'Powerful Advocate for Clean Water' Filippone Dies

To the Editor:

I am saddened to report that Ella Filippone passed away on Friday, June 21st. Ella was well known to members of our group as head of the Passaic River Coalition. Our partnership with Ella and her organization led to the purchase of a number of properties in our Pequannock River Greenway, such as the Raceway Tract in Butler. She preserved many other important sites in Ringwood, West Milford and across our region.

Beyond that, Ella was a powerful advocate for clean water, with a broad knowledge of both local conditions, state and federal issues, and underlying legal concerns, who always kept her eye on the big picture and the ultimate goals. Opponents found here a force to be reckoned with. To friends, she was often a strong and determined ally. A recent example is her assistance with preservation of the Glenburn Estate in Riverdale.

In short, Ella was a unique individual who leaves behind an enviable record of accomplishment.

She will be missed.

Currently a public memorial service is to be held at Willow Hall in Morristown, the headquarters of the coalition she founded, on July 13 from noon to 4 p.m.   

Ross Kushner
Executive Director
Pequannock River Coalition