The News-Times/Michael Duffy Frank Kelly, right, president and chief executive officer of Danbury Hospital and Danbury Health Systems, who was named Good Scout of the Year for 2002, shakes the hand of Shawn Amend, 7, of Bethel, during Good Scout Award ceremonies at the Danbury Sheraton Hotel Wednesday. Looking on is John Martocci, president and chief executive officer of Newtown Savings Bank, and general chairman of the 2002 Greater Danbury Good Scout Award Luncheon.

DANBURY — Frank Kelly, president and CEO of Danbury Hospital and Danbury Health Systems, was named Good Scout of the Year for 2002.

Kelly joined the staff of Danbury Hospital in 1977, and worked his way up through the administration in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility. He said his career and volunteer work were possible because of the support he received from his family and co-workers.

The Good Scout award is given each year to a community leader who lives the principles of Scouting. Previous winners include Charles Frosch of Union Savings Bank, Clarice Osiecki, former president of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, and Werner Gerstenberg, former president of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

Kelly’s wife, Fran, was also honored Wednesday for making Kelly’s devotion to work and community possible. They have three children and three grandchildren, with another grandchild due in February.

An Eagle Scout, Kelly brought his sash decorated with merit badges to the ceremony Wednesday at the Danbury Sheraton Hotel.

He said that although merit badges might be earned for camping, or citizenship or home repairs, they actually teach people about teamwork, reading, studying and living with respect.

"None of us achieves things on our own,” Kelly said, referring to his supportive family. "Fran teaches me daily the art of selfless giving. One key in life is to surround yourself with the very best people. The staff and directors of Danbury Health Systems encourage and even demand community service. What makes it possible are the 3,200 employees and the hundreds of volunteers. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

"He’s a family man and he’s the leader who led the hospital to be the premier organization it is today,” said John Martocci, president and CEO of the Newtown Savings Bank. Martocci was the master of ceremonies and general chairman of the 2002 Greater Danbury Area Good Scout Award Luncheon.

The keynote Scout speaker was Willie Kommaritz of Pack 54 in Bethel, who told a series of stories about being a young Scout. After he and his father built his Pine Wood Derby car, and tinkered with it to the point of holding on the wheels with copper pipe, the car was disqualified.

Kommaritz said his mother was on hand, and in 10 minutes created a new car from a block of wood and duct tape.

"Because it looked so bad, nobody thought we could win, including me,” Kommaritz said. "We won first place.”

Contact Mark Langlois