Dear Editor:
Having been a neighbor of Frank “Pupie” Raia for a number of years, I have witnessed many of his success stories and a few of his struggles along the way. When he promised to create a first class supermarket in the then depressed northwest section of Hoboken back in 1999, I thought he was in for one of his struggles. Although supported by many people, it seemed like Pupie was a one-man publicity machine. His confidence and excitement about the proposed super ShopRite was relentless, even as the plans and ground breaking dragged on year after year.
Finally, on Friday, November 14, 2003, the waiting ended. The super ShopRite opened its doors at 9 a.m. to a waiting crowd, and Frank Raia delivered on his promise from l999 to create a long-awaited first-class supermarket for the people of Hoboken.
I can’t speak for all of Hoboken, but I have to believe that this project is a huge asset to the community. Thank you to Frank Raia and family for keeping your word!
Michael Berney