Long time community leader Florence Pearl Rugless-O’Mealley is the 2021 recipient of the New York State Senate Commendation Award.
The award recognizes exceptional people who have made a lasting contribution to their community through volunteerism, leadership, and charitable work.
State Sen. Jeremy Cooney presented the award Wednesday to the 95-year-old at her Gates home. In front of a small gathering of family friends and neighbors, he told the crowd the board selected Rugless-O’Mealley for her decades of volunteerism, entrepreneurship and mentorship.
“When we were looking and thinking about who are the voices? Who are the people in our community that have gone above and beyond and consistently, how can we recognize and uplift those voices that make our community so much better? So much stronger? We couldn't think of anyone else other than Mrs. Rugless,” said Cooney.
Rugless-O’Mealley’s record of community service dates back more than 60 years. She has held positions in organizations that focused on diversity and entrepreneurship including former Vice-president of the Genesee Street Merchants Association, Board Member of United Nations’ Rochester Chapter, a member of the NYS Cosmetology Association, and a member of the Grapevine Association.
Rugless-O’Mealley has often organized special outreach to senior residents and has hosted an annual Thanksgiving event for seniors that was held consecutively over three decades.
The Jamaica native is also the founder of the local Caribbean Club and she is credited for helping immigrants from Jamaica settle in Rochester.
Cooney said there wasn’t anyone more fitting to honor, particularly during Caribbean Heritage Month.
“You have been a mentor and an advisor for countless children and have impacted the lives of so many across our city and Monroe County,” Cooney told Rugless-O’Mealley.
She said she wasn't seeking to create a legacy through her community service work, yet she was just doing what needed to be done.
“I didnt even think that I was doing legacy, I was just doing things that we do and it turns out to be something constructive and I’m glad for that,” said Rugless-O’Mealley
Most importantly, she credits the warm hearts she encountered when she first came to Rochester in the mid 1950s as inspiration for her life’s work.
“Just kindness, you know?” Rugless-O’Mealley said. “God gave you the health and strength to be kind to one another.”
Rugless-O’Mealley’s volunteering has slowed down in recent years but hasn't stopped completely. She was a longtime Sojourner House board member but currently sits on its advisory council.
