ACTING, IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY!

The Iacono Family of Weehawken has now spread its roots to Secaucus, and even to South Kearny in west Hudson County, spanning three rivers – the Hudson, Hackensack, and Passaic – as a family and a family-business enterprise. The lead family actor is Guy D. Iacono, who was born in Jersey City and raised in his hometown of Weehawken. His father is Stanley Iacono, a two-time mayor of Weehawken under two different forms of government, and a legend in his own time! His mother is Anna Marie, and they are now both retired and living in Ocean County. Guy has a sister, Antoinette, and a brother, Anthony, who is a former Secaucus town business administrator. Guy tells us that he has a son, Jude, and a daughter, Joiana, who attend Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, respectively. Guy tells us that he thought about going into politics like his father, but drifted toward the family business, which began in Jersey City in 1928, and now is in South Kearny, now called USA Iron, LLC.
Guy also tells us that he always had a passion for acting, and studied at the Manhattan schools The American Academy of Drama from 1979 to 1980, and the New York School of Theatrical Arts from 1980 to 1981. He goes on to tells us that he created an off-Broadway community theater group called the Skyline Players, which began in Weehawken, when he was the township director of cultural affairs from 1990 to 1999, approximately. Guy proudly says that he plans to start up the group again, and is asking all artists, actors, dancers, singers, etc., to contact him at: Theskylineplayers@g.mail.com, or telephone him at 1-(973) 491-9280, as he is now beginning to create a new actor’s studio at his family-business building in South Kearny, as he has plenty of space to work with, regarding needed renovations.
Guy further tells us that his father, although retired from the family business, is still active as a consultant for major projects because of his vast experience in the industry. The steel business is demanding and needs constant thought-creation due to the economy. Therefore, acting as a life-passion is thus an avocation for Guy, as he takes his mind into other needed creationistic areas after family-business hours! He is proud to state that he was groomed by his father to be punctual and schedule-oriented, and that is how he is able to handle the family business and his acting avocation with precision. The family business boasts of doing business with Macy’s, the Bank of America and other banks in New York City, Hartz Mountain Industries, and the Tribeca Grand Hotel in Manhattan, among other entities!
As for leisure time, Guy also tells us that he recently retired from playing “organized” baseball in the United States O.T.B./Over Thirty Baseball League, after many years in the league, professionally. Furthermore, bike-riding is another hobby for him.
Getting back to his acting avocation, Guy further tells us that he is currently working with Weehawken neighbor Trade Martin and former Guttenberg Mayor Peter LaVilla, who now lives in Florida, and who are both actors, producers, and writers on a few projects that he hopes to develop in the near future with them. Plus, Guy also plans to develop projects with his nephew Paul Iacono of Secaucus, his brother Anthony’s son and grandson of former Weehawken Mayor Stanley Iacono. Paul’s mother Michele, who lives in Secaucus and is a legislative aide to New Jersey State Assemblyman Vincent Prieto of Secaucus, tells us that she is really proud of her son and his acting pursuits. Paul is a graduate of the Secaucus Middle School, and the New York City Professional Performing Arts School, which is a high school. Paul also studied fine arts at Marymount College in New York in 2007. Paul is the lead actor in the MTV Series The Hard Times of RJ Berger, and his leading fans are his parents, grandparents, and his uncle Guy! To the Iacono Family, All the Best!
Janice Gomez and Joshuan S. Granda of Union City; Jason Gomez and Minerva Serrano of North Bergen; and Alka Singh of Secaucus were all named to the dean’s list at Dover Business College in Clifton, New Jersey. Leaders of Tomorrow, make us proud!
The Harrison Rand Advertising agency of Guttenberg, which began as an off-shoot of their grandfather’s agency in 1941, is still operating with two grandsons, Jason and David Rand, overseeing the operation, after approximately 70 years. Truly an inspiration in longevity!
The Reverend Urbano Rodriguez was appointed Summer Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in North Bergen, announced Roman Catholic Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark. Congratulations to you, Father Urbano!
West New Yorker Martha Gutierrez has achieved a masters of science degree in Education at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. Best wishes, Ms Gutierrez!
What is this we hear!? West New York Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega is now also riding a bike to Town Hall, as well as for use in checking out his town in leisure hours, and also as a way of exercise too, we are told! Now if only other mayors took the time out to do the same, in their own way, the residents of North Hudson County would be proud of them, I’m sure! By the way, Guttenberg’s athletic living legend Brian Guaschino must have given Mayor Vega the bike riding idea; after all they were old college track stars together. And away they go!
And so it goes…until next time…See you around town …MATT.

Readers who would like to contribute to this column can do so by mailing your news items, along with your name, address, and telephone number to: “Matthew Amato,” columnist, c/o The Hudson Reporter, 1400 Washington Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030. “Thank You!

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