Sad news to report, Save Jerseyans.
Richard “Dick” Mola, the only mayor Elmwood Park has ever known (the town was still East Paterson when he took office), has died after a short illness at age 80.
Mayor Mola served as mayor for an astounding 45 years, winning a twelfth-term in 2015. An educator by trade, Mola was not only a giant in his town but a giant in Republican politics as well. He served over two decades as a Freeholder at a time when he reshaped the face of county government.
Most trecently, the legendary Bergenite had served as the District 35 Republican chairman and he was always ready to serve in any capacity which was needed. Working for many years in a party often embroiled in internal feuds, Mola was beloved by all and seemingly above partisanship.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, a group which includes just about every Republican in the county.
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