Fund Established in Honor of Ian J. Amendolare to Benefit Graduating West Canada High School Seniors
The Ian J. Amendolare Blue Collar Trade Award was recently established at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties by the family and friends of Ian J. Amendolare, a West Canada native whose kindness, resilience and selflessness left a permanent mark on those who knew him. Created in the wake of his untimely passing, the fund serves as a meaningful and lasting tribute aimed at providing support to students who are passionate about pursuing a career in the trades.
Ian was a 2022 graduate of West Canada Valley High School. Ian was a lifelong “gear head,” and loved anything with a motor that he could fix or improve performance on. He was employed at TJ Allen Trucking since age 14 where he formed many deep-rooted relationships with members of the community and its surrounding areas. While employed, he learned the ins and outs of farming, trucking, mining, and construction, among others. He obtained his class A driver’s license in 2023 at age 19 and a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) certificate from Catamount Consulting. Ian also grew up watching and helping his father in the HVAC industry.
Ian is remembered for having many hobbies–especially power sports; however, the most important activity that he held dear was spending time with his friends and family, setting goals and evolving into his best self.
“Ian was influenced by his father, who was a career HVAC worker, and his long-time boss who both made a good living in the blue collar world,” said Leigh Amendolare, Ian’s mother. “He saw that it took hard work and dedication, and he lived by that. Ian always said, ‘just send it!’ We are creating this award to help graduates with the same dream of living life through dedication and hard work with blue collar skills and to those who are willing to ‘just send it!’”
The Ian J. Amendolare Blue Collar Trade Award will be given to a graduating senior from West Canada Valley Junior/Senior High School who plans to pursue a degree or certificate program in the trades, with preference given to HVAC, trucking, welding and/or farming. Students must show promise and effort. There is no grade point requirement to receive the award.
To make a charitable donation in Ian’s memory, visit www.foundationhoc.org/ian or send checks payable to the Ian J. Amendolare Blue Collar Trade Award to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502.