NUTLEY, NJ — A Nutley town commissioner was recently named as a “2024 Italian American Business Leader” by the Federation of Italian-American Societies of New Jersey.

According to a municipal news release, Alphonse Petracco, who also serves as the town’s department of public safety director, earned the honor in recognition of his “support, commitment and dedication to promoting Italian-American heritage, culture and traditions through his active involvement and generosity within the Italian-American community.”

“It was very humbling for me to get this award,” Petracco said, especially in the company of some of the other recipients, like New Jersey Assemblyman Ralph Caputo.

“During the pandemic, I got together with the Italian Police Society and we went to hospitals, handed out food to the nurses, doctors and things like that,” Petracco said. “It’s all about paying it forward. You never do things like that to be recognized. You do it because you love your community.”

“To receive something like this award is just amazing,” he added. “I am very, very honored.”