Princeton Schools To Honor Late Principal Bill Cirullo April 21

PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton Public School District will honor former Riverside Principal William D. Cirullo with a ceremony and bike rally on Saturday, April 21, the district announced. Rain date is April 28.

The event begins in front of Riverside Elementary School at 10 a.m. with a short ceremony, followed by the unveiling of a tribute in his honor.

After the ceremony, attendees will be invited to participate in a "Captain Dismissal" parade around the Riverside neighborhood. The parade will include bikes, scooters, skateboards, and walkers.

“Mr. Cirullo was a welcoming presence at Riverside and we want to remember and celebrate his love for the school and the community,” Riverside Parent Teacher Organization Co-President Melodie Schweitzer said. “He knew every child’s name and he treated every adult and child equally. He made Riverside a fun and inclusive place to be. He always had time to listen. As a parent, he gave you comfort that your child was known as an individual and also was part of a bigger community.”

Cirullo graduated from the Princeton Public School District, which he first entered when he was in kindergarten.

He went on to teach at the school for 13 years and serve as principal of the school for over 30 years, according to the district. He was also a longtime coach for football and lacrosse at Princeton High School.

Cirullo was known for placing a strong emphasis on building community and striving to ensure that every child felt like a valued part of that community.

“Bill was larger than life,” Princeton Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Cochrane said. “Energetic, visionary, caring and fun, he loved kids, and he truly personified our mission of preparing them to lead lives of joy and purpose.”

Cirullo passed away on Feb. 15, 2016. All in the Princeton community are invited to come together on April 21 to celebrate Cirullo’s legacy and life.

The attached photo was previously provided by the Princeton Public School District.