FOREST CITY — Deacon Andrew Cilone, who has served at Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City as a Deacon for over 40 years, was awarded the Old North State Award.
This honor is given by the governor to recognize “dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina.”
A member of the Diocese of Charlotte’s first class of permanent deacons, Cilone was ordained on May 29, 1983.
He cantors at Mass, serves as director of religious education, works in prison ministry, makes visits to the hospitalized and to the homebound and has taught and mentored deacons in Western North Carolina.
In 2017, Andy was named Forest City's Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the community.
He is an active leader in the Knights of Columbus, helping support the community through coats and gifts for children at Christmas, cans for the Kid Backpack lunch program, food for the Rutherford food pantry and other initiatives.
— Photo courtesy of Chris Garcia Images