"Mighty Joe" Honored for Years of Service to School Children

For over 15 years, Joseph Maugeri has been a familiar face outside of Cherry Hill School as the World War II veteran and VFW Commander continues to volunteer his time as a crossing guard.

Maugeri, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, was honored for his years of service as a crossing guard by the River Edge Board of Education Wednesday night.

"I just want to thank everybody for everything you do for me," Maugeri said. "I appreciate it."

Maugeri began volunteering as a crossing guard in the fall of 1996 outside of River Dell but later transferred to Cherry Hill where he has remained since then. And while most of his time is spent getting to know the students at Cherry Hill, he is known just as well by the Roosevelt School students that attend the annual Veteran's Day ceremony.

"Last December Daragh O'Connor the Director of the River Edge Library came before the Cherry Hill PTO to discuss purchasing a tile as part of the mural project," PTA member Rita Cookson said. "The Cherry Hill community felt the best way to memorialize the school in a tile as a permanent fixture and commemorate Joe's birthday."

With that in mind, the PTO and students' families raised over $900 for the custom tile which will feature Cherry Hill, an American Flag and Maugeri as a crossing guard. According to Cookson, the one of a kind tile is currently being created by artist Marion Grebow.

"It's our way of thanking you for your service and greeting everyone by name," Cookson said. "It means a lot to all of us."

Maugeri was also presented a Cherry Hill sweater vest by students as well as a plaque of commendation by the Board of Education.

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