John Fellin
Cor Jesu Award Recipient
Class of 1973
John Fellin is a classic example of a self-made hospitality industry professional. He graduated Monsignor McClancy High School in 1973. He continued his education at St. John’s University earning a degree in Government and politics and Business Administration. Shortly after college he assumed the full time position as Assistant Manager at Bruno’s and over the next several years he worked upwardly through a variety of positions and eventually became the sole owner. In 1998 he opened an off premise catering division, Caterit and in 2001 he started Encore Caterers at the Roosevelt Ballroom, in Yonkers, N.Y.
In addition to building his business, Mr. Fellin often volunteers his facility, food and staff to serve the needs of the local community, including McClancy High School. He currently serves as a member of the board of his former grammar school, St. Gabriel’s. Following the 911 World Trade Center attack he assisted in sending donations of food to the workers at ground zero. In the community where he lives, Oceanside, NY, John has worked with teenagers through his Parish’s Youth Ministry program for the past 25 years.
In 1990 he graduated from the Rockville Center Diocesan Pastoral Formation Institute with a degree in Family and Youth Ministry. He has also served as Chairperson for the community Anti-bias coalition, Oceanside Inter-Faith council and for the past 19 years has helped co-ordinate the annual Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate of the community. Annually, the dinner feeds over 400 elderly, homeless and community members in need of camaraderie on Thanksgiving Day.
John is also an ardent supporter of the New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and is credited with much of its success. The Foundation is dedicated to helping high school and college students develop a career path in the restaurant industry.
John is happily married to his college sweetheart, Cyndi and has two sons, John and Sean. He has managed to develop a rare blend of family, church, community and business in his life. He has earned the profound respect and admiration of his community and his industry peers.