Ramsey: Don Bosco Prep Announces New President

(Ramsey, NJ – May 9) – Don Bosco Prep has announced that Mr. Robert Fazio, P'07, will be retiring as president, after a 45-year career in education and administration, effective December 31, 2022. We are pleased to share that Mr. Joseph Azzolino ‘88, P’19, principal, will then assume the role of president.

“Words cannot adequately express the tremendous gift that Bob Fazio has been as the first lay president of Don Bosco Prep,” said Ramsey Director Fr. Abraham Feliciano, SDB. “His contributions to our school community and Salesian education will reverberate for years to come. Once more, the Holy Spirit blesses our school with Joe Azzolino, alumnus and parent, succeeding Bob in the role of president. Joe’s enthusiasm, vision, experience and genuine love for Don Bosco’s mission to the young, have Don Bosco Prep poised to continue pioneering Catholic, Salesian education in northern Bergen County and beyond.”

“The Board of Trustees of Don Bosco Prep would like to take a moment to thank our first lay president, Bob Fazio, for a tremendous partnership and leadership during unprecedented times,” said Board of Trustees Chairman James P. Fortescue ‘91. “President Fazio and his entire administration, faculty, parents, and students demonstrated great strength and determination during these challenging times, and the school can proudly say it remained open and operational, while improving the entire plant and offering to all that call Don Bosco home. It is now incumbent upon all of the constituents to lay out a strong plan going forward and ensure a seamless transition from President Fazio to President alumnus Joe Azzolino. We are extremely proud to call both these leaders Don Bosco Ironmen and look forward to a bright future.” 

Mr. Azzolino is a graduate of Don Bosco Prep’s class of 1988. He earned his undergraduate degree from Davidson College, and his graduate degree from Saint Peter’s College. He worked at Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi, NJ from 1995-2021, most recently as president/principal for 11 years. 

“The Don Bosco community is blessed to have such an accomplished and passionate leader in Joe Azzolino to accept the role as our next President,” said Board of Trustees Vice Chair Enrico Gaglioti ‘89, P’23, ‘25. “With three generations of Ironmen in his family, as well as over 28 years of educational experience, we are extremely fortunate to have his leadership and love for Don Bosco Prep to help guide the school for years to come.” 

In 2021, Mr. Azzolino was named principal of Don Bosco Prep. He will begin his role of president on January 1, 2023, as Mr. Fazio continues his tenure through the end of the year. “I want to thank the Salesian Community and the Board of Trustees for having the confidence in me to lead this institution that we all love,” said Azzolino. “I am beyond blessed to be afforded this opportunity as I partner with all facets of the Don Bosco Prep community as we continue to grow spiritually, academically and athletically.”  

A search for the principal’s position will begin immediately.