OLD BRIDGE — Township officials paid tribute to a longtime volunteer during its Jan. 2 meeting, honoring the late George Grieco for his service to Old Bridge.
Then-Mayor Patrick Gillespie and township Councilmen G. Kevin Calogera and Reginald Butler presented the Grieco family with a plaque to honor George, noting his loyalty, commitment and dedication to the community of Old Bridge. Greico passed away on Sept. 24 at age 89.
Born in Newark, Grieco settled with his family in Old Bridge, where he was a resident for 56 years and became, Gillespie said, an “institution” in the community. Grieco served for decades as a leader of the Old Bridge Police Department Auxiliary and was a fixture on the Madison Park Homeowners Association, Old Bridge Rent Board and the 3rd Ward Democratic Club.
“In both civic and political duty, George was someone who devoted a large amount of his time to our township,” Gillespie said. “I can tell you personally that no parade, no Memorial Day will ever be the same without George leading his group of officers and volunteers and directing traffic.”
Butler said George was a dear friend of his and always showed commitment to the many causes in which he was involved. He even served as a receptionist for the township for free at one time.
“That’s the kind of guy he was,” Butler said. “He was a really great guy. I am really going to miss him.”