Charity Hockey Game Honors Late West Orange DPW Director

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of West Orange public information officer Joseph Fagan. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

A charity hockey game was held at the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange on February 24, 2024. The annual game between the West Orange All Stars and the New Jersey Warriors honored the memory of West Orange’s DPW director in a brief pre-game ceremony. The all-stars are a combined team of West Orange Fire and Police personnel and the Warriors are affiliated with the NJ Devils. The team was created to give disabled US Military Veterans an opportunity to rehab by playing ice hockey. The hockey team is a nonprofit, volunteer-run program, that relies on public support and donations.

Newly appointed DPW director Joe Pelose suddenly passed away this past February 11th. He started working in that department as a truck driver in January 1984. He was a lifelong West Orange resident and a graduate of West Orange High School. At the end of the game’s 1st period Warriors Executive Vice President Ted Curtin received a donation in Pelose’s name that was made to the nonprofit hockey organization. Fellow West Orange Township employees Carolyn Wahlers and Nick Allegrino representing AFSCME Local 3469 made a donation of $500. It was matched by the West Orange FMBA Local 28/228 and PBA Local 25. Representing the Police Union was Officer Anthony Piserchio and the Fire Union was represented by Captain Frank Noberine (not pictured). Pelose was a fan of all sports and supported all veteran’s causes. The donation to the NJ Warriors in Pelose’s name will help fund activities that were near and dear to his heart.

Curtain acknowledged the donation by saying, “We are grateful for the generous donation and the support for the NJ Warriors Hockey Team. This donation not only fuels our passion for the game but also strengthens the bonds of our community while helping our military veterans. Together, we can skate towards success, thanks to your invaluable contribution in Joe Pelose’s memory.”

Despite the sadness of Pelose’s passing the donation reminds us that sports have the power to unite, inspire, and have an enduring effect. Sports go beyond wins and losses and is a profound narrative that speaks to resilience, commitment, and the public’s unwavering spirit to help our veterans.

The New Jersey Warriors are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and participate in tournaments and events both locally and nationally. All financial contributions go a long way to help our veterans. The NJ Warriors are looking for individuals and corporations to support their efforts through tax-deductible donations, contributions, and partnerships.

They also accept new hockey equipment that can be used by veterans who are interested in stepping onto the ice for the first time. If you have gear to donate, or would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact NJWarriorsHockey@gmail.com.

• See Related: West Orange Mourns Deaths Of 2 Long-Serving Town Workers

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