Vila Meats Owner Honored by Council, Camp Wyanokie (Video)

Longtime Vila Meats owner Larry Rosanio received not one, but two honors at Tuesday night's council meeting.

Rosanio, who most know as simply "Larry," recently sold the butcher shop on Park Avenue he ran for more than three decades.

Over the years, he became known for his generosity, donating burgers and other meats to numerous organizations, from church groups to block parties.

On Tuesday, Larry was presented a plaque thanking him for the donations he made to Camp Wyanokie, a 150-acre preserve in West Milford shared by the towns of Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Roseland and Fairfield for use by its residents.

Outgoing Camp Wyanokie President Mike Colitti said Vila Meats helped make the large cook-out possible at the camp's annual June outing. 

Council President Richard Hauser, on behalf of Mayor Ann Dassing who was not able to make the meeting due to illness, presented Larry with a clock as a token of the borough's appreciation.

A plaque on the clock calls Larry a "generous benefactor of many Caldwell community organizations."

The butcher who was known for his big heart and few words was visibly touched by the gestures from both organizations. 

After receiving the clock from Council President Hauser he said, "I would like to thank everybody, it has been my pleasure."

West Caldwell Mayor Joseph Tempesta and West Caldwell Councilman Tom O'Hern also popped briefly into the meeting to thank Larry for all he has done, particularly for the West Caldwell Fire Department. 

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