Joe FiordalisoLivingston has lost an icon with the passing of Joseph Fiordaliso. The dictionary defines an icon as “a person or thing regarded as… worthy of veneration;” and Mr. Fiordaliso certainly fit that definition. Before becoming a grandpa, he was known affectionately as “Joe Fee-o;” but once his precious grandchildren arrived he was always “Papa Joe.”His ready smile and affable way were the gateway to his caring personality. He started his career as an educator and that desire – to teach and to help others – followed him throughout his life. A graduate of Montclair State, he taught at Vailsburg and Bloomfield High School for 18 years before founding We Drive, a service that used the client’s car to take customers to their destinations.After attending President John F. Kennedy’s speech in Newark in 1962 as a student, the seed of public service was planted. More than two decades later, Joe Fiordaliso was elected to the Livingston Township Council and our town benefited from 12 years of his caring leadership. He served as mayor three times and worked tirelessly to bring housing for senior citizens to the community, a need that had been stalled for many years.Despite some heated debates, he always maintained a warm smile and a handshake for those who might have disagreed with him. Papa Joe reinvigorated the Livingston Arts Council during his tenure, and was mayor when the Olympic torch was carried through town in 1996. His pride for his hometown was evident as he welcomed the flame on its way to Atlanta.As a family man, Papa Joe was unparalleled. He adored his wife, Marilyn, and his children, Joe and Dana; but the lights of his life were his six grandchildren. He worked hard and lived by the saying, “I wouldn’t change my grandchildren for the world; but I certainly want to change the world for my grandchildren.” His work on the Board of Public Utilities and his efforts to mitigate climate change were proof of that.An extensive obituary can be found in this week’s edition of the Tribune, listing the many contributions Papa Joe made to the state, to the country and to the environment during his lifetime.The world, most especially our little corner of it, will miss his patient guidance, his warm smile, his strong work ethic and his willingness to lend a hand no matter how large or small the need. Our condolences are ...
