Gene DeLeo, Excellence in Action

Although Gene DeLeo's, an employee at Collingswood Manor official position is bus driver, he far exceeds that title and its duties. No request is viewed as too much, as Gene, a resident of Cherry Hill, is always upbeat and positive. When anyone asks him, "How are you?" he usually responds, "I'm terrific."

The Collingswood staff considers his genuine caring attitude, which carries over into all he does, his best attribute. Gene regularly bakes goodies at home and brings them to share with residents for bus trips and activities. On bus trips, he sings and entertains while driving. When Gene's at the wheel, a scenic drive turns into "trivia drive," which includes prizes.

As if that isn't enough, he also organizes turkey drawings for the residents who go on shopping trips. He has prepared numerous luncheons and dinners that have included spaghetti and meatballs, a fillet mignon roast with all the fixings, as well as crab cakes and chicken.

Gene also visits one-on-one with men in the healthcare residence, sharing fellowship. In the past, one resident who always shut his eyes and pretended to be sleeping rather than socialize, now converses with Gene for 45 minutes at a time. Numerous compliments from residents and staff about Gene flow into the Collingswood Manor administration.

Another resident sent his compliments in a letter, "Cooking has been his trade and he prepared a meal you would find in the best restaurants. I can't imagine the time spent shopping, planning and preparing. Gene had no obligation, yet he undertook this project with joy and enthusiasm. I can't express deeply enough the appreciation I have for what Gene has done. I just had to let people outside of Collingswood Manor know how fortunate we are in having such special people on our staff."