By DENNIS CESA
SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS
HILLSDALE—Ninety-three-year-old Frank Maniaci, a longtime resident, was inducted into the ranks of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 162 on Saturday, Nov. 2. His membership honors the service of his father, Louis Maniaci, who served in World War I.
Maniaci was inducted during a ceremony held at the American Legion Post 162, which serves Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, and Old Tappan. The event was attended by approximately 50 members of the Legion and Sons of the Legion, along with family and friends.
Also inducted was 38-year-old Nick Camerato, in honor of his grandfather, Henry John Millspaugh, a distinguished World War II veteran.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Maniaci lived there until he was 14. His father, who was a dress designer, enlisted in the Army and was assigned the role of company clerk. He served and returned home, but he passed away when Frank was 14. The family then moved to River Vale and later to Hillsdale, where in 1957, Frank opened the Pascack Pharmacy, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2001.
Over the years, Maniaci hired many young men and women from Hillsdale for temporary jobs at the pharmacy. One of them was Dan Correri, now the SAL adjutant officer, who worked as a prescription delivery boy. Dan is the son of SAL founding Commander Rich Correri, who passed away two years ago on the same date as this induction ceremony. A moment of silence was held to honor Rich’s memory.
Camerato’s grandfather enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served until 1945. He reached the rank of technical sergeant and served in Central Europe, Naples, Rome, Arno, Southern France, Anzio, Ardennes-Alsace, and the Rhineland. His awards included the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, and additional citations.
“We are delighted to have Frank and Nick join our ranks,” said SAL Commander John Hering. “Not only do they honor the service of their father and grandfather, but they also join us in supporting American Legion Post 162 and its contributions to the community.”
“This underscores that remembering the sacrifices of our veterans has no age limit,” added Dennis Cesa, SAL vice commander. “Frank and Nick will join us in our community efforts, which include supporting the new war monument in downtown Hillsdale, youth support initiatives, sending holiday letters to actively serving service members, and more.”
SAL members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion comprise the Legion Family, with a combined membership of nearly 3 million. Although SAL has its own membership, it is a program of The American Legion.
For more information on SAL 162 Squadron, contact Commander John Hering at 201-406-6585 or Vice Commander Dennis Cesa at 201-370-8839.