Former councilman Robert “Bob” Campanella passes away
Robert “Bob” Campanella passed away on April 1 at Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center at the age of 72. A lifelong resident, Campanella was born on Sept. 8, 1939 to Carmelo and Rosalie Campanella (Giammocaro). He served the community in a number of roles including as a councilman, school board trustee, and commissioner of the Secaucus Housing Authority. Campanella was also an honorary member of Secaucus Hose Company 1. He served in the US Army Signal Corps. He was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and member of the Knights of Columbus. Retired in 1998, Campanella was self employed as a mortgage broker.
“He was one of the nicest people you would ever know,” said Michael Grecco who served with him on the council and knew him since 1972. “He was very helpful. He had a smile for everyone. He personified and loved Secaucus and the people.”
Campanella and Grecco were so close they often campaigned together, going from house to house. Their closeness eventually won them the nickname “The Blues Brothers.”
Campanella was predeceased by his parents, and a brother, Thomas. Surviving him are his wife of 45 years Anita Campanella; two daughters, Coreen and Laura Campanella; sister Genevieve Hausler; brother Joseph Campanella; and many other family members and friends. Family and friends are invited April 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Rd. A 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held April 10 at Immaculate Conception Church followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Memorial contributions in Campanella’s memory are being accepted for the American Heart Association, 1 Union Street, Suite 301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691. For more information contact, Mack Memorial Home: (201) 865-2250.
Former resident to debut first novel at the library
Former resident and California screenwriter Jon D’Amore will unveil his first novel at the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center at 7 p.m. on May 16. D’Amore will talk about his book, “The Boss Always Sits in the Back,” a novel based on a true story. Copies of the book will also be available for sale and signing. A synopsis of the book recalls Union City as a thriving Hudson County metropolis comprised largely of Italians who had migrated from Europe. D’Amore has lived within a shadowy group of relatives and friends who instilled in him a unique sense of values, tradition and respect. He claims he grew up knowing that “omerta” meant to keep quiet about the things he heard and saw and that certain men like Rocco “The Boss” Casiano, “Big Mike” Caruso, Tony “Taz” Costa and Tommy “The Irishman” Dolan, as well as his own Godfather, Jerry D’Amore, got more respect than the average Joe. Because of limited space in the Panasonic Room, those interested in attending the book debut should register by calling the library at (201) 330-2083.
Local events during National Library Week April 8 – 14
In recognition of National Library Week, the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center will celebrate with a variety of activities geared towards teens and children. During this week, the library will also participate in a special raffle where youth can win two free tickets to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City donated by the museum. Raffle tickets will be given out for each individual checkout starting on April 9 and ending April 14.
Other activities at the library include a Do It Yourself bookmark craft that young children and parents can create on April 10, between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. On April 11, children over the age of 7 are welcome to participate in the Glass Painting Workshop with artist Ibou Ndoye at 3:30 p.m. and teens over the age of 16 are invited to attend the evening Glass Painting Workshop at 7 p.m.
On April 12, children and teens can play table-top games and solve puzzles during the bimonthly Chess class with Shawn Moss.
On April 13, at 11 a.m., the PG-animated film “Happy Feet 2” will be shown. At 2 p.m., the PG-rated movie “Hugo” will be shown. Reservations are required for the Glass Painting Workshops and to participate in the Chess Club. To register, call (201) 330-2085.
Local resident chosen as “Most Inspirational Walker” for Jersey City MS Walk
Secaucus resident, Diane Kilroy, was named the 2012 Walk MS “Most Inspirational Walker” for the New Jersey Metro’s Jersey City Walk MS event. On April 15 she will cut the ribbon at the 2012 Walk MS at the CRRNJ Train Terminal in Liberty State Park in honor of her husband Kevin. The goal of the event is to create MS awareness, raise funds to support critical programs and services and help fund a cure. For more information, contact: Jennifer Hivry at (800) 344-4867 or visit http://walknjm.nationalmssociety.org. or www.firefighters4ms.org
Former Dominican president visits Meadowlands Hospital
The former president of the Dominican Republic, Hipolito Mejia, visited the Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center on April 4 to accept an ambulance for use in the town of Barahona, Dominican Republic according to a press statement.
President Mejia, who is also a candidate in the Dominican Republic’s May presidential election, toured Meadowlands Hospital, including its new clinical services areas, and Mejia was the guest of honor at a breakfast reception.
Mejia was the 51st president of the Dominican Republic, serving from 2000 to 2004.
State police recover over $450k in items stolen from Secaucus store
Detectives of the New Jersey State Police on March 27 recovered over $450,000 in goods allegedly stolen from a Secaucus store that included designer clothing, high-end perfume and bedding and arrested the two men in connection with the alleged theft, according to news reports. The items were recovered from a self-storage facility in Hillsborough after search warrants were issued.
In October 2010 State Police Detective Freddy Araujo led an investigation into a pattern of ongoing alleged theft noticed by the retailer. One of the men handled misdirected freight at the department store distribution center, which was accidentally sent to the store, and allegedly arranged for the items to be picked up by his accomplice in a rental truck. The merchandise was then allegedly sold at flea markets.
The investigation led the police to two alleged suspects, a 56-year-old man from Belle Mead who was charged with second degree theft and released pending a court appearance in Secaucus and a 38-year-old man from Highland Park who was charged with second degree theft and second degree receiving stolen property and was released pending court appearances in Secaucus and Hillsborough.