Anthony L. Terrezza Jr., Boys’ Towns of Italy 2002 “Man of the Year”, lives a life where service to others has always been an integral part. Born in 1941 to Violet Valvano and Anthony L. Sr., this Newark, New Jersey native learned early the importance of family and community. Graduating from the Newark public school system, he continued his education at Thomas Edison College earning an A. A. Degree in Business.

His early career path led him to the world of automotive finance. Anthony continued to build upon experience gained from various positions held within this given increasing levels of responsibility throughout his 35 years in this business. Presently he is President and CFO of Planet Honda in Union, New Jersey the largest Honda dealer in Northeast. Anthony’s business acumen has been widely recognized. These recognitions include The Chrysler Motors Honor Society of Accountants Certificate of Excellent Business Practices, The Pontiac Motor Division Honor Roll of Accountants Award and the American Honda Key to Excellence Award.

Anthony married the former Nancy Ann Rossi in 1964. After spending their early years in Newark, Anthony and Nancy moved to Union in 1968. They are the parents of three adult children: Denise Terrezza Orzechowski, Anthony III and Salvatore. In the last decade they have welcomed son-in-law Edward Orzechowski and daughters-in-law Maria and Andrea to the family, as well as seven grandchildren: Alana, Dana, Anthony IV, Edward III, Juliana, Brianna and Christina. Children and grandchildren are a very important part of Anthony’s life. His commitment to youth is well known, which makes the Boys’ Towns Award so deserving.

For Anthony, commitment to family values is closely followed by his dedication to community and to charitable organizations. His past and present volunteer service includes the United Way, UNICO, the Knights of Columbus, The Columbia Italian American Club and Boys’ Towns of Italy to name but a few. He has also received many awards and recognitions for his work.

After chairing the Township of Union Planning Board for a number of years, Anthony decided that he needed to make a more formal commitment to his town. In 1996 he ran for the Township Committee and was elected. His leadership and belief in the community has been recognized by the Union Electorate, who returned him to office for two additional terms. During his tenure on the Committee, Anthony served as Mayor of Union in 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2010.

He has overseen the operations of the Police, Public Works and Senior Citizens Departments and currently functions as Commissioner of the Fire Department. Anthony also serves as Chairman of the Joint Sewer Commission of Union & Essex Counties.

Anthony to all who know and work with him is the ‘go to guy’ when a difficult task is to be undertaken. Known for his quiet command of a situation, he embodies the definition of a humanitarian. Love of family, love of country and love of community from the epicenter of his life. Anthony lives his life happily and humbly. He believes, in the spirit of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”