Celebrate 25 Years Since the Inception of the Nutley Hall of Fame with a Special 25th Anniversary Ceremony Inducting 11 New Inductees on Wednesday, November 4 at Nanina’s in the Park
In 2001, Commissioner Carmen Orechio established the Nutley Hall of Fame, which has since become one of Nutley’s most prestigious and respected honors.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Nutley Hall of Fame will induct eleven individuals at a ceremony on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Nanina’s in the Park.
Candidates must have been born in Nutley, lived in the community for at least ten years, or graduated from Nutley High School. Inductees are recognized for achievements at the state, national, and/or international level that have brought pride to the Nutley community.
The November 4 induction ceremonies will open with a champagne welcoming toast at 6:00 p.m. with live music. Following the formal program starting shortly thereafter, guests will enjoy Nanina’s in the Park’s selection of foods at the congratulatory reception designed as an opportunity for guests to meet individually with the newly inducted Hall of Fame members. The event will take place at Nanina’s in the Park, Belleville, NJ.
The 11 inductees include:
Dennis P. Colin (1942–2015), a 1960 graduate of Nutley High School, was an accomplished electrical engineer and innovator in electronic music. At ARP Instruments, he helped design groundbreaking synthesizers and later designed the Aries 300 Synthesizer.
Vito Cucci, a 1975 graduate of Nutley High School, is a successful entrepreneur and leader in New Jersey’s restaurant and hospitality industry, including Nanina’s in the Park. An accomplished horse owner and breeder, he co-owns Dornoch, winner of the 2024 Belmont and Haskell Stakes.
Michael C. Gabriele, a 1971 graduate of Nutley High School, has devoted more than 50 years to journalism, the arts, and civic engagement. A former editor of The Nutley Sun and author of five books on New Jersey history, he has also served numerous cultural and historical organizations.
Ralph E. “Rusty” Heinzen (1893–1986) was a longtime Nutley resident and distinguished United Press foreign correspondent. He reported on major events including World War I, Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, and the founding of the United Nations.
Thomas “Tom” Maoli, a 1980 graduate of Nutley High School, is a successful entrepreneur in global logistics, automotive dealerships, and real estate development. A philanthropist and community supporter, he was appointed to the United States Department of Transportation Advisory Board in 2026.
Barry Maurillo, a 1974 graduate of Nutley High School, is a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur who helped develop Nanina’s in the Park, The Park Savoy Estate, and Park Château Estate & Gardens. He is also a longtime supporter of Nutley youth sports and the Cheer Me Up Foundation.
Joseph Maurillo, a 1982 graduate of Nutley High School, is a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur who helped develop Nanina’s in the Park, The Park Savoy Estate, and Park Château Estate & Gardens. He is also founder of the Cheer Me Up Foundation, supporting sick, special needs, and disadvantaged children and families.
Dave Popkin, a longtime Nutley resident, is an award-winning sportscaster, community leader, and businessman who has called more than 2,000 games. Named the 2024 New Jersey Sportscaster of the Year, he has also helped raise millions of dollars for charitable causes.
Baron Raymonde, a longtime Nutley resident and educator, is an accomplished professional saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist who has performed with artists including Rod Stewart, Levon Helm, Little Steven, and Gloria Gaynor. A member of the New York Blues Hall of Fame, he has devoted more than two decades to educating Nutley students.
Christian Sebek, a longtime Nutley resident, is an accomplished opera and Broadway performer and vocal educator. Best known for more than 1,600 performances in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, he continues to teach young performers and support charitable causes through music.
Connie Brown Siskowski, RN, PhD, a 1964 graduate of Nutley High School, is a nationally recognized advocate for children and adolescents who serve as family caregivers. Founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth, she has been recognized as a CNN Hero, Ashoka Fellow, and Purpose Prize recipient.
Patrick Ritacco, who chairs the Hall of Fame’s Administrative Committee, urges those interested in attending to reserve tickets as soon as possible. It is likely, he said, that the event will sell out with no tickets available on the day of the induction ceremonies.
The $50.00 admission price and checks payable to the “Nutley Hall of Fame Committee” may be sent or delivered to the Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive, Nutley, NJ, 07110. Questions may be directed to Sandra Carella at 973-284-4929 ([email protected]) or Michelle Albert at 973-667-0405 x2638 ([email protected]).