A new bench facing the Shrewsbury River has been installed at Veterans Park in Highlands, the gift of the Giovenco family honoring their late father and mother, Sal and Juanita Giovenco.
Former residents of Highland Avenue, the Giovencos were active in the borough and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Sal was a retired Sergeant Major in the US Army and later served as secretary to the Henry Hudson Board of Education.
The family donated the bench, one of many at Veterans Park on Bay Avenue that honors veterans and other leaders of the borough over the years, Located on the boardwalk on the riverside of the Park, the bench is situated to allow for reflection on the water while the American flag flying behind it signifies a tribute to the Giovenco’s patriotism.
Family members had recently come from their home in varying states to attend the funeral of former neighbor Billy Ptak, and visited the Park to see where the bench would be located.
