EAST HANOVER – On Friday, October 11, the 18th Annual Morris County Columbus Day Parade Dinner was held at the Hanover Manor, hosted by the East Hanover Italian American Club. The event celebrated Italian heritage, community, and the achievements of outstanding local individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.
This year’s honorees included:
- Grand Marshal Livio Cioffi
- Entrepreneurs of the Year: James and Tommy Racioppi
- Man of the Year: East Hanover Councilman Michael Martorelli
- Woman of the Year: Cathy Lagravenis
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Matt Tuorto
- 2024 Parade Princess: Alexa Rose Falcone
The dinner served as a prelude to the Morris County Columbus Day Parade, a cherished tradition that brings the community together to celebrate Italian culture and recognize exceptional contributions.
The Morris County Columbus Day Parade will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, in East Hanover, starting at 2:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the East Hanover Italian American Club and will feature marching bands, social organizations, antique cars, and more. After the parade, there will be a Family Fun Day at Lurker Park, offering activities like a petting zoo, face painting, and live music.
Alexa Rose Falcone, 2024 Parade Princess
Alexa (Lexi) is a vibrant and curious 6-year-old who attends Frank J. Smith School as a first grader. She loves exploring new things and has a fun-loving personality that makes her a joy to be around. She enjoys ballet, Hip Hop dancing, and gymnastics, and loves spending time with her friends and family, especially her cousins. Her excitement for learning about the world has already begun to shape her as a bright and engaged child.
Lexi and her family are proud of her connection to her heritage. Her grandfather, Richard Falcone, was a dedicated member of the Italian American Club for many years, and Lexi carries forward his legacy with enthusiasm and love for her Italian American roots.
Lexi is excited and honored to be this year’s Columbus Day Parade Princess.
Livio Cioffi, Grand Marshal
Livio Cioffi is currently the Police Director in the Borough of Roseland, a role he assumed in October 2023. He began his law enforcement career in 1990 after graduating from the Essex County Police Academy. His service includes roles as an Essex County Police Officer, joining the Irvington Police Department, and retiring as a Police Captain from the Roseland Police Department in 2018.
Cioffi has been recognized for his exceptional service multiple times, including receiving the Mayor’s Award as an Irvington Police Officer in 1994 for going above and beyond the call of duty, and being honored as the law enforcement executive of the year in 2017 by the Essex County Chiefs of Police Association.
After leaving active law enforcement, Livio transitioned to the private sector, where he served as the Director of Security at Columbus Hospital, eventually rising to Vice President. He held that position for six years.
Livio was born in Salerno, Italy, and immigrated to Newark in 1966. He grew up in the North Ward section of Newark with his family. Livio attended St. Francis Xavier Grammar School and later went to Immaculate Conception High School. He is married to Anne Cioffi and has two children, Amanda and Rocco, as well as two stepdaughters, Brianna and Marissa. They currently reside in Brick.
In addition to his professional work, Livio is involved in various charities, including serving as the current President of the Columbian Foundation, which focuses on promoting Italian culture and heritage. He is also part of the committee for “Arianna Angels,” a nonprofit organization supporting autism awareness and special needs programs.
Livio Cioffi is one of the organizers of the Polizia Di Stato Columbus Day Parade committee, a tradition established 27 years ago, which now includes participation in both the New York City and East Hanover Columbus Day parades.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Matt Tuorto
Matt Tuorto is a dedicated educational leader currently in his fifth year as an administrator in East Hanover, where he proudly serves as the principal of Frank J. Smith School. Matt finds immense joy in his role, especially in witnessing the smiles on students’ faces each day. His students’ enthusiasm for education is a source of great personal satisfaction, reinforcing their commitment to fostering a positive and engaging educational environment. Throughout his time in East Hanover, Matt has built many positive relationships with stakeholders throughout the community.
Matt holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. This advanced degree underscores his dedication to deepening his expertise and driving impactful change within the education sector.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Matt has a notable background in athletics. He played four years of college tennis at Moravian University, where he holds the record for the most doubles wins in the school’s history and earned the Senior Scholar-Athlete Award. This achievement highlights his commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
On a personal note, Matt married his wife, Lindsay, this past New Year’s Eve. They place a high value on family and enjoy a close-knit life with two parents, one sister, and a large extended family, reflecting the importance of support and togetherness in his life.
Matt is honored and humbled to have earned the Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his dedication and impact in his field. He is deeply grateful for the support from East Hanover and the opportunities it has provided, which have been instrumental in his professional and personal growth. Matt values his Italian-American background and understands the importance of support from both his family and the community.
Throughout his career, Matt has demonstrated a passion for supporting both students and educators, striving to create an environment where academic success and personal growth go hand in hand. His journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, a vision for shaping the future of education, and a profound appreciation for family and community.
Man of the Year: Michael Martorelli
Michael Martorelli, a distinguished resident of East Hanover, has been recognized as the honoree for Italian American Man of the Year. This recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to his community and his dedication to preserving Italian American heritage. A dedicated public servant, devoted family man, and passionate community advocate, Michael has made a lasting impact on East Hanover and beyond.
Born in Montclair and raised in West Orange, Michael was profoundly influenced by his parents’ dedication to their Italian roots. His father, a skilled contractor, and his mother, a human resource manager, instilled in him the values of hard work, family, and service. These values have guided Michael throughout his life and career.
For the past 22 years, Michael has worked as an HVAC technician at Seton Hall University. In addition to this role, he serves as shop steward with Local 68 Union, where he has also been a vital member of the Local 68 Union Executive Board of Trustees. His professional achievements are matched by his extensive volunteer work in East Hanover, where he has lived for over two decades. Michael’s community service began with his role as chairman of East Hanover’s Environmental Committee, where he led significant initiatives such as Project Porchlight and the East Hanover Beautification Program. His leadership contributed to East Hanover being recognized as a top nonprofit organization in the country for the Change the World campaign.
Michael’s commitment to public safety is evident through his service on the Swift Water Rescue Team and the Office of Emergency Management, and East Hanover Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which has been recognized as one of the largest and best-trained programs in NJ. He also contributes to the Special Improvement District (SID) Board, where he has been instrumental in the Eagle Rock & Ridgedale Avenue streetscape and sidewalk improvement project. Michael is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has also served on the East Hanover Emergency Medical Services’ Board of Trustees. His exceptional contributions have earned him several accolades, including the NJ Clean Energy Volunteer of the Month award, monetary rewards for energy conservation, and an Outstanding Service Award for a life rescue. In addition to his community work, Michael has served on the East Hanover Township Council for the past 12 years and is currently serving his 5th term as councilman. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the town’s development and ensuring its future prosperity.
Outside of his professional and community achievements, Michael is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters—Amanda, Alexis, and Ashley—and grandparents to Luciana. His family remains his greatest source of pride and joy.
As honoree for Italian American Man of the Year, Michael Martorelli embodies the spirit of dedication, community engagement, and cultural pride. His lifelong commitment to serving others and preserving his heritage reflects a deep and enduring impact on his community and beyond.
Woman of the Year: Cathy Lagravenis
The East Hanover Italian American Club has announced Cathy Lagravenis, owner of Cathy D’s Hair Design, as the recipient of the East Hanover Italian-American Woman of the Year award for 2024. A lifelong resident of Florham Park and East Hanover, Cathy has demonstrated a profound commitment to her craft and to her community.
Born in 1977 and raised in Florham Park, Cathy graduated from Hanover Park Regional High School in 1995. She pursued her passion for hairdressing by attending the Artistic Academy, where she honed her skills and expertise. At just 19 years old, she took a bold step by opening Cathy D’s Hair Design in Florham Park. Over the past 28 years, Cathy has successfully built a business that has become a vital part of the local community.
Cathy has earned great respect within the hairdressing industry, known for her innovative approach and her ability to connect deeply with her clients. Her work has earned her numerous accolades and a reputation as a remarkable professional.
The family has always been Cathy’s greatest source of inspiration. She and her husband, Mark, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of two children, Michael and Gina, both of whom graduated from schools within the Florham Park and East Hanover districts.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cathy is dedicated to giving back to the community. A devout Catholic, she has been a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Florham Park for decades, where she has volunteered as a CCD teacher for nearly 30 years, helping guide the next generation in their faith.
Cathy’s community service extends beyond the church. She has organized numerous charity events, including Cut-a-Thons for various causes, such as the No Shave November fundraiser for the Florham Park Police Department and support for Halos for Angels, a nonprofit raising awareness and funds for those in need.
Receiving this prestigious award is both an honor and a reflection of Cathy’s dedication to her profession and community. Her journey, marked by personal and professional excellence, serves as an inspiration to all who know her.
Entrepreneur of the Year: James and Tommy Racioppi
James and Tommy Racioppi are the third and fourth-generation owners of Jimmy Buff’s, a well-known establishment that serves Italian-style hotdogs, sausages, and more. Jimmy Buff’s is celebrating 92 years of business this year.
Back in the late 1920s, James “Bluff” Racioppi came to America from the town of Teora, Italy. When he settled in Newark, he saw how well sausage and pepper sandwiches did at Italian feasts. Inspired by this, he decided to serve them at the card games he held in the basement of his home on 14th Avenue and 9th Street. His wife, Mary Racioppi, who was in charge of preparing the food, had the brilliant idea of adding potatoes on top and serving the sandwich with a hotdog, thus inventing the Italian Hotdog. Word of the delicious sandwich spread, and people were no longer interested in playing cards—they wanted to eat! In 1932, they made the main floor of their home a storefront. Over the years, Jimmy Buff’s has had 16 different locations. Today, Kenilworth, owned by their cousin Michael Loikith, and West Orange, are Jimmy Buff’s two current locations.
James Racioppi retired in 2012, having owned and operated Jimmy Buff’s for 40 years. He took over from his father, Thomas Racioppi, in 1979 after graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University. James kept the West Orange business going and expanded to locations in Caldwell, North Arlington, and East Hanover. He has received multiple awards and recognitions while operating Jimmy Buff’s and believes in giving back to his community. Over the years, James has donated time, money, and food and has held numerous benefit dinners to raise money for members of his community. Now retired, James enjoys spending time with his wife Lauren and their children, Connie, Armand, Tommy, Jenna, Renee, and Garrett, as well as his grandchildren Isabella, Sophia, James, and Julianna.
Tommy Racioppi is the current owner of Jimmy Buff’s in West Orange. He, too, graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University and took over from James in 2012, after opening a location in Randolph. In 2020, Tommy started doing off-premise catering, which he and his wife Jenna still offer today. Tommy learned the importance of giving back to the community from his father, as he donated sandwiches to local hospitals, firehouses, and police departments during COVID and has held fundraisers donating his time and food to raise money for people in his community. Tommy enjoys bringing his son James to work with him whenever he can, and hopes that his daughter Julianna will also join the family business when she gets older.
The East Hanover Italian American Club is celebrating its 42nd anniversary, reflecting on decades of dedication to both the betterment of the community and the promotion of the area’s rich Italian heritage.
Over the past 40 years, the club’s mission has expanded considerably. Among its philanthropic endeavors is a scholarship program that began at Hanover Park High School and extended to Whippany Park High School eight years ago. These scholarships are funded through the club’s annual carnival, held every May at Lurker Park. In addition to supporting education, the club is committed to assisting those in need and supporting organizations that contribute to the greater good. In 2017, they played a key role in launching a bocce ball program in East Hanover.
This year also marks the 18th anniversary of the club sponsoring the Morris County Columbus Day Parade in partnership with the Township of East Hanover. The club’s mission for the parade is to celebrate and preserve Italian culture. To further support the parade, the club introduced a comedy night seven years ago, and this year, they expanded their efforts by hosting a Trunk or Treat event at Lurker Park on Saturday, October 26.
The club continues to play an essential role in promoting Italian culture while giving back to the community through its various initiatives.
