The following are my thoughts and reflections. They are not to be considered official statements of the municipal government or the elected officials of Lawrence Township. If you have no interest in what I think, move along, and have a wonderful day!
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Today, Sept. 26, 2022, Pasquale “Pat” Colavita, Jr. was laid to rest at a funeral mass at St. Ann Parish. I have known Pat pretty much my entire life.
The Colavitas from the Eldridge Park area are a family engrained in the DNA of our community, and our families have always been fondly connected through longstanding friendships.
As a life-long resident, Pat’s light shown brightly during his life as a teacher, public servant, community leader, and a warm, loving, charismatic yet humble human being.
For those who may not know him, over decades, he served his community in a variety of elected positions: Lawrence Township Board of Education, Lawrence Township Municipal Council (and as nayor), and Mercer County Freeholder (now known as Commissioner) and gave his time and talents to too many charities to mention here.
His daughter, Courtney Colavita, gave a wonderful eulogy—one of the best I have heard in the many funerals attended. She eloquently captured the “man” that proudly was her father.
Setting aside the list of his accomplishments (which were many), she focused on his human qualities that deeply connected him to so many people from so many walks of life.
Of the many characteristics of her father she talked about, the one that resonated the most with me is that when you spoke with him, he made you feel like you were the most important person in a room filled with “important” people.
He was present in the moment and made sure to personally connect with you – and just as quick, he was off speaking with someone else, giving them that same feeling! The man could work a room like no other!
From time to time, I have “difficult” conversations with residents when they call to complain about one thing or another. It is a part of the gig but never fun.
About two weeks ago, I had a resident call to complain about an incident that had nothing to do with municipal operations. I directed him to the utility involved and moved along with my day.
A short while later, he called back to tell me that the matter was taken care of, but he wanted me to know I was no help to him.
Quite surprisingly, and out of nowhere, the resident blurted out, “you are just like your father and just like Pat Colavita!”
Now, being an astute listener and hearing the tone in his voice, I quickly realized his comment was meant to hurt me. I further surmised he was someone that judged the character of a person by their voter registration.
I ended the call—leaned back and rubbed my eyes—readying myself for the next challenge of the day.
But as the surprise of his comment wore off, and I implemented some positive thinking strategies, a smile crossed my face, and I thought, “Okay, I am just like my Dad and Pat Colavita, huh? Not too shabby, Kevin.”
I will take that comment FOR THE WIN! God bless you and rest in peace, Pasquale. You, Sir, had a life well lived, and you did it with style and grace!
Kevin Nerwinski, a longtime resident of Lawrence, serves as Lawrence Township’s municipal manager.
Pasquale “Pat” Colavita, Jr., a former Lawrence Township mayor and 18-year Mercer County Commissioner passed away on Sept. 26 at the age of 77.,
