Only one senior citizen could be selected as Hudson County Senior Citizen of the Year at this year’s Senior Luncheon held on May 25, but in many ways, all of the seniors – one from each of the 12 municipalities – were winners, as officials from around the county gathered to pay tribute to their significant efforts in their communities.
Ninety-one-year old Orlando Addeo of Hoboken, the overall winner – selected by the advisory committee – was announced as the Hudson County award winner at the luncheon by Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise.
‘The Senior Advisory Council of Hudson County puts hours of work every year into this decision.’ – Tom DeGise
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Remembers his friends: Orlando Addeo of Hoboken
Addeo broke into tears several times during the event, once during the ceremony when he shed tears of joy at being selected as this year’s Hudson County Senior Citizen of the Year, but sadder tears during an interview when he said he took the honor in memory of his close friends who have passed on before him.
Born in Jersey City, where he lived until he was 6 years old, Addeo recalled a few memories of his life there. Most of his life was spent in Hoboken, where, during the Great Depression, he gave the $1 a day he earned to his father to help support his family.
“He enlisted in World War II, and his service on the front lines earned him the rank of sergeant,” DeGise said.
He returned to Hoboken after the war to marry the love of his life, Rosalie Zavardino. They were married for 62 years before she passed away.
Orlando has volunteered in many capacities for many decades, including with the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Francis Holy Name Society. For the past 30 years, he has volunteered every day in service to the seniors. This includes delivering meals to the homebound, calling bingo games, and assisting other seniors in various ways.
Jersey City: Joan B. Introcaso
“If you know Joan Introcaso, a life-long resident of Jersey City, you are aware of her dedication to the city and its residents,” DeGise said. “She has served on the boards of the Christ Hospital Foundation, the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, the Jersey City EDC, the United Way, and the Jersey City Women’s Club. She was also elected to leadership positions in Hudson County and New Jersey state insurance associations.”
In her spare time, DeGise said, Introcaso organized parties for residents of long-term care facilities. She also implemented volunteer programs to deliver holiday means to the shut-ins.
“She is the manager of Hotltzman Insurance Company, a family-owned agency located in Jersey City for almost 130 years,” DeGise said. “Joan’s loyalty to her friends, her assistance to those in need, and her role as a cheerleader for Jersey City are some of the reasons we join Mayor Jerramiah Healy in cheering her accomplishments.”
“I just think of all the things she’s done for Jersey City,” Healy said.
Weehawken: Ruth Elsasser
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner said that senior citizen Ruth Elsasser has driven him nuts over the last few decades, someone whose persistence has helped preserve the beauty of the Weehawken waterfront.
“Although everyone would agree that the Weehawken waterfront is a state treasure, very few people realize the open space, the cliffs of the Palisades, and the views from Boulevard East have been protected because of the dedication and efforts of Ruth Elsasser,” DeGise said. “Ruth became involved in this preservation effort over 40 years ago. She also worked to save the historic Weehawken tower from demolition. Not only does this monument continue to exist today, it has become the town’s official symbol.”
She is a leader in the Weehawken Women’s Club and serves on the board of Park United Methodist Church.
“The goal has been to make sure we preserve our precious natural resources,” she said.
Union City: Teresita Hernandez
“Teresita was educated in Cuba and worked there as an accountant before she began her new career in her new country as a classical piano teacher and choreographer,” DeGise said. “Now she spends most of her day volunteering her help to her seniors. She delivers lots of love with lots of patience.”
Hernandez thanked the audience full of seniors and dignitaries from around the county and said, “I love America.”
West New York: Colombia Velasquez
Colombia Velasquez provides dedicated care to the residents of the Hudson View nursing home, where she volunteers.
“She is also considered a special angel to the senior residents of West New York, all of whom, she says, have a special place in her heart,” DeGise said. “Columbia has been described as ‘spiritual, giving, and kind.’ ”
Also acknowledged at the event were Carmen Britez of East Newark, and Joseph A. Cundari and Hugh Dalzell of Kearny.
Secaucus: Carol Stuart
Carol Stuart is no stranger in Secaucus, DeGise said.
She has been a volunteer – assisting Alzheimer patients – for almost 20 years. She serves on the North Hudson Community Action Board, and was recognized in 2009 as the Kiwanian of the Year. She also holds a leadership role in the Episcopal Church’s Women’s Outreach Program.
“Her concern for the senior residents of Secaucus is remarkable,” DeGise said. “She is a one-woman volunteer transportation service, taking seniors to medical appointments and the food market.”
She volunteers as an event planner, transportation provider, and chef for seniors who find cooking a challenge.
The remarkable career of Bayonne’s Dorothy B. Adams
At 87, Dorothy Adams didn’t just read about history, she lived it.
She walked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Alabama. She was recognized in the House of Representatives for her community service. She served on the original Liberty State Park Commission. She was even honored in the N.J. State Assembly for her 60 years of service to the NAACP. She was cheered in the Brennan Court House in Jersey City when she was recognized as a “Woman of History” by Hudson County.
“She was applauded in Alabama when her name was engraved on the Wall of Tolerance,” DeGise said.
“This is amazing,” she said. “I never thought I would be standing here or that anyone would pick me. God has looked after me.”
“Dorothy is one of those people who has set an example for the rest of us in Bayonne to follow,” said Bayonne Council President Terrence Ruane.
: Joanne Martin
“The Martin family history began in Guttenberg in 1898,” DeGise said. “But it would be hard to find any Martin who contributed as much in the past century to the town of Guttenberg and the county of Hudson as Joanne. To read Joanne’s resume is to wonder when she finds time to sleep.”
She was the first woman elected to Guttenberg’s Town Council, where she served 11 years chairing a variety of committees, from buildings and grounds and public safety to public works and chair of the Housing Authority. For the last 10 years, she has been a board member (presently chairperson) on the North Hudson Community Action Corporation. She is also secretary to the Guttenberg Board of Health and coordinates services and activities for senior citizens. She also serves as chair of the Hudson County Senior Advisory Council to the Office on Aging.
“It is impossible to list all of Joanne’s accomplishments, but worth noting is her induction into the Telephone Pioneers Hall of Fame and her recognition by Hudson County as a Woman of History,” DeGise said. “To quote Mayor Gerry Drasheff, Joanne Martin’s life of service is legendary.”
North Bergen: Joseph De Mussi
Joseph De Mussi has been described as a champion.
“He is also considered an inspiration,” DeGise said. “His life of service to his family, community and country, as well as his ability to overcome obstacles has become inspirational.”
His college education at Seton Hall ended when De Mussi was drafted into the U.S. Army to service in the Korean War.
“Returning to the United States as a sergeant, he became involved in several veterans’ organizations,” DeGise said. “He also joined the Knights of Columbus, where he continues to be active as a Fourth Degree Knight. He has spent a lifetime caring about and for people.”
At 83, he continues to help his neighbors with such tasks as running errands or driving them to doctor’s appointments, despite the fact that he had both legs amputated.
This, DeGise said, doesn’t slow him down.
Union City: Teresita Hernandez
“Teresita was educated in Cuba and worked there as an accountant before she began her new career in her new country as a classical piano teacher and choreographer,” DeGise said. “Now she spends most of her day volunteering her help to her seniors. She delivers lots of love with lots of patience.”
Hernandez thanked the audience full of seniors and dignitaries from around the county and said, “I love America.”
West New York: Colombia Velasquez
Colombia Velasquez provides dedicated care to the residents of the Hudson View nursing home, where she volunteers.
“She is also considered a special angel to the senior residents of West New York, all of whom, she says, have a special place in her heart,” DeGise said. “Columbia has been described as ‘spiritual, giving, and kind.’ ”
Also acknowledged at the event were Carmen Britez of East Newark, and Joseph A. Cundari and Hugh Dalzell of Kearny.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.