PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department invites you to Visit with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Children will have the chance to meet and greet the Easter Bunny, and parents are welcome to take pictures to capture the moment.

Each child will receive candy, so don’t forget to bring a basket or bag to hold your treats.

For more information, contact the Parsippany Recreation Department at (973) 263-7257 or email [email protected]. For details, visit www.parsippany.net.

PARSIPPANY — Joseph J. Jannarone, Sr., a man whose passion for trees, parks, and community service helped shape Parsippany’s landscape—and spirit—for more than three decades.

Jannarone, known affectionately by many as “Joe,” leaves behind a legacy rooted in green spaces, children’s laughter, and civic pride. He served as the first Director of Parks and Forestry for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, a department he helped launch in 1972 and led until his retirement in 2003. He was responsible for creating or improving at least 18 of the township’s 31 parks during his tenure. His efforts earned Parsippany national recognition as a “Tree City USA,” a designation it continues to hold decades later.

“He does what he does not because it’s his job, but because he believes it’s the right thing to do,” said former Parsippany Mayor Jack Conway in a 2002 Daily Record feature named Jannarone a Morris MVP. “He loves that town. He understands, but he’s just a wonderful human being.”

Born in Belleville and raised in Bloomfield, Jannarone moved to Parsippany in 1957 and never looked back. His first job with the township was as a municipal forester. In the early days, he was a department of one—without vehicles or full-time staff, he oversaw Parsippany’s forests and parks largely on his own. “When I started, no forestry policies were established at all,” he once said. “Everything that was done was done with outside contractors.”

Jannarone built a reputation for innovation and heart. In 1987, when a Parsippany mother approached the township in search of a playground suitable for her disabled son, Jannarone took action. He was astonished to learn there were no disability-friendly playgrounds in the region. Undeterred, he sourced the equipment himself and by 1988 had transformed a small green tract into Knoll Park in Lake Hiawatha—the first handicap-accessible park in New Jersey. The jungle gym, designed with ramps and swings to accommodate wheelchairs, became one of Jannarone’s proudest accomplishments. “When you plant trees, you see them grow, and when you build parks, you get a lot of satisfaction seeing them used,” he once said.

Beyond parks, Jannarone fiercely advocated tree planting and environmental stewardship. In 1974, he launched an Arbor Day program to distribute pine seedlings to every third-grade student in the township. That tradition continues today, with over 150,000 trees estimated to have taken root across Parsippany because of his efforts. He also led the first full tree inventory in town with the help of Rutgers University interns, cataloging more than 22,000 trees and initiating sustainable removal and replanting programs.

His attention to detail and community needs didn’t stop at playgrounds or seedlings. Jannarone was key in revitalizing downtown areas like Lake Hiawatha, converting vacant or neglected properties into pocket parks and community green spaces. The 2002 “Oasis Park” on North Beverwyck Road was an example. “It’s a place where people can sit, relax and enjoy,” he told The Star-Ledger during construction.

In honor of his extraordinary contributions, the township named Jannarone Park after him in 2004. There, near a bustling playground, stands a sign bearing his name—a simple but powerful reminder of a man who dedicated his life to building places where others could laugh, play, and feel at home.

Joseph Jannarone Sr.. was also an active member of many community organizations, including the Colonial Prospect Lodge #24 Masonic Lodge in Chester, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, the Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2561, and the 200 Club of Morris County. His commitment to service extended well beyond his municipal duties.

Joseph J. Jannarone’s life was one of service, rooted deeply in the soil of Parsippany. The trees he planted, both literal and metaphorical, will continue to grow for generations.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, April 2025. Click here to view the digital version.

Robert (Bob) Charles Garofalo, a successful and highly respected attorney and developer from Brielle, NJ, passed away peacefully at 91, surrounded by his wife and family. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 65 years, Nina (Annette) Garofalo; son Robert C. Garofalo; daughter Gabrielle Garofalo; adoring grandchildren Luca Constantinos Chokas Garofalo; Micaella Chokas Garofalo; step-grandson David A. Chokas; and Andrew P. Chokas.

Born in Newark in 1934 to Italian immigrant parents, Bob grew up alongside his twin sister Joyce and older brother James in Bloomfield. He attended Bloomfield High School and then went to Gettysburg for college, ultimately receiving his law degree from Rutgers Law. In 1960, he married his true love, Nina, and together, they built a beautiful life, settling in Glen Ridge to raise their children.

A devoted husband, highly engaged father, and loving Pop Pop, Bob was also a trusted confidant to his nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and strangers. Bob’s generosity spans far and wide, leaving a legacy of love and kindness. An avid fan of The New York Times games—such as Scrabble, Wordle, Crosswords, and Connections—his sharp intellect was one of his most defining traits. Bob had a deep connection to his Italian heritage, flying to Italy with family and friends to explore his passion for great food while enjoying his summers at the Jersey Shore. Bob’s home and garden were his sanctuary, where he meticulously planned every plant, fern, and season’s new annuals.

Bob was actively practicing law right up until just days before his passing. His distinguished legal career centered in Morris County, where he first served as Parsippany’s township attorney under former Mayor Henry Luther. Even after Luther’s tenure, Bob remained in Parsippany, representing prominent developers on large-scale, high-profile projects with his firm, most recently Garofalo, O’Neill & Ruggierio. Notably, he was the lead attorney for Edward Mosberg on the then-controversial Glenmont Commons Project and, more recently, played a central role in the Parq Parsippany Project. His dedication to his work extended to his unwavering representation of new Hindi temples in Parsippany, often involving litigation. It is estimated that no single individual has had a greater impact on housing development in Parsippany than Bob.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cycle for Survival in his honor. Make checks payable to:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Team Positivity
Memo: Team Positivity in Memoriam for Robert C. Garofalo
Mail to:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Cycle for Survival
P.O. Box 27432
New York, NY 10087-7432

Dear Editor:

I have lived in Parsippany, NJ for 40 years. I never thought I would see a zoning application for a 29-unit apartment building asking to be constructed on a temple parking lot next to pristine wetlands on South Beverwyck Road. The zoning meeting for this application is scheduled to be held at Parsippany High School on April 2, 2025, at 7:15 p.m.

There are many big problems with this application. I have listed a few below:

• The parking lot in this proposed development is insufficient for its current use. When religious services are in session, it causes massive traffic problems. Any development removing parking spaces will cause additional significant traffic that negatively impacts the nearby residents and the community. This group should move to another location that is large enough to support their congregation. The current parking is insufficient at best, and I wonder if the fire regulations for its current occupancy are being followed.
• We get our water from an underground aquifer. Building on or near wetlands degrades the quality of our water supply.
• Troy Meadows is a source of many endangered and protected species. This includes the blue-spotted salamander, the bog turtle, and the red-headed woodpecker. Also, this property has deer, fox, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. Any development next to Troy Meadows negatively impacts these species. Parsippany is lucky to have this unusual property.
• If a parking lot can be turned into apartments, then zoning requirements have little meaning, and any business or resident can do so in any part of our town.

Zoning laws, assessment by the zoning committee, and guidance from the mayor and town council are important for everyone living in Parsippany. If our township leaders allow development on parking lots next to pristine wetlands, the town’s leadership will fail our community.
Parsippany leadership’s feelings on this proposed development need to be known and considered when we vote for a new mayor and town council members in the upcoming elections.

Please attend the April 2, 2025 meeting and express your support for protecting our Parsippany wetlands, water supply, and neighborhoods from traffic congestion.

Jackie Puglis

MORRIS COUNTY — Enjoy an evening of culinary delights on April 9 as Employment Horizons hosts its annual A Taste of Spring event at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. This lively celebration of spring features small plates and tastings from nearly twenty local restaurants and breweries, including Rod’s Steak & Seafood Grille, Central Taqueria, Hibiscus Island Grille, Double Tap Brewing, and Enjou Chocolat. Tickets must be purchased in advance; early reservation is recommended, as seating is limited.

The event will feature an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit the Culinary Arts Training Program at Employment Horizons, the premier not-for-profit agency providing comprehensive job training and placement services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment in the greater Morris County area. The Culinary Arts Training Program was founded in 2011. The organization’s on-site cafeteria, Café Horizons, provides a unique hands-on experience. At the same time, its new comprehensive 10-week program teaches culinary fundamentals such as food safety and customer service skills with daily preparation modules in various cuisines so that participants gain the skills and confidence to obtain community-based employment in food service roles.

To purchase tickets or for more information about the event or Employment Horizons, visit http://www.ehorizons.org or contact Karen Rynearson at (973) 538-8822 ext. 228 or [email protected].

PARSIPPANY — Three candidates committed to Parsippany’s future have launched their campaign to reinvigorate our local government and free our community from the bitter feuds stalling action.

With a demonstrated commitment to community and transparency, Pulkit Desai is announcing his candidacy for Mayor, joined by Council candidates Matt Kavanagh and Diya Patel. United by a shared vision and passion, this team is ready to lead Parsippany out of Town Hall’s current mess.

Pulkit Desai for Mayor
Pulkit Desai, a proud Marine Corps veteran, has already built a reputation for executive leadership as the President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owner’s Association. A cybersecurity expert experienced in the threats of the 21st century, Pulkit’s leadership is defined by public safety, a firm hand on finances, transparency with residents, and collaboration with all who call this community home.

His pragmatism has resulted in the lake association’s first audit, the first-ever focus on publishing budget vs. actual figures, and the reduction of members’ arrears by two-thirds in a few short years. That is exactly the type of governance we’ll bring to Parsippany.

Pulkit Desai delivers results. As your Mayor, he’ll deliver fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, a public safety focus, and true transparency on development proposals. His office won’t focus on political rivals or power plays. He’s not part of that mess. Pulkit wants to be Mayor for you.

Matt Kavanagh for Council
Matt Kavanagh, a proud Navy veteran and the volunteer leader of Parsippany’s Green Team, is running for Council. Matt graduated from the US Naval Academy with a degree in Weapon Systems Engineering. With over 15 years of experience in renewable energy, he has volunteered his time and experience to Parsippany. He also volunteers his time as a coach with the Parsippany Soccer Club.

Matt has led the acquisition of countless grants for a more environmentally and fiscally sustainable Parsippany. But this administration has abandoned and unused much of the funding acquired while taxes went up.

Matt Kavanagh knows what it’s like to do good for your community and be brushed off by the powers that be. As your Councilman, he’ll deliver action over words.

Diya Patel for Council
Diya Patel, a Parsippany native whose passion is inseparable from the community she calls home, is running for Council. Born to immigrant parents who built roots here in town, Diya is now pursuing a JD at Pace University and interning with a judge. A PHHS graduate, Diya earned her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in political science and criminal justice from the University of Scranton, where she interned for the Mayor of Scranton.

Now, she’s determined to give back to Parsippany by planning for our long-term future rather than clinging to outdated practices.

As your Councilwoman, Diya Patel will work to ensure that our local government prioritizes innovative, community-focused solutions. She will honor the sacrifices of families like hers and secure a prosperous, sustainable future for all who call Parsippany home.

They are asking for your vote in the June 10 Democratic primary and the November 4 general election.

“Pulkit, Matt, and Diya represent three generations of Parsippany and three generations of demonstrated public service,” stated Parsippany Democratic Committee Chair Matt Clarkin, who endorsed the ticket. “Our long-term future will be secure with these community leaders at the helm.”

Together, this team will refocus town hall on what you pay it to do: serve. Drama is this administration’s useful tool to distract from tax hikes and overdevelopment. But the people of this community see through it. We already have political theater, tax breaks for developers, and crumbling infrastructure. If you want your elected officials focused on your tax dollars, neighborhood, roads, and safety, then this is your ticket.

“Our vision for Parsippany is to make local government work for residents again,” said Pulkit Desai. “We are not running to hold an office—we are championing collaboration, accountability, and solving the problems of our neighbors. With my fellow veteran Matt’s experience in sustainable operations and Diya’s fresh perspective on our long-term future, we are ready to make Town Hall work for you. That’s why we ask for your vote in this year’s election.”

PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library are excited to announce their annual Bag Sale, which will take place from March 28 through April 14 at the Main Library, located at 449 Halsey Road.

During this popular event, book lovers can choose between two types of bags and fill them with as many books as they can:

• Large Paper Bag – $6.00
• XL Reusable Friends of the Library Bag – $12.00

This is a fantastic opportunity to stock up on great reads while supporting the Parsippany Library. All proceeds benefit the library and help fund community programs, services, and resources.

Stop by, fill a bag, and support your local library!

PARSIPPANY — The race for Parsippany-Troy Hills mayor is officially on. Councilman Justin Musella has filed his petition to run for mayor, leading a powerhouse ticket with council candidates Casey (Kaushik) Parikh and John Bielen.

Musella stormed Town Hall with over 1,000 signatures from Parsippany residents, signaling strong grassroots momentum behind their campaign.

“I’m incredibly humbled by and grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from the people of Parsippany,” Musella said. “Our team is focused on delivering real results, restoring transparency, and protecting taxpayers.”

Musella, Parikh, and Bielen are campaigning on responsible leadership, community engagement, and forward-thinking solutions to address Parsippany’s rapid growth.

Their filing sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown against Team Barberio, the rival slate of incumbent Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, and newcomer Jigar Shah. Team Barberio previously filed for the June 10 primary, but the number of signatures submitted remains unknown, while Musella was transparent about his 1,000-plus signatures. Township Clerk Khaled Madin confirmed that Parsippany Focus must file an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request to obtain that information.

As of 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 24, no Democratic candidates had entered the race. With the filing deadline looming at 4:00 p.m. today, the window is closing fast.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding former Councilman Robert Peluso’s mayoral ambitions has fizzled—he has yet to file, despite months of rumors hinting at a potential bid.

Stay updated with Parsippany Focus for the latest developments as this heated election battle unfolds.

PARSIPPANY — Here’s an update on the previously reported “sinkhole” on Route 287 North, just north of Exit 41.

A video inspection revealed a collapsed section of pipe measuring approximately 80 feet long and 15 feet deep.

The corrugated metal pipe (CMP) connects to a box culvert, which will also need to be inspected.

Crews have begun digging the trench to remove the damaged pipe. The current estimate for completion is three days. Crews are working through the weekend attempting to be completed by Monday rush hour.

The highway remains open, with just the left lane closed for construction.

Senator Pennacchio updated Parsippany Focus, Sunday morning: “Everything is on schedule.. Pipes are being replaced and are on target to be open very early Monday a.m.”

Update: All lanes of the highway are now open.

Dear Editor:

I was at the canceled town council meeting last Tuesday, where they were trying to censure Justin Musella. 

I don’t understand how an officer’s judgment to let a driver off with a warning from over two years ago when Justin was just the passenger is even an issue. 

It would be better if the council had time to discuss issues relevant to the people and our town.  Suppose this is an attempt to discredit Councilman Musella as part of the mayor’s campaign. In that case, I’d much rather hear a debate between him and Mayor Barberio where they present their arguments on real issues instead of character bashing. I think many people here in Parsippany feel the same way, and I hope they come to the rescheduled meeting at Par Hills High School on March 25 and say so.

I encourage them to.  I grew up in Parsippany; it’s a wonderful place to live, which is why I’m raising my family here. We deserve leadership with good intentions.

Lisa Ranu

MORRIS COUNTY — Kim Parker, an internationally celebrated artist, lifestyle designer, author, educator, and musician, will present a special discussion of her bestselling book Kim Parker Home: A Life in Design on Saturday, March 29, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Maxfield Engine House Gallery, located at 713 Main Street in Boonton.

The event is in conjunction with the current exhibition, Artists as Advocates of the NJ Highlands Coalition, and features a captivating solo show entitled Kim Parker: Interior Gardens. The exhibition showcases Parker’s vibrant body of work, which includes art, surface design products, paintings, fashion, textiles, home furnishings, and more.

Founded in 1988, the New Jersey Highlands Coalition works to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Highlands regions of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

About Kim Parker:

Based in Sussex County, Kim Parker is known worldwide for her exuberant, modern floral art and designs. Her signature aesthetic graces many lifestyle products, including rugs, dinnerware, bedding, wallpaper, wall art, and giftware. Her namesake collections are sold globally.

In 2023, the Art Director of the United States Postal Service commissioned Parker to create two floral stamps—“Celebration Blooms” and “Wedding Blooms”—painted in her signature style. Released in March 2024, these stamps remain available at post offices nationwide.

A classically trained flutist, Parker earned her degree in Flute Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She taught herself floral painting and textile design between concerts, blending musical lyricism, discipline, and harmony into her artistic practice. She comes from a family of artists and musicians and has immersed herself in the visual and performing arts her whole life.

Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the Elle Decoration Award, the Design and Decoration (D&D) Award, and the Observer Magazine Award. She has been featured in prestigious publications such as British Vogue, Elle, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The World of Interiors.

Her published works include the critically acclaimed Kim Parker Home: A Life in Design (Harry N. Abrams), Interior Gardens: A New York Memoir, and children’s books Counting in the Garden and Zen in the Garden.

For more about the artist, visit: www.kimparker.tv

MORRIS COUNTY—The Senate Transportation Committee approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) that would allow Marines to obtain special commemorative license plates. 

“Our combat veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our nation, and it is only right that we ensure they receive the recognition they deserve,” said Sen. Bucco. “Marines are unintentionally excluded from obtaining special license plates that honor their combat service. This bill would correct this oversight by extending eligibility to those who bravely served our nation and were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon.” 

Current law only provides license plates to recipients of the Combat Infantryman Badge, which is not awarded to Marines. Senator Bucco’s bill, S-2911, would amend existing law to allow Marines who are awarded the Combat Action Ribbon to obtain commemorative license plates to designate their combat service. 

PARSIPPANY — Crash on Route 80, west of Exit 43. All lanes and the right shoulder are closed.

An accident involving a dump truck with injuries.

This breaking news story will be updated as information becomes available.