I was raised in Mt. Olive on a cul-de-sac filled with a mix of bi-levels and colonials. I could not imagine a better place to grow up. My parents worked hard to provide my sister and I with a childhood filled with challenging experiences, an environment echoing with laughter and a house filled with love. I went to school as a communication major after graduating high school and finished my master’s degree in 2002.
I’ve been a working journalist ever since (with a small break to do academia). I currently live in Randolph with my wife and daughter. I launched Mendham-Chester Patch in January of 2012 and from there my role was expanded to work on a cluster of sites that include Long Valley Patch, Jefferson Patch and Hopatcong-Sparta Patch.
From there, I was given the opportunity to run Morristown and Morris Township Patch. I love being able to tell the stories of these towns and help facilitate these communities sharing their voice as well. I also find it fascinating to see how vastly different each Patch site is compared to one another. I can honestly say I love what I do, and that is largely due to the communities and colleagues I am partnered with.
After a four year break where Patch and I parted ways I am thrilled to be back in the fold as a field editor and I am looking forward to this homecoming working with different sites in New Jersey and hopefully helping contribute to the national news conversation.
You will also always be able to spot me because when I am working, I am sporting my fedora. A trick taught to me by an old colleague of mine to help you become recognizable on your beat. So when you see “the Patch guy with the hat” make sure you say hello!
You can reach me at: russ.crespolini@patch.com
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