Highlands Bridge Renamed to Honor Local Legislator, Businessman

A crowd gathered on the side of the Highlands Bridge yesterday while family, friends, local officials and state officials honored Captain Joseph Azzolina’s memory.

Azzolina served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1944 to 1986 and represented the then 13^th Legislative District when he served in the General Assembly between the years 1992 and 2006. He founded Food Circus Supermarkets, a family-run chain of Foodtown grocery stores with locations throughout Monmouth County.

In addition to commemorating Azzolina many honors, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, Congressman Frank Pallone, State Senator Jennifer Beck and Senator Joseph Kyrillos all spoke about Azzolina’s character and life-long passion for improving the lives of New Jersey residents.

“Joe was a tireless public servant and truly loved helping his constituents,” said Beck. “It is fitting that the bridge connecting the Highlands to the Jersey shoreline will be forever known as the ‘Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge’. Captain Azzolina was a true patriot; he was committed to improving both New Jersey and the Unites States of America. I know he would be really moved by this tribute.”

The last speech given was by Azzolina’s son, Joseph Azzolina Jr. With the entire Azzolina family on stage, the new signage was unveiled. The blue sign now stands aside the entrance to the bridge on top of the WWI memorial.