Joe Cervasio, Chairman of the Belleville Education Foundation, reports a successful Thursday, October 14, 2010 in his hometown. "The day-time student assembly at The Connie Francis Music Theatre at Belleville High School kicked off a great day of celebration." Cervasio added, "The kids were very engaged in the presentations made by the inductees present."
Honorees included the late Nicholas Arnold Melito, award-winning comedy writer/producer; John Senesky, legendary Belleville Football Coach; Sergeant Major Donald de Hagara, career Marine; Lonnie Bunch, III, PhD., Director of Smithsonian's National Museam of African American History and Culture; Honorable Nicholas R. Amato, Esq., distinguished lawyer, corporate executive in gaming industry, and public servant; and Honorable Ralph J. Salerno, Esq., expert in land use and real estate law.
Recent comments from attendees:
Great work on the Nick Melito story..I am a 1968 Belleville grad...big BHS football fan of yours going back to the Rich Luzzi days...I grew up in Silver Lake on Frederick St as a neghbor of the Melito family and actually lived 5 yrs in their home (2nd fl) after I got married. So I'd seen Nick many times when he came home and was never surprised of his accomplishments because I knew so much about him though his proud Mom and Dad. He would stay up hours talking to his dad. Seen Nick many times coming off the New York bus... and kids would make fun of him and I would think ..here is a guy making about $1,500 a week ( back in 1973) and these kids couldnt shine his shoes..and he had Cerebal Palsy..He was such an extraodinary person and so glad he was honored for Belleville Hall of Fame. (My cousin Patty is on the Board Of Ed and your committe so I was aware of this award). I live in Monmouth County now and see your old teamate Sibi Sica once in a while and always nice to talk about the Belleville days.
Again, great work on Nick Arnold .. (ED ALBANESE)
For more on the Gala Event that night, link to "josephroccocervasio" at Facebook.
Diversified Global Strategies for The Belleville Education Foundation
To Ed Albanese:
When one is down or discouraged, as you know, Ed, all you have to do is read the Nicky Melito story. As we speak, the late Nicky is inspiring others.
Ed, stay in touch.
Joe Cervasio
Posted by: joe cervasio | November 18, 2010 at 02:58 PM