In 1951, Joseph Germano and his family moved to West Babylon where he attended Santapogue School along with his sisters Judy and Mary. His father, Frank, opened a meat counter named Frank’s Gem Meats in Zito’s Grocery Store, inserting himself as a businessman in the West Babylon Community. As a schoolboy, Joe helped his mother make deliveries for the store in between his Little League games. Joe married Jo-Ann Fischett, also a West Babylon alumnus in 1968. In 1976, Joe opened C & J Meats, named after his sons, Charles and Joseph.

Throughout his life, Joe has been affiliated with many community organizations and clubs, as both an active member and benefactor. They include – the Republican Party serving as a committeeman, the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition, Our Lady of Grace Knights of Columbus, and the West Babylon Beautification Committee. Additionally, Joe has been active in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church programs serving as a coach in the soccer program where his sons played and sponsoring the Women’s Soccer program where his wife played.

Organizations including (but not limited to) the American Legion Sardiello Post, West Babylon Fire Department, West Babylon Youth Center, and the West Babylon School District have always counted on Joe for supporting their fundraising events. He has also helped countless Eagle Scouts earn their Scout titles through food service. Many families have been comforted by Joe’s actions to provide food to them during their bereavement after losing a loved one.

Joe continues to support countless programs in the West Babylon School District and continues to enhance the reading program at Santapogue, taking time to read to these elementary students whenever asked. This is just a glimpse of Joe’s commitment to the West Babylon community. Over the years, Joe has been the recipient of several community awards. Induction into the Hall of Fame is just a small token of the community’s appreciation of Joe Germano’s accomplishments and commitment to the community.