County Recognizes 'True Montclair Treasure'

For 17 years, Deanna London’s name was synonymous with the Human Needs Food Pantry.

The longtime executive director of the pantry was called a “true Montclair treasure” by District 5 Freeholder Brendan Gil last month when he presented her with a commendation from the Freeholder Board for her service.

London retired in March after working at Human Needs for 25 years, first as a volunteer, then as a paid part-time employee and finally, since 1996, as the pantry’s executive director.

Her responsibilities included everything from community relations to client outreach to maintenance of the building, located at 9 Label St.

“I think I probably got more out of the work I did than the people I helped,” London said, “because there’s nothing better than going home at night knowing that you didn’t just take up space — that you helped somebody and did something.” 

London told the Freeholder Board, “Whenever anyone asked what my greatest wish for the Pantry was, I always told them it was that it go out of business — but that’s just not going to happen because there are so many people who need help, more now than ever.”   

London was born in Brooklyn and earned a bachelor’s in political science from the Manhattan Campus of SUNY. She has lived in Glen Ridge with her husband, Vincent D’Amico, for 32 years.

Established in 1982, the Human Needs Food Pantry has helped provide meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, non-perishables, as well instant formula, baby food and diapers for parents with infants, to local families in need. 

The pantry also works with Mountainside Hospital to provide clothing, housewares and medical screenings.