LONGPORT - Resident James Klinghoffer was a generous supporter of numerous organizations, including the Borough of Longport and the Longport Police Department.
The Borough of Longport is continuing its tradition of paying tribute to residents who have truly made a difference in the community with the dedication of a bench in Kingfoffer's honor.
Residents and visitors will soon have a new place to pause and enjoy one of Longport's beautiful parks with the dedication of a bench at 11 a.m. March 17 at the Thomas B. Reed Park located at 28th and Ventnor avenues. The bench will feature a plaque in honor of Klinghoffer who died in May 2021. The date was chosen as a fitting date for the dedication as March 17 was Klinghoffer's birthday.
The longtime resident was well known for his sensitivity to community needs. Klinghoffer's generous spirit had a wide reach throughout the area. Some of his philanthropic endeavors included donations to Deborah Hospital Foundation to establish the Edith and James Klinghoffer Nursing Scholarship; Jewish Family Services; Shore Memorial Hospital; the Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation, creating the James Klinghoffer Neurorecovery Center; as well as many other local organizations throughout southern New Jersey.
According to Longport Mayor Nick Russo, Klinghoffer often responded when asked about his charitable donations: Sir, I don't put or invest my money in monuments, plaques or stone; I put my money in people.
In May 2021, the Longport Police Department dedicated a HERO Campaign Humvee in memory of Klinghoffer for his generous support of the department.
So many people are grateful for his generosity, which has had a far reaching, positive impact," Russo said. "The dedication of this bench is our small way of paying tribute to a great man who truly cared about helping others."
