CRANFORD — In Cranford, Guy Borges, who managed the Orange Avenue Pool for more than 30 years, has become something of a legend. Residents still remember him walking around the pool while swinging his whistle with a toothpick in his mouth and a smile on his face. Now, he continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Cranford residents, and is memorialized for the next generation of swimmers with the dedication of “Guy Borges Drive”.
Family and friends of Mr. Borges were joined on Saturday by Cranford Commissioners Kathleen Miller Prunty, Paul Gallo, Gina Black, and Township Business Administrator Lavona Patterson for the unveiling of the new sign.
“This has been a week of tributes to residents who have contributed to this community,” said Commissioner Miller-Prunty. “This afternoon, we are dedicating a sign behind me to someone who worked at this pool for 30 years; he was a teacher, but more than that, he was a volunteer. He has done so much in addition to being a dad, grandpa and husband. I’d like to thank a few people today, including Craig Sands, who championed this cause for Guy; so thank you, Craig.”
In addition to managing the pool for over 30 years from 1974 to 2000, Guy Borges was a teacher at Central High School in Newark for 42 years and volunteered to coach several of the local sports teams, including girls’ softball. Not only did friends and family come out to the event, but so did other residents whose lives he touched, including a former employee from the pool.
“Guy was such a role model for me when I worked at the concession stand,” Cranford resident Kathy Gilbert said. “He inspired me to pursue a career in education just like he did, and I was a softball coach for his daughters.”
Guy Borges is survived by his wife, Karen, and two daughters, Aime Avedissian and Lynsey Borges, who were both in attendance, as well as six grandchildren.
“Today we honor the father of my two daughters, and the grandfather to six beautiful grandchildren, but first I want to thank Mayor Brian Andrews who unfortunately couldn’t be here today for honoring my husband,” Mrs. Borges said. “I wrote a little something last night: Speak my name, visit my favorite place, and hear my voice. Guy loved the pools. Guy loved the staff and the job he did for over thirty years. He treated OrangeAvenue Pool as if it was his own, and treated his staff as if they were his kids. My daughters, their families, and I are beyond honored and grateful. Guy would be so humbled by this outpouring of support and for making this possible and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Commissioner Miller-Prunty responded by thanking Mrs. Borges and her family for allowing Guy to spend so much time dedicated to Cranford. Residents continued the celebration with a cocktail party organized by Martha and John Dryer, who are longtime residents of Cranford and friends of the Borges family.
