Albion man, 87, releases first book

Art Buongiorne has book-signing at CRFS, where he works with 600 others

Photos by Tom Rivers – Art Buongiorne signs a copy of his book, “The Italians and Why They Came,” during an event today at CRFS, where he does administrative work. He also released “Faith Builders,” a book that encourages righteous living. He is joined by his wife Mary and his co-worker Donna Beadle, left.

ALBION – Art Buongiorne has accumulated a life-time of wisdom and experiences, and he is sharing some of those lessons and stories in two new books.

Buongiorne, 87, self-published a book about Holley entrepreneurs and public servants who descended from Italian immigrants. He celebrated the publication of “The Italians and Why They Came” with a book-signing at CRFS this afternoon.

Buongiorne has worked in security at CRFS and also with administrative tasks. He is a beloved co-worker for the staff of 600 at CRFS, said Jodi Gaines, the company president and CEO.

“He is a great employee,” Gaines said. “We know he’s worked really hard.”

Gaines is one of the Holley natives featured in Buongiorne’s book.

Buongiorne is a Holley native and a World War II veteran. He also wrote a book, “Faith Builders,” that offers insight into the Christian life. He was joined at his book-signing today by his wife of 65 years, Mary.

Buongiorne, a former carpenter, was working in security for a Rochester bank until he was 83. He was laid off. He wanted to keep working and was hired by G4S, a company contracted for security by CRFS.

He works during the week for CRFS doing administrative tasks such as printing copies, sorting and collating.

“He’s our caretaker around here,” said Donna Beadle, a co-worker who bought one of Buongiorne’s books. “He’s a sweet guy to have around.”

Buongiorne keeps the coffee pot fresh, and also sends inspirational cards to many of the CRFS staff.

He has three other books in the works, with “The Magnificent Journey,” his Christian testimony, expected to be released in November.