Dover is preparing to bid farewell to one of its most cherished and devoted public figures this Thursday.
Just prior to the passing of former Mayor Aldo Cicchetti this week, townspeople and local leaders gathered at his family home to pay tribute to him.
On Friday, outside his childhood home on Chrystal Street, family members observed as current Mayor James Dodd unveiled a street sign designating the intersection of Chrystal and Morris streets as “Mayor Cicchetti Place.”
A familiar presence in his hometown, Cicchetti served 26 years in local government and was often seen riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to and from Town Hall. He passed away at his home on Monday at the age of 87.
Dover Remembers Aldo Cicchetti
Visitation is set for 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Tuttle Funeral Home on Route 10 in Randolph. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Parish in Dover, followed by burial at Locust Hill Cemetery.
“Aldo’s leadership was characterized not by specific projects but by his unwavering dedication to the people of Dover,” remarked Dodd during the dedication.
Cicchetti and his family moved from New York to Chrystal Street when he was just six months old. He attended Academy Street School and graduated from Dover High School in 1955.
He spent 32 years running the Dover Corner Market near his home before venturing into politics in 1974, serving on the Board of Alderman (now the town council) for a total of 16 years, including 10 years as mayor from 1983 to 1992.
Dodd, reflecting on his own political journey that began in 1998, noted how different things were back then compared to the present.
“We had the chance to express our disagreements during town meetings,” Dodd recalled. “Afterward, we would head to Guido’s for a meal, where Aldo would always enjoy a Pepsi.”
“We always knew where Aldo stood,” Dodd added, referring to Cicchetti’s distinct look of a Harley-Davidson vest and bolo tie.
“His enthusiasm and skill in uniting people made him a vital part of this community,” Dodd expressed. “Beyond his tangible achievements, it was Aldo’s exceptional character, integrity, and compassion for those he served that distinguished him.”
Cicchetti also contributed 18 years to the Dover Water Commission and worked for 14 years at King’s Supermarket in Mendham before retiring.
A Family Committed to Dover
Dodd mentioned that he personally visited his ailing friend on Thursday to present him with a replica of the green and white street sign.
“I have a close relationship with his family and was aware that he wasn’t well,” Dodd explained. “I wanted to honor him by naming the street after him. He lived there for 87 years, so it was important to do this while he was still with us. I’m grateful I had the chance to present him with the sign and share some time together.”
The Cicchetti legacy reaches far beyond Mayor Cicchetti Place, as Dodd highlighted. Aldo’s son, Aldo Jr., serves as a police officer in Dover, and his daughter, Lisa Newkirk, leads the Dover Recreation Department.
Aldo Sr. is survived by his wife, Anita; sister, Anita (Cicchetti) Hulsman; children Aldo Cicchetti Jr. and partner Sue Friel; Lisa (Cicchetti) Newkirk; Christopher and wife Tammy Cicchetti; and Julie Cicchetti. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Christopher Newkirk Jr. and partner Sarah Sacasa, Jamie Newkirk, and two great-grandchildren, Destiny and Sienna Newkirk.
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His obituary notes that Cicchetti was an enthusiastic Harley Davidson rider, frequently seen riding to Town Hall. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing guitar, cooking, dining out, and summering at the shore.
He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church and the East Dover Social Club, affectionately known as “The Coop,” where he loved to play cards with friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Dover Rescue Squad, 37 N. Sussex Street, Dover, NJ 07801, or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
