July 4th Parade and Special Birthday Announcement
The Township Council and I would like to thank all of the township’s special guests. Thank you to our volunteers. Thank you to our local businesses, groups and clubs, residents of all ages who help make this township tradition so special. A huge thank you, to Washington Township’s Municipal Events Coordinator Lisa Collins. She and her committee did an amazing job coordinating this year’s event. The annual bicycle decorating contest and parade floats did not disappoint. Congratulations to this year’s parade float winners, Egizi Funeral Home, Washington Township Rotary Club, Veteran’s Board and Dayna’s Party Rentals.
I would like to introduce this year’s Grand Marshal, Mr. Salvatore Massare. He was born in South Philadelphia on July 14, 1923 to his parents Josephine and John Dewey Massare. He attended Furness Junior High School and later worked in a machine shop doing work for the war effort. On May 6, 1943, he joined the United States Army assigned to the 69th Infantry Division at Camp Shelby in Mississippi and was trained to be a scout corporal. In December of 1944, he landed in England and in the European Theater of Operations and fought in Ardennes, Rhineland and central Germany including Liepzig.
Troops from the division met the Russian troops outside of Berlin. After the war, Massare was promoted to sergeant. He left Berlin in April 1946 and was discharged on May 4, 1946. On July 4, 1946, Massare met the most beautiful girl, the love of his life, Angelina Aufieri. They were married April 26, 1947. He joined the City of Philadelphia Fire Department on Jan. 1, 1949 and was assigned to Engine Company 69. Massare was assigned to various engine companies when he was promoted to lieutenant and then promoted to captain.
During the time in the fire department, Massare and his wife, Jean, short for Angelina, raised two daughters, Jeanne and Debra. Years later, Jeanne became Mrs. Jeanne Massare-Phillips and Debra became Mrs. Debra Pantano. Massare is exceptionally proud of his daughters and two son-in-laws, Jimmy and Bob. Massare worked at many fire departments, however, Engine 57, was the busiest and best company that he said he had the privilege to be part of and was proud to be their captain for seven years.
The absolute gravest fire during his tenure was the Gulf Refinery on Aug. 17, 1975 where he lost two good men. Massare barely escaped as he tried saving his men as it became an ocean of flames. In 1977, he was assigned to the Philadelphia Airport Engine 78, where Pope John Paul arrived. As Massare was on board the plane, he saw a round table where Pope John Paul was seated with a tray of grapes. Massare was humbled to say that he ate the grapes that Pope John Paul ate. “The grapes of a Saint.”
In 1980, he retired as captain of the Philadelphia Fire Department after 31 years and nine months. He is proud and honored to say firefighting was his profession. Massare will be 100 years old on July 14 and has been a proud resident of Washington Township for 38 years. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Salvatore!!!!!
Retired Business
At the June 28 Council Meeting, the Township Council recognized Melinda Malia of Melinda’s Deli for her commitment to serving our community.
Malia has been a part of the Washington Township family for many years and has been serving us through her small businesses for 26 years. Malia is moving on to a new venture, and although we are sad to see Melinda’s Deli go, we are eager to support her up and coming wholesaling business. We wish you the best of luck and thank you for your dedication to our community!
Senior Center Event
Senior Center members, Chief Patrick Gurcsik and I would like to invite you to come join Washington Township Council members and Washington Township police officers, as we celebrate a “Christmas in July” themed luncheon.
This fun-filled event will include a complimentary BBQ lunch which will be cooked and served by our officers. A huge thank you to the Chiango Family and Egizi Funeral home for sponsoring the BBQ food and entertainment, by The John Monforto Variety Show. Thank you to Duffields for donating salads and condiments and Aversa’s Bakery for the yummy desserts.
Members will receive free raffle tickets for the prizes and there will be a door prize from myself. We will be handing out party favors and ice cream from, Freeze Pop Washington Township Police Department (WTPD) ice cream truck. Let’s not forget a guest appearance by Santa.
This event will be held on Monday, July 24 at the senior center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP by July 18 at the senior center. There will be a sign-up sheet. Any questions please reach out to Cathy Fiorile, Chief Gurcsik’s aide at WTPD at (856) 589-6664 or Lori Morello, director of Senior Affairs, at (856) 589-0520 ext. 2287.
Mayor Joann Gattinelli
MayorGattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us
