Acting Governor Guadagno Remembers Daniel Jara at Newark Dedication

On Sep 18, 2015

Acting Governor Kim Guadagno yesterday honored the life of Dr. Daniel Jara, a leader in New Jersey’s Hispanic and business communities, at the dedication of the corner of James and Washington Street in the City of Newark as “Daniel Jara Way.”  Vitaliano Gallardo, the Deputy Consul General of Peru in Paterson, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka were also in attendance, among others.

“Today we honor a man of vision, a man who believed in the promise of New Jersey and worked unfailingly towards its future and its progress,” said Acting Governor Guadagno.  “Daniel was not only a friend, but served as a trusted confidante and advisor to the Administration on Hispanic Affairs.  It is my hope that the residents and visitors who travel the newly named street will keep Daniel’s rich legacy alive.”

Dr. Jara was born in Lima, Peru and immigrated to the United States at age 14.  In addition to owning Rimac Agency, Inc., an insurance, Hispanic market and international trade consulting firm, he served as head of the Greater Paterson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  In 1989, Dr. Jara and four other Hispanic leaders founded the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SHCC).  Dr. Jara led the SHCC for 22 years.  He also served as a member of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development’s Advisory Committee.

“It is with great honor that we announce the celebration of the life of our friend Daniel Jara by dedicating a street in his name, the “Daniel Jara Way.”  Let us continue to work together so history doesn’t forget the great work that our Hispanic Leaders have done in the City of Newark,” said Newark Councilman at Large Luis Quintana, who authored the resolution to name the intersection in Dr. Jara’s honor.

Dr. Jara suffered from spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease, and had been in a wheelchair since 1982.  He passed away in November of 2012.

“I am very proud to be here and see my dream become a reality.  From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Acting Governor Guadagno, a personal friend of my husband and me; the Councilman At Large of the great city of Newark, Mr. Luis Quintana; and the president of the Street Dedication Committee, Roberto Bustamante,” said Pilar Howe Jara, Dr. Jara’s wife.  “My warm gratitude to my entire family, the founding leadership and members of the SHCC, the business community of New Jersey and all our friends who have arrived from different cities to be witnesses of this tribute to my dear husband Daniel.”

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