Secondary street signs bear names of World War II, Korean War vets from North Brunswick

NORTH BRUNSWICK – With the onset of spring comes the continuation of the Veterans Street Sign Program in North Brunswick.

The April 11 dedication honored the late Henry G. Schipmann, Jr., while Anthony J. Guerriero attended his own ceremony on April 18.

Schipmann was born June 12, 1926, and was a lifelong resident of North Brunswick.

He served as a seaman in the United States Navy on the LCI 980 from July 1943-September 1945. He was involved in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Luzon Operation, Consolidation of the Southern Philippines, Manilla Bay and Bicci Operations, according to the proclamation read during the street naming. He also served in and around Pago Pago, Bora Bora, the Philippines and New Guinea.

Schipmann was the recipient of a World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

He was employed by Chicopee in Milltown for 34 years as a machinist.

He was a member of North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2, where he served as chief and assistant chief, among other positions, for almost 50 years. He was also a lifelong member of the Georges Road Baptist Church.

Schipmann was married to Mary W. Schipmann for 47 years and together they had four daughters: Amy Wright, Vanessa Holowienka, Polly Balland and Ida Howell.

Guerriero was born Sept. 24, 1930 and joined the U.S. Navy in November 1950 after graduating from St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick.

He did his basic training in Norfolk, Virginia, was placed on the Kula Gulf and other ships as a Seaman Aviation E-3 from 1950-52 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Guantanamo Bay and traveled to Jamaica, San Salvador and England, according to his proclamation.

Guerriero was honorably discharged in 1952 and moved to North Brunswick, where he has been living for the past 64 years.

He was employed as a foreman in the North Brunswick Department of Public Works for 27 years.

He is a member of the Adams Athletic Club.

Guerriero was married to “Sugar” Anna Parillo for 50 years and together they raised three children: Judy, Anthony and Lisa. He also has seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The street naming project allows township residents who were wartime veterans to be recognized by adding their name to a secondary street sign on an existing municipal road.

To nominate a veteran, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.

In another effort to honor veterans, North Brunswick will hold its 37th annual Memorial Day 5K Run/ Walk on Memorial Day, May 30, at North Brunswick Community Park, 2350 Route 130 south.

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m.

The fee is $20.

Dress in a patriotic outfit for a contest. The top three most patriotic runners and walkers will win a prize.

Registration will be available at www.northbrunswicknj.gov and at runsignup.com/NorthBrunswick/NB5K. Or, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.

Afterward, the North Brunswick Unites in Remembrance Honoring our Veterans Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Veterans Park, Roosevelt Avenue between North Brunswick Township High School and Judd Elementary School.

Both events will be held rain or shine.