Amanda Bishop
NCR Editor & Publisher
Retired Callahan businessman Raymond Fachko received accolades Thursday for his many years of dedication to the community during his tenure at the former Brandies Ace Hardware.
“There’s no one more deserving to be recognized,” Callahan businessman Paul Schwend said. He met Fachko more than 50 years ago, creating memories together first as young boys and later as business leaders.
Fachko was charter vice president of the West Nassau Jaycees in 1983 and president of the former Greater Nassau County Chamber of Commerce in 1990.
“He was (named) West Nassau Businessman of the Year more than anybody,” Schwend noted.
Schwend recently finished a year as the chairman of the Nassau County Economic Development Board. The chairman selects someone to present the Chairman’s Award to annually and he selected Fachko as the 204-25 recipient for his “lifetime of service to the local citizens of Bryceville, Callahan and Hilliard.”
The award was presented at the Westside Business Leaders Prayer Breakfast at The Anchor Church. Those gathered gave Fachko a standing ovation as he said, “I appreciate it. It’s a great honor.”
He later said, “I am honored and blessed. This was in no way anticipated. Sorry I could not express my appreciation. I was pretty overcome.”
Three of Fachko’s former educators and coaches, Allen Kirk, Fred Pike, and Johnson shared memories of him during the presentation.
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