Gary Salzillo’s generosity can be seen everywhere in Johnston.
The popular businessman, who owns and operates Northeast Auto Body on Hartford Avenue, donated an electric scoreboard soon after the state-of-the-art Indoor Recreation Center opened on Atwood Avenue; his company name can be found on countless uniforms for youth football, basketball and baseball teams and much, much more.
Yet another example came during the COVID-19 Pandemic when he hosted a free, town-wide drive-by so children so children could see and visit Santa Claus while their parents enjoyed music and hot chocolate on a cold night.
People of all ages will tell you “Gary loves sponsoring teams so kids in Johnston are dressed in first-class uniforms” and that “his generosity is unmatched.”
Perhaps Salzillo’s most recent act came when he restored a 40-year-old one-time military vehicle that is now a special showpiece for the Johnston Police Department.
“A while back, Gary approached me and asked if we’d like to have our Hummer painted and add some graphics,” said JPD Chief Joseph P. Razza. “I immediately told him it was a great idea, as we like to use it at special events and especially the town’s homecoming parade.”
Razza, who has received rave reviews about the “new look” Hummer, paused before adding: “Well, I must say I was totally amazed as the 40-year-old military Humvee got a much deserved facelift.”
The Hummer, in fact, received a very warm reception at the JPD’s recent and recod-setting National Night Out held inside Johnston War Memorial Park and as Razza offered: “Many people came up to me and complemented on the (vehicle’s) appearance.”
Razza also wanted it known: “The Johnston Police Department can’t thank Gary enough for his kindness and generosity in dressing up our Humvee.”
Salzillo, who joined Razza and veteran Johnston Police Patrolman Chuck Psilopoulos for a special showing last week, offered: “We’re always happy to help the town and all my guys really enjoyed giving the Humvee a new life.”
He also explained that the impressive restoration project took upwards of 80 man hours and included tinting the windows, sanding it down, then painting it and completely overhauling the hummer, from as Salzillo mused, “bumper-to-bumper!”
“Once again,” said Razza, “I can’t thank Gary and Northeast Auto Body enough for their support and generosity. Gary is just another great example of a true community partner and exemplifies the Johnston Police motto of Working Together — Making a Difference!”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here