SHARE

Longtime Turtle Back Zoo Volunteer From Belleville Honored

A plaque has been installed at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange honoring a longtime volunteer docent who died early this year. 

A lifelong Belleville resident was honored with a memorial plaque at Turtle Back Zoo Friday.

A lifelong Belleville resident was honored with a memorial plaque at Turtle Back Zoo Friday.

Photo Credit: County of Essex

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo was on hand Friday to dedicate the plaque to John P. Doeffinger, a lifelong resident of Belleville. In addition to his work as a docent he also served as president of the Zoological Society of New Jersey. 

He died Jan. 13 at the age of 60. 

Pictured with DiVincenzo (center) at the ceremony are (from left) Doeffinger's sister Karen Frisch, Zoological Society Executive Director Adam Kerins, Essex County Deputy Parks Director Kate Hartwyk, Doeffinger's niece Kelly Velez and Freeholder Patricia Sebold. 

The plaque is located on the patio behind the zoo’s Education Building. 

to follow Daily Voice Essex and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE