September 28, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Mahwah Municipal building named in honor of Martel by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Municipal Building has been renamed the Richard J. Martel Municipal Center in honor of the man who served as the township’s mayor for 14 years. The building was rededicated on a sunny Sunday afternoon when the New York Giants were not scheduled to play out of respect for the former mayor’s love for that football team. President John Roth welcomes about 100 people, including State Senator Gerald Cardinale and Freeholder Robert Hermansen, former council presidents, Martel’s wife Claudia and his three sons and their families, police and fire emergency volunteers, and department of public works employees, attended the ceremony. The Mahwah Police Department Honor Guard presented the American flag, and the group said pledge of allegiance. Roth, Mayor John DaPuzzo, Hermansen, and five past township council presidents paid tribute to the former mayor. DaPuzzo then unveiled the brick and stone sign at the entrance to the municipal building parking lot which identifies the building as being named after Martel. A framed copy of the council’s resolution to rededicate the municipal building was presented to Martel’s wife Claudia to the applause of the crowd. “Richard Martel was a giant personality in the annals’ of Mahwah history,” Roth told the crowd. “A loving devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a patriotic veteran, successful businessman, volunteer coach, and sports booster, he left his unmistakable mark across many government areas, including the Recreation Committee, the zoning board, library board, planning board, housing commission, and as town council president. “For 14 years he led our township as mayor. A tireless devoted public servant, his administration was hallmarked by a sense of caring and a prodigious understanding and insight into the needs of a growing township. He was an extraordinary administrator who resolved monumental issues with a unique combination of humanity and practical solutions. He was an exceptional listener and a master of consensus. “His leadership, guidance, and passion for fairness helped shape our township… and his legacy is the diverse, dynamic, and unique community that is Mahwah today. “Mayor Martel will be missed enormously, never forgotten, and always admired,” Roth concluded. “Our town is so much a better place because he lived here and I have been so privileged to have known him.” DaPuzzo emphasized the amount of (continued on page 10) Richard J. Martel