A quiet, tree-lined lane that ends at a peaceful lake now bears the memory of the late Jonathan Acierno '02. In May, the Staten Island street where he grew up, Overlook Terrace, was named Jonathan M Acierno Way in his memory.
Acierno died on January 18, 2010. He packed a lot of life into his short 29 years, despite suffering from epilepsy and myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder. He was an inveterate volunteer since childhood; organizations he supported included the March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, and the Knights of Columbus. He taught children for many years at his parish church, St. Joseph's, and helped organize a local epilepsy support group. During his Wagner student years, he was very active on campus in the Newman Club, Club Diversity, Student Ambassadors, and more.
According to his mother, Angela Acierno, “If anyone would ask him for help, his answer was always yes.” She adds, “His life's motto was, 'It's not about disabilities, but our abilities and what we do with them.'”
Contact Editor Laura Barlament at laura.barlament@wagner.edu
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