Ridgewood Honors Ridgewood Guild Founder Tony Damiano with Key to the Village Amidst Emotional Farewell
photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In a standing-room-only ceremony filled with tears, laughter, and overwhelming gratitude, the Village of Ridgewood, honored one of its most dedicated civic leaders: Tony Damiano, founder and executive director of the Ridgewood Guild.
During the Village Council meeting on November 5th, Damiano was presented with a Key to the Village—a testament to his “many years of service, creativity, and love for Ridgewood.” Residents, local business owners, and Council members shared heartfelt tributes to the man who helped define the Central Business District’s modern identity.
A Community Rallies: Focus Shifts to Comfort and Support
The emotional ceremony followed a difficult announcement from the Ridgewood Guild: Tony Damiano, 70, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The Guild confirmed that Damiano has chosen to discontinue treatment and is now focused on comfort, surrounded by his loving wife, Gina, and family.
“Tony has given so much of himself to Ridgewood − always bringing people together, championing local businesses, and creating events that have become the heartbeat of our community,” the Guild stated.
Mayor Paul Vagianos praised Damiano as someone who “has always been there for Ridgewood,” noting that his volunteerism “touching the lives of literally thousands of Village residents.”
The Legacy of the Ridgewood Guild
Tony Damiano’s impact on Ridgewood’s vibrancy is immeasurable. A successful entrepreneur who opened Mango Jam gift shop (2000) and Mango Interiors (2002), Damiano transitioned his passion into civic leadership.
In 2010, he founded the Ridgewood Guild as a powerful complement to the Chamber of Commerce. The Guild’s mission was to revitalize downtown through culture and engagement, bringing residents and shoppers back to the Central Business District (CBD).
- Key Guild Events: The popular Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival (celebrating its 14th anniversary) and various seasonal promotions.
- Civic Engagement: Damiano previously served two terms as president of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and was active on the Beautification Team, Historic Preservation Commission, and successfully restarted the Ridgewood Arts Council.
How to Support Tony Damiano
The community is now uniting to support Tony and his wife, Gina, during this incredibly difficult time. The family has established a GoFundMe page to help with immediate needs and care:
- GoFundMe Link: Search for “Support Tony Damiano’s Care and Comfort” on GoFundMe.
The community’s outpouring of support at the Village Council meeting and online reflects the profound impact Tony Damiano has had on making Ridgewood the vibrant and engaged village it is today.
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These 6 clowns have destroyed the town…
JFC – that is your takeaway from this???? get help.