ADA names five residents 'Father of the Year'

What do a reporter, lawyer, eye doctor, banker and former politician have in common? All five men have been named by the American Diabetes Association as a "Father of the Year."

The honorees include veteran WNBC-TV consumer reporter Asa Aarons; former Yonkers Mayor Angelo Martinelli; attorney

Mary Reed, director of the Westchester chapter of the American Diabetes Association, said the five businessmen were selected because of their ability to strike a balance between work and home.

"These five exceptional fathers are true examples of men who excel in both their personal and professional lives," Reed said. "They were chosen because of their ability to balance their personal lives, while achieving a high level of success in their careers and serving as outstanding role models in their communities."

The honorees were named by the Westchester chapter of the American Diabetes Association and the Father's Day Council. They will be honored at a celebration Thursday, June 15 at the Hilton Rye Town in Rye Brook, where they will receive their awards.

Aarons, who lives in Pelham, is a father of five and an Emmy Award-winning reporter. He has dedicated 20 years of his life to the rights of consumers, most noticeably through his "Ask Asa" segment on WNBC-TV.

Martinelli, a former six-term mayor of Yonkers, is the chairman of the board of Gazette Press Inc. As a father of six and grandfather of 11 who participates in many organizations; Martinelli is very active in the community.

Plunkett, a Tarrytown lawyer, has been in private practice since he left his job as a trial attorney for the Westchester County district attorney's office 27 years ago. He has four daughters, one son and one granddaughter. He works with many not-for-profit organizations and community groups.

Eller, a vice president of the Bank of New York and a senior underwriter in the regional small business lending department, is active in various community service organizations. The White Plains native has two teenage sons.

Goyal, who lives in Rye, has been in private practice in ophthalmology and ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery for 12 years. The father of three has completed extensive research on diabetes-related eye disorders.

The June 15 gala is the first event the new White Plains-based chapter of the American Diabetes Association is holding. It's the only "Father of the Year" event in the Greater New York area.