It's All in a Name: Capt. Joe Azzolina Memorial Bridge

After the final, anticipated shoo-in, approval by the state’s General Assembly, you can officially call the newly revamped Route 36 Highlands Bridge the Captain Joeseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge.

Legislation (S-2073) to rename the structure, which spans from Highlands to Sea Bright over the Shrewsbury River, in memory of the late Azzolina has been approved by the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee. The legislation was sponsored by senators Sean Kean (R-11), Joe Kyrillos (R-13) and Jennifer Beck (R-12).

Azzolina, a longtime Middletown resident and businessman, was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in both the General Assembly and the Senate. He owned a chain of Foodtowns (Food Circus) and the former Courier newspaper.

Senator Kyrillos, also of Middletown, was a friend and long-time legislative colleague of Azzolina’s, with both representing the same district for many years.

“Joe loved New Jersey and America and it is only appropriate that we honor his memory and lifetime dedication to our state with this legislation,” Kyrillos said. “Though his work and devotion speak for themselves, designating the bridge in his name will be a constant reminder of all he did to better both Monmouth County and New Jersey.”

Senator Beck served as Azzolina’s chief of staff, when he was an assemblyman, and worked side by side with him for many years.

Calling him a friend and mentor, Beck said that she is “so pleased that the state of New Jersey is honoring him in this way. He loved New Jersey and always had a special affinity for the Bayshore area. I know that he would be honored and humbled to have this bridge named for him. I would like to thank my colleagues in the Assembly for working with us to rename this bridge in honor of my dear friend Joe.”

Senator Kean said he is proud to pay tribute to such a renowned and respected member of the Garden State community.

 “Dedicating a bridge over the waters of New Jersey to Captain Joseph Azzolina is a fitting tribute to a man who served in the Navy and worked tirelessly as a public servant,” added Kean.           

The measure was approved by the Senate last September, and now heads to the full General Assembly for final legislative approval.