OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Paul DiFonzo, facing camera, hugs Fredonia School Board President Michael Bobseine at a ceremony placing DiFonzo on the school district’s Wall of Honor Tuesday. Looking on is DiFonzo’s wife, Keli.

Paul DiFonzo, former superintendent of the Fredonia school system, officially went on the district’s Wall of Honor.

“I can think of no one more deserving of our praise and acknowledgment,” said longtime board member and teacher Dave Giambrone at the recent board of education meeting. DiFonzo was the superintendent from 2002 until March 2017 and the Fredonia Middle School principal from 1999 to 2002.

The current superintendent, Jeff Sortisio, said, “You led this district through some really difficult financial times,” but left its finances in a good situation. He’s been able to lean on DiFonzo to answer questions and offer support, he said.

“It’s an honor I probably don’t deserve but I humbly accept it,” DiFonzo told the gathering outside the high school auditorium, backed by music from students practicing for a pops concert later that evening. “The students care about each other here and you don’t see that at every school,” he noted.

Joined by his wife, Keli, DiFonzo then pulled the cloth to reveal his plaque and hugged Board President Michael Bobseine amid applause.

“I’m absolutely humbled to be on the wall,” said DiFonzo in an interview before the ceremony. “I feel blessed to have worked with such a fine school district, I feel like we have the best students in New York state. I was with a very strong staff from administrators to teachers.”

He added that everybody that worked in the district — right down to custodians and cafeteria workers — contributed to his successful career as superintendent. In addition, the Board of Education members he worked with were always very professional and listened to his suggestions, even if they did not always agree with him.

“It was a dream job,” he continued. “I was fortunate to work in a district where students are put first, where decisions are made for the students in mind.”

DiFonzo joins another longtime Fredonia superintendent, Dr. Rocco Doino, on the wall. That means a lot to him.

“I’m humbled to be on same wall as Rocco Doino,” he said. “He would come and visit me during my time as superintendent and he gave me sage advice which was appreciated. To be placed anywhere near him is a great honor.”

DiFonzo concluded, “I was very fortunate to have my own two boys go through the Fredonia school system and get a fine education.”