Patty Spango, the newly appointed Essex County deputy superintendent of elections/deputy commissioner of registration, and Frank A. Cocchiola Jr., a retired educator and administrator, were recognized as "Stellas della Contea di Essex" (Stars of Essex County) at the Essex County Italian-American Heritage Month observance held Oct. 9 in the Essex County Hall of Records.
(From left) Dr. Frank A. Cocchiola, Jr. (Nutley), U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Toby Santoro (Caldwell), Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., Patty Spango (West Orange) and Sheriff Armando Fontoura at the 2015 Essex County Italian-American Heritage Month observance. NEWARK -- Patty Spango, the newly appointed Essex County deputy superintendent of elections/deputy commissioner of registration, and Frank A. Cocchiola Jr., a retired educator and administrator, were recognized as "Stellas della Contea di Essex" (Stars of Essex County) at the Essex County Italian-American Heritage Month observance held Oct. 9 in the Essex County Hall of Records.
Spango is a lifelong resident of West Orange, where she served as a councilwoman for two terms and as council president in 2010. Cocchiola has served as interim superintendent of the Essex County Vocational-Technical School District for the past two years.
The honorees were recognized for their "commitment to improving the lives of all residents, their leadership and dedication to public service."
A special recognition award was presented to Toby Santoro, a 102-year-old Caldwell resident who competed in bocce and bowling competitions in the New Jersey Senior Olympics.
To submit an achievement, please send an email to essex@starledger.com.