Roseland’s Lynn DeBell Field Renamed in Honor of Former Mayor Louis DeBell – TAPinto.net

ROSELAND, NJ — The Borough of Roseland recently honored former mayor Louis DeBell by renaming the Lynn DeBell Field—initially called the Bond Force Memorial Park All Purpose Field before it was renamed in 1997 in memory of the mayor’s late wife—as the Mayor Louis and Lynn DeBell Field.

Lynn, an Essex County Vocational Technology School employee who died at an early age, was extremely community-minded and was loved by many Roseland residents. She was very involved in the borough, serving as a member of the Women’s Club beginning in the early 1970s and holding every position in the club, including president. She also served on many committees in the Blessed Sacrament Church and served as a softball and cheerleading coach for the Roseland Recreation Department in addition to volunteering on various borough committees.

Now, 22 years after the field’s renaming in honor of her legacy in Roseland, the borough has decided to also include the former mayor by renaming of the field once again in appreciation of his service.

“We thank Mayor DeBell for his 23 years of service to the Borough of Roseland and hope his legacy of community service is perpetuated for years to come,” said Mayor James Spango.

Serving as mayor from 1987 to 2002, Louis led the borough with a firm focus on being an advocate for first responders and public safety. During his years in office, the First Aid Squad building was erected; the Mayor’s Ball was created with the intent to raise funds for public safety causes; a law was passed requiring carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors be installed in all homes and businesses in the borough; and a law was passed requiring children wear helmets when bicycling.

“We are honored to dedicate this park to Mayor Louis DeBell and his wife, Lynn,” said Council President Christopher Bardi. “Mayor DeBell served our great community with honor and dignity for over 23 years—16 of those years as mayor. Roseland is a better place because of Lou, and we thank him for his service to our community.”