In Bergen County, New Jersey, there exists a group of exceptional individuals who have dedicated themselves to promoting compassion and altruism throughout our communities. These unsung heroes are motivated by a deep sense of responsibility and an undying love for their community. They generously volunteer their time, skills, and resources to uplift Bergen County and its residents. In this special series, mybergen.com will share the inspiring stories of these Bergen County residents who embody the true essence of giving back.
What Drives These Special Individuals?
What motivates these remarkable people to dedicate their lives to helping others? The answer, it seems, lies in a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of giving back. For these local heroes, their motivation stems from a genuine desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors, friends, and fellow residents. Their commitment to bettering Bergen County is a testament to the unique bond they share with the community they call home.
In this series, mybergen.com will delve into the personal stories, experiences, and inspirations that drive these exceptional individuals to volunteer their time, raise funds for local causes, donate to charities, and make a lasting impact. Join mybergen.com on this inspiring journey as we shed light on the incredible efforts of Bergen County’s community champions, each contributing their own chapter to the story of a more compassionate and connected community.
Don Bozzone: A Legacy on the Track and Beyond
Meet Don Bozzone, a name well-known among New Jersey’s running sports enthusiasts. This Paramus resident’s 60-year tenure in coaching and running has seen him frequently grace the awards podium. His accolades include numerous regional, state, and national championships and induction into the National Junior College Athletic Association Track & Field Division 1 Hall of Fame.
Bozzone’s coaching philosophy extends beyond athletic training; it is about building lifelong relationships and instilling core values in his athletes. According to former Bozzone athlete Bob Ferioli, “It’s been 40 years since I ran for Coach Bozzone at Bergen Community College, and he’s still an important part of my life. A group of runners from our BCC cross country team still meet with Coach for dinner on a regular basis. We value his knowledge, experience, advice, and friendship as much today as we did in the 1980s.”
Sportsmanship Meets Community Involvement
For many coaches, their role extends beyond the track or playing field; it becomes a platform to instill values like teamwork, dedication, and empathy in their young charges. This innate desire to nurture and uplift extends naturally to their commitment to charities and community activities, where they continue to lead by example, showing how sportsmanship and community support go hand in hand. Don Bozzone personifies this blend of sportsmanship and community service, notably through his extensive work with local charities.
“Only a Life Lived for Others Is a Life Worthwhile”
This Albert Einstein quote has long been a guiding principle for Don Bozzone. Bozzone has been an active supporter of multiple Bergen County charities and causes for decades, including Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County (Habitat Bergen).
Habitat Bergen is a people-to-people partnership that brings residents together regardless of race, nationality, religion, or socioeconomic status. This Westwood-based organization relies on volunteer labor and donated funds and materials to help build or rehabilitate simple, decent homes and sells them to low-income families at a cost but with no interest charged. The organization also operates Habitat Bergen ReStore, a fabulous consignment/thrift store, out of the Westwood location.
Inspired by Einstein’s philosophy, Bozzone has been a stalwart supporter of Habitat Bergen for over 25 years. As a member of the “Greyheads,” a team of retirees who volunteer their time to construction and other Habitat projects, Bozzone has played a pivotal role in building homes for low-income families. He also frequently takes up the mantle of volunteer site supervisor, ensuring the success of various Habitat projects.
“I worked in construction during the summers while I was teaching, so I was familiar with building homes. It was natural for me to work at Habitat for Humanity”, says Bozzone. “Little did I know, I would be involved for over 25 years!”
Bozzone’s commitment is not limited to volunteer work; he is also a donor and active participant in fundraising initiatives, with his upcoming autobiography’s proceeds pledged to Habitat Bergen. Mybergen.com will provide details on where to purchase the book as information becomes available.
“Don is not just a volunteer. He is a part of our Habitat Bergen family”, explained Gloria Bello, volunteer coordinator for Habitat Bergen. “We know we can always count on him to participate in our fundraising efforts and join us for Habitat Bergen events.”
Franciscan Community Development Center of Fairview
During various Habitat-related projects, Bozzone became acquainted with Sister Anna Marie Note, a Franciscan nun affiliated with a local Bergen County church. “Sister Anna was starting a community center at Saint John the Baptist Church in Fairview. She called us to help repair some of the rooms in the church’s basement, so that’s how I got to know Sister Anna,” said Bozzone.
Since that initial project 15 years ago, Bozzone has assisted Sister Anna and her Executive Director Sue Colacurcio (a former student) on other projects, primarily focused on the Franciscan Community Development Center of Fairview. “Now the community needs to expand the food pantry,” explained Bozzone. “They called Habitat to build a much larger food pantry to help local families in need.”
In addition to his charitable endeavors, Bozzone dedicates his efforts to his parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel in Washington Township, further demonstrating his commitment to the community.
Celebrating an Extraordinary Life of Service
At 88 years old, Don Bozzone continues to inspire with his energy and dedication to helping others. His contributions bring joy and a sense of purpose to the places and people he touches, embodying the essence of community spirit in Bergen County.
When asked about Bozzone’s seemingly boundless energy and drive to help others, Bob Ferioli said, “It’s hard to believe Coach Bozzone recently turned 88! He’s more energetic, focused, and productive than many people I know half his age. We’re lucky to have him in our community. People like Don Bozzone are hard to find.”
“Whenever Don Bozzone visits the Habitat Bergen offices and ReStore, he brings a smile to our faces, says Habitat’s Gloria Bello. “He’s an amazing man.”
Supporting Habitat Bergen and The Franciscan Community Development Center
Habitat Bergen relies on donations and volunteers to build homes for needy families. Donations and inquiries about volunteer opportunities can be made through their website, habitatbergen.org.
The Franciscan Community Development Center of Fairview also welcomes donations and volunteers to support their programs. Interested individuals can offer their time and skills or donate by contacting [email protected].
Both organizations emphasize the importance of community involvement and are a testament to the impact dedicated individuals like Don Bozzone can have on a community’s heart and soul.
