One of our finest: Park Ridge hails Tom Madru for four decades of service

July 28, 2024 Michael Olohan Community Voices, Park Ridge, Pascack Press
From left to right: Councilor Michael Mintz, Mayor Keith Misciagna, honored volunteer Thomas Madru, his wife, Ellen, and his daughter, Meghan, stand for cameras and cheers following the ceremony honoring Madru’s four decades of volunteer service. Madru continues to serve on the local and county library boards. Photo courtesy Maggie Giandomenico.
From left to right: Councilor Michael Mintz, Mayor Keith Misciagna, honored volunteer Thomas Madru, his wife, Ellen, and his daughter, Meghan, stand for cameras and cheers following the ceremony honoring Madru’s four decades of volunteer service. Madru continues to serve on the local and county library boards. Photo courtesy Maggie Giandomenico.

PARK RIDGE—A borough volunteer who has dedicated four decades to various vital committees and groups was honored with a proclamation and heartfelt praise at the July 9 Borough Council meeting.

Mayor Keith Misciagna and Councilman Michael Mintz paid tribute to longtime volunteer Thomas Madru, whose service thus far has spanned the Park Ridge Athletic Association, Pool Commission, Park Ridge Library Board, BCCLS Trustee Development Committee, and Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial American Legion Post 153.

“We have the best volunteers in the state, county, and maybe the whole Eastern Seaboard of the United States,” Misciagna proudly declared. “Tonight, we recognize one of our great citizens, Thomas Madru.”

Mintz, reflecting on their shared work, said, “Tom’s got a great sense of humor, never gets mad—he never ever gets mad—and is a pleasure to work with. Tonight, we’re celebrating one of Park Ridge’s finest. Thank you, Tom.”

The proclamation celebrated Madru’s dedication and service in various roles, emphasizing his diligence and steadfast commitment to the Borough.

Madru’s contributions are impressive:

  • Treasurer and Softball Commissioner at the Park Ridge Athletic Association (1986–1993).
  • Treasurer on the Pool Commission (1993–present).
  • Treasurer on the Park Ridge Library Board (2012–present).
  • Board member and co-chair of the Trustee Development Committee for the BCCLS (2016–present).
  • Member of the NJLTA Executive Board (2024).
  • Top positions with Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial American Legion Post 153.

In his acceptance speech, Madru expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging it would take a “half hour” to name all those he has served with over 40 years. He fondly recalled eating Swanson dinners with his dad when his mom worked late as Tenafly’s borough clerk.

With his wife, Ellen, and daughter, Meghan, by his side, Madru praised his wife for her unwavering support, especially during his late-night meetings. “I really enjoy it. I hope others get involved with volunteerism. This is a great town; we love it. Most everybody’s friendly, and I appreciate this,” he shared.

Madru also gave a special thanks to Tom Scheulen for inviting him to volunteer with the Park Ridge Athletic Association 40 years ago.

The proclamation also highlighted Madru’s roots: born and raised in Tenafly, a Lafayette College graduate of 1966, married to Ellen since 1967, served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, and a Park Ridge resident since 1971, where they raised their daughter, Meghan.

“On behalf of the grateful citizens of Park Ridge and the Governing Body, I, Keith Misciagna, Mayor of the Borough of Park Ridge, extend our thanks and appreciation for your dedicated service and best wishes for your continued good health and happiness,” said the mayor.