Appreciation – John Segalla

As sounds of the hymns rose to the rafters of St. Joseph’s sanctuary, the funeral service of an icon spanning two centuries, was taking place. The appearance of friends in our lives still leaves me somewhat mystified. How the human chemistry works its magic to create a lasting friendship still leaves me in wonder.Back in 1972 when I was pouring the foundation to the first home of my own, a car raced up my driveway ahead of the concrete trucks. It was the owner himself coming to check the mix being delivered to the jobsite. I politely asked who he was and he introduced himself as John Segalla, owner of the company, Amenia Sand and Gravel. As a relative youngster in his early 30s I was in awe of the owner coming to a jobsite to check the composition of the delivery.From this acquaintance, time seemed to pass between John and I in terms of decades. He would occasionally appear at school budget meetings and complain about taxes. He was always professional in his approach with his criticism being associated with his complaints. My next meeting with John Segalla was at the early planning of the golf course he had in mind for the retired Murphy farm in Amenia. I talked briefly with him in his office at the Sand and Gravel business. We batted around ideas of a hotel, the size of the course, etc. He talked about the clubhouse design. When we left his office I was ecstatic.Now was the ideal time to get a school golf team started at Webutuck High School, being only 5 miles down the road from the new golf course. With some discussion by the school board a team was established that spring. John’s cooperation with the young people was stellar. He had Ralph Destefano as his course manager the first year he opened and he was a gem working with young people. Life couldn’t have been more exciting for everyone involved. The rest is history. Much to my dismay I was never aware that John was instrumental in developing Life Star at Sharon Hospital. My spiritual thanks go out to him, for in 2004, during a medical crisis, I was a recipient of that service. Who knows what would have happened without this wonderful asset available?As one reflects and we proceed quietly to the cemetery, I strongly sense the loss of a dear friend. Although this does not compare to the sense of loss felt by his wonderful wife of 63 years and two dedicated daughters, it nevertheless creates a void of another longtime friend. In John’s words of advice, reiterated by John Perotti in reading John’s eulogy, “Life should never look back but instead look to the future!” This is the best advice to us all.— Robert H. Riemer, Amenia

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