Former Summit Councilman Passes Away

SUMMIT, NJ — Former Summit Council President Pro Tem and Board of Education member Michael Vernotico passed away on Saturday, the city said.

"It is with great sadness that the City of Summit reports the passing of former Ward 2 Councilman and Summit resident Michael Vernotico," the city said in a message. "He passed away on Saturday, March 20 from complications sustained in a fall earlier in the week."

Vernotico was involved in a number of community causes and volunteer efforts, in addition to serving in elected office.

He served as a councilman from 2006 through 2011, and as president pro tem of the Common Council in 2009. He was a member of the Summit Housing Authority in 2007 to 2008 and a member of the Summit Board of Education in 2006, 2008, and 2009, the city said.

“We are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Michael Vernotico,” says Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “I appreciate and will remember his strong commitment to community service and love for our city. I share my heartfelt condolences with the Vernotico family during this extremely difficult time.”

Among his committees and positions were: Wilson Park Task Force, Zoning Board, Stop the Train Coalition, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Summit Chamber of Commerce, and the local Civil Rights Commission.

He had also run for mayor in 2011.

Vernotico graduated from Summit High School in 1964.