DIOCESE OF PATERSON Bishop's Award: Robert and Susanne Waldele
Bob and Susie have been devoted members of the Paterson Diocese for over 38 years, living out their Catholic faith with grace and gratitude. Guided by the verse Luke 12:48—"to whom much is given, much will be required"—they are dedicated to giving back and supporting their community.
For nearly four decades, Bob and Susie have faithfully supported initiatives such as the Diocesan Ministries Appeal, the Father English Food Pantry in Paterson, and the Women’s Neighborhood Center in Passaic. Married for 40 years this November, Bob and Susie are proud parents to five children—Bobby, Brian, Andrew, Mary Kate, and Kelly—and grandparents to four: Boone, Walker, Eliza, and Cecilia.
Susie, a Seton Hall University graduate, taught for four years before devoting her time to raising her family. Her passion for service has led her to teach religious education at St. Vincent de Paul Parish and volunteer in soup kitchens. She has served on the board of Birth Haven for over 20 years, and both she and Bob are board members of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund.
Bob, a graduate of Lafayette College, has had a distinguished career with Merrill Lynch, where he is currently a Managing Director. He also serves on the board of Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, chairs their Finance Committee, and co-chairs the Finance Committee of the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling.
Their unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community has made a lasting impact on those around them.
msgr. mark gIOrDANI aWARD: Brian and Mary Jo Sullivan & Family
Brian and Mary Jo, devout Catholics and proud parents of seven beautiful children—Gavin, Adanya, Julia, Rolson, Dolan, Finn, and Grace—are shining examples of faith, family, and service. Raised with strong Catholic values in Whitestone (Queens), NY, their lives have been a testament to love, commitment, and generosity.
Mary Jo, a dedicated pediatric nurse with years of experience in pediatric oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Brian, an engineer and founder of Sullivan Engineering, have always embraced their faith as a guiding force. After marrying in 2003 and settling in Wayne, NJ, they have instilled their Catholic beliefs in their children, who are proud students of Catholic schools—continuing the legacy of a faith-filled education.
Their hearts were moved by God's call to adoption, welcoming their son Finn from Beijing in 2015 and daughter Grace from Haiti in 2020. The Sullivan family hopes to soon welcome Rolson, their second child from Haiti.
In 2021, Brian and Mary Jo sold their company, Sullivan Engineering, to focus on family and embrace new ventures aligned with God's plan. Their recent book, Entrepreneurial Trinity, chronicles their journey of balancing business success with building a loving family rooted in faith.
Together, the Sullivans actively support causes close to their hearts, including the Father English Center in Paterson, their children’s Catholic schools, and various initiatives in Haiti. Their unwavering dedication to service and faith continues to touch the lives of many.
Father jACK wEHRLEN aWARD: Deacon Peter Cistaro
Deacon Cistaro was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons in 2009 and has served faithfully at Saint Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany, NJ. In addition to his parish ministry, he served as the Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Paterson from 2014 until his retirement in June 2024. Under his leadership, the diaconate program thrived, supporting the spiritual growth and training of deacons across the Diocese.
Before his ordination, Deacon Cistaro had a successful 39-year career at Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), where he held numerous managerial and executive roles. He was elected Vice President of Gas Delivery in 1995, a position he held until his retirement in 2007. His leadership extended beyond PSE&G, as he held prominent positions in national and international organizations, including the American Gas Association, the Gas Technology Institute, and the International Gas Union.
Deacon Cistaro is also a dedicated advocate for education and social justice. He earned a B.S. in industrial engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), a Master’s in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and completed Harvard's Program for Management Development. In 2023, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree by NJIT, recognizing his contributions to the field and the community.
In addition to his professional and diaconal service, Deacon Cistaro is committed to providing affordable housing for seniors. He serves as Vice President of the REISE Urban Development Corporation and the Martin dePorres Village Housing Complex, both of which offer low-income housing in Paterson and Passaic. Deacon Cistaro also serves on the Board of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson.
Deacon Cistaro’s dedication to his faith, his family, and his community is evident in all that he does. He and his wife, Mary Ann, are proud parents of four children and grandparents to nine.
fr. nORMAN o'CONNOR - tHE jAZZ pRIEST aWARD: Rev. Edward Reading
Father Reading’s journey in addiction counseling began in 1969 as a pastoral counseling intern at Straight and Narrow, Inc. in Paterson, N.J., one of the largest nonprofit addiction treatment facilities in the country. He later became Deputy Director for Treatment Services at Straight and Narrow, where his leadership helped shape addiction treatment programs that integrated spiritual and medical care. His lifelong mission has been to support those who serve others, ensuring that medical professionals, clergy, and caregivers receive the help they need to overcome addiction.
Father Reading’s contributions extend beyond the Diocese of Paterson. He has served as the Assistant Director of the Physicians’ Health Program, now known as the Professionals Assistance Program of New Jersey, which focuses on helping healthcare professionals address and recover from substance use disorders.
An accomplished educator, Father Reading has taught addiction studies at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, sharing his expertise with future leaders in the field. He has also lectured to medical and pastoral groups across the United States and Canada, advocating for a holistic approach to addiction treatment that integrates both the spiritual and medical dimensions of recovery.
Father Reading is the founder and president of the Matt Talbot Institute for Pastoral and Addiction Studies in Toms River, N.J., an organization that provides education, training, and support to clergy and addiction professionals. Through this institute, he continues to promote the intersection of faith and healing, working to ensure that those suffering from addiction receive compassionate, comprehensive care.
On a national level, Father Reading is a past president of INCASE (International Coalition of Addiction Studies Education) and a founding commissioner of the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). His leadership in these organizations has set standards for addiction education and accreditation, ensuring that professionals in the field are equipped to provide high-quality care.
Father Reading also remains active in pastoral ministry, serving at Good Shepherd Church in Andover, N.J., and at Emmaus House for Women Religious. His ministry continues to bridge the gap between spiritual care and addiction recovery, providing hope and healing to countless individuals and families.
The Diocese of Paterson is honored to recognize Father Ed Reading’s lifetime of service, dedication, and leadership. His tireless efforts have transformed lives and communities, making him a true advocate for those struggling with addiction and a beacon of hope for professionals and individuals alike.
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