by Joseph RADDER
When John Bauda graduated from the University at Buffalo Pharmacy School in 1939 he never
dreamed that the profession of pharmacy would lead him to such a stellar career.
A native Buffalonian, Joe was born in 1914, the son of native Buffalonians. He had 10
brothers and sisters, a number of whom are now deceased. One brother and one sister were
also pharmacists. Another brother is a physician and another was an engineer. All the
Baudas attended U.B.
Joe’s wife, Rose Quagliana, was a pharmacist too. In fact he met her in college. Rose
and Joe Bauda were married in 1947. They have two daughters, Beverly and Carol, both of
whom hold master’s degrees in education and are teachers in the Buffalo Public School
system.
Joseph S. Bauda has probably received more awards and honors than any other pharmacist in
New York State, perhaps the entire nation.
In 1974 he received U.B.’s prestigious William G. Gregory Award for outstanding
service to community pharmacy.
Active for many years in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Joe held 25
different leadership positions over the years. Most worthy of note, he was Exalted Ruler
in 1973, West District State trustee and vice president of the New York west district. In
1987 he was the West District Grand Exalted Ruler. He also served as the New York State
Elks Association Veterans Service Chairman for four years. In this connection he was
instrumental in raising thousands of dollars used to service 16 Veterans and Army Base
hospitals in New York State. In 1998 the Elks gave him their State Chairman Award for
outstanding achievement in service to hospitalized veterans.
In 1986 he received the A.H. Robbins Bowl of Hygeia Award, which is given in each state to
one individual who exemplifies the ideals of community pharmacy.
In 1998 he received the San Salvador Citation of Honor from the National Columbus Day
Committee of the Federation of Italian-American Societies recognizing his contribution to
the pharmacy profession and his achievements in community efforts with veterans, youth and
the disadvantaged. In 1995 they dedicated their God, Family and Country Day to Joseph S.
Bauda.
In 1989 he was inducted into the Pharmacy Hall of Fame by the Pharmacists Association of
Western New York. He has served this organization as its tireless secretary for 21 years.
This year, the association installed him as Honorary President saying, “Joe continues
to roll up his sleeves and go to work for almost all of PAWNY’s events.”
When we met with Joe Bauda in the PAWNY offices, Michele Lynch, assistant to PAWNY’s
executive director, said, “He never stops!”
Also active in the Pharmaceutical Society of the State of New York, he was elected its
honorary president in 1983. He also served for six years as a trustee for PSSNY.
In 1995, Joe Bauda received citations from both the New York State Senate and Assembly for
exemplary dedication and service to disadvantaged veterans. That same year Mayor Anthony
Masiello declared May 21 as Joseph S. Bauda day.
He is past president of the SUNY at Buffalo Pharmacy Alumni Association and the Erie
County Pharmaceutical Association, PAWNY’s predecessor organization and the Upstate
Council of PSSNY. He was also founder and president of the Galen Pharmaceutical Society.
As a working pharmacist, Joe Bauda was highly respected by patients and his peers at
Lee’s Drugs and the Holzman Drug Company where he was a partner. He spent a total of
22 years at both firms.
Joe’s interest in helping disadvantaged veterans stems from his World War II service
in the Army. He was discharged as a Major in 1945. After the war, he was instrumental in
collecting tons of clothing and reading material for patients at the VA Medical center,
where he received awards for more than 2000 hours of volunteer service.
When we asked Joe Bauda about his philosophy of life, he was quick to invoke the Golden
Rule. Applying that to employment, he said, “When you’re employed, act like the
owner of the business. Do what the owner would want you to do.”
Joseph S. Bauda is such a kind, gentle and humble person, it surprises even those who know
him well to learn that he has received so many honors, awards and citations.
Whoever coined the phrase “above and beyond the call of duty” must have been
thinking of Joe Bauda.
He has proven over and over again that a person need not get older, only better.
Joseph Radder is a freelance writer.