MASPETH FEDERAL SAVINGS - Your Neighborhood Bank for 70 Years Page 3
T he Bank has been fortunate enough to have had many dedicated employees
who have worked together over the past 70 years to keep old traditions alive
while building new ones. Together they have helped sustain the bank’s ongoing
mission of service to customers and the community.
In 1956, 19-year old, Kenneth Rudzewick started working for Maspeth Federal
Savings as a teller. He quickly moved up the ranks and eventually became the bank’s
President and CEO. He was committed to keeping the Bank community-orientated by
employing local residents, supporting local organizations, and continuing the bank’s
many traditions - including hosting fun events and honoring the lives of veterans and
service men and women. Now that Kenneth has stepped down as President and CEO,
his son Thomas, a lifelong member of the Maspeth community, who has fond memories
of coming to work as a child with his father, has take over the reigns. “I grew up right
across the street; our house was opposite the park,” Thomas Rudzewick said. “So when
my dad left for work, I couldn’t wait to follow him. On my days off from school at St.
Stan’s, I came straight to the bank with him. The experience and the relationships I've
build have been invaluable. Now, as the newest president, I’m proud to carry on the
traditions and 70-year history that was formed through the lineage of all the past
presidents, including my dad who has been here for over 60 years. The Bank’s strong
foundation and support from management and the Board of Directors, has attributed
to its success and I’m fortunate enough to take over the helm of this amazing institution
and lead it into the future.", says Rudzewick.
“We lead by example.", says Chief Operating Officer, David Daraio, who is the current
president of the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce. "We promote volunteerism and
community involvement through our MFS Cares program and support programs
that enrich our communities. Each year we raise money and donate time in support
of community organizations and we are proud to keep organizations like the Maspeth
Chamber of Commerce and Maspeth Kiwanis Club, which were established by Frontera,
alive and thriving." he concluded. Leonard Masone, (current Board Member) and his
daughter, Lisa Masone (Advisory Board Member), have been keeping the values and
traditions that were instilled in them by founding board member, James V. Masone –
Leonard’s father, alive. In fact, the entire Masone family has been an important part
of this organization and the community and their contributions, along with those of
the Banks' entire board, are immeasurable.
Supporting and honoring the country’s veterans is very important to the Bank.
They participate in the Queens Veterans Memorial Day Parade every year and sponsor
several other veteran organizations such as United Veterans & Fraternal Organizations
of Maspeth, Vietnam Veterans Chapter #32 and Allied Veterans Memorial Committee of
Ridgewood & Glendale. Employees of the bank are also very involved in their community
through volunteering. MFS has been the corporate sponsor of the American Cancer
Society’s Relay for Life of Middle Village for the last 13 years. Every year dedicated
employees become team captains to encourage fundraising and raise awareness of the
fight against cancer. Employees are also heavily involved in the Forest Park Trust and
the 104th Precinct where employees attend meetings, events and inform employees on
any updates in the community. The main branch of the Bank even hosted a celebration
for Maspeth’s 375th Anniversary earlier this year. At the anniversary event, Kenneth
Rudzewick pointed out a customer that he helped when he was a teller over 60 years
ago, who still banks with Maspeth Federal. “That’s how loyal our customers are.”,
Kenneth Rudzewick said. “And that has been a part of our legacy here in town and in
the banking industry, to have loyal people that will stick with you through thick and
thin. And that’s what we pride ourselves on.”
Current Board Member Leonard Masone Leonard Masone with his daughter,
Franklin J. Frontera with Alexander E . Frontera at one of the first Board Meetings.
with his father, founding Board Member,
Lisa Masone, current Advisory Board
James V. Masone
Member
In 1959, a local Maspeth park was dedicated to Franklin Frontera as an acknowledgement
of the Frontera family's active role in the Maspeth community dating back to
Frontera's grandfather who lived, worked & volunteered in Maspeth his whole life.
Current President Thomas Rudzewick & Immediate Past President Kenneth
Rudzewick continue to put their community first & strive to carry on the vision
of the Banks' founders.