SOUTH BRUNSWICK – December 5 was a very special day in South Brunswick.
Former Mayor Joseph Spataro celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and officials during the South Brunswick Council meeting.
Spataro was born on Dec. 5, 1916, in South Brunswick, where he continues to reside today, according to a proclamation read during the meeting.
As a young boy, Spataro attended South Brunswick schools during a time when no transportation was available, making it necessary for him to walk three miles a day in all types of weather.
He later served as a U.S. Navy Seabee in the 35th Special Battalion during World War II.
After the war, he had a long professional career working for EI DuPont and the Tile Council of America Research Center.
Spataro was elected to the South Brunswick Township Committee for two terms from 1968-73. He served as mayor in 1970 and 1971. He also served as a member of the South Brunswick Board of Health for four terms.
Locally, Spataro was a member of the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad for more than 25 years, serving as treasurer for 21 years. He was a member of the South Brunswick Lions Club for 25 years where he was selected Lion of the Year in 1988. He served on the Planning Board for 25 years, where he was chairman for two years, and on the township’s Zoning Board. He also served as chairman of the South Brunswick Budget Advisory Committee.
Throughout the county, Spataro was appointed a commissioner of the Middlesex County Board of Taxation in 1979, becoming vice president of the Middlesex County Vocational Schools’ Board of Education where he served for 13 years, and becoming vice president of the Middlesex County Board of Ethics where he served for 12 years. He was also elected surrogate of Middlesex County in 1992.
“Whereas, the mayor and Township Council are inspired not only by Joe’s long life but by his lifelong contribution and commitment to South Brunswick and offer him sincere best wishes for continued good health, happiness and an abundance of love and joy,” according to the proclamation, Mayor Frank Gambatese then proclaimed Dec. 5, 2016, as Joseph Spataro Day.
The Rev. John H. Maltby of the South Brunswick Lions Club also presented Spataro with a certificate of appreciation for his years of service.
Randall Marsola, the technology librarian at the South Brunswick Library, interviewed Spataro a few years ago. To view the video, visit youtu.be/I8sw0dVbxcU