South Brunswick Names Street Sign For Resident Who Served In Vietnam

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick dedicated Kornacivich Place on Saturday, in honor of late Ronald John Kornacivich, a Vietnam War veteran and longtime township resident who served in the U.S. Army.

Kornacivich's wife, Cheryl, joined Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, Councilwoman Archana "Ann" Grover and Township Manager Bryan Bidlack at the ceremony. Representatives of local veterans organizations, members of the South Brunswick Police Department and Honor Guard, and residents also attended.

The commemorative street sign was unveiled at the intersection of Ridge Road and Marc Drive, closest to Georges Road. It is part of the township's Veteran Street Sign Program, which places commemorative signs along existing municipal roads to honor South Brunswick residents who served as wartime veterans.

"From the people who knew him, if you needed help, Ron showed up. He kept his word. He lent his tools, his time and his knowledge without being asked twice," Carley said. "Today, here, we make sure his name stays part of this town. Every person who drives past Kornacivich Place will see it… Now it is written into the streets he lived on."

Kornacivich was born in 1950 in Somerville and grew up in Manville. He entered the Army on Feb. 18, 1969, during the Vietnam War, and served with the 82nd Airborne Division and the 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, according to the township. He worked as a radio teletypewriter operator, wireman and sniper before continuing his service in Germany and later the Army Reserve. He was honorably discharged in 1975.

Kornacivich received the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Parachute Badge.

After his military service, he made South Brunswick his home for more than 30 years. He worked for Verizon for more than 30 years as a maintenance cable splicer and was a member of IBEW Local 827 and the Telephone Pioneers.

He was also active in local veterans organizations and the Super Highway Buck Club of Monmouth Junction. He died in 2012 at 62.

VFW Post 9111 Commander Scott Weyd spoke about Kornacivich's military service and sacrifice.

"Every time someone passes Kornacivich Place, they will see the name of a soldier who put his life on the line for this country," Weyd said.

Cheryl Kornacivich accepted the tribute on behalf of the family. The ceremony ended with Taps, played by Paul G. Feldman of Taps for Veterans.

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