National Football Foundation

A lifelong football man, Ron Anello has been involved in New Jersey football for more than 38 years. Growing up in Montclair, N.J., Anello earned three varsity letters at Montclair High School before heading to The College of New Jersey. He lettered all four years for the Lions under coach Eric Hamilton, the president of the NFF Delaware Valley Chapter. Anello claimed All-League accolades at center, and the NFF Delaware Valley Chapter recognized him as a collegiate scholar-athlete in 1981.
 
Following college, Anello coached high school football for 30 years, first at West Essex High School (N.J.) and then Clifton High School (N.J.), where he won two conference titles and a state championship. “Football is the greatest of team sports,” Anello said. “Even though it’s just a game, it teaches all of the necessary ingredients for one to be successful in life.”
 
Anello has participated as a member of the NFF Essex County Chapter for 26 years, serving as chapter president the past 15 years. In 2013, the chapter held its 48th Annual Award Banquet, honoring 27 student-athletes, and recognizing outstanding officials and coaches. The chapter also hosts a Sports Nut Night each fall to raise funds for the banquet. “The NFF is an organization that I am most proud and honored to be a part of,” added Anello. “The promotion of academic achievement, outstanding football playing ability, and community involvement and leadership continue to mold our youth of today to be leaders of tomorrow, through the great game of football.”
 
Currently the athletic director at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, N.J., Anello and his wife Debora have a son Gabriel and daughter Brittany.