Louis Calamito, a decorated World War II veteran and a longtime resident of Monmouth Street in downtown Jersey City who died in 2005 will be honored In Memoriam when the City of Jersey City re-names the corner of 5^th and Monmouth Street “Louis Calamito Way.”

Through the efforts of Jersey City Council President Peter Brennan, Councilman Steve Fulup, the Village Neighborhood Association and Louis Calamito’s son, Vincent, the Resolution to rename the street corner received a unanimous “yes” vote by the City Council on January 26^th.  The official unveiling of the street sign will take place March 5^th with Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, Council President Brennan, downtown’s Ward “E” Councilman Fulop attending along with members of the Calamito family.

At Wednesday night’s Council meeting, each council member made a brief statement about Louis Calamito’s war service and his love for the Village section of Jersey City. Council President Brennan acknowledged that his dad and Louis Calamito grew up together in the same neighborhood and Jim Ayres, representing the Village Neighborhood Association described the dedication as a genuine and meaningful way to recognize Louis Calamito for his contribution in the military and to the City of Jersey City.

The Calamito family has made the Downtown Village section of Jersey City its home for more than 90 years and Louis Calamito, who was affectionately known as the “Official Mayor of Monmouth Street”  lived there all his life.  He owned his own business, served as a committeeman and throughout his retirement could be seen relaxing on his porch on Monmouth Street greeting new faces and old time Village residents and often offering his guidance and friendship to his neighbors.

A  WWII war hero, Louis Calamito earned several medals for bravery including The Bronze Star given to him for saving another soldier’s life during battle. He was married to Mary Calamito for 47 years and the couple raised four children: Joseph, Vincent, Michael and Lois Ann.

“My father was a great man,” Vincent Calamito says. “And on behalf of my family, I’m honored that the City of Jersey City is going to recognize him for his dedication to his country and the city he loved.”

The post Jersey City to Rename Street for WWII Hero and Longtime Resident Louis Calamito first appeared on River View Observer.