Protesters Rally To Support Fired Wawa Worker From Brick

Mike Renna was a faithful customer of the Wawa in Howell.

He often stopped there two or three times a day - for coffee, snacks and gas. But on Sunday morning, he was standing in front of the business, drinking coffee from a Starbucks cup and vowing he’d never return to the Route 9 gas station.

“I came to support Mike,’’ he said, of the Wawa fuel manager who was fired last week. “He’s one of the last good guys in customer service. He actually knows the true meaning of customer service.”

Renna was one of more than dozen protesters standing near the gas station Sunday morning, holding signs and waving as passing drivers honked their horns in support of the protest.

Protesters are upset over the firing of Mike Cuzzo, who said he was let go from his job at the gas station near White Street because a customer complained after he used a “hibachi toy” spray windshield-washing fluid onto a van’s side mirror. The toy is often used in Japanese hibachi restaurants, showing a boy urinating, and is used to spray wine into the mouths of customers.

On Sunday, Cuzzo, a Brick resident and the father of two teenaged girls, was dressed in a black tuxedo, a bright blue bowtie and cummerbund, and pink and black socks with the breast cancer awareness logo. He mingled among the protesters and posed for photos with them.

“It’s emotional,’’ he said of the protest. “This turnout is overwhelming. You never know the impact you have on people, just by being yourself.”

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Renna said he used to go to that Wawa every morning to buy coffee and cigarettes. He fueled up there every evening, because his job requires him to drive about 100 miles daily. Then, sometimes, he would return again, for another cup of coffee and snacks for his children.

“Never again,’’ he said Sunday, as he stood near the highway, holding a “We love Mike” sign.

Corinne Spada of Howell said she came out to support Cuzzo because he is her favorite gas station attendant in the area.

“We’re appalled by what happened for such a ridiculous reason,’’ she said. “He brings nothing but happiness to people.”

Another protester, Alexandria Strully of Howell said she often came to the Howell Wawa to see Cuzzo.

“He’s just a wonderful individual,’’ she said. “It’s amazing how he goes above and beyond for every customer. He’s an upstanding gentleman. He’s an intelligent man. It breaks my heart to see him leave.”

Peter Cuccionilli and his wife, Angela Weiner, of Freehold Township, also stopped by the protest on Sunday.

“We came out to support a man that tries to make everyone’s life happy,’’ said Cuccionilli. “People need to lighten up a little bit. Live life and enjoy it.”

Cuzzo holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Florida Southern University, and began working for Wawa almost three years ago after he left another job with an insurance company that had a noncompete agreement. He was known for wearing a tux to work, bringing customers receipts on a gold-colored platter, popping on a a red clown nose for children, and washing windshields.

In an email on Friday, Wawa’s public relations manager, Lori Bruce, said the company could not discuss the situation.

“Our associate was with us for several years, known and esteemed by many of his customers. We treasure the special connection that our associates have with their customers and communities -- it’s a big part of the Wawa brand and experience,” she said. “That’s why we understand the outpouring of support around his departure. Unfortunately, we can’t share information or details regarding his departure. Out of respect for him, or any associate that separates from our company, we never share details of this nature. We hope you understand and we wish him all the best in the future.”

Photos: Mike Cuzzo, with his daughter, Alexis, 14; Protesters hold signs in support of Mike Cuzzo