PARSIPPANY — Katherine Cascioli, Third Grade Teacher at Troy-Hills Elementary School receives the Morris ARC 2016 Teacher of the Year Award.
Katherine celebrated this honor with many students and parents, her Father Vito, teachers, friends and parents. Katherine humbly spoke about the various, ‘teachers’ in her life. With passion, she spoke about the work of the Morris ARC and her dedication to the organization.
Among the 17 nominations, the most ever for the ARC Morris Teacher of the Year Award, were her principal, teachers and parents.
Katherine’s mother, Diane Cascioli was dedicated to the mission of the ARC Morris. Katherine is an embodiment of her mom’s values of inclusion, love, and family. When Katherine’s mom passed seven years ago, she was asked to become involved with the ARC Morris as a board member. Katherine will become the president of the ARC Morris next year.
PARSIPPANY — Robert N. Miceli, 36, passed away suddenly on Sunday June, 5 at his home.
He was born in Paterson and raised in Lake Hiawatha where he lived all his life.
Robert was an Emergency Medical Technician for Cardinal Ambulance Service in Totowa prior to that he worked for Atlantic Ambulance in Livingston.
He was a dedicated and life member of the Rockaway Neck Ambulance Squad in Lake Hiawatha where he served as Past Senior Lieutenant and current Duty Lieutenant.
Robert is pre-deceased by his mother Ann Marie (nee-Picarillo) who passed away on September 2001.
Survivors include his father, Gino; his Step-Mother: Eva; his sister Deanna Miceli; his Maternal Grandmother Christina Picarillo and his niece: Evamarie Schwartz; his very best friend Peter Blin. Robert is also survived by many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Funeral on Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. from the Par-Troy Funeral Home. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 179 Baldwin Road.
Visiting hours are on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Rockaway Neck 1st Aid Squad, P.O. Box 41, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034.
PARSIPPANY — Get out and vote. The polls in Parsippany opened this morning at 6:00 a.m. and so far voter turn out has been very low. Remember polls are open until 8:00 p.m.
In addition to Presidential Primary local Parsippany primaries include:
11th Congressional District:
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Republican, is running to win his 12th term as Congressman for most of Morris County and the 11th District.
Rick Van Glahn, a Republican, is making his second attempt to end Rep. Frelinghuysen’s 22-year reign.
Joe Wenzel is a Democratic front-runner for Congress in the 11th District.
Morris County Sheriff:
John G. Sierchio and James M. Gannon are running to replace 23-year Sheriff Edward V. Rochford.
Morris County Freeholder Board:
Five candidates are running in the Democratic primary election for seats on the Morris County freeholder board. Winners will face their Republican counterparts in the November general election. Three Democrats — Mitch Horn, Montville, Rozella Clyde, Chatham Borough and John Von Achen, Parsippany — are running as a team with mostly common goals but their viewpoints diverge on a few issues. Also running are two candidates affiliated with the Bernie Sanders for president campaign — Carl Fenske, Morristown and Charles Bogusat, Rockaway Township.
The seven Republican candidates for Morris County Freeholder include three incumbents: Thomas Mastrangelo, Montville; Kathy DeFillippo, Roxbury Township; Douglas Cabana, Boonton, three challengers, Dr. Louis Valori, Parsippany; Peter King, Esq., Parsippany; and Roman Hirniak, Randolph and conservative John Krickus, Washington Township, who served a three-year term which ended in December 2015.
County Committee Seats:
In each of the voting districts in Parsippany County Committee elections are up for a two year term.
Voting polls are open until 8:00 p.m. this evening.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Seniors celebrated their prom at Valley Regency in Clifton on Thursday, June 4.
One charted bus bringing 25 students from Parsippany to The Valley Regency broke down on Route 80 in Fairfield, and the students had to wait about an hour for a replacement bus to pick them up, thus missing the cocktail hour.
Tatiana Portugal and Anderson Marte
Kaitlin Michels, Rachel Natoli, Erika Kull and Leona Jagiello
Matthew Ferrante
Joe Primamore and Joey Marotta
Anthony DeSpirito and Danielle Taylor along side Route 80 when their bus broke down
Richard Schoner, Leona Jagiello, Olivia Frawley, Erika Kull and Parry Kow
Katie Pinto and Anthony Espinoza
Matthew Ackerman, Diedrich Friedinger and Gail Napoliello
Shane Stone with Principal Michael DiSanto
Mikaya Acree and Alyssa Borino
Alyin Estrada and Noel Soto
Nick DiFrancesco and Tara Antonacci
Jay Kilpack, Daniella Brecka, Jimmy Hart, Katrina Kilpack, Barbara Anastasi, Amir El Hendry
Anthony Ioppolo and Angelica Sniadach
Avi Shah with Principal Michael DiSanto
Justin Chimoff, Emily Rogers and Rebecca Rodriguez
Ethan Tsirulik and Stephanie Sudit
Parker Close and Kelsy Webb
Ricardo Cortez and Andrew Topitz
Leah Bataille and Ammera Soliman
Annie Zitelli and Matt McLaughlin
Masha Rutenbeg and Reed Osterman
Brittany Pomroy and Anthony Salazar
Renna Patel and Ruchi Patel
Nichole Raia, Kaitlyn Gallagher and Steven Krolian
Sebastian Amaya and Natalia Caraveral
Pareen Desai, Rushabh Lagdiwala, Haren Ramani, Sebastian Amaya, Parthik Patel, Sahil Vekaria and Randy Mcnulty
Ruchi Patel, Shelby Steere and Alex Hein
Ronald Cupitt, Andrea Lucia Alfonso and Dylan Adubato
Adam Pavese, Mikada Dredden and Robert Weinstein
Mrs. Sturm, Justin Lu, Albert Chen, Tim Lin, Patty Kou, Mahan Ahmad
Tatiana Portugal and Anderson Marte
Rochelle Blair, Jahahd Payne
Some of the students posing for the camera along Route 80 in Fairfield
Tatiana Etienne, Richard Ermeous
Michael Montaya and Paola Perez
Anderson Marte and Tatiana Portugal
Anthony DeSpirito and Danielle Taylor
Students during the cocktail hour
Students during the cocktail hour
Students during the cocktail hour
The banquet hall
Students during the cocktail hour
Students during the cocktail hour
The bus arriving at Valley Regency
Students along side Route 80 when their bus broke down
PARSIPPANY — Frank Cahill, Chairman of the Parsippany Economic Development Committee congratulates The Habit Grill Manager Russ Caratenuto, on the recent opening of the new location in Parsippany.
The Habit Grill is located at 3043 Route 46, Morris Hills Shopping Center, on the corner of Route 46 and Parsippany Boulevard.
The Habit Grill features “Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads and fries.”
The new Parsippany The Habit Burger Grill is located in a 2444 square-foot space, which seats 52 patrons. Approximately 35 new jobs have been created to staff this location.
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, June 1, Parsippany Hills High School recognized the Class of 2016 scholarship recipients at the Annual Senior Awards Ceremony, held this year in the school auditorium. Also acknowledged were the “PHHS Top 25 Students.” Almost 200 awards an scholarships were presented to the Graduating Senior Class.
The PHHS Jazz Band performed at the beginning of the Awards Ceremony
Mr. Michael DiSanto, Principal addresses the audience
Dr. Louis Valori presenting Scholarship to Olivia Piccoli
Dr. Louis Valori presenting Scholarship to Jeffrey Hunt
Davey Willans, Greater Parsippany Kiwanis Club
Karen Kinsley presenting the George Puzio Memorial Scholarship
Ms. Mary Ann Coyne presenting on behalf of Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Nicolas Limanov, Robert Peluso, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce presenting to Andrew Topitz
Parsippany Vidyalaya Scholarship Jash Patel
Medhat Soliman, Faten Soliman, Ammer Soliman with Council Vice President Robert Pelsuo
Rebecca Rodriguez and Stephanie Sudit
Cindy Topitz, Nicolas Limanov, Harvey Topitz, Andrew Topitz and Robert Peluso
Ahmad Malik and Samantha Koon
Kimberly Begley, Alexa Porter, Kimberly Ebel and Kellyann Pepe
Nick DiFrancesco and Marie DiFrancesco
Mark Lalo, Michael Cerri, Andrew Topitz, Alex Lerman, Luke Ferrante, Kyle Berry and Ammer Soliman
Scholarships and Awards presented were:
Aaron Lief/American Legion Post #249 Scholarship – Dredden, Mikaela; Abe Wolkofsky Scholarship – Alfonso, Andrea; African American Cultural Club Service Award – Duhaney, Brittaney; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Pi Thea Omega Chapter Scholarship – Dredden, Mikaela; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Pi theta Omega Chapter – Marjorie H. Hebert (HBCU)- Duhaney, Brittaney;Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Pi Theeta Omega Chapter Bookership Award- Blair, Rochelle;
Andrew J. Quinn Memorial Scholarship – Kou, Patricia; Asian American Awards – Gao, Daphne; Asian American Awards- Wu, Sarah;Atlantic Health System Blood Donor Services Scholarship Award -Patel, Reena.
Bernard Packin Valedictorian Scholarship – Soliman, Ammer; Blue Collar Workers of Parsippany Troy Hills Scholarships – Iuspa, Danielle; Blue Collar Workers of Parsippany Troy Hills Scholarships – Salgado, Jared; Carl L. Ordway Memorial Scholarship – Nimbvikar, Anushi;
Catherine McClusick Memorial Scholarship – Bellardino, Brittany; Cedar Grove Elks Scholarship – Tolosi, Kayla; Coaches’ Award for Football – Lerman, Alex; Coaches’ Award for Marching Band – Koon, Samantha; Coaches’ Award Scholarship for Cheerleading – Porter, Alexa; Coccia Foundation Scholarships – Alfonso, Andrea; Coccia Foundation Scholarships – Bedoya, Daniela; Coccia Foundation Scholarships – Delgado, Clara.
Dance Drill Step Team Award – Rojas, Amy; Dora B. Stolfi Memorial Scholarship – Koon, Samantha; Dr. Frank A. Calabria Memorial Scholarship – Alfonso, Andrea; Elks Most Valuable Student – Lu, Justin; Emil Johnson Vocation Award – Griscti, Carlyn;
Excellence in Community Service Award – Iuspa, Danielle;
Female Athlete Award -Fulmore, Erin.
Greg Puzio Memorial Scholarship – Pepe, Kellyann.
Hills of Troy Neighborhood Association Scholarship – Ebel, Kimberly.
Indian Cultural Club Service Award- Desai, Darshan; and Desai, Pareen; and Patel, Dharti and Patel, Reena; Intervale Leadership for the Future Scholarship – Dredden, Mikaela; Intervale School/Dorothy Davies Memorial Scholarship – Kuo, Calvin;
Jack Dolan Memorial Scholarship – Kou, Patricia; Janet Palatini Friendship Scholarships – Hunt, Jeffrey; Janet Palatini Friendship Scholarships – Ebel, Kimberly; John Phillip Sousa Award – Chen, Albert; Joseph Windish Parsippany Education Foundation Scholarship- Ebel, Kimberly;
Kate Russell Memorial Scholarship – Bedoya, Daniela; Kay Memorial Scholarship – Willis, Michael; Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Scholarship – Lu, Justin.
Lake Parsippany Scholarship – Steinberg, Zachary; Lake Parsippany School PTA Alumni Scholarship – Alfonso, Andrea; Lew Ludwig Memorial Scholarship – Aslan, Stephany; Little Vikings Football Award – Mucciolo, Alex; Littleton School Alumni Scholarships – Castelli, Taylor; Littleton School Alumni Scholarships – Chimoff, Justin;
Madeline L. Loftus Memorial Scholalrship – Steinberg, Zachary; Maria T. Santillan ’92 Memorial Scholarship – Alfonso, Andrea; Morris County College Fair Scholarships -2 year – Nguyen, Thinh; Morris County College Fair Scholarships -4 year – Barrese, Robert; Mt. Tabor Band Award – Hamel, Richard; Mt. Tabor PTA Scholarship – Napolitano, Alfonse;
National Merit Scholarships Commended – Ebel, Kimberly; National Merit Scholarships Commended – Hamel, Richard; National Merit Scholarships Commended – Lu, Justin; National Merit Scholarships Commended – Nimbvikar, Anushri; National Merit Scholarships Commended – Patel, Jash; National Merit Scholarships Commended – Patel, Parthik; National Merit Scholarships Commended – Porter, Alexa; National Merit Scholarships Commended – Ren, Ellen; National Merit Scholarships Finalist – George, Rachel; National Merit Scholarships Finalist – Li, Austin; New Jersey Dance & Cheerleading Coaches Association Scholarship- Sudit, Stephanie; NJAC Outstanding Scholar Athletes – Cerri, Michael; NJAC Outstanding Scholar Athletes – Dredden, Mikaela; Northern New Jersey Chinese Association Award – Lu, Justin.
Par-Hills Men’s Soccer Parents Association Scholarships – Berry, Kyle; Par-Hills Men’s Soccer Parents Association Scholarships – Cerri, Michael; Par-Hills Men’s Soccer Parents Association Scholarships – Manci, Kevin; Par-Troy West Little Legaue Scholarships – Taylor, Kelsie; Par-Troy West Little Legaue Scholarships – Vekaria, Sahil; Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship – Topitz, Andrew; Parsippany Hills Boys’ Basketball Booster Club Scholarship – Manci, Kevin; Parsippany Hills Girls’ Basketball Boosters Club Scholarships – Blair, Rochelle; Parsippany Hills Girls’ Basketball Boosters Club Scholarships – Dredden, Mikaela; Parsippany Hills Girls’ Basketball Boosters Club Scholarships – Fulmore, Erin; Parsippany Hills Girls’ Basketball Boosters Club Scholarships – Santos, Kiara; Parsippany Police Benevolent Assoc. #131 Scholarship – Salgado, Jared; Parsippany Republican Club Scholarships – Alfonso, Andrea; Parsippany Republican Club Scholarships – Dredden, Mikaela; Parsippany Soccer Club Scholarships – Berry, Kyle; Parsippany Soccer Club Scholarships – Blair, Rochelle; Parsippany Soccer Club Scholarships – Manci, Kevin; Parsippany Soccer Club Scholarships – Steinberg, Zachary; Parsippany Vidyalaya Scholarship – Patel, Jash; Parsippany-Troy Hills Rotary Scholarship – Chimoff, Justin; Parsippany-Troy Hills Senior Citizen Scholarship – Lin, Timothy; Patricia Ann; Behnke Memorial Scholarship – Rodriguez, Rebecca; Paul & Phyllis Chu Charitable Trust Scholarships – Art – Irlbeck, Allison; Paul & Phyllis Chu Charitable Trust Scholarships- Biology -Sharma, Rhea; Paul & Phyllis Chu Charitable Trust Scholarships – English – Parikh, Zalak; Paul Piccoli Memorial Scholarships – Baxter, Kristina; Paul Piccoli Memorial Scholarships – Mucciolo, Alexander; PGT Scholarship – Chimoff, Justin; PHHS Cheerleading Parent Association Scholarship – Porter, Alexa; PHHS Cheerleading Parent Association Scholarship – Taylor, Danielle; PHHS Choir Scholarships -Duhaney, Brittaney; PHHS Choir Scholarships – Mccarthy, Fiona; PHHS Choir Scholarships – Patel, Jayna; PHHS Choir Scholarships – Patel, Riddhi; PHHS Choir Scholarships – Pepe, Kellyann; PHHS Choir Scholarships – Willis, Michael; PHHS Faculty/Staff Scholarships – Ferrante, Luke; ; PHHS Faculty/Staff Scholarships – Jablonka, Cara; PHHS Faculty/Staff Scholarships – Saeed, Hina; PHHS Field Hockey Booster Club Scholarship – Rodriguez, Rebecca; PHHS Football Parents Association Scholarship – Lerman, Alex; PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships -Chang, Michael; PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships – Freindinger, Diedrich; PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships – Iuspa, Danielle; PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships – Koon, Samantha; PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships – Malik, Ahmed; PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships – McDougall, Kyle; PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships – Steere, Shelby; PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships – Summa, Rachael; PHHS Volleyball Parents’ Association Scholarship – Bedoya, Daniela; PHHS Volleyball Parents’ Association Scholarship – Delgado, Clara; PHHS Volleyball Parents’ Association Scholarship – Dredden, Mikaela; Principal’s Award – Eng, Matthew; PTHEA “Cap” Awards in Memory of John Capsouras – Mann, Maia; PTHEA “Cap” Awards in Memory of John Capsouras -Tolosi, Kayla; PTSA – Begley, Kimberly; PTSA – Chang, Michael; PTSA Di Francesco, Nicholas; PTSA – Hunt, Jeffrey; PTSA – Lu, Justin; PTSA – Mann, Maia; PTSA – Napolitano, Alfonse; and PTSA – Rodriguez, Rebecca.
Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company Scholarship in Memory of Robert Chezem -Stone, Shane; Richard C. Davis, Jr. Scholarship Fund – Piccoli, Olivia; Rocco A. Cerbo Memorial Scholarship Award – Campbell, Justin;
Salutatorian Award – Lu, Justin; Service Awards in Band – Hamel, Richard; Service Awards in Band – Lin, Timothy; Service Awards in Band – Lu, Justin; Service Awards in Band – Wu, Sarah; Service Awards in Band Yu, Dennis; Sons of Italy – Basil Ricci Memorial Scholarships – Ebel, Kimberly; Sons of Italy – Basil Ricci Memorial Scholarships – Piccoli, Olivia; Sons of Italy – Basil Ricci Memorial Scholarships – Summa, Rachael; Spencer Savings Bank Scholarship – Raia, Nichole; Student Council Awards – Ashour, Yasmine; Student Council Awards – Dredden, Mikaela; Student Council Awards – Hunt, Jeffrey; Sunrise ShopRite Continuing Education Grant – Piccoli, Olivia.
The 200 Club of Morris County Scholarships – Rodriguez, Rebecca; The 200 Club of Morris County Scholarships – Sudit, Stephanie; Tom Ladas Memorial Scholarships Fund of the Community Foundation of NJ – Alfonso, Andrea.
UNICO Montville Chapter Scholarship – Piccoli, Olivia; US Marien Corps Semper Fidelis Band Awards – Kou Parry; US Marine Corps Award for Scholastic Excellence – Sincak, John; US Marine Corps Patriotism Award – Santos, Kiara; US Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Band Awards – Espinoza, Anthony; US Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Band Awards – Kou, Parry; US Marine Corps. Distinguished Athletic Award – Steere, Shelby; US Marine Corps. Distinguished Athletic Award – Steinberg, Zachary; US Marines Corps Semper Fidelis Band Awards – Kou, Patricia;
Valori Family Scholarships Hunt, Jeffrey; Valori Family Scholarships Piccoli, Olivia
Vincent Lorenzo Male Athlete Award – Saldado, Jared;
Wegmans Scholarship – Mann, Maia; William Lu (Claire Pompei Education Scholarship) – Pepe, Kellyann; William Lu (Ed Heilmeier Education Scholarship) Songun, Deniz; Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Scholarships – Alfonso, Andrea; Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Scholarships – Chimoff, Justin; Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Scholarships – Delgado, Clara.
Congratulations to the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2016.
I’ve again done a level of due diligence on the coming election, and I focus on the freeholder race in this email.
The Bottom Line: The Valori, Hirniak and King team is the one to choose.
Rationale: There are several incidents and issues that argue strongly against the Cabana, Mastrangelo and DeFillippo team, and they are serious enough that I cannot, in good conscious recommend voting for them in any case
1. Assault Charges: The article below indicates that Mr. Thomas Mastrangelo is presently under investigation for assaulting and threatening a citizen during the Montville Republican Club’s Morris County Freeholder Candidate Debate. The article goes on to say that Mr. Eric Rebels has filed a criminal complaint.
Mr. Rebels described Mr. Mastrangelo’s behavior as that of a bully’s. Mr. Rebels also said that he planned to ask the Morris County freeholder Board to review Mr. Mastrangelo’s past and current altercations and to request that he undergo a psychological competency review.
The article is careful to point out that these are allegations, which must be proven in a court of law. While this is true, my research has revealed that this is not the first time that Mr. Mastrangelo has been so accused. Assault Charges Filed Against Thomas MastrangeloClick here to read complete article.
2.Childish Sign Tampering: The Mastrangelo team has been caught tampering with Team Valori, Hirniak and King campaign signs. The next article indicates that Valori and King literally retrieved their stolen signs from the Team Mastrangelo headquarters.
This is appalling behavior. I cannot tolerate the thought of such petty, dishonest behavior in any politician that I hire. The article below contains much more information. Team Mastrangelo Continues to Tamper with Campaign Signs Click here to read full article.
3.Lies, Lies, Lies: It looks like more dirty tricks from Team Mastrangelo and then, like any naughty child, lies to cover them up. After reviewing the article, my reaction was, “Is this for real? Is THIS the best that we can do? Team Mastrangelo Caught in a Lie. Click here to read full article.
4.Expunged Records: Here, Mastrangelo is said to have “filed criminal complaints” against the Valori, King and Hirniak team for allegedly releasing expunged records pertaining to Mastrangelo’s past. I could not find any such records or any information that such records were actually released. Moreover, I cannot see how it is even possible that the Valori, King and Hirniak team could have gotten its hands on such records.
In filing a criminal complaint with respect to this issue, Mastrangelo effective confirms that such records exist. While the article contains no more information on the supposed records, one wonders what it was in Mastrangelo’s past that had to be expunged.
That he didn’t want them released can only lead to the conclusion that they would have hurt his campaign, reputation or both. Without details, we can draw no reliable conclusions, except that this is just one more potential negative in a chain of suspicion. Character Matters, Stop Protecting The Status Quo. Click here to read full article.
In the interest of fairness, I’ve searched for negative information on the team of Valori, King and Hirniak. I was surprised to find that I could locate none. My decision is therefore made. I’m voting forValori, King and Hirniak.
1. I hereby assert that I have received no remuneration for this email. Nor have I written this email at anyone’s request or direction. I am a private citizen and am following my conscience.
MADISON — A former deputy chief in the Parsippany Police Department accused of driving while intoxicated was found not guilty last week, officials confirmed. On Monday, May 23, Judge Gary F. Troxell, sitting in Madison Joint Municipal Court, found William Makowitz, 72, of Sparta, not guilty on the DWI charges, Court Administrator Frank Ciampi confirmed Wednesday…
MORRIS COUNTY — The Montville Republican Club’s Morris County Freeholder Candidate Debate was hosted at the Montville Senior Citizen’s Center on April 25.
During that event, Mr. Thomas Mastrangelo “purposely assaulted Eric Rebels causing pain and a stinging sensation, specifically by slapping his right chest to push him out of his way,” according to police records. In addition, “Mr. Mastrangelo did knowing speak to Mr. Eric Rebels in a loud aggressive voice, by becoming visible angry and in a barking aggressive tone asking him his name, and stated that he will find him and he will regret this, in violation of NJSA 2C:33-4B, a disorderly persons violation.”
Parsippany Focus has received a copy of a “Criminal Complaint” filed by Eric Rebels, Kinnelon against Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo, Montville.
The complaint charges Mr. Mastrangelo with 2C:12-1A(3) and 2C:33-4B.
A June 13, 2016 court appearance is required at Montville Township Municipal Court.
According to the complaint, Mr. Rebels sat in the front row during this debate. After the debate, Thomas Mastrangelo walked toward him, and Mr. Rebels then said to him “Sir, do you know the Morris County Jail has been a mess since the takeover by the Freeholders”. He expected Mr. Mastrangelo to do, as a concerned, public servant was to listen to his concern, hand me a business card ask me to call him at a better time when they could discuss the matter.
He continues “What actually happened is he immediately stopped and turned toward me and barked at me in a loud aggressive voice ‘Who are you?’ I then responded calmly that it is not important who I am, but it is important that you understand that Morris County Correction Officers are being over-worked and having to stand post on mandatory overtime shifts. Thomas Mastrangelo then again barked at me, even more aggressively, ‘What is your name?’ I again explained to him that who I am is not important. I then said ‘The Correction Officers in the Morris County Jail are understaffed and overworked and this practice could result in a Sheriff’s Officer or inmate being injured or killed.’ ”
The report states Thomas Mastrangelo was becoming visibly angry and aggressive, he again barked “I want your name and if you work at the jail I will find you and you’ll regret this.” I raised my cellphone adjacent to my shoulder and facing the camera towards him, to show him I was recording our exchange on video and Mr. Mastrangelo looked very distraught and became seedling angry. With me standing at least 2½ feet from Thomas Mastrangelo he stepped toward me with his right foot and raised his right hand with his palm toward me and slapped my right chest/pectoral which I felt pain and a stinging sensation and pushed me out of his way though there was plenty of room for him to step back, away or around me in any direction.
“Mr. Mastrangelo then looked towards the speaking podium where Michael Johnson, Montville Republican Club First Vice President, was standing and ordered Michael Johnson to have me removed from the event. Michael Johnson immediately pointed at me and said you must leave. A short woman with black hair approached me and said “You Must Leave.” I said to her, he (Thomas Mastrangelo) just assaulted me and I would like to talk to a Montville Police Officer. This woman again insisted that I leave so I called out into the room asking if there was a Montville Police Officer present. Lt. Andrew Caggiano quickly approached me, I explained the situation and he walked me over to the police station to file my compliant.”
“This type of behavior has no place in our society at this time, children in schools and play grounds are no longer allowed to be bullied, why should a Senior Morris County Elected Freeholder be able to do this to me,” asks Mr. Rebels.
Mr. Rebels stated “Mr. Mastrangelo’s conduct was unprofessional, discourteous and sheds a very bad light on Morris County as a whole. His behavior was conduct unbecoming a public official.”
Mr. Rebels continued “From what I understand this is not Mr. Mastrangelo’s first time being charged with a compliant of harassment while holding his current position as a Morris County Freeholder. He is short tempered and quick to anger and issuing threats. Therefore, I am going to ask the Morris County Freeholder Board to conduct a review of Mr. Mastrangelo’s past and current altercations while he has held this office and request that he undergo a psychological competency review. Pursuant to the finding of this investigation I would request that they hold Mr. Mastrangelo responsible for his misconduct and if his actions or the finding of his mental health review, he is found to be dangerous, I would request that they censure, reprimand or remove him from this public office.”
Mr. Mastrangelo did not respond to requests for comments.
Morris County Freeholder Candidate Louis Valori said “Not one person should be shocked that Tom Mastrangelo’s negative conduct surfaces once again. This is another example that Mr. Mastrangelo will say and do anything to hide his long history of bad behavior from voters and taxpayers — no matter how unethical and questionable his methods are. The bottom line is Tom Mastrangelo’s negative and volatile conduct and sleazy tactics are bad for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and the entire county.”
Editors Note:A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1A Simple Assault: Simple assault charges commonly stem from minor alterations, fights and domestic violence incidents. The situation can quickly turn into one with serious consequences.
A person will be charged with simple assault if he merely punches or slaps another individual resulting in bodily injury or if he attempts by physical menace to put another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. For example, a person could be found guilty of simple assault for merely waving an object that could be used as a weapon but never actually strike the person. You could be found guilty of simple assault even though no actual injury occurred.
A conviction for simple assault could result in fines of up to $1,000 and the potential for up to six months in the county jail.
Harassment is a criminal offense in New Jersey and it is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4, which provides that a person may not make communication in offensively coarse language or in any manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm. The harassment law requires the prosecution to prove that a person made the communication with intent to harass the victim. It’s not enough to simply annoy someone, a harassment charge requires that you are intentionally bothering the party at hand.
Because harassment is usually classified as a petty disorderly persons offense, it can be punishable by a sentence of up to thirty days in jail and a fine of up to $500.00.
After our article was published, Parsippany Focus received the following statement from Team Morris 2016:
“The fact that this ridiculous complaint was filed on the Friday before an election tells people everything they need to know about this baseless allegation. It was a political setup by a hired Valori agitator over a month ago, and it’s just as sleazy today. There were a number of Republican Club members who witnessed just how loud and out of line Mr. Rebels was. This is nothing more than a last ditch effort in Lou Valori’s desperate and sleazy campaign, to distract voters from his own long history of pocketing taxpayer money, padding pensions, and looking for a third taxpayer funded job. With a criminal investigation pending and subpoenas issued in his own town hall, perhaps Valori should be focused on that. The bottom line is these allegations are false, I will fight them to the end, and witnesses have already come forward offering to testify and give statements refuting these baseless allegations.” Editorsnote: The complaint was filed with the Montville Police Department on May 27, 2016.
He was born in Paterson and raised in Lake Hiawatha where he lived all his life.
Survivors include his father, Gino; his Step-Mother: Eva; his sister Deanna Miceli; his Maternal Grandmother Christina Picarillo and his niece: Evamarie Schwartz; his very best friend Peter Blin. Robert is also survived by many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
Dear Editor:
