2021 Awards

Person of the Year
Patricia Barrett 

This year's Person of the Year is Patricia "Pat" Barrett. Pat started volunteering with DPD in the early 1970's at our original Murray House in Paterson, along with her husband Tom. Tom later became the Executive Director of DPD and Pat continued her ministry as a volunteer. For 18 years she taught theology at Pope John High School before becoming the Director of Pastoral Care and Volunteers for DPD. Pat has helped take DPD's volunteer program to new heights.  Pat continued to implement creative engagements from home for DPD's residents through the COVID-19 pandemic and has helped spread joy during this challenging time. Pat retired from DPD in December of 2020, but has left a lasting legacy on the Department.  
 

Frank X. Graves Award 
John Garino 

This year's Frank X. Graves Award recipient is John Garino. John has been a resident of the Department for Persons with Disabilities for over 25 years. He is devoted to helping others and was a longtime volunteer for the Little Sisters of the Poor. His humor, wit, and endearing spirit is beloved by his friends, housemates, volunteer Roy DeFranco, and family. A longtime resident of the Kelleher Apartments, John now resides at the Barnet House in Pompton Lakes. We are proud of John and blessed to know him! 
 

Marilyn Murray Keenan Award (Volunteer of the Year)
Paula Lavorgna 

The Lavorgna Family first became acquainted with the DPD through worshipping at St. Thomas the Apostle where some of the DPD residents also worshiped and where the 3x yearly ceramics sale were held.  For over 30 years Paula, her husband Ed, her siblings and children have been involved with DPD's ministry. Paula's company, Newton Screen Printing, has been DPD's vendor for many of those 30 years, and they have always been quick to donate to our many events. Paula and Ed are CARE volunteers and yoga volunteers at Gruenert Center. Through the pandemic, Paula has led virtual chair yoga sessions for the DPD residents. We are proud of Paula and are looking forward to recognizing her! 
 

Public Servant of the Year
St. Clare's Health 

Saint Clare’s Health is an award-winning provider of safe, high quality, compassionate care, serving the communities of Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. St. Clare's Denville and Dover Hospitals have supported the residents of the Department for Persons with Disabilities for decades and have always been kind, diligent and have assisted the adults we serve with dignity. We are proud to honor St. Clare's Healthcare Heroes during this challenging time, as the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Clare's have put their lives on the line to help those most in need! 

Jim and Kit Murray Outstanding Achievement Awards 

The Highlight of the Murray House Dinner Dance is always the Jim and Kit Murray Outstanding Achievement Awards. This year, 4 adults will be recognized with these awards in the shape of a shamrock and in the spirit of the matriarch and patriarch of the Murray Family. Tune in on February 14th to see who has been awarded!  

To donate in honor of any of our award recipients please visit www.ccpaterson.org/murray