Two community leaders in Essex County with ties to Newark were recently honored at the county’s annual Italian American Heritage Month celebration. The 2023 event – held last week at the Essex County Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building – paid tribute to Sallyanne Floria, a retired Essex County assignment judge, and Ralph Ciallella, a retired Essex County administrator.

Both received “Stellas della Contea di Essex” (Stars of Essex County), which recognizes them for their “commitment to improving the lives of all residents and their community involvement.” “I am thrilled to be honored today,” said Floria, who reminisced about growing up in Newark and the Italian culture of her grandparents and parents.