2025 Annual Memorial Day Observance

Born in Morristown, Robert C. Barton served in Vietnam as a private first class with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960 to 1961. For his service, Mr. Barton received the Good Conduct Medal and a Marksman Badge (Rifle M1).

After completing military service, Mr. Barton operated a semi-tractor trailer truck for 50 years until his retirement.

A believer in a strong work ethic, he served with his local first aid squad for two decades and has been an active member of American Legion Post 249 for 17 years, proudly participating in the color guard. Mr. Barton also sings with his church choir and is a fan of railroading.

Dennis W. Becker II of Mount Olive served in the U.S. Air National Guard from 1992 to 1998 and the Air Force Reserve until 2000. A Gulf War veteran, he earned the Armed Forces Service Medal for his service.

Mr. Becker attended Stockton State College, Sussex County Community College and Berkeley College in Dover, where he made the dean’s list.

After his military service, he worked as a systems administrator and analyst for pharmaceutical companies and government agencies, including Warren County, and as an elections technician for the Sussex County Board of Elections.

In his personal life, Mr. Becker volunteers for Morris County Autism Speaks and Walks fundraisers. He is a devoted father to Logan and Jade, both graduates of Mount Olive High School, and a proud grandfather of Willow, born in 2023.

Timothy A. Cooney of Parsippany-Troy Hills served with the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1980 as a military police officer and dog handler, and later with the New Jersey National Guard. He is the recipient of a Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle) and Marksman Badge (Pistol .38 and .45).

Following his service, Mr. Cooney attended the County College of Morris before beginning a 30-year career in law enforcement. He served seven years as a police officer in West Caldwell and 23 years as a detective with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. He later spent 12 years as director of security and safety at The Peck School in Morristown.

Active in his community, Mr. Cooney has coached local lacrosse and hockey teams and is a member of his local American Legion. He enjoys golf, mountain biking and snowboarding.

Thomas Frodella Sr. of Chester Township served in the New Jersey National Guard from 1980 to 1992 during the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm. He earned two Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals, three National Defense Service Medals, 10 New Jersey Merit Awards, and the New Jersey Medal of Honor Ribbon.

Mr. Frodella studied at Ramapo College, earning a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in drug and alcohol counseling. He went on to work as a senior youth worker and drug and alcohol counselor for the New Jersey State Juvenile Justice System.

In 2012, he founded EMMAUS for Veterans, a nonprofit that provides training, tools and resources to help veterans enter the construction and contracting workforce. EMMAUS plans to expand by purchasing farmland with housing for homeless veterans, where skill training will include agriculture, culinary arts and college-accredited classes.

Thomas R. Frodella Jr. of Chester Township served in the U.S. Army in 2012 before he was honorably discharged. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. While serving with the Army, Thomas Jr. completed military education as a construction engineer.

Thomas completed an associate degree in criminal justice prior to supporting his father’s nonprofit, EMMAUS for Veterans. In his free time, he enjoys Airsoft, hiking and playing video, board and card games.

Lawrence J. Ganley of Montville is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from November 1969 to March 1971. Mr. Ganley served as a fireman in the engine room aboard two World War II-era destroyers, the USS Robert L. Wilson and the USS Stormes. He also played tuba in the Great Lakes Naval Training Center for Navy Band Great Lakes, once led by John Phillips Sousa. For his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal.

After the military, Mr. Ganley started an excavating business, L.J. Ganley Excavating. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Pine Brook Fire Department for seven years.

He and his wife Barbara have been married for 45 years. They have four children and eight grandchildren. 

The late Frank Giannini of Morristown was a member of the Greatest Generation, serving in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946, spending 15 months in Europe leading troops through France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. He led a rifle squad into combat during the battles of Saarlautern, the Danube River and Regensberg. For his service, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Following his military service, Mr. Giannini, a Morristown High School graduate, returned home to work as a parts manager for Ford dealerships. He was a proud member of his local Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

A devoted family man, he was married to his wife Virginia for nearly 50 years and doted on his three children and grandchildren. He took pride in his home and garden and enjoyed working around the house. In his spare time, he created ceramic sculptures, went camping and was an unwavering fan of the New York Jets -- even through the frustration it frequently caused him. He died in 2007 at the age of 90.

Edward Leahy of Roxbury served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969 to 1972 during the Vietnam era. He is the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a Marksman Badge (Pistol).

A champion boxer, Mr. Leahy won the Lightweight title on the Marine Corps Boxing Team and was inducted into the Marine Corps Hall of Fame in 2018 as a boxer and coach.

After service, he became a carpenter with United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 2212 and trained as a professional boxer at Lou Costello Gym in Paterson. He later refereed and judged more than 1,300 bouts, including world titles, and was named Official of the Year by New Jersey Golden Gloves.

Mr. Leahy also founded the Dover Boxing Club, bringing international boxing to New Jersey, and coaches at Mt. Olive P.A.L. He was named Amateur Coach of the Year in 2010 by the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. He is a proud husband, father and grandfather. 

James Joseph Long of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967. For his service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle M14) and the National Defense Service Medal.

Mr. Long earned an MBA in accounting and held a career in computer sales. In his spare time, he enjoys cars and bowling.

Robert J. Mallon of Morris Township served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves from 1970 to 1976 during the Vietnam era, earning the Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle M16).

Following his military service, Mr. Mallon completed his bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Rutgers University, his master’s in international relations from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University. He spent his career working as a real estate agent.

Mr. Mallon is an active member of American Legion Post 59 and gives back to his community by supporting Welcome Home Veterans of N.J., Vets Helping Vets and his local Rotary Club. He enjoys sailing and traveling.

Keith McConnell of Morris Plains served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1979 and in the New Jersey Army National Guard with Morristown’s 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment from 1982 to 1984. His military honors include a Letter of Citation for Plane Captain of the Month and an official Letter of Appreciation.

Following his military service, Mr. McConnell built a career in the packaging industry, working in roles from mechanic to technical sales manager for the Northeast region. He also earned an associate degree in aircraft maintenance and handling through the Transportation Security Administration Associates Program.

A dedicated volunteer, he has served for more than 50 years with the Morris Township Fire Department, Hillside Hose Co. #3.

Mr. McConnell and his wife Bernice have been married for 45 years. They have two sons and a granddaughter.

John A. Perez of Long Hill is a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2005 to 2009 during the War on Terror, including active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, followed by service in the U.S. Army Reserves until 2011. His military honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, and multiple campaign and service medals.

He was also awarded the Nobel Patron of Armor Award from the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association and the Bronze Order of Mercury from the Signal Corps Regimental Association.

Before his military service, Mr. Perez earned his bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University. He later completed a Master of Business Administration degree from Yale University and an Executive Master in Policy Leadership from Georgetown University.

He is currently employed with Johnson and Johnson and remains active in his community by volunteering and serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.

Thomas H. Salvas of Chatham Township is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1968 to 1973, including assignments in the U.S. and Germany during the Vietnam era. He also served with the 9015th Air Reserve Information Squadron in New York City from 1975-1977. For his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Air Force Longevity Service Award.

Mr. Salvas earned a bachelor’s in film from Boston University and a master’s in communications from New York University. He served on the faculty at Bronx Community College, was Assistant Vice President of Communications at Crum & Forster Insurance, and worked as a User Experience and Human Resources Manager at Logical Design Solutions in Morristown.

A 36-year resident of Chatham Township, he is a former trustee of the Historical Society of Chatham Township and works with the Mayor’s Wellness Advisory Committee. He is also a founding member of the Veterans’ Project of the Chathams in partnership with the Library of the Chathams to document local veterans’ stories. He is currently working on the “Hometown Heroes Veteran Banners” program for the Chathams.

Tom and his wife Sandy of 54 years also work together with the Town & County Garden Club to beautify the Chathams. In 2024, he received a Chatham Township Citizen Award. 

Carmen Turrisi of East Hanover served in the U.S. Army from May 1966 to May 1972. A Vietnam War veteran, he received the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and both the Sharpshooter and Marksman Badges.

After his military service, Mr. Turrisi worked for the United States Postal Service for 32 years, achieving Circle of Honor Driver status for being accident-free for 25 of those years. In addition to his USPS career, he served as a funeral assistant for Leonardis Memorial Home in Florham Park for two decades.

Mr. Turrisi was married to his loving wife Catherine R. Turrisi for more than 50 years, who he sadly lost last year. He is the proud father of three children and grandfather of three grandchildren. He enjoys gardening, collecting Lionel Trains and collecting Department 56 ceramic Christmas villages.

A loving family man, Harold J. Sammon of Butler served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946 as an electrician's mate, second class, during World War II.