John Pacifico is Awarded 1st Annual Nick Esposito Award For Volunteer Work in Raritan
John Pacifico		Nick Esposito
When Nick Esposito passed away earlier in the year, Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak wondered how the town of Raritan could honor him. Her friend Mayor Pat Walsh of Greenbrook mentioned they have a volunteer award that is given each year to a resident for their volunteer work in the community. Jo-Ann thought that an award like this in Raritan would be an ideal tribute to Nick Esposito as he had volunteered for decades in a variety of positions in Raritan. When asking residents who should be the recipient of this award, one name was mentioned over and over - John Pacifico. So it was on Wednesday evening December 5th, at the Raritan Municipal Building the award was presented. Over 80 people came to honor John Pacifico and to remember Nick Esposito. In attendance were the borough councilpeople, Raritan Firemen, the (combined) rescue squad, the board of adjustments, the Basilone Parade Committee, and many other residents including Nick's sister. John Pacifico's volunteer work includes 30 years in Raritan Recreation with 10 as Chairman, over 20 years on the Basilone Parade committee, and 30 years as a deacon at St. Ann's. When presented with the award, John Pacifico spoke to the crowd. John did not talk about himself, but about Nick Esposito. John said that while Nick Esposito had many official titles such as "Clerk", "Treasurer" and "Fire Chief", he was a lot more than that, he was a leader. He knew the town of Raritan and the people of Raritan - and they listened to him and followed his advice. His actions led to Raritan's gaining it's independence. John's concluding words were "We are so grateful to God for having Nick Esposito as an outstanding part of the history of Raritan.