Submitted by: June Lazaro, Kiwanis Club of Linden
Al Volpe, a 1959 East Orange High School graduate, was a member and captain of the 1958 New Jersey State Championship Football Team. Earning All-State honors Al was appointed to the Scholastic Coach All-American Team. Al received an athletic scholarship and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University followed by a Master’s Degree from Kean University. Al also served in the United States Navy.
Al was employed by The City of Linden for 41 years and retired as the Director of Recreation, Public Property and Community Services. He served on the Planning Board and was also a CETA Coordinator and Community Development Representative. Al was inducted into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame, Linden Athletic Hall of Fame, and is currently Chairman for the Linden Boxing Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Morris County Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Though the years his involvement has resulted with raising over $700,000 for public and youth athletics and activities.
Even in retirement, he still serves his community. His love of cooking always contributed to our The Kiwanis Club of Linden’s Pancake Breakfast, but especially our Pasta Dinners. His special sauce is a secret shared with a select few and is so delicious! Al joined Kiwanis in 1976 and has served in many roles. He is a key reason of why our club still survives. Al received the deserved honor of being a ‘Distinguished Past President of the Kiwanis Club.’
Our Club was chartered in 1947 and needs youthful-minded individuals to re-spark us. From sponsoring the K-Kids programs in the elementary schools, raising money for scholarships and gift cards, supporting Children Specialized Hospital along with International causes, our Club has passion and dedication. Our signature projects include raffles, Pancake Breakfasts, Pasta Dinners and, for the past five years, “The Taste of Linden.” The K-Kids and our Club raise money for others, inclusive of Children Specialized Hospital, during a K-Kids Halloween Walkathon. Our community children learn leadership and community service through the K-Kids programs. They participate in so many school-related projects, ranging from sending cards and candy to the military, singing, and visiting the elderly, and serving community with heart-filled breakfasts to just in general sharing their genuine love for others.
As a Kiwanian since 2005, I have been privileged to have a School 9 K-Kids Treasurer as a son and cherished so many smiles from seeing the greatness within our youth and community. Now, more than ever, our Club needs to grow. Please contact me, June Lazaro, Secretary at 908 930-8310, junlazaro@verizon.net, or via our Facebook page. Join us for lunch, feel Al’s warmth, and together our traditions will continue. Special thanks to Al for sharing his time and dedication!
(above l-r) Principal School #4 Anthony Cataline, K-Kids Advisor Danielle Piscino, School #4K-Kids, Bruce Bakos formally of Phillips 66, and Kiwanians June Lazaro and Al Volpe during the Heart Tea Breakfast.
