sign was just installed this week)
The plaque is located in the circle in front of Wolcott Street School.
“The big reason is a lot of the parents that come through here during the day to pick their children up are going to see that, and hopefully they decide to either you know to click on the QR code or just look his name up to hear his story. So right now, the only people that really hear his story are the seniors at school.”
According to an article in the Le Roy Gazette, in 1961, Aramino sacrificed his life when he shielded a boy with his own body while the boy was on the railroad tracks in front of an oncoming train near Buttermilk Falls. Aramino’s actions saved the boy’s life, but Aramino suffered a head injury after being struck with a part of the train.
During the Senior Awards night, there’s a John Aramino Award that is presented to a graduating senior who has achieved scholastic achievements and has played at least two varsity sports. In 1960, Aramino was the co-captain of the Le Roy varsity football team, and captain of the track team.
“It’s one of the biggest awards other than Gary Scott award and it’s usually very emotional because nobody knows the story, and then when you hear about it, and you think, who does that? Who would have done that in an absolute split second to save somebody’s life?
The third student to ever receive the John Aramino award was Gary Scott, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968 while saving fellow soldier’s lives.
Bonacquisti and John Mangefreda wrote about John Aramino and Gary Scott in their 2013 book, ‘A Knight’s Journey’ the tale of Le Roy football through the stories of those who played. John and Gary have their own chapters. The chapter is called Heroic Knights.
Aramino’s family was invited to the White House by President John F. Kennedy after their son’s death. President Kennedy presented the Justice Department’s Young American Medal for Bravery to the John Aramino family of Le Roy on May 7, 1963. (See digitized video above)
“This dedication is long overdue,” says Bonacquisti.
“During the book research process and hearing from John’s best friend Joe Coulorie along with Ron Rossi, Dave Carmichael, Dave Paganin about how great of a person John was.” Bonacquisti says John’s friends were devastated by his death but not surprised by the actions John took that Memorial Day in 1961.
“I think it’s a perfect spot. The village was gracious enough to let us use this spot.” Bonacquisti says it took about the six months to organize the project and find the right people.”
Kristina Sanner with Genesee County created the sign.
“She was absolutely fantastic. She made the sign. She does all the signs for the county, and we worked through the design. We sent it to John’s two brothers to look over to approve it and then she walked me through it.”
Bob Lathan, the head of Le Roy DPW, created the stained posts and the landscape around it.
“Bob did all the meticulous work with the posts and went above and beyond to make this special day happen,”
Gary Scott’s name will be added to Rt. 19 sometime this fall. Gov. Hochul signs legislation dedicating a portion of Rt. 19 in Le Roy “Lt. Gary A. Scott Memorial Highway.” – Video News Service
Bonacquisti says learning about John’s short lived but impactful life has made him proud to be part of the same community.
“I feel that we should never forget men like John. By dedicating this sign, and placing it where we did, my hope is that people in this community will see it and become more knowledgeable of this brave and courageous man and he will be with us forever.”
The Family of John Aramino during the plaque dedication on Sunday. From back left- Paul Mangefrida, Mike Mangefrida, Philip Mangefrida, and Dan Mangefrida. From front left-Cheryl Mangefrida, Sandie and Art Aramino, Joann Mangefrida Minor, Jean Serusa, Judy Wild, Ann Mangefrida, Katie Mangefrida, and John and Kim Mangefrida