Ramp Named for Long-Serving Firefighter

Gregory Velardi Sr. sat next to his wife, smiled, and took it all in.

Velardi’s family, officials, and firefighters were on hand for the dedication of the Gregory F. Velardi Sr. Ramp. The ramp was named in Velardi’s honor for his 55 years of service to the town’s Volunteer Fire Company No. 2. The ramp goes from Route 23 to Alps Road. The Company’s firehouse is located on the ramp.

“For someone to give 55 years of service to anything is a rarity, never mind as a volunteer,” said No. 2 Chief John Gabriel. 

When a then-26-year-old Velardi, who everybody calls “Hank,” submitted his membership papers in 1956 gasoline cost 22 cents a gallon, the Garden State Parkway didn’t exist, and Wayne had roughly half the population it does now.

“I just felt that people needed help and that it’s a good thing to serve the town,” Velardi said rather modestly.

Speakers throughout the event said that too often words like hero are used to describe musicians and athletes are not used often enough to describe people like Velardi.

“You are my hero Hank,” Mayor Chris Vergano said. “Volunteers are a dying breed in our state and country, so for someone to dedicate 55 years of their lives the way you have Hank is truly remarkable.”

Velardi was named a life member of Company 2 in 1981. He has been instrumental in running fundraisers for the Company, especially pancake breakfasts. A carpenter, Velardi also played a significant role in building the Company’s firehouse.

Assemblyman Scott Rumana pushed for the legislation to rename the ramp through the state Assembly.

“People like Hank only come along once in a generation,” Rumana said.

Velardi has passed on his spirit of dedication to his family. His sons, Frank and Gregory Jr., are longtime members of Company 2. His grandchildren, Tim and Paul are probationary firefighters, and Tim is a junior fireman.

“It is truly sensational to see this today,” Paul said. “It shows the dedication the man has to helping others and makes me so proud to be his grandson.”

Velardi has no intention of stopping either.

“As long as someone can bring me to the firehouse I’m going to be there,” Velardi said.