Page 2 Thursday, July 1, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Historic Battleship New Jersey Returning Home Police Officer’s Death After Half a Century of Service to U.S. Military Believed to be a Suicide , By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN The dock also offers adjacent park- bishment regardless of its location: and his wife, Carol, who got involved By KIM KINTER Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times ing for approximately 700 cars. $7.7 million from the state, plus a $2 in the foundation’s campaign about Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Editor’s Note: The following is the In August 1998, Jersey City’s million Economic Improvement Au- three years ago. SCOTCH PLAINS – A 40-year-old Scotch Plains Township patrolman first in a two-part series on the ef- Mayor Brett Schundler, a former thority loan. The Sheppards manage the was found dead in his home Monday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot forts underway to bring the Battle- Westfield resident, presented a pro- “Both sites start even with that,” foundation’s merchandising effort wound to the head, Scotch Plains police said. ship New Jersey home to the Garden posal that called for the mooring of explained Senator Matheussen. from their Fanwood home. A Web A family member found Christopher O’Neil in the basement of his State. the ship off Liberty State Park about “The goal is to get the visitors’ site, www.battleshipnj.org, has ex- Monica Place home in Scotch Plains at about 9:30 a.m., stated Police Chief * * * * * 800 feet into the harbor between Ellis center up and running, safe environ- panded their reach around the globe. Thomas O’Brien. The Battleship New Jersey — the Island and New York City. mentally and aesthetically by 2001,” They were drawn into the project His service revolver was found at the scene, he added. most decorated warship in naval his- Access to the ship would be pro- he added. by their daughter Lauren’s work with Officer O’Neil was a three-year veteran of the Scotch Plains Police tory — is coming home. vided by a walkway. It was estimated The Home Port Alliance for the the Flags Across America program. Department. He also had worked as a sheriff’s officer for the Union County The Iowa-class battleship has been the mooring project would cost more USS New Jersey, co-founded by Sena- There are 24 American flags which Sheriff’s Office from May, 1995 to October, 1996, the Sheriff’s Office berthed in Bremerton, Washington than $10 million to construct, $1 tor Matheussen, uses the phrase were manufactured and donated by confirmed. since it was decommissioned for the million of which would be provided “Birthplace to Berthplace” to publi- the Annin Flag Company of Verona He was the husband of Carole Flinn O’Neil and the father of two young fourth time after nearly 50 years of by Jersey City. cize its commitment to seeing on behalf of the Battleship New Jer- boys, Connor and Cooper (Please see related obituary on Page 9). service, which included tours of duty This year, Mayor Schundler joined Camden selected as the battleship’s sey. “The entire department is saddened by the untimely death of this officer in World War II, the Korean Conflict forces with Bayonne Mayor Joseph home. These flags have traveled across who had made a lasting impression on those that had the privilege to work and Vietnam. Doria to announce their shared com- Among the reasons given by the the state and country, being flown at alongside him,” Chief O’Brien said in a prepared statement. “He will be Beginning in September, the USS mitment to locate the battleship at alliance for choosing Camden are: special events to promote awareness deeply missed.” New Jersey will be towed 7,000 miles Bayonne’s Military Ocean Terminal. the city’s need for an economic boost of the battleship effort. According to Officer O’Neil was also the son of Westfield Zoning Officer Jeremiah P. from Bremerton through the Panama According to the Battleship Bulletin from the battleship’s presence; the Mr. Sheppard, they are traditionally O’Neil. Canal up the east coast of the United BB-62, a publication of the Battle- area’s long-standing maritime and flown with the New Jersey state flag Westfield Mayor Thomas C. Jardim made a brief statement at the start State into the Philadelphia Navy Yard ship New Jersey Foundation (founded shipbuilding tradition, and its ability and the POW/MIA flag. of Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. on the Delaware River to await a in 1991), Assemblyman Azzolina to provide significant financial back- The flags have flown off the USS “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry and his family,” said Mayor decision on its new home — Bayonne “applauded the two Hudson water- ing for the New Jersey. Intrepid on Veteran’s Day, and at Jardim. or Camden. front mayors for putting the battle- According to the alliance, Liberty State Park on the anniver- Chief O’Brien added that department staff had no indication that the According to Joseph Azzolina, ship first over their own local inter- Camden also has an environmen- sary of the ship’s launch. The flags officer was experiencing any difficulties. New Jersey State Assemblyman and ests.” tally sound site (the Delaware River have flown from the State Capitol in The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is conducting an investigation. Chairman of the USS New Jersey The Bulletin indicated the Assem- at Camden is fresh water, not salt); Trenton on the anniversary of the Battleship Commission, the size of blyman was “100 percent” behind offers extensive, convenient public ship’s christening, and off the USS the battleship allows for just one foot the Bayonne-Jersey City agreement. access to the waterfront that in- Olympia, which brought home the to spare on either side as it is moved Mr. Schundler left the door open cludes ferry linkage to Philadel- remains of the Unknown Soldier through the canal. for moving the battleship to a berth phia plus a planned light rail and from World War I. They have flown “This is the first time a ship of this at Liberty State Park if, in the fu- jitney service and aerial tram; and off the USS North Carolina, the size will be allowed to be towed ture, that proved to be the location has a dual waterfront with Phila- captain of which is a former crew through the Panama Canal,” the re- that would enable the battleship to delphia, which, in 1997, boasted member of the USS New Jersey. At tired Navy captain said. thrive. 40 million visitors to the area. each occasion, the exact time and The ship, scheduled to leave “The people of New Jersey have The alliance maintains it has “sig- date are recorded. Bremerton in September, would travel spoken since 1996. They want it (the nificant support” from across New “When we fly the flags, everybody through the canal on or about Mon- battleship) on the Hudson water- Jersey, as well as Pennsylvania, New stops,” said Mrs. Sheppard. “There’s day, October 18 and reach the Dela- front,” affirmed Gordon Bishop, York, Maryland and Delaware. a tremendous amount of pride that ware River sometime in mid to late Media Director for the Battleship Camden is pursuing its bid for the accompanies the hoisting of the November. New Jersey Foundation, historian, battleship with the United States Navy American flag.” Last summer, the cities of journalist and former Star-Ledger despite the commission’s September By flying the flags, the Sheppards Bayonne, Camden and Jersey City columnist. “The Hudson waterfront 1998 vote in favor of Bayonne as the and volunteers like them (some vet- vied for selection as the New is the most visible, honorable display preferred site. The final vote among erans, some not), offer an educa- Jersey’s ultimate destination. Each you could give it.” the commissioners and one liaison tional opportunity “to raise aware- city hosted visits from the In Camden, docking facilities from the Department of Environ- ness that the battleship is coming commission’s 13 members in the would be constructed at a proposed mental Protection was eight for home,” she added. hopes of winning the bid for the site directly across from Philadel- Bayonne, four for Jersey City, one for Their effort to “involve all kinds of battleship’s new home as a mu- phia, where the ship’s keel was laid Camden and one abstention. people” in the movement has led the seum and veterans’ memorial. in 1940, and from where the hull was The ultimate decision rests with couple across New Jersey to events Bayonne’s two-mile long Military launched in 1942. Last summer, the Secretary of the Navy. like a county fair in Colts Neck, WE HAVE A WINNER Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Daniel P. Ocean Terminal is the only site pres- Camden officials pledged to provide “We feel that putting it in the Navy’s where they were asked to hold a Sullivan judges the pie-eating contest at the first Kids Kingdom Traveling ently able to accommodate a ship the $1 million from the city’s Empower- hands is a good move. It takes the patriotic opening ceremony, some- Jubilee held at Warinanco Park last month. size and weight of the Battleship ment Zone and $3.2 million from the politics out of it,” stated Senator thing which had never been done New Jersey. The ship was berthed Camden County Board of Chosen Matheussen. He anticipates a deci- before. there following World War II and the Freeholders to build docking facili- sion by January, 2000. They called on members of the Kids Jubilee Kicks Off Korean Conflict. ties for the battleship. Mr. Bishop indicated the effort by Ceremonial Guard of the Air Force The dock site, which extends 1,800 In addition, noted State Senator Camden “cost us” about 12 to 18 Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers’ feet and is valued at more than $12 John J. Matheussen (R-4th), addi- months in getting the New Jersey Training Corps) from Scotch Plains- Summer Fun in County million, has been offered by Bayonne tional funding has been approved to home. Fanwood High School to help, and support the ship’s return and refur- ELIZABETH — Nine-year-old “We are happy to provide Union to the Commission for $1 per year. The imminent return of the Battle- someone from the audience sang “The Nakeerah Hood dove right into her County residents an opportunity ship is an exciting prospect for the Star-Spangled Banner.” strawberry cream pie and kept eating where they don’t have to drive far or people who have worked tirelessly “It was very inspiring,” said Mrs. until Union County Freeholder Vice spend a fortune to have a fun-filled Westfield High School 1999 Project for many years to ensure the New Sheppard. Chairman Daniel Sullivan called out day,” he said. Jersey’s return to its namesake state. This weekend, on July 3 and 4, the her name as winner of the pie eating The event featured entertainment Graduation BASH Mr. Azzolina, alone, is credited with state’s official sailing ship, The contest at the Kids Kingdom Travel- such as the Mystic Vision Players devoting nearly 20 years to bring the Meerwald, will be docked at the ing Jubilee held in Warinanco Park School House Rock Program, pie- ship home. marina in Liberty State Park. Offer- We wish to thank the many parents, on June 13. eating contests, M’Zume and the Grassroots players in the move- ing two sails per day, The Meerwald Still trying to swallow the last Mardi Gras Parade and an arts and teachers, and individuals who made this ment to bring back the New Jersey visit was booked as a highly visible mouthful of whipped cream, she crafts tent where children made their event possible & the following contributors: are people like retired United States fundraiser for the New Jersey. thanked Mr. Sullivan for the $25 own musical instruments. In addi- Navy Colonel William W. Sheppard gift certificate before running off to tion, there were clowns, jugglers and (parents noted donated significantly more than the suggested amount) share her triumph with family and court jesters, pony rides, a hole-in- friends. one golf challenge, a nature center GRAND FOUNDER ($1,000 or more) scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos, Fairview Cemetery Westfield Recreation Commission yo-yo demonstrations, amusement Gateway Computers Westfield Service League rides and refreshments. OPTIMIST Club of Westfield Westfield "Y" Two more Kids Kingdom Travel- Jim Hely ing Jubilees are scheduled for this FOUNDER ($500) summer. One will take place on Sun- Photo Buttons N' More/ Sherri Kevee Racquets Etc./ The Augis Family day, July 18, in Rahway Park and the Tom Fontanal/ T-Shirt Emporium final one will take place on Wednes- PACESETTER ($250) See us in the Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages. day, August 18, in the Watchung Reservation, according to County Balloonacy/Marcia & Robert Kendler Michael Kohn Jewelers Only 1 of 40 lawyers is a Langton and Alter Esq. Opti-Care of Westfield Supr eme Cour t Cer tified Trial Lawyer. Freeholder Chairman Nicholas P. Mack Camera and Video/Mel Kevoe Print Tech INJURY CASES (908) 789-9000 Scutari. Merrill Lynch Town Bank of Westfield For more information on the Kids Westfield HS PTO Kingdom Traveling Jubilee, please BENEFACTOR ($100) call (908) 436-2900. Adlers Jewelers Westfield Leader Century 21 - Taylor and Love Westfield Rotary Clyne and Murphy Wheat First Union/Rob Shaffer Colorado Cafe Parents of: Crescent Golf Range/Pete Lima Timothy Caprario Domino's Pizza Sara Jane Carpenter Duke's Subs and Deli Jennifer Castaldo Dunkin Donuts Allison Cook Edwards Super Food Store Jeffrey Diamond Elizabeth B. Gillen Interiors Brian Fitzpatrick First United Methodist Church David Goldberg Galaxy Limousine/AI Lehmkuhl Lisa Gorbaty Haven Savings Bank Laura Gornowski Hershey's Submarines and Deli Adriana Guerra Dr. Joseph DeMaio, DDS Kelsey III Kelly Communication Systems Gregory Jackson Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant Thomas Langton The Leader Store Alexander Mattielli Lord and Taylor Kathleen McGrath Manhattan Bagel Kathleen Riley Music Staff Beth Satkin One Hour Moto Photo Alex Schwarzer-Muth Rialto Theater Clint Trzesniowski Robert Treat Delicatessen Margaret Turner Summit Bank Karen Veltri Theresa's Restaurant/Mojave Grill Elizabeth Winberry SPONSORS (under $100) Affiliated Travel/George Kraemer Ken MacRitchie Allied Business Machine Kimberley's Korner Backroom Antiques Lancaster Ltd. Barnes and Noble of Clark Mail Boxes Etc. Baron's Drug Store Martin Richard Salon Beauty Outlet Mary Lou's Memorabilia Bliwise Liquors Nirvana Bovella's Italian Pastry Shoppe Office Needs Brick Oven Picou Family Brummer's Chocolates Periwinkle's Gifts Brunner Opticians Ralph's Amoco Celtic Imports, Ltd. Randal's Shoes Chili's Rapid Transit Hair Studio Counseling Center for Human Rorden Realty Inc. Development Russell and Janet Onishi Di Marc Inc. Sam Goody Edwards and Angell/Russ Finestein Scott's Shoes Elm Street Texaco Sound Station Enchanted Garden Surplus Army Navy Stores Ferraro's Italian Restaurant Talbot's Foot Locker of Westfield Toon Cell-Town Friendly Ice Cream Towne Delicatessen Group Insurance of America/ Trattoria Northside Jerry Hughes Vicki's Diner Head Turner Salon Walsh Family J. Winthrop and Co. West Coast Video J&M Cafe West Mountain Tire and Auto J&M Market Westfield Animal Hospital Jay's Cycle Center Westfield Diner Jolly Trolley Saloon William Sonoma Juxtapose Galery WindMill of Westfield Kehler's Athletic Balance Windsor Diner CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK