Exactly fifty years after she shattered the glass ceiling and became Guttenberg’s first woman police officer, JoAnn Lazzari is being celebrated as the town’s Senior of the Year and Woman of the Year for 2023. In addition to a proclamation from Mayor Wayne Zitt and the Town Council, she was honored at the annual Hudson County Outstanding Senior of the Year event at Liberty House in Jersey City on May 10, 2023.

Although JoAnn was unable to attend due to health issues, she was represented by Guttenberg Senior Services Coordinator Belkis Rubio and Public Events Coordinator Marisol Montanez, who picked up the awards on her behalf, including a trophy and citation from the Hudson County Executive, a certificate of recognition from the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, and a certificate of special congressional recognition.

JoAnn (Mott) Lazzari was born in Margaret Hague hospital in Jersey City on Oct. 4, 1945. For the first year of her life her family resided at 318 70th Street before moving across the street to 323 70th Street. There she lived for the next 60 years, raising her three children: Jason, Jeffrey, and Renee.

Growing up in Guttenberg, JoAnn’s dream was always to be a police officer. In 1973, at 28 years old under Mayor Klein and Chief Johnstone, that dream came true. As the first woman police officer to represent the city of Guttenberg, she served as a patrol woman and doubled as the only ambulance driver in the town.

One of her most memorable calls as an officer was the apartment building fire on 69th and

Palisade Avenue. Although they lost the building, she was able to help all of the survivors.

When her time as a police officer came to an end, she became the first woman bus driver for a senior citizen bus company serving Guttenberg’s elders. She loved the job, being able to give back to the place she knew so well. As she worked as an officer and bus driver, she was also working nights at Larry’s Subs on Bergenline Avenue to provide for her family.

Once her kids grew older, married, and moved away, JoAnn also moved from Guttenberg and now lives in Linden, NJ with a new title as a crossing guard for the town. She has been able to watch her six grandchildren grow and will now be a great-grandmother to two great-granddaughters.

Citing her unique accomplishments, her many titles and duties in the community, and her service as an outstanding role model and citizen of our town, Mayor Wayne Zitt and the Town Council are proud and honored to designate JoAnn Lazzari as Guttenberg’s Senior of the Year and Woman of the Year for 2023.

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