Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • March 17, 2010 �������������������������� Lombardo named Hackensack UNICO Citizen of the Year The Hackensack Chapter of UNICO has selected Jerome J. Lombardo of Wyckoff as its 2010 Citizen of the Year. “It’s a privilege for the Hackensack Chapter of UNICO to have the opportunity to honor as its Citizen of the Year an outstanding member of the community, Jerry Lombardo,” said Chapter President Ralph Contini. “Jerry’s strong work ethic, traditions, sense of family, and his passion for his Italian heritage are exactly the underlying values of UNICO’s motto: Service Above Self.” Lombardo graduated from Tenafly High School and the University of Dayton, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. Upon graduation, Lombardo launched his career in real estate. At 24, he attained his broker’s license, becoming one of the youngest brokers in the state at the time. Lombardo then joined his father’s real estate management company, C.J. Lombardo, in Hackensack. Working together, the two eventually turned a company of three employees and a few small properties into a regionally Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. A fixture in Hackensack for decades, joining the Upper Main Alliance was an easy decision for Lombardo, who now serves as the group’s chairman. “I will not rest until Hackensack’s downtown has been reinvented and returns to its former greatness,” Lombardo said. Lombardo also serves as a director on the boards of Pascack Community Bank, the New Jersey Apartment Association, and the Bergen County Community Action Partnership. He also serves as vice chairman of the Wyckoff Zoning Board of Adjustment. Lombardo and his wife Rosanne have been married for 33 years. Their three children are named Andrew, Jay, and Valerie. Lombardo, whose grandparents came to the United States in the early 1900s from Italy, credits the work ethic, traditions, sense of family, and morals he learned as a child from his parents and grandparents as keys to his success. The mission of the Hackensack Chapter of UNICO National is to help support local and national charities and programs. The chapter has donated tens of thousands of dollars to efforts including cancer research, mental health, Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and Cooley’s anemia. The chapter donates to the national scholarship program and sent funds to aide in disaster relief here and abroad. Locally, the chapter awards scholarships to college-bound high school students, and donates to youth and junior programs. The chapter supports Italian culture and heritage programs and is a driving force of the Columbus Day Parade of North Jersey and Italian-American Heritage Month celebrations and events. The Hackensack Chapter of UNICO Citizen of the Year celebration will be held at noon on May 2 at Seasons, 644 Pascack Road, Washington Township. For information about placing a congratulatory ad, contact Michael J. D’Arminio at (201) 803-1463 or bigguymickey@aol.com. To purchase tickets, contact Michael Marino at (201) 343-3924. Jerome J. Lombardo recognized and respected firm with 80 employees. C.J. Lombardo now owns and manages shopping centers, office buildings, and some 3,000 multi-family units in New Jersey,