It’s a tradition nearly
as old as Manville itself.
By: Mary Ellen Zangara
A Manville tradition nearly as old as the borough itself the annual Communion breakfast for firemen was held Sunday at Fire Company No. 3.
The borough’s Exempt Firemen’s Association 65th annual Communion breakfast began with a special Mass at Christ the King Church with the Rev. Daniel Sloan officiating.
The association’s membership consists of borough volunteer firemen who have served one of the three volunteer companies for more than seven years in the cases of Manville’s exempt firemen, many years more. Father Sloan welcomed the fireman and prayed for them during the Mass.
Following the Mass, the group went to the firehouse on Eighth Avenue for their breakfast, prepared by the Fire Company No. 3’s Ladies Auxiliary.
After a greeting by Chief Tom Collins, and an invocation by Assistant Chaplin John Bukovecky an exempt fireman himself association President Tom Wood introduced the honored guests, which included Mayor Angelo Corradino, local businessman Ed Komoroski and Borough Clerk and Public Works Director Phil Petrone .
"We also have the oldest living member of the Manville Firemen’s Exempt Association today John Kropewnicki," Mr. Wood said. "John will be 96 in May. Congratulations John. John doesn’t miss anything, meetings, events, cCommunion breakfasts or picnics."
One of the guest speakers was supposed to be Larry Petrillo, director of fire safety for the State of New Jersey, but Mr. Petrillo was unable to attend.
Mr. Komoroski spoke to the group, expressing his appreciation for the many years of service to the community the firemen have given.
"All I really want to say from the bottom of my heart is thank you to you guys," he said. "You are one of the organizations in town that makes Manville what it is.
"I get involved in all different kinds of organizations but you guys are dedicated not only to you, your families and your children. We don’t really get that much of an opportunity to say ‘thank you,’" he added.
Others joining the breakfast included Fire Chief John Yanko and past presidents Ray Walsh, Bob McCann and Victor Bukovecky.

