Time to Pay It Forward: Teamwork Needed to Help Hometown Hero

The news story was tragic enough to begin with – a 2010 Thanksgiving Day fire that destroyed the home of a Holmdel resident, taking with it not only the structure and all of its contents, but also four dogs who lived there with their owner. Thankfully, no one else was hurt in the blaze, because the homeowner was out of the house that morning. Fire companies from several towns fought the flames for several hours and the cause of the fire was being investigated, with a focus on the kitchen area.

As the news spread throughout the community, details of the incident broke the hearts of residents all over town even more, as the identity of the homeowner who had lived there for 52 years came to light: Steve Cittadino, known by one and all simply as “Pops.” Throughout his 78 years, he has touched countless lives through his involvement in numerous organizations, committees, and teams, serving as an inspiration to others as he epitomizes the meaning of the word “volunteer.” For hundreds of Holmdel youngsters and their families, Pops is a beloved warm and familiar face around town, appearing seemingly everywhere as he lends an enthusiastic and helping hand wherever and whenever it is needed most, particularly if it involves sports, recreation, and the children of the community.

For decades, Pops has been involved as an assistant coach for Holmdel High School Wrestling and as a volunteer for the Holmdel High School Football and Cheerleading Parents Association, the Holmdel High School football program, the Holmdel High School Booster Club, Holmdel Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading, HYAA Youth Wrestling, the Holmdel Kiwanis Club, Holmdel Half Century Club, Relay for Life, the Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer, and the Holmdel Recreation Advisory Council. He has served as a liaison to the Holmdel Board of Education, the Holmdel Township Committee, the Bayonet Farm Committee, and the Holmdel Public Works Department. A member of Holmdel VFW Post 5918, he is a veteran of the Korean War who served as a Marine. He retired in 1994, after 39 years as an employee at the Budweiser brewery in Newark, to help take care of his grandchildren. It was the same year that his wife passed away. As further testament to his fortitude and positive spirit, he has also beaten prostate cancer and devotes time and energy to sharing his encouragement and optimism with other cancer patients.

In 2001, he was recognized for his myriad accomplishments at the annual Holmdel PBA Ball and in 2006, he was named the 2005-2006 Pop Warner Eastern Region Male Volunteer of the Year and honored at that year’s 46th Annual Pop Warner Awards Banquet held in Disney World. He has received accolades, more than once, from Holmdel’s mayors and township committee members, plus many other awards. Most recently, at the Holmdel High School Football and Cheerleading Parents Association Awards Banquet, Pops was presented with the Lifetime Service Award, which was given “In recognition of his tireless commitment, his countless hours of service, and his lifetime commitment to supporting the Holmdel High School Football and Cheerleading Program and every young athlete in Holmdel over the past 40 years.” 

It would come as no surprise to anyone who knows him that, on the day of the fire, Pops was in his usual favorite place: on the sidelines of the Holmdel High School football game, held that day at Raritan High School. The irony, and the blessing, was that his infinite dedication to the team may have very well been what kept him safe. That weekend, as word of the incident spread, a collection was taken up among families who came to the regional finals game for the Pee Wee football team, raising a few thousand dollars on the spot. To the amazement of some, Pops was able to smile, even after his personal loss, as the team won the game. He said, “They made me laugh and be happy. I just love the kids. That’s my life.” One youngster reported, “He said it was the best day of his life.”

In a recent letter that went out to members of the community in December, families learned that virtually all of Pops’ belongings were lost in the blaze, along with his two dogs and his daughter’s two dogs. He shared his home with his granddaughter, Nicole, who also lost all of her personal possessions. Pops is currently staying with his daughter in Toms River and, due to a tremendous outpouring of support over the initial few weeks, his immediate needs for food, shelter, clothing, and financial support had been met.

“Now comes the difficult part,” explained Tom Hyland, the volunteer president of the Holmdel High School Football and Cheerleading Parents Association (HHSFCPA), “as Pops must deal with negotiating with the insurance company, mortgage holders, construction department, and the long and arduous process of rebuilding his home, his life, and a lifetime of memories. While we are all hopeful that the insurance proceeds will be sufficient to rebuild his home and replace most of the contents, it is not uncommon for there to be tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of lost contents that cannot be located, verified, or covered under the insurance claim. Since it is hard to account for every plate, toaster, book, or pair of socks, absent any proof, it is very likely that Pops will be forced, at a minimum, to replace tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of personal effects out of pocket.”

He went on to state that the HHSFCPA is working in conjunction with a joint effort coordinated by Jim Murtaugh and the Holmdel High School Booster Club, the Holmdel High School PTSO, all parent groups, sports organizations, and Holmdel Pop Warner to provide immediate and significant assistance to Pops during this extremely difficult time. A meeting was held on November 29 to coordinate and centralize the efforts of these volunteer organizations on his behalf and future meetings will be scheduled as more information becomes available.

In the interim, an account, registered for the benefit of Pops, has been established at Wachovia Bank in Holmdel. This account will be overseen by Pops and his family. Anyone interested in helping the cause is encouraged to send checks payable to “Steve Cittadino” to HHSFCPA, Attn: Pops, P.O. Box 242, Holmdel, NJ 07733. For your further convenience, a PayPal account has also been established to accept payments.

It should be noted that this initiative is not a charitable organization and gifts are not considered as tax-deductible charitable contributions under the law. The HHSFCPA, the HHS Booster Club, and other related groups do not dispense tax advice, and anyone contemplating making a gift to assist Pops should consult a personal tax advisor for guidance, if necessary.

The consortium of organizations seeking to assist Pops is also working in cooperation with the Matawan Italian American Club, which has already scheduled a spaghetti dinner as a fundraiser. The dinner will be held on February 5 between the hours of 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church at 20 Hillcrest Road in Holmdel. Tickets are now available; look for more information on ticket prices and where they may be purchased, or contact Tom Hyland at (732) 245-0452 or write to HHSFCPA, P.O. Box 242, Holmdel, NJ 07733. 

Jim Murtaugh, volunteer president of the Holmdel High School Booster Club, wrote in a message to members, “In the unlikely event that you don’t know Pops, he has contributed to our community in ways that have extremely few peers. The list of his contributions would require a lengthy discourse. He has been involved with the Booster Club since its beginning and is a key contributor to the day-to-day operations that keep the concession stand going.”

“Pops has been a lifetime advocate on behalf of the young athletes of Holmdel, from the smallest flag football player, cheerleader, and youth wrestler to the biggest varsity football player,” noted Mr. Hyland. “He has touched our lives and the lives of our children in so many ways, for so many years. Please do your part to help a dear friend in a time of great need.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.”

Pops Cittadino has devoted his life to being a team player for generations of Holmdel children, their families, and others in the community who needed support. Now is the time to “pay it forward” and extend to him the helping hands that he needs. As he has shown so many through his tireless efforts, that’s what teamwork is all about.