Joe De Candia
President of the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano
Howard Beach
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: As president of the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano, De Candia has done a lot to become a recognizable persona in the Howard Beach community.
He became president after his father’s death six years ago. His father, also named Joe, was the first president and founder of the Society, and since day one, their job has been to give back to the community in whichever way possible.
“We raise money usually for organizations that deal with sick children,” said De Candia.
Currently, he has been working closely with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Lenny’s Clam Bar, which De Candia owns, has been raising money for JDRF through a “sneaker sale.” People have their name written on sneaker-shaped paper for every dollar they donate. It all ties in with the walk for juvenile diabetes that will be held next year on May 30 in Howard Beach.
PERSONAL: De Candia has been married to wife Doreen for 3 years and has three children, Jacob, Juliet and Joseph.
JOB: Apart from the work that is involved with the Society, De Candia is owner of the famous Lenny’s Clam Bar located on Cross Bay Boulevard, a family-owned business for over 35 years. He is also an active member in the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation, which is widely known in the community for the parade it holds in honor of that given day.
PROUDEST MOMENT: To date, De Candia recalls that the Society has raised $750,000 for various organizations since 1990, the year the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano was founded. Among the recipients are St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Make A Wish Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, Jamaica Hospital and the Boys & Girls club in Ozone Park.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: De Candia has experienced the downturn in the country’s economy first hand, as he has recently seen people becoming more reluctant when it is time to give for donations. “Trying to raise money is a little difficult now,” De Candia said. However, that does not stop him. He says you just have to “keep pushing” as far as raising funds. “It’s always a good cause when it involves children,” he explained.
FAVORITE MEMORY: De Candia goes back to when the Society would hold a feast for the saints in Howard Beach. It would be held in September, and the rewards would be nothing but positive feedback from the community. “It gave more attention to the Society,” De Candia points out.
If you are interested in giving back, contact the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano, P.O. Box 196 Howard Beach, NY 11414.
