Fort Lee Chamber Honors ‘Person of the Year’

Ask anyone who knows him, and they will tell you that Albert Buzzetti epitomizes what it takes to be a leader, a driving force in the community and the go-to guy for everything banking and business related.

The (GFLCOC) saw that dedication in Buzzetti, their 42nd honoree,  

Buzzetti accepted the award on Saturday, Nov. 19, at a dinner/dance at the , where local dignitaries, chamber members, family and friends gathered to acknowledge a man they hold in such high esteem.

An annual tradition since 1970, The GFLCOC has selected an accomplished list of business and community leaders who made a major contribution to the Chamber and the Greater Fort Lee Community.

“It’s our biggest event of the year, and it’s honoring a person who really, truly deserves to be recognized,” said GFLCOC president Ken Bruno. “Albert was a great choice.”

According to the GFLCOC, Buzzetti has been a banker for more than 50 years and is a U.S. Army Veteran. He founded the in 2006, which currently has seven branch offices and roughly $400 million in assets.

Buzzetti has also served as a director of several nonprofit agencies, including the YMCA and United Way. He was a three-time chairman of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Annual Fund, a trustee of the New Jersey Banker’s Association and of the Bergen County Bar Foundation and has been active in youth football and basketball, as a coach and an administrator. He also contributed as an elected official: trustee of the Clarkstown Central School District, and as an appointed official - chairman of Paterson’s CETA Program.

“Al and my father started Bridge View Bank together, and I know my father is here in spirit,” said Joe Parisi, Jr., mayor of Englewood Cliffs.  “I wish he was here to say the accolades, so I’m here representing my father.”

Others echoed similar sentiments and were happy to see Buzzetti receive the honor they felt he richly deserved.

“I’ve known Al for about 30 years now, served on two bank boards with him, he’s a terrific man and a well-deserved honor that he’s getting today,” said Gerry Calabrese, Jr. of Calabrese Realty.

Lutz Advisors CEO Ed Lutz has known Buzzetti for two decades and done business with him. He said Buzzetti is honest, helps many people and made significant contributions to the community.

Buzzetti has been a vital part of business in Bergen County since the late 1980s, between starting businesses, keeping business advancing through loans and now as chairman of BONJ, according to Bank of New Jersey president Michael Lesler.

“We just keep that same growth going,” Lesler said. “I’ve worked for Al, with Al since 1996—he’s been a friend, and I can’t ask for a better individual to have as a mentor. This is a great honor for really a great guy.”

Buzzetti said he was humbled by the praise and appreciative to the many friends he has developed over the years. 

As for what “Person of the Year” entails, Buzzetti said, “My only responsibility is to be the person I’ve always been.”