Al Taylor was a member of the CDFOA for over 50-years. He attended Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady and was drafted by and then scouted for the Boston Red Sox after high school, before joining the Army and fighting in the Korean War. He worked as a professional in the financial sector for several banks, ultimately managing the Central Credit Bureau in Schenectady for over 20 years.

With military-like precision, he was known as a no-nonsense referee who functioned as a true leader on the field. His demeanor towards all involved was always professional and he loved mentoring our upcoming members. Al was known to be vocal at organizational meetings, promoting policies and adherence to proven officiating methodologies with the purpose of making the CDFOA stronger and more respected. Al also officiated basketball, baseball and softball. Awards he received included a 50-year service award from CDFOA and the NYS Merit Award from the NYS Association of Certified Officials.

Al Cyr, his umpire for 10-years loved working with him and offered “Al was all business. He expected us all to be "ready to go" and was willing (and able) to answer any questions we may have had. He updated us on any "issues" the CDFOA may have been confronted with and had a detailed outline of how he wanted "our crew" to respond. During the game he took care of ANY problems with the teams and didn't tolerate any "theatrics" from either sideline. Time spent on Al's crew was informative, instructional and enjoyable.”

Al died at the age of 87 in May 2021

Martin Aloysius "Marty" Harrington, of Hagaman, NY was a member of the CDFOA for over 30-years. He conducted Candidate and Associate training classes and jointly assigned youth football with Matt Fizgerald for a period of time. He obviously flourished when mentoring new members of the CDFOA, teaching them the intricacies of football officiating and applying common sense to solve unusual circumstances or conflicts.

He also officiated Division I-AA football in the Ivy League and was inducted in 2006 into the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame as an Outstanding Official. He also served as a member of the Executive Committee. Marty was also a Division III Women's Basketball official, member of the Mohawk Valley Board of Girls Basketball Officials, and the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 36.

Marty died at age 60 on February 1, 2016.

Jim Hourigan was a fifth grade elementary school teacher in the North Colonie District who raised nine children, providing for his family with the extra income generated from officiating football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball and swimming.

His level of common sense expertise and rules knowledge was recognized by participants in all of these sports. When we used to take our exam as a group, everyone wanted to sit with Jim for his rules insight (and of course, the right answers). A short description that fit Jim was: witty and intelligent.

Jim was a veteran of the Korean War, played basketball and baseball for Siena and was an alumni of Catholic Central High School in Troy. Jim was noted for his fatherly attitude towards fellow officials and players as he often entertained with stories and magic tricks. Jim actually performed at local stand-up comedy venues and even pursued feature movie extra opportunities successfully. It was always fun to be part of the show during the coin toss as Jim would typically pull the coin from behind the ear of one of the captains.

Jim passed away in May 2009.

William ‘Billy’ Cowan was a long-time white hat in the CDFOA who was respected by his colleagues and crew members for his professionalism and demeanor on the football field and as an organizational member.

He primarily worked the ‘western swing’ schools and was well-respected by coaches as they knew the game officiating would be fair, and that the players came first when Bill’s crew was on the field. As a dedicated member he consistently worked all levels, from youth to a NYS championship in 2011 at the Syracuse Dome.

He worked for the New York State Thruway Authority for over 36 years and retired in 2010. He was a 32-year member of the CDFOA.

Bill was more than just a skilled official—he was a true mentor and steward of the game. His passion for officiating was evident in everything he did, and his influence extended far beyond the field. Whether it was breaking down rules, sharing insights from years of experience, or offering encouragement, Bill was always there to help others grow.

He had a gift for teaching, and he never hesitated to invest time in helping fellow officials sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of the game. He led by example—with integrity, consistency, and an unwavering respect for the sport. His presence brought a sense of calm and confidence to any crew, and his advice often stuck with officials long after the final whistle.

And of course, there was his signature style—Bill was famous for wearing short sleeves, regardless of the weather. Rain, wind, or freezing temperatures, he stuck to his routine.

Bill and his wife of 56 years, Angel, also set the bar high for those who value putting family first. They currently live in Amsterdam, NY.

Jack Kuhn was a multi-sport official, refereeing football, soccer, basketball and softball, earning extra income as he and his wife of 42 years raised five children.

Jack started life at the Mooseheart Orphanage in Chicago, Ill., after which he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He had a multi-decade career as an accountant for NYDEC.

Jack was a consummate organizational member, taking on tasks such as game fee collections (at one time, a quarter a game), dues collections, and assisting in other areas such as banquet planning. He was known for accepting assignments anywhere and at any time. Jack and his wife even made table party favors for year-end banquets.

He was also known to make boisterous announcements at meetings to support values related to member and organizational integrity. A friend and mentor to many, his officiating career extended into his 80s.

Jack died in August 2009.

Nick Pallotta was a CDFOA member that refereed more than seven hundred games in his 26-year career.

He was passionate about many causes including serving on the Greater Amsterdam School District Board of Education for ten years, on the board of directors for the Boy Scouts of America, serving on the Montgomery County Youth Bureau, and as Grand Knight of Amsterdam Knights of Columbus.

Nick had a forty-one year career with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation starting as a coal handler and retiring as a consumer representative.

Nick was one of our most respected white hats. He was a master of the rules, had a superior demeanor that earned the respect of coaches, players and his fellow officials. Many of our officials can trace their good officiating qualities to having worked with Nick.

Nick served on the CDFOA Executive Committee and received the New York State Merit Award from the State association in 1995.

Nick passed away at the age of 98 in July of 2024.

John Keenan and Charlie Seyffer worked together at Montgomery Wards over 40 years ago where John used to ‘cover’ for Charlie when he had to leave work to officiate games, inspiring John to become an official in 1987.

Physical difficulties cut short an illustrious 33-year career. He also officiated college football for 10 years and was a Division 1 College Lacrosse official.

John is a lawyer in his non-officiating life, earning his degree through a full-time college curriculum while also working as a NYS Corrections Officer. He graduated law school in 1998 and began his own practice in 2003.

John served as an officer, Section 2 Representative, and chief negotiator for three Section 2 contracts—two of which went to arbitration and secured paid scrimmages and mileage reimbursement. His advocacy continues to benefit current contract negotiations.

John still intensely feels the loss of his umpire, John Ivinski, who passed away from cancer in 2016.

He lives in Voorheesville with his wife Suzanne. They have three children: an elementary school teacher, a doctor in emergency medicine residency, and a physician assistant at Albany Medical Center.

From his crewmate, Matt Redden:
“John has a heart as big as his talent in the kitchen! He’s the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back…assuming he didn’t ghost your text asking for it (LOL). Trying to reach him is like trying to get a reply from a Magic 8 Ball.

His ‘pregame’ meant showing up 30 minutes late with a story about traffic, even if he was five minutes away. But when he arrived, he brought energy, wisdom, and sometimes a questionable fashion choice—like the infamous yellow referee hat!

His advice shaped me into the official I am today. His constructive criticism was legendary. John is a mentor, a friend, and a walking contradiction: late, unreachable, and absolutely indispensable. He lives the quote, ‘Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.’ Thank you, John.”

Thank you, John, from the CDFOA as well.

Mike Lynch was a respected Branch Manager and Vice President for many years at Key Bank. After retirement, he and his wife Georgia moved to Mooresville, NC. He also served as the leader of the Latham Knights of Columbus and participated in other good cause groups.

He officiated boys and girls basketball and had a 30+ year tenure with the CDFOA. Mike also coached youth basketball and baseball.

Mike always stepped up when the Executive Board requested volunteers—whether for collections, banquet planning, or organizational financial guidance.

His friendly, outgoing personality endeared him to all our members. His on-field career consisted of many years as one of our field judges (now line judge) before taking a position as a referee.

A legend that will live on includes a Pop Warner game between South Colonie and North Colonie. In those days, players were allowed on the field during the coin toss. As the captains stood at midfield and the teams lined up on their respective 35-yard lines, Mike yelled the customary “Let’s play ball!” Both teams charged and small skirmishes broke out. The look on Mike’s face trying to separate them was unforgettable.

In 1995, Mike received the NYS Merit Award.

Mike passed away in January 2016.

Bill Bennison retired in 2004 after serving as President of Ballston Spa National Bank. His education in his field of expertise includes a BS from the University of Delaware, an MA from the University at Albany and an MS from the Stonier School of Banking.

One of his passions in retirement is traveling with his wife of 52 years throughout the US and indeed worldwide. Patty and Bill did not have any children. In addition to football officiating, he was a member of the Capital District Swimming Officials Association from 1990 to 2020 and a member of the College Swimming Officials Association from 2000 to 2020.

His football officiating career began with the Adirondack Chapter of the NYSACFO in 1980. He transferred to the CDFOA in 1995 where he officiated until 2019. His Executive Committee experience included serving as chapter Interpreter and as chapter President. Bill was also a member of the Northeast College Football Officials Association officiating for that group from 1994 to 2002.

The following was submitted by one of his crewmates, Chris Rusiecki:
“Bill and I worked our first game together on 10/03/98 at Broadalbin HS. We have been on the same crew ever since he retired. We have worked more games together than I can remember. Some of our more memorable games were the State Championship at the Carrier Dome, a 4 OT game between Burnt Hills/Troy and a couple Super Bowls. One game we always talked about was a playoff game between Ballston Spa and Guilderland. Like stories you hear from players and coaches the majority of them never have to do with the game itself. It’s a very cold, windy and rainy Friday date. As officials we all have to wear the same uniform. Tonight’s game calls for Under Armour cold gear and long sleeve shirts. While dressing Bill advises us he doesn’t have a long sleeve shirt with him, Needless to say the crew was not happy. We thought of calling Bill’s wife Patty to bring his shirt but she wouldn’t get there in time. Luckily Bill Levy had the number of a local uniform supplier (Jay Miner) that lived close by. He didn’t even slow down and chucked the shirt out his car window! A happy ending – we were warm. Like most of our games I couldn’t even tell you who won the game. I just remember I didn’t have to freeze wearing a short sleeve shirt!”

You couldn’t find a better official. He knew the rules and knew how to control a game. But better than that he was a great person and a terrific friend!

Bill was the recipient of the J. Hal Whiner Award in 2014 and the NYS Merit Award in 2002.

Ron Wotherspoon operated The Knotty Pine Restaurant for many years after moving to the Capital District from Long Island. A well-known watering hole, Ron found friendship in those involved in schools and local sports. A leader in most endeavors, he also served as President of the New York Restaurant & Tavern Owners for several years.

Ron officiated multiple sports including baseball, softball, and was a member of the CDFOA for almost 30 years (1981–2009). Early in his career, he assumed his favorite position of umpire, where he was known for his control of the game and his ability to associate with the players to ensure adherence with sportsmanship and good play. In his later years, he moved to the white hat position, carrying those traits to the field leadership role.

Ron also officiated multiple iterations of semi-pro football, leading to his induction in the Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame. A highlight of his career was officiating with his grandson Bryan (deceased), and his son Dale — three generations of outstanding football officials.

He always enjoyed reffing — before, after, and maybe even more after the contest! His signature kick-off signal was to blow the whistle while actually making a kicking motion with his leg — a classic mechanic from days gone by.

Ron was a member of our Executive Committee and served as our Section 2 Representative. He donated his time and efforts to Section 2 sports at year-end tournaments and was known for his support of all sports.

He was a recipient of the 2000 J. Hal Whitner Award and the 1998 NYS Merit Award.

Ron passed away in 2019.

Andy Yager was employed for 36 years at the N.Y.S. Department of Health in Albany.

He was active in the CYO and coached and umpired many baseball, basketball and football games in the area. He was a member of the Capital District Baseball Umpires Association, the IAABO Board 36, the CDFOA and NY SACFO.

Andy was an outstanding wing and back judge who was like a waterbug, all over the field, with his hustle, athletic prowess and natural feel for the game. Later in his career Andy became one of our white hats, expressing jubilation when he was selected to officiate a NYS Regional playoff game.

Andy fought off demons successfully and was loved by his fellow officials for his humor and his true heart expression of calling each of us ‘brother’. He was also a proud lifetime resident of Troy and frequently expressed his love of his hometown.

Contributed by Joe Waters: “Everyone that worked with Andy became a better official because of the patience he had with them. He made them feel comfortable before, during and after their games. You could count on Andy giving you a call before the lower level games and asking you to take care of the pregame stuff with the teams because he was running a little late. He always had to stop at Stewart’s for a coffee. He also had a great rapport with kids because he always let the kid inside of him come out while talking to them. This included the younger and older kids.”

He was the recipient of the J. Hal Whitner Award and the NYS Merit Award in 2014 and was inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.

He died on March 13, 2019. R.I.P Brother!