Nutley Commissioner Earns ‘Eternal Flame’ Honor From Relay For Life

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley Township Commissioner Mauro Tucci was recently presented with a local honor: the Nutley Relay for Life “Eternal Flame.”

According to a township news release, the Eternal Flame Award was established to “honor, remember and recognize a special person in each of three individual categories: caregiver, survivor, and memory.”

Tucci received the award at the 17th annual event, held at DeMuro Park.

Nutley Relay for Life Chair Dayna Hess said Tucci has “learned many life lessons” as a caregiver, but his passion for a cure started long before cancer struck his own home.

“He has poured his heart and soul into this project year in and year out for 17 years,” Hess said. “What better way to say thank you than by honoring him here tonight?”

“I’m not usually at a loss for words,” Tucci said during an emotional acceptance speech. “But I am at a loss for words.”

“This movement was never about me,” Tucci continued. “And it never should be. It's about all of you and all of us together doing everything that we can do to fight this dreaded disease. I am so humbled and so honored to be here with such worthy recipients and former recipients, that I don't know what to say.”

“I accept this on behalf of everyone that has worked with us for the last 17 years and everyone who will be working with us for the next 17 years,” Tucci added. “Thank you all very, very much.”

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