Year

“The Feedbag” in Bloomfield. These two small businesses gave him the opportunity to learn and allowed him to be able to own and operate “Donny’s Dogs” in Newark, a local hot dog truck for 37 years.

During his years at Donny’s Dogs, Pete was named the number one hot dog truck in the state of New Jersey. He was also blessed being able to purchase and operate a concession trailer, working alongside his fiancé, Patricia Yuksel. She has been by his side through the ups and downs and has been the backbone of all his successes.

As things were on auto pilot with the food industry businesses, Pete ventured into real estate, owning and managing multiple properties in the area.

Living in Belleville has brought Pete to various heights such as serving on the financial board of St. Rocco’s Church in Newark, and a political district leader in his ward.

Currently, he is serving as the president of the Bellville UNICO chapter. This charitable organization is the largest Italian American organization in the U.S. As a proud Italian American, Pete is also a member of the Federation of the Italian American Societies of New Jersey. Pete was also nominated for the Essex Catholic Hall of Fame for 2023.

Pete is truly humbled to be “Man of the Year” for Belleville in this year’s Columbus Day celebration.