Morris County Observes Veterans Day 2024

Stephen Dilluvio served in the U.S. Navy from January 1953 to January 1961. He is a veteran of the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal (First Award).

After his military career, Mr. Dilluvio worked with the U.S. Treasury Bureau of Customs and as a systems analyst for IBM. He earned a Master of Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University, holds a license in Community Association Management, and currently works in property management.

Mr. Dilluvio is an active member of American Legion #59, contributing to the veteran community. He is a devoted father of a son and daughter and enjoys scuba diving.

Charles E. Fegley III is a retired U.S Navy captain who served from July of 1957 to December of 1981. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of the Second Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Vietnam-Six Campaign Stars on Vietnam Service Medal, Antarctic Service with Winter Over Clasp, Navy Commendation Medal, Best-of-Type Award, Peltier Award, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Citation, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and the Battle Efficiency “E” Award.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and attended Advanced Nuclear Power School in New London, CT. He later obtained a Master of Science in civil engineering and construction management from Stanford University.

Throughout his career, Mr. Fegley was responsible for overseeing nuclear power plants in various assignments, notably at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, where he led the PM-3A Nuclear Power Plant and received a Navy Commendation Medal. He also spearheaded a five-year effort to erect a historical monument at the site of Antarctica’s first and only nuclear power plant. A bronze plaque now commemorates the plant on Observation Hill, and Fegley Glacier is named in his honor.

After his military service, he continued an extensive career at Foster Wheeler Corp, working on various energy projects. Mr. Fegley is the proud father of several adult children and grandchildren and has been a loving husband to his wife Ruth for nearly 70 years.

In retirement, he consults on nuclear power as a hobby and enjoys gardening, reading, and following military news. He has traveled back to Antarctica six times to support the nuclear power plant, demonstrating his commitment to his field.

Luke K. Lyons was a veteran of the War on Terrorism who served in the U.S. Marines from October 2010 to January 2016. He received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Sharpshooter Rifle Qualification Badge, and a Letter of Appreciation. His service took him to locations including San Diego, Japan, Chile, Guam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.

Mr. Lyons graduated from the County College of Morris and served as a federal police officer at Picatinny Arsenal before becoming a police officer in Milburn where he was the lead instructor of the Drone Unit. He also assisted various police departments in establishing drone units for search and rescue operations.

Known by his peers as a great guy and dedicated police officer, Mr. Lyons was also a loving husband and father who enjoyed shooting, riding his motorcycle, and flying drones. His passing leaves a void that will never be fully healed.

Sean P. Mulholland was a veteran of the War on Terrorism who served in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 2015.

Throughout his 30-year career, Mr. Mullholland completed 20 assignments, beginning with the 10th Mountain Division and the 3rd Ranger Battalion. He became Special Forces qualified and commanded a detachment in the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His operational experience expanded significantly as he undertook covert and counter-terrorism missions in Latin America, earning the prestigious "Lancero" tab from Colombian Special Forces

Mr. Mulholland also received the Bronze Star Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with four Campaign Stars, the Defense Superior Service Medal (2nd Award), the Legion of Merit (3rd Award), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award) the Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), the Nato Medal Combat Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Tab, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.

A graduate of Morris Catholic High School in Denville Mr. Mulholland went on to earn a B.S. in Biology from The Catholic University of America, where he continued to demonstrate his leadership as captain of the football team and a rugby player.

In 1985, he enlisted in the U.S. Army with the intention of pursuing a medical career through Officer Candidate School. However, during his first parachute jump at Fort Benning, Georgia, he discovered his true calling in the Special Forces and Special Operations community.

Returning to Fort Bragg, Mr. Mulholland served as Company Commander of the 7th Special Forces Group before leading operations as the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Commander in Bosnia. He continued to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming Battalion Commander of the 2nd Battalion at the JFK Special Warfare Center and School, while also earning a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Promoted to Brigadier General, he became the Deputy Commanding General of Regional Command North in Afghanistan and concluded his military career as the Commander of Special Operations Command South, overseeing Special Operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

After retiring in 2015, Mr. Mulholland remained dedicated to service through strategic advisory roles and non-profit work, including his support for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. His legacy as a mentor and leader has impacted countless lives, inspiring young soldiers like Derek Oates.

A beloved son of the late Dr. Robert and Mary Mulholland, Sean was one of six children. His contributions to the military and unwavering character will always be remembered; he was a hero and a guide to all who knew him.

Derek Oates served in the U.S. Army from January 2004 to April 2006. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Iraq Campaign Medal.

Mr. Oates graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School in 2002, just months after the 9/11 attacks. Inspired by the tragic events, he enlisted to defend his country, training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before joining the 82nd Airborne. In 2004, he was deployed to Baghdad as an infantryman, serving as a gunner during convoys and sustaining injuries in combat.

After returning from active duty in 2006, he trained cadets in hand-to-hand combat at West Point. Transitioning to civilian life, he participated in the Helmets to Hardhats program and became a union carpenter and dock builder. He now owns Roofing Innovations, a construction company in East Hanover that aims to employ fellow veterans. Additionally, he serves as a veteran ambassador for Morris Habitat for Humanity and volunteers with Jersey Pits Rescue.

Mr. Oates considers his greatest achievement to be his nine-year-old daughter, Olivia. He is also the proud son of Bart Oates, a five-time Pro Bowl center for the New York Giants

Ricardo J. Perez served in the U.S. Army from June 1971 to February 1977. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he received the National Defense Service Medal and Parachute Badge, serving twice in Germany as an electronic engineer assistant.

After his military service, Mr. Perez earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering and a Master of Business Administration. He worked with Pacific Telephone Company and Bellcore/Telcordia and taught at Bayley Ellard High School in Madison and Morris Catholic High School in Denville.

Mr. Perez gives back to his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 59, and as a choir member at St. Virgil Church. He has been happily married for almost 50 years and is the loving father of three children and five grandchildren. He enjoys playing the guitar in his spare time.

Alan J. Sallie served in the U.S. Navy from October 1980 to November 1983 as an aviation electrician's mate and systems organizational maintenance technician for Air Antisubmarine Squadron 24. He received the Sea Service Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, in addition to other awards.

A graduate of the Madison School system, Mr. Sallie retired after a 22-year career as a union carpenter and decorated journeyman. He continues to work per diem as a black seal certified boiler operator and blue seal refrigeration operator and completed a five-year apprenticeship with Local 68, earning his license as a station engineer.

Mr. Sallie has been happily married for 28 years. As one of 12 siblings he enjoys hosting family gatherings with his wife. He is an avid fisherman, novice clammer, and proficient crabber.

Gordon Lee Snyder is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Army from July 1966 to June 1972, achieving the rank of captain. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with a “60” Device, and two Overseas Service Bars. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, he graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Master of Science in Management, and as a Reserve Officers' Training Corps graduate. After his military service, Mr. Snyder worked as a sales representative for Celanese Chemical Company and later spent 31 years with BASF Corporation. After his retirement Mr. Snyder tutored English as a Second Language for Literacy Volunteers of Morris County for several years. An avid musician, he also volunteers with Agape Music Outreach, providing music programs for churches and senior living facilities. Mr. Snyder was a loving husband for 28 years before losing his wife to cancer in 2002. He is a proud member of Trinity Lutheran Church and enjoys gardening and traveling with his partner, Jacquline Jeffrey, of the Denville Beautification Committee. He has returned to Vietnam, armed with a Nikon instead of an M-16, and has traveled to Antarctica twice.

Carmen Turrisi served in the U.S. Army from May 1966 to May 1972. A Vietnam War veteran, he received the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and both the Sharpshooter and Marksman Badges.

After his military service, Mr. Turrisi worked for the United States Postal Service (USPS) for 32 years, achieving Circle of Honor Driver status for being accident-free for 25 of those years. In addition to his USPS career, he served as a funeral assistant for Leonardis Memorial Home in Florham Park for two decades.

Mr. Turrisi has been a loving husband for more than 50 years and is the proud father of three children and grandfather of three grandchildren. He enjoys gardening, collecting Lionel trains, and collecting Department 56 ceramic Christmas villages.

Robert M. Walton is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from September 1965 to September 1971. He received the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After his military service, Mr. Walton attended Seton Hall Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctorate. He has worked as both an accountant and an attorney. A loving family man, Mr. Walton enjoys his retirement by reading and playing poker.

Rhonda Lee Washer served in the U.S. Army from June 1999 to November 2000 as a bridge crewmember stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. She is a recipient of the Army Lapel Button, Army Service Ribbon, Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, and Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar. After her military service, Washer worked in social services, image care, and the eye physician field. She enjoys giving back to her community as an associate of the “Fire Team” and a member of the Executive Committee for Welcome Home Veterans NJ. Washer is the proud mother of a 20-year-old son named Parker. She enjoys gardening, walking, and giving back to her community, which she considers family.