Belleville Pedestrian’s Tragic Death Inspires New Traffic Signal

BELLEVILLE, NJ — It’s been more than a year since Joseph D'Amico was killed while walking on Franklin Avenue in Belleville. But according to Mayor Michael Melham – who called the stretch of roadway a “known problem area” – a small gesture in commemoration of his death may help to avert future tragedies.

On Wednesday, D'Amico’s family members joined Belleville officials to dedicate a new crosswalk and blinking traffic signal on Franklin Avenue. The signal, located in front of the Chandelier Catering Hall, honors his memory, as well as others who have been struck and killed on the high-traffic county road.

“Today I'm not going to focus on why this wasn't done in the past or how long it took, rather today we are going to celebrate action,” Melham said. “This has been a known problem area for years, so much so that two individuals lost their lives here.”

Representing the family on Wednesday were D'Amico's brother, Ray D'Amico, Cheryl Kasye, Michele Sacchiero, Gerald D'Amico, Valerie Simberg and Michael Simberg.

Melham said that he met Michele Sacchiero during his 2018 mayoral campaign, where one of the concerns she had expressed was the need for increased safety measures at this particular crosswalk after D'Amico was struck on Dec. 30, 2017.

“We hope and pray this small gesture protects our residents and those visiting our great township, and saves another family from tragic loss and sorrow,” Melham said.

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Photos courtesy of Michael Melham