Meet Nutley’s ‘Patriot And Veteran Of The Year’ For 2026

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley recently honored two local patriots during the town’s annual Memorial Day parade.

Henry DelTosto was recognized as Nutley’s “Veteran of the Year,” and Annette Arocho-Bautista was selected as the township's first-ever “Patriot of the Year.”

“These programs are more than awards,” said John McGuire, president of the Nutley Veterans Council. “They’re a testament to the dedication and selfless service of individuals who go above and beyond for those who have served our country.”

VETERAN OF THE YEAR

The township, in partnership with the Nutley Veterans Council, continued its Veteran of the Year Program, a tradition established in 2013 to recognize individuals who demonstrate “unwavering support for military service members, veterans and their families.”

DelTosto said he was deeply humbled by the honor.

“I prefer working behind the scenes, helping out or directing,” DelTosto said. “I’m not one for the spotlight, so it was humbling for the township to recognize me in this way.”

PATRIOT OF THE YEAR

The Patriot of the Year award recognizes a civilian resident of the Township of Nutley who has “demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting veterans, service members, or veteran-based initiatives.”

The distinction was introduced for the first time this year, with Arocho-Bautista honored as the inaugural recipient.

“I was very surprised and humbled by the nomination – and to be considered patriotic,” Arocho-Bautista said. “We do these things out of love for our country, our veterans, military families, and our neighbors; we do it simply because we want to. It's just very humbling.”

Mayor John Kelly III said the local awards are well deserved.

“Every year we recognize a veteran who goes above and beyond for the veteran community,” Kelly said. “But there are also many residents who never had the privilege to serve, but nonetheless dedicate themselves to serving the veteran community and we wanted to honor those individuals as well.”

“Both Henry and Annette have long been serving and advocating for and on behalf of veterans,” the mayor added. “Both are great examples and well deserving of their awards.”

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