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Veterans

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Mortgage-Free Smart House Gifted To Injured New Jersey State Trooper Moving Back Home Mortgage-Free Smart House Gifted To Injured New Jersey State Trooper Moving Back Home
Mortgage-Free Smart House Gifted To Injured New Jersey State Trooper Moving Back Home A New Jersey state trooper and Air Force veteran has a newly renovated accessible home, thanks to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  The Foundation even paid off the mortgage for Sgt. First Class Sean Acker’s new home in Howell. The renovation features a 1,000-square-foot addition with an ADA-compliant bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. The Foundation also removed the existing metal ramp and installed a permanent masonry ramp. In February 2022, Acker experienced a severe medical injury, enduring three weeks of fighting for his life in the critical care unit before living away from hom…

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by Jon Craig
Obituaries
L.E.A.D VP, Retired NJ Police Chief Bret Alemy Dies During Florida Retreat L.E.A.D VP, Retired NJ Police Chief Bret Alemy Dies During Florida Retreat
L.E.A.D VP, Retired NJ Police Chief Bret Alemy Dies During Florida Retreat Bret Alemy, an Air Force veteran who later served as police chief in Hardyston, died on Thursday, Jan. 4, while attending a retreat in Orlando. He was 50 years old. Alemy was serving as Vice President of Program Development for Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.) at the time of his death, the organization said.  "The L.E.A.D Family is in mourning over the unexpected passing of our cherished, admired and beloved Vice President of Program Development Chief Bret Alemy," L.E.A.D. said on Facebook.  "The organization is stunned but focused on serving the Alemy family …

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by Sam Barron
Police & Fire
Daughter Of Late Combat Veteran Jailed For Death Threats To Public Officials: NJ State Police Daughter Of Late Combat Veteran Jailed For Death Threats To Public Officials: NJ State Police
Daughter Of Late Combat Veteran Jailed For Death Threats To Public Officials: NJ State Police A grieving naval officer’s daughter from Bergen County who’s been involved in a court battle with the local veterans home made what New Jersey State Police allege were credible threats against two public officials following her father’s death. Amy Johnson, 54, of Westwood, had initially “voiced her dissatisfaction with the court’s decision" over a power-of-attorney request, says a State Police complaint filed in Superior Court in Hackensack. She initially left email and voice messages that the NJSP said mentioned two public officials by name and were “concerning, harassing and threatening i…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
Practice Grenade Found In WWII Vet's Assisted Living Unit Brings Bergen Bomb Squad Practice Grenade Found In WWII Vet's Assisted Living Unit Brings Bergen Bomb Squad
Practice Grenade Found In WWII Vet's Assisted Living Unit Brings Bergen Bomb Squad A practice grenade found in the room of a retired World War II veteran at an assisted living facility in Cresskill on Thursday brought the Bergen County Bomb Squad. Staff at Sunrise Assisted Living alerted responders to the discovery among the third-floor resident’s possessions in Building 4 on Tenakill Park Drive East shortly before 3 p.m. July 13, Police Capt. Jason Lanzilotti said. Cresskill police, firefighters and EMS “coordinated and conducted precautionary evacuations of the 3rd floor while others further away were sheltered in place,” as were any non-ambulatory residents, the captai…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Neighbors
Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash
Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash Jonathan Roman is lucky to be alive. The Paterson firefighter, a veteran who served in Iraq, was on his way to work when he was involved in a motorcycle crash in Sept. 2022.  Roman lost a significant amount of blood and has faced numerous surgical procedures. Roman's wife, who was two months pregnant and raising their one-year-old daughter at the time of the crash, has been unable to work while she cares for her family. A fundraiser has been set up to assist with Roman and his family with medical bills and for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. As of Thursday, July 6, $10,670 has been r…

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by Sam Barron
News
NJ Marine, 33, Killed By Missile Helping In Ukraine, Organization Says NJ Marine, 33, Killed By Missile Helping In Ukraine, Organization Says
NJ Marine, 33, Killed By Missile Helping In Ukraine, Organization Says Pete Reed, a 33-year-old New Jersey native and global activist, died helping civilians in Ukraine on Friday, Feb. 2. Reed was "actively aiding in the evacuation of Ukrainian civilians when his evacuation vehicle was hit with a reported missile in Bakhmut," according to Global Outreach Doctors.  Pete Reed helps an elderly woman evacuate in Ukraine.Albert Lores A Bordentown native and US Marine veteran, Reed served as the country director for the nonprofit, and founded Global Response Medicine, a different nonprofit. "The GoDocs team is devastated by this news, as are our humanitarian ai…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Veteran, NJ National Guardswoman Transform PA Train Station Into Cafe Veteran, NJ National Guardswoman Transform PA Train Station Into Cafe
Veteran, NJ National Guardswoman Transform PA Train Station Into Cafe A New Jersey National Guardswoman transformed a Pennsylvania train station into a cafe with the help of a longtime friend and veteran. Sgt. First Class Melinda DiStefano and her husband, Anthony, enlisted Joe Lewis as their business partner for the cafe notably named after the general that the town is named after, CBS3 reports.  Mad Anthony Wayne opened its doors three weeks ago, in the historic Wayne station which was built in the late 1800s. Posted by Mad Anthony Wayne Cafe on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 The family-friendly cafe offers a full espresso bar, handmade gelato, local baked …

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by Nicole Acosta
Police & Fire
Off-Duty Phillipsburg Police Officer Dominic Belcastro Killed In Motorcycle Crash Off-Duty Phillipsburg Police Officer Dominic Belcastro Killed In Motorcycle Crash
Off-Duty Phillipsburg Police Officer Dominic Belcastro Killed In Motorcycle Crash A Phillipsburg police officer died in a motorcycle crash Saturday. Dominic “Dom” Belcastro was riding a Harley-Davidson and had the right of way while heading eastbound on Route 22, according to Warren County Prosecutor Jim Pfeiffer, who witnessed the crash, NJ.com reports. A woman in a 2000 Toyota Camry was stopped at Fifth Street, when a vehicle in the right lane of the highway drove past the intersection, and the Toyota tried crossing into the turnaround near the post office immediately after that, the outlet said citing the prosecutor. Belcastro put the the bike down on the road -- ap…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Devoted Community Servant Eugene Marshall Sr Of Hackensack Dies At 93 Devoted Community Servant Eugene Marshall Sr Of Hackensack Dies At 93
Devoted Community Servant Eugene Marshall Sr Of Hackensack Dies At 93 TRIBUTE: Eugene Marshall, Sr. of Hackensack loved his country and his community. He remained faithful throughout his life to building a better world, loved ones said. A celebration of life service was held at Calvary Baptist Church in Garfield on Saturday for Marshall, who recently passed away at 91. Born in Paterson on Nov. 29, 1929, Marshall attended middle school and high school in Hackensack, where he excelled in football and track. He attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC for a year before enlisted in the U.S. Army and serving a tour overseas. Following his honorable…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Obituaries
Bergen County Man Who Dedicated Life To Building Homes For Veterans Dies Of Coronavirus Bergen County Man Who Dedicated Life To Building Homes For Veterans Dies Of Coronavirus
Bergen County Man Who Dedicated Life To Building Homes For Veterans Dies Of Coronavirus All Doug DiPaola was called to the Paramus Veterans Home to do last July was provide an estimate on how much it would be to replace the roof of a gazebo and a walkway behind the facility. Instead, DiPaola did all the work himself completely free of charge -- and even added a ramp. DiPaola, who dedicated his life to bettering lives of veterans, died Easter Sunday of coronavirus. "He was so generous," said Frank Calandrillo, Vice Chairman of the Veteran Advisory Council at the Veterans Home in Paramus. "We never expected him to do all that. We had the money. He didn't charge us a dime.…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Emerson HS Music Teacher Who Fought In Korean War Found Dead Outside Westwood Home Emerson HS Music Teacher Who Fought In Korean War Found Dead Outside Westwood Home
Emerson HS Music Teacher Who Fought In Korean War Found Dead Outside Westwood Home A private cremation was planned this weekend for a popular retired Emerson High School music teacher and Korean War veteran whose body was found outside his Westwood apartment. Daniel Ludovici, 84, apparently was headed to the bathroom before dawn Monday when he either tripped or suffered a medical episode and went crashing through a window at the Coventry Square Apartments off Charles Street across Old Hook Road from Pascack Valley Medical Center, authorities said. The U.S. Army veteran was pronounced dead soon after. His apartment door was locked and there was no sign of foul play, poli…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Events
Union County May Soon Boast The World’s Biggest Hot Dog -- AND Pizza Union County May Soon Boast The World’s Biggest Hot Dog -- AND Pizza
Union County May Soon Boast The World’s Biggest Hot Dog -- AND Pizza Two food businesses in Union County are going for Guinness gold right now. Union Pork Store, an institution in its namesake community for generations, is where a candidate for the top dog is being prepared in time for display Wednesday in New York. It plans to set the record for world’s largest frank -- a record not yet held by anyone, The Takeout reports. Store owner Leszek “Jabi” Jablonski has prepared a 44.3-lb. beast (with a 31-lb. bun) that will be displayed at Ulysses restaurant in the city’s Financial District. Slices will be handed out for a suggested donation of $10, which will …

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by Paul Milo
Neighbors
UPDATE: 'Outstanding' Union Teen Active In ROTC Dies In Car Crash UPDATE: 'Outstanding' Union Teen Active In ROTC Dies In Car Crash
Update: 'Outstanding' Union Teen Active In ROTC Dies In Car Crash A Union High School student who came from a family of firefighters and belonged to the school's junior ROTC program has died,  the New Jersey Veterans Network said Sunday.  According to the State Police, Anthony Steitz,  17, suffered serious injuries in a car crash Saturday night.  He was driving eastbound on I-78 in Watchung around 11:30 p.m. when his sedan  left the roadway and crashed into some trees. No other vehicles were involved, Sgt. Jeff Flynn of the State Police said. The cause of the crash was still under investigation Sunday. Steitz was taken to an ar…

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by Paul Milo
Schools
Throngs Expected For Memorial Tribute To Legendary Hackensack HS Principal Harold Bloom Throngs Expected For Memorial Tribute To Legendary Hackensack HS Principal Harold Bloom
Throngs Expected For Memorial Tribute To Legendary Hackensack HS Principal Harold Bloom It seemed more fitting than a funeral: What organizers expect to be a spectacular tribute this weekend will try to reflect the impact that the late, legendary Harold Bloom had on Hackensack High School and beyond. The celebration of Bloom’s life scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, April 27, in the auditorium of the school where “Hal” served as principal for 22 years. Members of the sending districts of Maywood, Rochelle Park and South Hackensack will join the city Board of Education, the Bloom family and close friends, returning students and colleagues.  All will…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
Fair Lawn VFW Getting Back Its Cannon Fair Lawn VFW Getting Back Its Cannon
Fair Lawn VFW Getting Back Its Cannon UPDATE: A retired military cannon that was taken from in front of the Fair Lawn VFW post and relocated to Garfield's post was heading back to where it belongs, post Commander David Boone said Thursday night. "An especially big thank you goes out to our VFW District 2 Commander, John Chrzanowski, who personally met with both posts, discovered that wrong information was given to the Garfield Post that the Fair Lawn Post was closing and is currently working with both commanders to see that the cannon is returned," Boone said. "I am ever thankful that this situation was worked out in such …

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by Jerry DeMarco
Business
Oritani Bank Works To Make Dream Of Homeownership A Reality Oritani Bank Works To Make Dream Of Homeownership A Reality
Oritani Bank Works To Make Dream Of Homeownership A Reality While Oritani Bank has distinguished itself through superior customer service when providing traditional bank accounts and home loans, the bank's Charitable Foundation is working to help make the dream of homeownership possible for everyone, regardless of their financial standing. The OritaniBank Charitable Foundation recently announced that Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County is the recipient of a $50,000 grant, with an additional $50,000 to be matched. The entire grant award will be used to underwrite the cost of building four affordable homes in Township of Washington, New Jersey. “We …

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Content Partner: Oritani Bank
News
Bergen County Church Won't Let Neighboring Seniors Use Handicapped Spots Bergen County Church Won't Let Neighboring Seniors Use Handicapped Spots
Bergen County Church Won't Let Neighboring Seniors Use Handicapped Spots A Franklin Avenue senior housing complex in Northvale has 29 units for veterans with special needs and only two handicapped parking spots. Saint Anthony's parish next door, however, has four handicapped spots. And church officials won't let the the Franklin Street Villa seniors use them, NorthJersey.com reports. Parking tickets have been issued. Cars have been towed. A letter to the Newark Diocese opining lack of "Christian charity" has been written, the article says. While the seniors feel the church has no right to ban them New Jersey State Police Lt. Theodore Schafer says &qu…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Veterans' Access To Healthcare Expands To New Bridge Medical Center Veterans' Access To Healthcare Expands To New Bridge Medical Center
Veterans' Access To Healthcare Expands To New Bridge Medical Center PARAMUS, N.J. -- The New Bridge Medical Center morning has officially been designated a Veteran's Choice facility by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco was joined by Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, New Bridge CEO Deborah Visconi, Associate Director of VA New Jersey Health Care System John Griffith, members of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and Bergen County veterans at the medical center Monday morning. As a result of the agreement, veterans will be able to receive procedures and treatment at New Bridge…

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by Cecilia Levine