Since the very beginning of DeMolay, we have relied upon Masons and the Masonic Fraternity for guidance, direction, and strength. As DeMolay was creating the Legion of Honor, to be composed of senior DeMolays, “Dad” Charles Boyce suggested to “Dad” Land that in addition to an active Legion of Honor, there should be an honorary Legion of Honor composed of Master Masons.
Today, the Honorary Legion of Honor consists of Master Masons at least 30 years or older, who manifest outstanding service to humanity, or excellence in their professional field, service in fraternal life, and personify the ideals of DeMolay. Each of them, as Master Masons, have many titles. In Masonry, we know the greatest and best title a man can have is to be called “Brother.” Here in DeMolay the honorific we use is “Dad” as it denotes mentorship and friendship to youth.
Owing to the size of our great state some of the names may not be familiar to you. We want to give you a taste of the work of our honorees and have provided a brief description. These vignettes do not do justice to the outstanding class of honorees but give you a flavor for their outstanding service. Each of them we can proudly point to as being an example of the way to live one’s life.
Carl John Klossner: “Dad” Klossner is a long time educator and public school administrator. He has served the students in the Waterford, Remsen, and the Adirondack School Districts. Well known for being an advocate for student success, his professional life stands as a stalwart for the bulwark of the schools books. In addition to his professional service, “Dad” Klossner is an active Mason and currently serving as District Deputy Grand Master for the Oneida district and Commander in Chief of the Valley of Utica, AASR.
David John Menegon: “Dad” Menegon leads the oldest organized after school activity in the history of the United States, the Knickerbocker Grays. Starting in 1881, The Knickerbocker Grays have provided young people in New York City the opportunity to learn drills, develop leadership skills, confidence and history, all the while having fun. In addition to his work with the Grays, “Dad” Menegon serves as the Grand Senior Deacon for the Grand Lodge of New York and is active in the North Star training program.
E. Oscar Alleyne: “Dad” Alleyne is an epidemiologist, and currently serving as the Chief Program Officer at the National Association of County and City Health Officials in Washington, DC. In this role, "Dad" Alleyne works with 3,000 local health departments in sharing information, best practices and critical updates. During the COVID outbreak, "Dad" Alleyne could be seen on major news networks and in print media helping to educate the public and share best practices. He previously worked for the Rockland County Public Health Department where he was critical in developing response plans for West Nile and Anthrax.
Ellsworth Jack Simpson: “Dad” Simpson has been a tireless worker for DeMolay. Working to re-establish St. Andrew’s Chapter in the late 1990s and move it to Amsterdam, “Dad” Simpson has been an adult volunteer who has shaped and molded the young men of St. Andrew’s for decades and has positively contributed to his community and his lodge.
George Filippidis: “Dad” Filippidis makes sure that no child goes without a gift during the Christmas season. For the past several years, “Dad” Filippidis has organized the annual Grand Lodge of New York Toys for Tots benefit and toy drive that has resulted in so many toys for children in the State of New York.
Jason P. Sheridan: “Dad” Sheridan is a tireless worker in the quarries of Freemasonry. If you have seen a crystal clear, focused and well done picture of a Masonic or DeMolay event chances are it was “Dad” Sheridan. “Dad” Sheridan spends countless hours documenting events and providing brothers and friends with pictures of the good times that we all have together. “Dad” Sheridan is currently serving as the Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. In this role, he has helped to advance Capitular Masonry here in the Empire State, worked with the Masonic Medical Research Institute, and supported youth programs and initiatives. He holds himself and his companions to high standards.
Mark W. Heitmann: “Dad” Heitmann helps people who are ailing. Working as a Multimodality Tech, “Dad” Heitmann helps the person, provides critical tests, and helps to get them on the way to being healthy. “Dad” Heitmann is an advisor for Trinity Chapter, serves as Lakes Region District Deputy and is active with the Order of the Eastern Star. He has been a tremendous help with guiding New York DeMolay.
Pasquale Imbimbo “Dad” Imbimbo is a retired police officer from Florida where he helped serve and protect the people of the everglade state. Currently working as a private investigator, “Dad” Imbimbo helps in the legal profession. He also designed and runs “The Guarding the West Gate” a program that helps to verify background checks of applicants to the Masonic Fraternity. He also keeps bees, make maple syrup and runs a small business.
Philip Chandler: “Dad” Chandler provides futures for people looking to better themselves. For years, “Dad” Chandler managed the Alternatives to Incarceration Program for Oneida County. Through this program, people were able to develop skillets, rebuild their lives and become productive members of society. His compassion and dedication made a transformative impact on the lives of so many. In the fraternal world, he serves as the Grand Master of Cryptic Masons for the State of New York. In this role, he provides executive leadership to the thousands of Cryptic Masons across New York, and promotes their work in heart and vascular heart to make a healthier world.
Scott D. Peat: “Dad” Peat is a builder of men and buildings. A trained carpenter, “Dad” Peat built thousands of structures, trained other carpenters and helped to make New York City what it is today. “Dad” Peat currently serves as the Grand Standard Bearer for the Grand Lodge of New York. In this role he has helped to organize public processions, promote programs of the Grand Lodge and ensure the growth and success of the Masonic Fraternity.
Victor L. Mann: “Dad” Mann helps to provide for dental care for all children. “Dad” Mann helped to transform Azim Grotto into one of the premier Grottos in the world. Through new programming, activities, and a renewed focus on brotherhood, Azim has really been the fraternity that friendship built. “Dad” Mann currently serves as the Grand Venerable Prophet for the Supreme Council of the Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm and their mission to provide dental care for children who may have special needs.