For further information, contact:
Jennifer Poppy
South Brunswick Township
Public Affairs
732-329-4000, ext. 7275
SOUTH BRUNSWICK HONORS WORLD WAR II NAVY VETERANS HERBERT & SHIRLEY TAINOW WITH STREET DEDICATION
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Oct. 27)— South Brunswick Township dedicated Tainow Lane at the intersection of Kendall Road and Leahy Road in honor of Aviation Radioman First Class Herbert Tainow and Specialist Third Class Shirley Tainow, decorated World War II United States Navy veterans and longtime Kendall Park residents.
Herbert and Shirley Tainow’s family—including their son, Bert Tainow, with his wife Donna; grandchildren Mark, Jill, and Krystal; and great-grandchildren—joined Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilmembers Jo Hochman, Archana “Ann” Grover, and Patty Germain, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, representatives of local veterans’ organizations including the VFW and American Legion, members of the South Brunswick Police Department and Honor Guard, and community residents for the ceremony honoring their military service and legacy. Their grandson, Jesse, who is currently deployed in service to our country, was recognized in spirit during the ceremony.
The commemorative street sign was unveiled as part of the Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, which inscribes the names of wartime veterans on secondary street signs along existing municipal roads to ensure their service and sacrifice inspire future generations.
Born in Newark in 1925, Herbert Tainow entered the United States Navy on November 18, 1942. During World War II, he served with distinction as an Aviation Radioman First Class and operational aircrewman—taking on vital roles as belly gunner, radioman, and bombardier aboard Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bombers assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CV 38). He was honorably discharged on February 13, 1946. For his exemplary service, Aviation Radioman First Class Tainow was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Also born in Newark in 1925, Shirley Tainow entered the United States Navy WAVES on March 8, 1945. She served with distinction as a Specialist (International Business Machine Operator) Third Class stationed at Headquarters, Eleventh Naval District in San Diego, California, during World War II. She was honorably discharged on February 22, 1946, and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal for her exemplary service.
Following their military discharge, Herbert and Shirley Tainow became longtime residents of Kendall Park on Kendall Road, raising their family and leaving behind a proud legacy of service, civic dedication, and personal integrity. Following her service, Shirley went on to teach as a computer science professor at Middlesex County College. Their son, Bert, continues to reside in the family home today.
“Tainow Lane will carry two names, a husband and wife who both served in the Navy in World War II and then built a life here,” Mayor Charlie Carley said. “Every neighbor who turns at Leahy Road will see that sign, and some will ask who they were. Now we can tell them.”
The ceremony featured opening remarks from Public Affairs Coordinator Jennifer “Jen” Poppy, the Pledge of Allegiance and military history presented by VFW Post Commander Scott Weyd, and the official council resolution reading by Councilwoman Patty Germain. Remarks were shared by their son, Bert Tainow, before their grandson, Mark Tainow, unveiled the new street sign. Bert Tainow nominated his parents for the program.
For more information about South Brunswick Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, visit southbrunswicknj.gov/public-relations/veteran-street-sign/
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