2026 Antonio Varacalli Celebrations
On Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m., due to inclement weather, the community gathered inside the community center instead of on the Bridge Street bridge to remember Antonio and celebrate local individuals who embody his spirit of compassion and courage.
The ceremony opened with a multi-agency color guard of first responders, followed by a procession led by the Bedford Falls Mediocre Marching Band Drummers. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission's Investigation Report will be shared, offering further insight into Antonio’s extraordinary act of bravery. The official Antonio Varacalli Day Proclamation will be read by Town Councilmember Gabby Cosentino.
Mynderse Academy Chamber Singers, directed by Anna Luisi-Ellis, will perform, as will Mason Ntuala with a trumpet solo. Shelley Farrell and Madelyn Justian, great-great nieces of Antonio Varacalli, will also participate in the ceremony.
As part of the celebration, students from Elizabeth Cady Stanton School participated in an essay contest exploring the theme, “Sometimes being brave means feeling scared but choosing to try anyway”.
The celebration concluded with a flower ceremony in tribute to Antonio’s legacy. A ziti luncheon was hosted by the SMS and the SMS Auxiliary followed at the Seneca Falls Recreation Center. A walking tour exploring the lives of Antonio Varacalli and Ruth Dunham, the young woman he rescued, preceded the ceremony at 10 a.m. hosted by Seneca Falls Historical Society Executive Director Jonathan Monfiletto.
Antonio Varacalli Award Recipient
Sue Cosentino
Community Angel Recipients
Jason Hylwa & Missy Jones
Patty Agnello
Mary Ann Agnello
(Unfortunately, Mary Ann was unable to attend, and her award was accepted on her behalf by her great grand children
Elizabeth Becht
This year, students from Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade classes were asked to write an essay on the theme: "Heroes come in all shapes and forms, each making unique contributions to improve their communities and the world. If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a positive impact in your community?"
A collection of images from the 2026 Antonio Varacalli Day Celebration.
