Fort Schuyler_2023_Fall_web

F E A T U R E

A Guiding Light: JOSÉ FEMENIA ’64

BY DON GALE

W ith the training ship EMPIRE STATE VII ingrained into Maritime life, it’s ironic that José Femenia ’64’s first introduction to marine engineering was his candle powered steamboat! José recalls that his journey began back in middle school. “My eighth-grade principal called me and my mother into her office one morning. She said that I should take the Brooklyn Technical High School entrance exam. She needed to submit her list of exam candidates that afternoon!” He passed and was accepted into this bastion of technical excellence. He found he was immediately drawn towards engineering. Femenia was further motivated by family friend and Maritime cadet Bob Pagnucco ’59. Bob often talked about Maritime with José, further fanning the flame and prompting José to enroll. Tragically lost in the 1988 terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, Pagnucco was honored years later in an MCAA scholarship fundraiser managed by José’s wife, Eileen. Because new dormitories were under construction, Femenia’s Class of ’64 lived three years aboard the training ship. “MUG year I lived on “E” Deck aboard TSES IV. Compared to the holds where most of the MUGs lived, “E” Deck was a luxury suite. Not your typical college dorm experience.” He also enjoyed decorous holiday and pre cruise balls in Maritime’s gym.

Professor José Femenia boasts a 47-year legacy of guiding students at SUNY Maritime and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in developing their knowledge and skills. Here, Femenia pilots his 31-foot Mainship yacht Eres Tú.

22 | Fort Schuyler Fall 2023