2003 Citizen of the Year - Harry "Bunky" Naugle

Most all service and volunteer organizations depend on the support of individuals to help make them successful and achieve their goals. Such is the reason we gather this evening - to honor an individual within our community whose service, dedication, guidance and support are greatly and truely appreciated.

Harry B. Naugle, better known to most of us "Bunky", was born 61 years ago to Vivian Naugle and the late Harrison "Nooks" Naugle. Harry received the nickname "Bunky" as a small child from his father who worked on the railroad when he referred to his son as "his little bunky". Bunky was raised in Delmar where his grandparents, Seth and Cora Ellis has a confectionary store in downtown Delmar. In 1960, he graduated from Delmar High School and two years later married his high school sweetheart, the former Patricia "Pat" Beach. The couple have two sons and daughter-in-laws, Mark and Shari Naugle and Keith and Lorie Naugle, two grand-children, Hailey Ryan Naugle, 4, and Peyton Thomas Naugle, eight months, and a step-grandson, Phillip Donaway of Delmar. Harry's mother, Vivian is a resident of Sarah, Margaret and Molly's Nursing care facility.

Harry started his career in television at WBOC in Salisbury where he was director of educational television, news, weather, sports, religious programs and political programs. For the last 23 years, he has worked for Comcast Cable and is responsible for 8,000 employees and 4,400 vehicles. In 1997 the Cable Telecommunications Association of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia honored him as employee of the year.

Bunky began his volunteer efforts early as a young man joining the Delmar Fire Department soon after graduation. He remained as active member for several years but then chose to become an member, which meant he did not respond to fires. Many years later at the age of 55, he requested to be placed on the active roster where sons, Mark and Keith are active as well. Dedication and volunteer efforts run high in this family with daughter-in-law Shari being a paramedic with Delmar Fire Department and daughter-in-law Lorie being a member of the ladies auxiliary as well as Pat serving the auxiliary. In addition to being a volunteer, Bunky is a past President of the fire company and currently serves as a driver. Just recently, he was recognized as a top ten responder to 271 fire calls last year with company.

Other organizations have benefited from Harry's service as well. At his church, St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, he serves as a lay leader, choir member and partners with his wife as adult Sunday School teachers. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Delmarva Safety Association, is a director of safety for the Atlantic division of Comcast, is a member of the Wicomico Sheriff's Advisory committee and last year was honorary commander of the safety division at Dover Air Force Base. Being musically inspired, Bunky sings with the New Community Singers, Salisbury Community Singers and has performed with the Christian theatre company, Power Production Ministries.

Bunky ~ we are truely proud to present this award to you this evening and thank you for your willingness to give and share with others through the organizations with which you serve.

(Special thanks to Lynn Parks for gathering the information and coposing the article homoring Harry "Bunky" Naugle that appeared in the Laurel Star (newspaper) on October 16, 2003)