As Italian Heritage Month continues, it is time to highlight another favorite son of New Jersey and a great American of Italian descent; Joe Piscopo.

Born in Passaic, Mr. Piscopo was raised in North Caldwell (that’s in my beloved Essex County in case you were wondering) and attended West Essex High School. He became famous for his great comedic ability on Saturday Night Live. Everyone, including the Chairman of the Board himself, absolutely loved his impersonation of Francis Albert; another favorite son of New Jersey.

Since his early days at SNL, he has stared in multiple movies and television shows. As an avid original Law & Order fan, I am always happy to see him pop up in one of the early episodes of the show. One of which he played a character singing… you guess it… the Great American Songbook.

Mr. Piscopo stays busy with a daily radio show weekdays from 6-10am on AM970. This week he was a co-host of the televised Columbus Day Parade from New York City. It was just great to see how he reacted to those who called out to him on the parade route. Definitely a Jersey guy, you can’t hide that personality, wit, and humor. Additionally, Mr. Piscopo has a show on Siriusly Sinatra, channel 71, Sirius XM.

Mr. Piscopo also makes sure to attend and participate in a variety of fund-raisers and charitable events. He volunteers with the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, as well as the American military.

He is a “local guy that’s done good.” It is obvious he loves his heritage and is proud of it. And as a fellow New Jerseyan, we are proud of him.