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Leroy Smith
Business Partner of the Year Award
Leroy Smith is the owner and operator of Leroy Smith General Construction and Leroy Smith Painting Contractors.
Born and raised in Ringwood, New Jersey, Leroy began his career in 1981 with Hilltop Painting while also working alongside his father and uncle, where he developed a strong foundation in construction. After several years, he joined a large commercial contracting company, gaining invaluable, hands-on experience in metal stud framing, sheetrock, spackling, and drop ceilings.
In 1986, he founded his own businesses, Leroy Smith General Construction and Leroy Smith Painting Contractors.
After moving to Butler, New Jersey, Leroy built a loyal client base through projects in Kinnelon and Mountain Lakes.
In 1996, he was encouraged to bid on a project for the Department of Persons with Disabilities in Pompton Lakes. He won the bid for what is now known as Fitzpatrick House, beginning a long and meaningful partnership.
For the past 30 years, Leroy has been a valued partner of DPD and Catholic Charities, completing numerous projects while building lasting relationships with staff and residents alike.
Leroy now resides in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, where the Department of Persons with Disabilities maintains its main offices.
Over the last three decades, he has had the opportunity to work with many clients and staff and contribute to a wide range of meaningful projects.
His longstanding commitment, craftsmanship, and generosity have made him a trusted friend to the organization and a most deserving recipient of this honor.
Lucy Del Gaudio
Veteran Partner of the Year Award
Lucy Del Gaudio is a United States Army Veteran and a lifelong advocate for veterans’ rights and recognition, both in New Jersey and across the country. A native of New Jersey, Lucy currently serves as the Women Veterans Coordinator for the newly formed New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. She previously served as Program Coordinator for YWCA Northern New Jersey’s Operation Sisterhood; a comprehensive initiative designed to support women veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life.
In 2019, while serving as Chair of the New Jersey SOS Veterans Stakeholders Women Subcommittee, Lucy was a key player in the successful designation of June 12th as Women Veterans Appreciation Day in New Jersey. With the leadership of Minority Veterans of America, they brought in the state’s efforts to recognize September 20th as LGBTQ Veterans Day, honoring those affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. In addition to her statewide advocacy, Lucy serves as the Chair of the Essex County Veterans Advisory Board, where she continues to lead efforts to support and empower local veterans through community outreach and engagement.
Beyond her professional roles, Lucy is a dedicated volunteer and national advocate. She works with Minority Veterans of America, The Pink Berets, and was a prominent voice in the #MeTooMilitary movement, which emerged in the wake of Specialist Vanessa Guillen’s death. Lucy testified before the House Armed Services Committee on July 29, 2020, during the landmark hearing, The Military MeToo Movement. Her advocacy was featured in the Netflix documentary “I Am Vanessa Guillen.”
In recognition of her leadership and service, Lucy was appointed by VA Secretary Denis McDonough to the VA’s Workgroup on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault. She served as a subject matter expert for the Department of Defenses’ Independent Review Commission (IRC) on Sexual Assault in the Military in 2021. She was also appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to the New Jersey Commission on Women Veterans. In March 2024, she was inducted into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame.
Lucy lives in Essex County, New Jersey, with her husband and four children and is a proud grandmother. She currently pursuing her BA at FDU Metro Campus. Her life’s work continues to center on honoring and uplifting those who have served.