Aldo Cicchetti Honored with Street Dedication in Dover
Beloved Former Mayor and Alderman Recognized for Decades of Service
Morris County Commissioner Deborah Smith joined Mayor James Dodd and state and local representatives in Dover on Saturday for a ceremony dedicating West Chrystal Street in honor of former Mayor Aldo Cicchetti, a lifelong town resident and devoted public servant.
The new white and green street sign engraved “Mayor Cicchetti Place” was unveiled on the corner of West Chrystal Street and Morris Street, where Cicchetti grew up with his seven siblings, has continued to live for 87 years and managed a nearby corner market for decades.
“It’s a privilege to honor someone who has given so much to Dover and Morris County. Aldo’s dedication to community service has shaped the township in countless ways,” said Commissioner Smith. “Whether as a family man, a business owner, or as mayor, Aldo has always led with integrity, compassion, and an unmatched commitment to making Dover a better place.”
Commissioner Smith presented a framed resolution of honor on behalf of the Morris County Board of Commissioners to Cicchetti’s family, who attended in his absence. His children -- Aldo Jr., Lisa, Christopher and Julie -- spoke of their father’s many accomplishments in front of their childhood home.
“Aldo’s leadership was defined not by the milestones of projects that marked his time in office but the unwavering commitment he had to the people of Dover,” said Mayor Dodd. “His passion and his ability to bring people together made him a true cornerstone of this town.”
Other guests at the ceremony included Assemblyman Christian Barranco, who presented a letter and joint New Jersey Senate and Assembly citation on behalf of his office, State Sen. Anthony Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, all of the 25th Legislative District. Joining the event were Chris Williams, who presented a certificate on behalf of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and Randolph Councilmember Lou Nisivoccia.
Cicchetti first entered public service in 1974, when he was elected as 3rd Ward Alderman. In 1982, he was elected mayor and held that office through 1992, becoming Dover’s third-longest serving mayor before returning as 3rd Ward Aldermen to serve a combined 16 years on that board. At the time, Cicchetti operated the Dover Corner Market, a grocery and butcher shop located for more than 34 years at South Morris Street and East Munson Avenue. It was a place where he often listened to residents’ concerns and engaged directly with the community.
Cicchetti was commonly seen riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to town hall, stopping to chat with residents along the way and further cementing his stature as a tireless advocate for the homeowners and working families in his community. He has continued to encourage others to serve the community through volunteering, coaching, or public service, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape Dover for generations.
After retiring from public office, he worked as an assistant meat manager at Kings Supermarket for 13 years and has continued to serve the public as a Commissioner for the Dover Water Commission for the past 18 years.