In a town of strivers who want their kids to get a top high school education and go to the best colleges, Pelham native Geoffrey FioRito is a reminder that slow and steady can still win the race.
After graduating from Pelham Memorial High School in 1987, FioRito went off to the University of Bridgeport to earn a science degree, but he soon realized that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, a local chiropractor. After enrolling in the New York Chiropractic College in upstate New York, he began pursuing another family vocation, volunteering to serve with the Geneva Fire Department. FioRito also volunteered for the Seneca County Sheriff’s dive team and joined the local Mercy Flight helicopter crew.
After completing his chiropractic studies at Life University in Georgia, FioRito returned to Pelham in 1998 and took over his father’s practice.
Growing up, FioRito had watched as a stream of loyal patients made their way into his father’s office, some in obvious pain, others with a hitch somewhere in their backs. Most of these patients left his father’s office wearing smiles and feeling good. Now Geoff FioRito is able to effect similar results for his patients, many of whom migrated over to him following his father’s retirement.
“I love this town and its people,” FioRito said in an interview. “Pelham still has that strong sense of community and history. When I attend high school football games, I see parents and students I’ve known for years—and many of them are now my patients. I’m proud to care for multiple generations in my office.”
When he returned to town in 1998 to work as a chiropractor, FioRito also volunteered to serve in the Pelham Manor Fire Department. “The volunteer fire department was something that I love doing and a way to give back to the community,” he said. “Little did I know that it would wind up becoming a permanent job.”
In 2004, he was hired as a professional firefighter. His career in the PMFD reached a new pinnacle on July 21, when the Pelham Manor Board of Trustees approved his promotion to captain. Mayor Jennifer Monachino Lapey swore him in front of a room packed with FioRito’s family, friends and fellow firefighters. For the mayor, who’s known FioRito since grade school, it was a sweet moment.
“Geoffrey and I were classmates throughout our years in the Pelham schools — Siwanoy School, Pelham Junior High (as it was known at the time) and PMHS 1987,” Monachino Lapey wrote in an email. “He’s a dedicated first responder and an amazing human being. I was honored to swear him in as Captain. He comes from a service-oriented family, including his father, Doc FioRito, who attended the event.”
For Geoffrey, Pelham has always been home. He loves “… walking down the street and recognizing familiar faces,” and remembers playing varsity soccer at PMHS, where he met people that have turned out to be lifelong friends.
FioRito has been able to juggle two demanding jobs thanks largely to his wife Naomi, who effectively runs the chiropractic office, while also raising their three daughters, Paige, Hailey and Sabrina.
“In our agreement she decided to take over the running of the office,” he said. “And she lets me do the fun part of my job, taking care of people. [It takes a lot of] mutual understanding and teamwork.”
As for following in his father’s footsteps, FioRito wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. “Continuing my father’s legacy here has been one of the most meaningful decisions of my life,” he said.
Ralph Pilla • Oct 13, 2025 at 2:21 pm
We are fortunate to have Dr. Fiorito serving the Pelham / Pelham Manor communities in a dual role. Knowing from personal experience how well he strives (and succeeds) to provide top shelf patient care I am certain he’s every bit as passionate in his role as a firefighter. Congratulations on the promotion!!