AUBURN - Dr. Joseph Karpinski Sr. is known for his philanthropic contributions to the community.

He is also known for his gregarious nature and rarely being at a lack for words.

Despite a mild case of laryngitis, Karpinski was as talkative as ever Thursday evening at The Leonard B. Thomas Scout Service Center, when the Cayuga County scouting organization honored Karpinski for 72 years of service to scouting.

Don Grillo, a recently retired scout executive, said the scouts each year recognize the contributions of people who make charitable donations to the organization.

Those who make donations are recognized with plaques and inclusion in two organizations; the James E. West Society for contributions of $1,000 or more and the Heritage Society for $2,500 or more.

Thursday night's festivities were twofold in nature, but Karpinski was the main impetus for the gathering.

“The Heritage Society recognizes individuals and organizations that make contributions each year,” Grillo said. “These are people and organizations that make significant contributions and help support the scouts every year. We thought that it was fitting to recognize Dr. Joe and his 72 years and acknowledge the special role he has played in what we do.”

Grillo said perhaps one of Karpinski's most significant contributions was helping secure funds to purchase and open the scout service center, which is located on Mutton Hill Road.

Don Simpson, one of the vice presidents of the Cayuga County Council, served as emcee and spoke about what Karpinski has done for not only scouting but for the community.

Simpson said among Karpinski's many distinctions, he is a fellow in the James E. West Society, earned status as an Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver and Distinguished Eagle Scout. According to Simpson, Karpinski is the only Cayuga County recipient to have all three of his sons earn Eagle Scout status.

Simpson said his association with Karpinski goes back to at least 1966 and he is an honored and cherished friend.

Karpinski fondly recalled his scout days, some of the fondest and most exciting of his life, which began in the late 1930s.

“I went to Rotary Camp,” Karpinski said. “My father paid seven dollars a week. And this was in the '30s. He had one son in medical school and one in law school. But my first week there, by Thursday I was having so much fun and such a good time, I called my father and asked him if I could stay another week. And he walked from Perrine Street up to city hall and paid another seven dollars.”

He said early on he was hooked on scouting, which rarely ever was dull.

“We always had so many projects going on,” Karpinski said. “It was a challenge. ... You received all those awards. But you also learned so much at the same time. You were learning how to swim and first aid and forestry. It was a challenge and there was so much to learn it really kept one interested.”

Among his many adventures, Karpinski recalled going to the 1939 World's Fair in New York City and how being an Eagle Scout helped get him into graduate school.

Karpinski said initially the dean told him there wasn't enough room, but after seeing the dean was involved with scouting, Karpinski said the dean's secretary called him back and he was told they were going to make room for one more student.

Through his three sons, Karpinski stayed active in scouting, serving on the executive board and as president. Today, Karpinski is still an honorary board member.

Karpinski said scouting is an opportunity that should be available to everyone and it is an experience that has shaped and has been an indelible part of his life.

To mark the occasion, Simpson unveiled a plaque commemorating Karpinski's 72 years of faithful service.

“I'm very humbled,” Karpinski said. “I am so grateful for all the wonderful things that have happened in my life and I am so glad that all of you here can be a part of it.”