Owner Of Hillsborough's Central Jersey Nurseries Dies

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Owner of Central Jersey Nurseries and father of Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani, Vincent Paul Lipani, died on July 19 - on his 81st birthday with his family at his side.

"Hillsborough was lucky to have Vincent Lipani choose our town so many years ago to start a business. Thank you to the Lipani family for letting us borrow him for so many years," said Hillsborough Committeeman Doug Tomson.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lipani moved to North Plainfield where he attended North Plainfield High School serving as the Senior Class President then graduating from Gettysburg College in 1962 with a degree in Biology.

After a two-year U.S. Army enlistment, Lipani eventually decided to become self-employed when he purchased the property at 18 Hamilton Road in Hillsborough in March 1970 and established Central Jersey Nurseries.

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"It is there Vincent began making his impact on the town he loved. He will be well remembered for his 50-year influence on his young employees, teaching them the value of integrity, accountability, and hard work. Many have returned to thank him for instilling these values," according to his obituary at hillsboroughfuneralhome.com.

A life-long sports participant and fan, Lipani enjoyed watching the N.J. Devils, N.Y. Giants, and Mets regardless of their performance. He was an avid golfer and skier and was always at home on the slopes of Colorado.

"His love of sports was surpassed only by his love of duct tape and its infinite uses," according to his obituary.

Lipani was a member of the Hillsborough Reformed Church, The Rotary Club of America and served as Chairman of the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Shawn, Todd, and Troy along with their wives Tara, Tamayra, Maria, and five grandchildren.

A memorial gathering for relatives and friends will be Saturday, Aug. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Hillsborough Funeral Home, 796 Route 206, Hillsborough. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Aug. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Somerville Elks, 379 Union Ave., Bridgewater.

In lieu of flowers, donate to The Hillsborough Rotary Club by purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket at Central Jersey Nurseries, 18 Hamilton Rd., Hillsborough or direct donation at Hillsboroughnjrotary.com.

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