Bergen County Mayor, Firefighter Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — North Arlington is in mourning after Mayor Joseph Bianchi died Monday of cancer that could be traced back to the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Bianchi, 77, was a 26-year member of the North Arlington Volunteer Fire Department and responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Borough Administrator Stephen Lo Iacono said Bianchi, 77, worked at the World Trade Center site "for a while" following the attack. Bianchi had battled cancer for the past 18 months, but he "took a serious turn" a few days ago, Lo Iacono said.

"He continued to perform his duties, even while battling the cancer," Lo Iacono said. "He didn't come into the office as much, but he worked from home and kept up with things."

"He never lost sight of the fact that being mayor was about people. He never got caught up with the trappings of his office," Lo Iacono said. "He never lost sight of his roots."

Bianchi was a "blue-collar" guy, a lifelong borough resident, and a hard worker, Lo Iacono said. He owned Pal Joey's Unisex Haircutters in town since 1965.

Local officials agreed.

Councilman Mario Karcic Jr. said Bianchi was "good man who loved the town."

"He was always willing to work with anyone who had the best interests of the town in mind," Karcic said. "I got to work with him very closely over the last couple years. I learned a lot from him. He was a great mayor, and an even better friend."

In a statement issued Thursday, the Borough Council said Bianchi sought to make North Arlington "better each day for every resident, regardless of age or political affiliation."

Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-9th) expressed his condolences upon hearing of Bianchi's death.

"This is a devastating loss for not only North Arlington but all of New Jersey. Mayor Bianchi was a dedicated public servant and a good man," Pascrell said. "My family and I will pray for Mayor Bianchi and his family. May he rest in peace.”

Lo Iacono said there is an "overwhelming sense of sadness" in Borough Hall following Bianchi's death. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized, but when they are, Lo Iacono said an announcement would be placed on the borough's website.

Bianchi was elected mayor in 2014. He was married to his wife, Catherine for 42 years. He is survived by her, three children, and eight grandchildren.

Bianchi was an Army veteran who was honorably discharged in 1960.

He was a member of UNICO, the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States, and the North Arlington Rotary.

Bianchi was honored for responding to a house fire on Riverview Avenue in 1992 and for responding to Ground Zero on 9/11.

Those who knew Bianchi expressed their condolences on social media.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: North Arlington Mayor Joseph Bianchi (Borough of North Arlington website)