Plaques Will Honor Madison Veterans Who Died in War

Below dozens of street signs in Madison, small black plaques will bear the names of service members who died in war who lived on those streets.

The first signs are expected to be installed this Memorial Day.

Fifty-eight veterans from the borough died in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and they will have their names added to the Rose City streets they called home.

The signs will serve as a reminder "they grew up and walked on the same streets we travel today," former Mayor John "Jack" Dunne, a Korean War veteran, wrote in a letter to residents about fundraising efforts for the plaques.

"They left their footprints on the street, and now their names are added to the street," he said in an interview at Pine and Cedar avenues, where a sign in memory of Vietnam veteran Russell Engle will be added.

Many of the service members still have relatives in the area. One relative, John Cochario, saw similar signs in other towns and brought the idea to Dunne.

Cochario's uncle, Pfc. John Cardarella, died in World War II at age 18. He lived on Loveland Street. Every time he went to his grandparents house, he saw a large photo of his uncle.

"This is closure for a lot of families," Cochario said.

Borough mechanic Lew Cornine said he plans to take a photo of the plaque that will bear the name of one of his relatives, M/Sgt. William Keppel, who died in Korea, and will post it online to share with his relatives.

One of the Korean War veterans is a Medal of Honor recipient. Samuel Coursen, who lived on Loantaka Way and received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Korea, Samuel Coursen.

The committee spearheading the effort is asking community members to sponsor the cost of each placque with a donation of $100. Contributions are welcome in any amount, and check may be made payable to "Always With Us" and can be mail to

Always With Us
c/o Roberta Dunne, Treasurer
23 Kensington Road
Madison, NJ 07940