David J. King ‘83
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2025
A proud alumnus of Lake George High School, Class of 1983, Dave was an accomplished student performer, charter member of the Lake George Youtheatre, and active participant in music and drama programs. He earned a B.A. from Hobart College and an MBA from Clarkson University.
Since 1988, Dave has led his family’s business, the Lake George RV Park, as President and CEO. Under his leadership, the park has received national recognition, including National Large Park of the Year and repeated honors as one of America’s top camping resorts. The Park is a model of hospitality excellence and a major contributor to the regional economy.
At the heart of Dave’s legacy is his extraordinary commitment to education. He has served as a Director and Vice President of the Scholarship Association of Lake George since 1988, helping provide scholarship opportunities to generations of graduating seniors. He also served as a director on the Lake George Board of Education.
Dave’s community service extends widely. A two-time President and longtime member of the Rotary Club of Lake George, he has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor and recipient of the Lake George Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a founding member, director and former President of the Adirondack Theatre Festival, and continues to serve as an Elder in the Caldwell Presbyterian Church
As President and Director of the Evergreen Cemetery Association, Dave led efforts to expand the burial grounds, ensuring a dignified resting place for community members for generations to come.
Above all, Dave is a devoted husband to Sarah and proud father to Olivia and Nicholas, whose love and support have been at the heart of his lifelong service.
Dave’s life reflects the belief that giving to others is not only a responsibility but a privilege—one that has enriched his own life as much as those he has served.
Vinnie Crocitto Jr. ’79
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2024
Vinnie Crocitto Jr., Class of 1979, embodies the essence of community, family, and entrepreneurial spirit. Since his family relocated to Lake George in 1969, Vinnie has been deeply rooted in the fabric of his hometown.
Following his high school years, Vinnie pursued higher education at the University of Albany, focusing on hospitality and marketing, laying the groundwork for his future achievements.
In the business arena, Vinnie’s entrepreneurial prowess and hard work has shined through as the owner of three prominent hotels in Lake George: Holiday Inn Resort, Super 8 Motel, and the Lake Motel. His commitment to providing exceptional hospitality has not only bolstered the local economy but has also enhanced Lake George as a memorable and cherished destination for families year after year.
Vinnie’s commitment to community service is evident in his longstanding tenure on the Lake George Town Board, where he has served as both a Town Board Member and Deputy Supervisor beginning in 2001. His proactive leadership has resulted in many notable accomplishments, including the Lake George Gateway project and advancement of the Lake George Youth Commission. In addition to public office, Vinnie’s dedicated 13 years to coaching his sons in little league, instilling invaluable life lessons in many children.
Personally, there is nothing Vinnie cherished more than his role as a devoted family man, sharing a fulfilling partnership with his wife,Jody, and taking great pride in the raising, and then guiding and supporting the endeavors of his two sons, Vinnie and Nicolas. His joy is further enriched by his role as a grandfather, a role he has cherished and lovingly embraced to the fullest.
In every facet of his life, Vinnie Crocitto Jr. exemplifies the values of community, leadership, and dedication. From his formative years at Lake George High School to his multifaceted roles as a business owner, public servant, and family pillar. Vinnie has lived a Lake George Life with a legacy that will be resonate with generations to come, and there are few things he is as proud of as that.
Thomas “Tom” Roach ’59
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2020
Thomas “Tom” Roach, class of 1959, continued his education at SUNY Oswego graduating in 1963. While pursuing his teaching career for 32 years at Hadley-Luzerne High School, Tom earned his Masters Degree from SUNY Albany. As a teacher and guidance counselor Tom found mentoring students, running a work experience program for students at risk, and seeing students become successful in life was most rewarding. As an elder of the Caldwell Presbyterian Church, Tom participated in youth group activities. He served for 26 years on the LG Assessment Review Board and 10 years as President of the LGHS Alumni Association. At age seventeen, Tom founded Tom’s Ski School originating ski shows and competitions that drew national attention to the Lake George area. The business grew to become Adirondack Marine Incorporated. In concert with his wife, Beverly, they own and operate Bayfront Cottages. They have always strived to better the business.
Dr. David A. Judkins ’59
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2016
Dr. David A. Judkins graduated from Lake George High School in 1975. He continued his undergraduate education at Hartwick College graduating in 1979. David pursued his medical education degree at the University of L’Aquila School of Medicine and Surgery in L’Aquila, Italy receiving his M.D. Degree in 1985. He continued post graduate training both at L’Aquila Hospital in Italy and St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City. His medical residency included a Pediatrics Program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey and followed up with a Cardiology Fellowship at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. Dr. Judkins is presently a practicing Cardiologist with Cardiology Associates in Queensbury, New York. Dr. Judkins resides in Queensbury with his wife, Dawn. They are the proud parents of three adult children. In his free time he is noted for his passion for hunting in our area woods.
Todd R. Earl ’74
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2015
Todd R. Earl, Class of 1974, is the son of Wayde (also a Wall of Honor recipient) and Margaret Earl. His wife, Rosemarie, is a School Counselor and the Director of Guidance at the Junior/Senior High School (and in retirement went on to serve on the LGCSD board of education) and daughter, Maggie, is a member of the Class of 2017. After graduation from high school, Todd attended SUNY Canton for an AAS degree and SUNY Plattsburgh for BS and MS degrees. He spent the majority of his professional career (28 years) as a School Counselor at Hudson Falls High School. He twice served as President of the Adirondack School Counselor Association. Todd’s community contributions include: Chief (1998-2000) and 25 year member of the Lake George Fire Department, President of the Warren County Fire Chief’s and Officers Association, Member of the Fire Education Committee of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Emergency Medical Technician for 24 years, Chair of the Glens Falls/Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), Member of the ADK Board of Directors and Executive Committee, he taught Map & Compass/Orienteering classes for ADK for 22 years, lead summer High Peaks Traverse program for 22 years, longtime volunteer on ADK & 46er trail work projects, member of the National Ski Patrol, Director of the Double H Ranch Ski Patrol Facilities, and High Ropes Course volunteer at Double H Ranch. Todd was recipient of the 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award at the Double H Ranch, Trustee of the Friends of Fort George (Fort George Alliance), Trustee of the Caldwell-Lake George Public Library, and Lifelong member of the Caldwell Presbyterian Church.
Judd A. Brynes ’60
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2014
JUDD A. BRYNES, Class of 1960, continued his higher education both in the United States and London, England. He has acquired many postgraduate degrees and certifications in Art Education and Art Psychotherapy. He has been very active in the educational community while pursuing his personal career goals and following his life long dream of helping himself, and others, achieve their best levels of performance in Environmental Design and Art Psychotherapy. Interacting with both individuals and large corporations, Judd has distinguished himself as a leader, educator, and strong community supporter. His work with higher educational facilities, church groups and the terminally ill has marked him as a person of true worth to himself and others. Judd’s design submission for the “911 World Trade Center Memorial” was a serious contender and has attained perpetual display recognition status. Judd has directly and positively influenced the restoration of historic buildings in the Lake George area.
Wayde F. Earl ’38
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2013
Wayde F. Earl, class of 1938. Upon graduation, Wayde attended St. Lawrence University. After one year he joined the U.S. Army where he served four years during WWII in the Pacific Theatre and returned home as a First Lieutenant. In 1946, he married Margaret “Peg” Block of Lake George and spent just short of 63 wonderful years together before his passing. Along with raising two sons and two daughters, Wayde owned and operated J.R. Earl & Sons Inc. (Ford dealership, appliance & hardware) in Lake George with his father and brother. A resident of Lake George Village his whole life, Wayde played an active role as a Lake George Fire Department member and First President, Village Board member, Town Supervisor and Village Justice of the Peace. He was instrumental in the town’s purchase of the Court House, was a Lake George Historical Association member, founding member of Lake George Emergency Squad, Lake George Rotary Club member, Commander of Lake George American Legion Post 374, Caldwell Presbyterian Church Elder and much more. Wayde’s love of family, community and others is to be remembered and commended.
Carl R. Desantis ’44
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2012
Carl R. DeSantis Graduated with the Class of 1944 and continued on to Skidmore College after serving his country in the US Army Air Force. In 1953 he, with his father’s encouragement, opened the first of many well known restaurants in the Upstate New York area. As the Adirondack Northway became reality, he was visionary enough to foresee the potential for more successful restaurants. His perseverance in the food industry led to continued success and over the years resulted in ownership and operational responsibility for six Howard Johnson’s franchises, and three additional independently owned restaurants. Carl has always had a keen interest in helping other people, and by using employment at his restaurants, created starting opportunities for thousands of young folks with need for seasonal, and often, long term employment. Throughout his business career, Carl has always been involved in civic affairs, serving as Lake George councilman, President of the NYS Restaurant Association, Director of Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and myriad other key leadership positions. As Chairman of the Lake George Park Commission, Carl’s actions have enhanced the betterment of the entire Adirondack Region, including Lake George. Now retired, Carl and his wife, Barbara, reside near Lake George. They are the proud parents of five children, eleven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Benjamin Douglas Osborn ’02
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2011
Benjamin Douglas Osborn, A graduate of Lake George Class of 2002, Ben received athletic recognition in football and baseball, and to this date still holds the LGHS record for career tackles in football. In 2006 Ben joined the US Army, and as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. For acts of heroism and bravery during his deployments Ben was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraq Freedom Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Medal. Ben was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 15, 2010.
Robert M. Moon ’43
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2011
Robert M. Moon, A graduate of Lake George Class of 1943, Bob was a US Army veteran of World War II having served in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Bob had a long and distinguished career in fire and public service. He was a Lake George Village Police Officer, Warren County Deputy Sheriff, NYS Park Ranger, and a Lieutenant in the Civil Defense Police. He also served as Chairman of the Lake George Town Board of Ethics and Chief of the LGFD. His accomplishments in the aforementioned endeavors, and others too numerous to mention, attest to his intense dedication to serving his community and the Lake George Central School System. Bob passed away on Feb. 24, 2008, at the age of 84.
Gloria Sweet Gilman ’52
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2010
Gloria Sweet Gilman, class of 1952, continued her education at Albany Business College graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Gloria enjoyed employment in the Lake George area for over 26 years, before relocating to the Lower Hudson Valley to pursue a career change, from the food service management role to Transportation and Tour Manager for a major carrier. Her outstanding accomplishments in promoting increased tourism into NY State were recognized with an award presented by the Governor of NYS, at the Governor’s Conference in 1999. Returning to the Lake George area after her retirement in 1999, Gloria served the second of two eight year terms as President of the Lake George Alumni Association. Her dedication to the school, its student programs, and the overall best interests of the Lake George High School are widely recognized. Gloria resides in the area and, while sharing major interests with her children, granddaughter, and family, remains an active participant in the Alumni Association.
Melvin A. Brown ’34
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2009
Melvin A Brown, class of 1934, was an athlete and avid outdoorsman. He began ski racing in 1932 and became a top contender, winning many downhill races, competing throughout the northeast. He was a World War II Army veteran serving from 1942 to 1943 as an Army Aviation cadet. After serving in the Army, he married Florence Bunch and moved to Tahawas, where he was a chemist for five years. In 1953, they returned to Lake George to raise their family and begin his well-known television and sales business. Mel received several special nominations for this award, based on his years of service to the community. Mel was Past Commander of the American Legion Post and served as Village of Lake George Trustee for 29 years. Some of his other positions included: Deputy Mayor, Police Commissioner and Lake George Volunteer Fireman. “Brownie” was a regular supporter of L.G. basketball, volleyball and softball teams. His enthusiasm for sports for girls earned him a place in the 2004-2005 yearbook. Quoted from the sports page: “For years there was always one person we saw in the stands on a regular basis. One person that we knew was there to support us and our teams. That one person was affectionately known as Brownie. No matter what the weather or the distance, he always found a way to be there. We no longer see Brownie’s big smile in our stands, but we know that he is still with us, supporting our athletic teams. Brownie passed away in 2004.
Susan Martindale Mellon ’61
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2007
Susan Martindale Mellon. A graduate of Lake George Class of 1961, Sue was voted “Most Versatile” and “Best Personality” by her classmates (traits that stayed with her). In 1979, Sue began employment at the Lake George School System and was Administrative Assistant at the High School for nearly 30 years. Working at the school was not just a “job” to Sue, she was devoted to the school and cared deeply about her colleagues and students. She knew the name of nearly, if not all, students and routinely went above and beyond the call of duty for everyone. Over the years she worked at, chaperoned and or attended countless school functions, including chaperoning and marching with the school band at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. For several years, Sue coached the football cheerleaders; designed and sewed numerous costumes for the students for various theatrical productions; and designed and handmade the huge decorative LG banners that hang in the auditorium. In 2003 Sue was chosen as the School’s NHS Honorary Inductee, selected by student members on the basis or scholarship, leadership, service and character. On a personal note, Sue married Chuck Mellon in 1963 and together they raised four children (all graduates of Lake George) and 15 grandchildren.
John “Jack” Mannix ’49
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2006
John (Jack) Mannix, class of 1949, continued his education at Cornell University. In 1953 he entered the US Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. After his discharge, he returned to Cornell Law School and graduated in 1958. Jack then returned to his hometown and practiced law for more than 40 years. Jack was a founder of the Warren County Bar Association, served on the Lake George School Board in the 1960’s, was President of the Robert Nolan Foundation and President of the Lake George Rotary. He was also counsel and director of the Fort William Henry Corporation, served as an Elder at the Caldwell Presbyterian Church, was President of the Warren County Historical Association, and organized the tour of the “Great & Gracious Homes”. Jack was involved with the committee that erected interpretative signs along the Warren County Bikeway. His friends will always remember his wonderful magic shows, and he billed himself as the “World’s 7th Greatest Magician”. The Alumni Association was entertained many times at their annual banquets, as Jack was always willing to act as “Master of Ceremonies”. Jack passed away in 2006.
William J. Lockhart ’36
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2005
William J. Lockhart, class of 1936, continued his education at the California Diesel Engineering School. After completing his program, he returned to Lake George, keeping busy working with numerous charitable organizations, including the Masonic Hospitals- (Orthopedic Hospital in Springfield, Infantile Paralysis Treatment Centers, SDS Laboratory, Burn Centers, etc.). Bill was dubbed “Sir Knight” by Knights Templar Eye Foundation in May of 2005. A volunteer fireman for 24 years, he also served on the Mohican Council BSA as well as many other organizations. Among his many accomplishments, Bill developed a prototype for skis to be used by disabled athletes missing a leg. Making the first skis for Gore Mountain, he set the stage for the development of skis for the handicapped, bringing enjoyment to many who now have the opportunity to participate in this winter sport. Bill’s daughter, Barbara Lockhard Thomson, graduated from Lake George in 1958. Bill passed away in 1999.
Susan Heunemann Sullivan ’71
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2005
Susan Heunemann Sullivan, class of 1971, was diagnosed with the HIV virus in 1982, after undergoing hundreds of transfusions for a rare blood disease. She spent the next twenty-three years traveling to hundreds of schools across the country, speaking on AIDS education and bringing knowledge and her own personal courage and insight to thousands of young people. Susan worked with the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York and with numerous universities and schools throughout the country. She worked with the school systems in Texas and programmed a video to help with their AIDS prevention programs. Susan appeared on PBS, spoke at the State Legislature and to many service organizations. At a time when individuals who were diagnosed with HIV were shunned, Susan had the courage to talk about her illness. First and foremost, her children, Shannon and Jon, were her greatest accomplishments. During her long illness, they as well as her parents, Robert and Mary Jane Heunemann, sister Gretchen, and brother William, were her steadfast support system, allowing her to continue her endeavors for many years as her illness progressed. Susan passed away in 2005.
Victor Lefebvre ’47
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2004
Victor Lefebvre, class of 1947, enlisted for Military Duty in 1947, served 4 ½ years, 3 ½ years overseas. He married Celia Norton in 1952 and they had four children. Vic was employed as an electrician and appliance repairman for 17 years with Galloway Electric in Lake George. Then he operated his business of general construction as Vic Etc., for over a dozen years, following which he accepted the position of Property Superintendent for Aviation Mall. After that he was asked by the Town of Queensbury to act as the Building & Zoning Code Enforcement Officer retiring in 1995. Vic has been a member of the Lake George Legion Post 374 for over 52 years, serving all offices and as Post Commander. Most of his retirement time is devoted to the programs of the American Legion, editor of a Legion Post Newsletter, and the Forty & Eight, an Honor Society of Veterans. Vic was instrumental in the planning and placing of the Honor Roll in Shepard Park in 2003, with the names of over 600 Veterans inscribed. For many years he has acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the Memorial Day Services in Shepard Park for the Village of Lake George. For many years, in “Uncle Vic’s” kitchen, he has canned a variety of products, mostly pickles and has given away over 4000 jars to friends.
James “Wes” Fry ’42
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2003
James “Wes” Fry, class of 1942, continued his education at Union College, thus beginning a forty three year career as a financial planner and certified life underwriter with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. He also practiced as a registered independent life underwriter. Wes was a past president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Edison Club, the Mohawk Club, and the Lake George Alumni Association. Most notably, he was the president of the Executive Committee of the Union College Alumni Association. Wes passed away in 2001 and a generous scholarship was set up in his name for Lake George High School students that plan to attend Union College.
Rachel Ray ’86
LGAA Honored Alumni Induction Year: 2003
Rachael Ray, class of 1986, continued her education at Pratt Institute in NYC and proceeded on to a career in food service. She has, over time, developed into a nationally acclaimed TV personality. She is noted for her successful efforts in establishing foundations that support healthy diets for children, animal rescue missions, and many other philanthropic endeavors. Rachael is currently a recognized authority on culinary arts, and is the primary editor and featured contributor to the magazine that carries her name. Amid all the trappings related to the responsibilities of a noted mass media celebrity, Rachael has remained an unceasing supporter of the Lake George High School and the Alumni Association.
Lake George Alumni Association 