Tom Cellili UNICO member Grand Marshal 2020 and 2021

Mayor Doug Tomson announced that Hillsborough resident Thomas Cellilli, Jr., an Army Veteran has been named Hillsborough Township’s Grand Marshal for 2020.

“Yes, we are still naming a Grand Marshal for 2020 and Mr. Cellilli will carry over as Grand Marshal 2021 Memorial Day Parade,” stated Mayor Doug Tomson during the announcement at Tuesday’s Township Committee meeting.

“Planning for the event started before COVID-19 and typically we announce the Grand Marshal

in late April or early May. I realize it seems confusing that we are announcing the cancellation of the event but still announcing a Grand Marshal. Mr. Cellilli was selected before the pandemic caused the cancellation of public events and we felt it still appropriate to honor him despite the event not happening this year. Mr. Cellilli will represent the Township for the remainder of the year as restrictions are lifted,” added Mayor Tomson.

Veteran Cellilli was born in Ludlow, Massachusetts and has been a 40 year Hillsborough resident with his wife of 52 years, Philomena. They have two sons, four grandsons, two granddaughters and a great granddaughter. Veteran Cellilli enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam Conflict and he completed basic training at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA. Veteran Cellilli attained the Rank of E-5 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service Overseas while managing the Classified Message Center and the highly classified Operation Command Post in the Sky.

Veteran Cellilli is a lifetime member of the VFW Post #8371 and has served as a Trustee and Post Adjutant and currently holds the position of Post Commander since 2018. Veteran Cellilli also holds posts, volunteers or is involved with the VFW District 15 Senior Command Staff, the Somerville, NJ Disabled American Vets Chapter 16, Committees in Hillsborough Township, Mary, Mother of God R.C. Church and UNICO Service Organization Membership.