Categorized | Editorial, Local Perspectives

Editorial: Thanks-Giving

Jack Cerulo

Jack Cerulo

Thanks – an expression of gratitude for something. Giving – to pass on something to someone. To give of oneself for the betterment of their fellowman.
The community of Perth Amboy lost one of their champions on 6/2/13 with the passing of Jack Cerulo.

I remember standing in line with another staff member of the Amboy Guardian for almost 2 hours for his viewing.

I’m sure most people standing in line to convey their condolences to Jack’s family, had their own personal story to tell about Jack.

That is why I was taken aback at a Perth Amboy City Council Meeting when some people spoke out against the YMCA honoring Jack.

I spoke to 2 of my older siblings who knew Jack when they were growing up. They said, “Jack went to St. Mary’s H.S. but he easily got along with the students from PAHS.”

My sister recalled that Jack looked at people as individuals and did not group them by their ethnicity, religion or their background. She remembers that Jack always was willing to help out anybody in anyway that he could if he thought they needed help.

My brother said he and Jack belonged to the same fraternity. He recalled when Jack worked at First Savings Bank (now Provident), how he was always willing to help out our father whenever he was having a problem.

In 2012 Katherine interviewed some of the Board Members and Staff of the Perth Amboy YMCA. Here are some of the comments made by Cerulo:

“Our Mission Statement has not changed.”

On the YMCA’s website, it states: The YMCA is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through programs that develop the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The YMCA serves all people regardless of age, religion, sex, or financial means and is committed to developing a healthy mind, body and spirit. The RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA is committed to providing our life-changing services to all health seekers who desire to participate.

Jack Cerulo stated, “I have been a proud volunteer for over 50 years and as a volunteer/board member I will continue to live the mission of the “Y” in Perth Amboy.

Volunteerism– the practice of using volunteer workers, especially in community service or educational organizations and programs.

Cerulo served as Chair of BD of the Y for over 24 yrs. He served on various City Boards, was active in the business community, his church and was a devoted family man.

He was member of the Perth Amboy Rotary Club. The main objective of Rotary is service – in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. They develop community service projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, dealing with children, poverty, hunger and other social issues. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self. This is Jack Cerulo. C.M.

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