Obituary of George P. Velotto

George P, Velotto, died on August 18, 2009, at the age of 77 years. He attended Hackensack schools and graduated from Hackensack High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Seton Hall University in 1958. Mr. Velotto also has a Master’s Degree in the teaching of reading and an administrator’s certificate from Monclair State University. He began his teaching career at the State Street Junior High School where he taught English, History and Reading. He was chairman of the Reading Department and later the Social Studies Department at the Hackensack Junior High School and it’s successor, the Hackensack Middle School. After serving as Assistant Principal for Curriculum at the Middle School , he was appointed district-wide Coordinator of the Basic Skills and Testing. He also supervised the elementary school libraries, coordinated the writing of the Hackensack Math Curriculum Guide, served as Editor of the newsletter of the Hackensack school system, and prepared local and state reports. Mr. Velotto’s career in education included an active leadership role in professional associations. He served as president of the Hackensack Education Association and the Bergan County Education Association. He established the Bergen County President’s Conference and was the Editor of the County Organization News Letter, the B. C. E. A. Reporter. At the state level, he served on various committees, including the Executive Committee of the New Jersey Education Association. He was a delegate to National Conventions of the National Education Association and was a member of study task forces in Wayne (N.J.E,.A.) and in Freeport, L. I. (N. E. A.) Mr. Velotto was instrumental in bringing an elected Board of Education back to the voters of Hackensack. This effort was applauded by many but displeased some politicians who preferred a board appointed by the mayor. Mr. Velotto was a member of the Hackensack Chapter of Unico International and served on the steering committee of the Inaugural Columbus Day Parade and Festival of Bergen County. Mr. Velotto remained active in his retirement, both politically and educationally, by writing letters to the local newspapers on issues dealing with both topics. He is survived by his sister Carol Lombardi, several nieces and cousins. The Mass of Christina Burial will be held on Friday, August 21st, at 11:00 AM, at St. Francis R. C. Church, 50 Lodi Street, Hackensack with burial following at Hackensack Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the George P. Velotto Scholarship Fund, St. Francis of Assisi School, 160 South Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.