Below is a statement from Mayor Chuck Cahn regarding the passing of Township Councilman N. John Amato. Mr. Amato was the longest-serving Council member in Cherry Hill history, serving from 1983 until his death.

“Our hearts are heavy today, as we mourn the loss of our beloved friend and mentor, and the longest-serving councilperson in Cherry Hill history.

John was elected to Council in 1983, and has served continuously on the governing body for the last 30 years.

If you’ve lived in our community for any length of time, you’ve probably seen John around town: at community events, at his church, eating breakfast in his usual spot at Ponzio’s, or, perhaps, dressed as Santa Claus – a role he cherished almost as much as his position on Council.

I got to know John very well when we ran for office together three years ago, and he quickly took me under his wing and shared his tremendous depth of knowledge about Cherry Hill and local government. He was an inspiration to three decades of our community’s leaders, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work so closely with him.

In 2012, we honored John’s service and commitment to the people of Cherry Hill by dedicating the Township’s Council Chambers in his name. It was a proud moment for all of us, and as we prepare to say goodbye to our dear friend, it is comforting to know that his legacy will be preserved there forever.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughters, Rosemary and Irena, and his grandchildren, Michael and Francesca.

It has been a pleasure to serve alongside John, and an even greater honor to call him my friend. He will be forever remembered as a special person whose dedication to Cherry Hill was unparalleled. He will be deeply missed.”