FREEHOLD – Three individuals and an organization with ties to Freehold Borough have been recognized by municipal officials for their contributions to the community.
On June 3, Borough Council members passed resolutions honoring community volunteer and former councilman Ronald Griffiths, businessman Jeffrey Friedman, World War II veteran Albert Pishioneri and the Freehold Clergy Association.
Griffiths received the 2018 John G. McGackin Renaissance Award for Volunteer of the Year as a Gentleman Who Makes a Difference in Our Community. He is a lifelong resident of the borough and a graduate of Freehold High School.
Griffiths served six years on the council and was responsible for bringing the participatory budgeting program to Freehold Borough. The program allows residents to decide how to spend a portion of the municipality’s capital budget, according to the resolution.
As a volunteer, Griffiths has served with many organizations, including Little League baseball, the Lake Topanemus Commission, as vice president of the New Jersey TRIAD Officer’s Association and as president of the Rodney Sheratsky Scholarship Fund. He served for more than 20 years as a volunteer firefighter with Engine and Hose Company No. 1 of the Freehold Fire Department.
Friedman received the 2018 John G. McGackin Award for Businessman of the Year as a Gentleman Who Makes a Difference in Our Community.
According to the resolution, Friedman has used his business experience and expertise as a volunteer with the Freehold Center Management Corporation (Downtown Freehold), the YMCA Walk-a-thon, the Freehold Borough Historic Preservation Commission, the Monmouth County Historical Association Buildings and Grounds Committee, the Downtown Concert Series at St. Peter’s Church and the Freehold Borough Planning Board, among others. He is co-chairman of the Freehold Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse.
Friedman is the executive director and business advocate of Downtown Freehold.
The resolution states that Friedman’s fundraising efforts have benefited organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Patrolman’s Benevolent Association, the Municipal Alliance, the Rotary Club, the Elks Club, the Knights of Columbus, the YMCA, schools in the borough, Casa Freehold and the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad.
“It is a great honor to receive this award,” Friedman said. “Freehold is a shining star of the American evolution. As the nation moves back to urban and walkable city centers, Freehold Borough’s renaissance will continue and evolve. Our historic charm, our vibrant downtown and our diversity uniquely position us to take advantage of this current evolution and capitalize on our innate strengths. I look forward to continuing to serve this community, to build upon what has been built before; honoring the past, working on the present and focused on the future.”
The Freehold Clergy Association, which received the 2018 John G. McGackin Award, is a group of clergy who serve religious institutions in Freehold Borough and Freehold Township.
According to the resolution, the association fosters interfaith relationships, provides opportunities for community members to come together in prayer at interfaith services, and founded and hosts the annual CROP Walk to combat hunger, among other endeavors.
“The members of the Freehold Clergy Association lead with their hearts in doing everything they can to make a more understanding and charitable world characterized by love, patience and tolerance,” the resolution states.
Pishioneri, a longtime resident of Freehold Borough, died on May 13 at the age of 98. He was born in Hillsville, Pa., and moved to the borough in 1967.
During World War II, Pishioneri left college to join the Army Air Corps and served as an aerial gunner. He was one of six brothers who served in the armed forces, four of whom served in World War II, and earned an Air Medal with Silver Oak Leaf cluster.
Following the war, Pishioneri became a teacher and taught American History and coached football in Pennsylvania, according to the resolution. After moving to New Jersey, he continued to coach football and teach. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold Borough.
“Albert Pishioneri loved to entertain, he could play several musical instruments, he enjoyed good food, he was a furniture maker, painter and artist, but most enjoyed being a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and mentor,” the resolution reads.