Memories Abound At Park Dedication

NORTH WILDWOOD – Kilts, barely visible in the morning fog, rustled in the light breeze May 9. Members of the Cape Atlantic Police and Fire Irish Pipe Brigade stood outlined against the gray mist – like clansmen of old, they lifted their instruments in remembrance of a leader.
As Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) later observed, no matter one’s politics, former Mayor William “Bill” Henfey will live on in collective memory. “He (Henfey) loved people, North Wildwood, the United States of America, and he always told the truth,” Van Drew eulogized his late friend.
The senator went on to say that in a day when people question politicians, Henfey simply “didn’t care about politics.” As the morning fog hovered over North Wildwood, many said it was as if Henfey himself looked on and smiled.
Many families attended the grand opening and dedication of Bill Henfey Park. They milled about the playground already proving to be a favorite. Residents of North Wildwood and visiting friends, dignitaries, and other civic leaders from the greater Wildwood community gathered for the special ceremony.
An American flag fluttered in the light wind from the top rung of a fire engine, attended by several members of the North Wildwood Fire Department.
Cape May County Freeholder E. Marie Hayes was among the dignitaries, along with Van Drew, Assemblymen Robert Andrzejczak (D-1st) and Samuel Fiocchi (R-1st), who joined the Henfey family. Chairs behind the podium were filled with men and women of differing backgrounds, occupations, and politics – a statement of solidarity.
Mayor Patrick Rosenello welcomed all. “Today is a day of celebration,” Rosenello began. “The park is perfect and Mayor Henfey provided the weather!”
Rosenello proceeded to introduce the Cape Atlantic Police and Fire Irish Pipe Brigade which marched into view. Pipes lifted and drums rolled, the tune of “O Danny Boy” held center stage: “O Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling from glen to glen, and down the mountain side.”
After the colors procession, Rev. Joseph Wallace of Notre Dame de la Mer Parish gave the invocation. Wallace praised Henfey’s vision for the park. “His (Henfey’s) vision was brought to fruition by his successor, Patrick Rosenello.” Wallace continued by expressing hopes for the young people who will use the field – for them to set high standards of excellence, courage, humility, and for them to remember that “sports are just games.”
Various student council presidents from Margaret Mace, Wildwood Catholic High School, and Cape Trinity Catholic School stepped forward and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Katherine and Joseph Jett sang “God Bless America” and the national anthem; the young people of North Wildwood mingled with their elders, adding depth to the proceedings.
“Today is a culmination of a journey,” Rosenello said. He took the crowd on a journey as he described the process of how North Wildwood acquired the field through a joint effort with the freeholders. Purchased from the Archdiocese of Camden, William Henfey wished to ensure “the quality of life” in his community. It was later pointed out that the Open Space program did not often obtain spaces on barrier islands. For the first time, freeholders and a municipality joined in this kind of venture.
Van Drew took the podium after Rosenello, expounding on the theme of cooperation. Van Drew described Henfey as “nonpartisan” when it came to getting a job done. Republican or Democrat, the wellbeing of North Wildwood residents came first.
“No words or commendations can fulfill the worth of the man,” Van Drew concluded.
After statements by Andrzejczak and Fiocchi, Van Drew presented a special resolution to Diane Henfey and her family: the highest honor that can be given by the State of New Jersey.
Hayes shared her personal connection with William Henfey. “Please bear with me,” Hayes said, regaining her composure.
Hayes illustrated Henfey as a family man even under the demands of his police work in the 1970s. “He would laugh today because my hair is starting to frizz!” Hayes added with a smile. “Bill Henfey loved North Wildwood.” Hayes concluded her statements by saying, “He will be kept alive by the sound of children.”
Council President Salvatore Zampirri introduced and thanked the various dignitaries in attendance, including the North Wildwood police and fire departments, buildings and grounds, public works, recreation department, the Duffy String Band, Cape Atlantic Police and Fire Irish Pipe Brigade, and Ms. North Wildwood Maegan Sharkey.
Diane Henfey, widow of William Henfey, also thanked everyone who attended and had a part in getting the park ready, no matter how small or big the job.
“Bill always said to keep it short and sweet,” Henfey said. “He never expected recognition. Bill always made us laugh and we hope there will be lots of laughter here.”
Bill Henfey Jr. quipped, “This is the old man,” in reference to the fog. He reminisced on how fog seemed to coincide with their fishing expeditions.
“Thank you to everyone who made this happen,” Jennifer Henfey said. She went on to thank everyone who “dug the holes and poured the cement.”
The closing prayer was given by Pastor Robert Rogish of the First Baptist Church of Anglesea. The church holds the distinction of being the oldest church body in North Wildwood, originating in the lighthouse keeper’s parlor.
Rogish wished that those in positions of government and public safety would treat their families in the manner of William Henfey. Rogish also prayed that the park would help others to appreciate North Wildwood and what the community means to so many, along with wisdom and guidance for those who serve the community.
As the ribbon fell, cut by Rosenello and the Henfey family grandchildren and others, families entered the Bill Henfey Park. Already so many wishes came true in an instant in the sound of happy voices and children’s laughter.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.