Gift shop opens to close gap on ending violence

MORRISTOWN  - Marisa Spagnoletti is on a mission to end violence, one fashionable accessory at a time.

Instead of a ceremonial ribbon, Mayor Timothy Dougherty used a bolt-cutter Saturday to cut a link chain, signifying the fight to end violence and officially opening Lucy's Gift Boutique, Spagnoletti's new shop on South Street featuring designer handbags, jewelry and accessories.

Lucy's is named after the daughter of Marisa Spagnoletti and her late husband, Maurice Spagnoletti, a prominent New Jersey banking executive who was shot and killed in Puerto Rico in 2011. That crime remains unsolved, but according to a New York Times report, some law-enforcement authorities agree with his widow that he was murdered after uncovering evidence of alleged bank fraud during the course of his job.

"Fifty-three months, later I am stepping out and feel comfortable discussing my loss and tragedy," Spagnoletti said. "My husband's crime will not go unanswered. I have been to Washington D.C. I stand with the FBI. I have become the biggest advocate against crime, all crime. My husband, the love of my life, the father of my only child, did not die in vain."

While becoming a vocal advocate against violent crime, Spagnoletti also is honoring her husband and daughter by dedicating all net profits from her boutique to the Maurice J. Spagnoletti Foundation. The foundation previously was known for its annual benefit handbag auction, but now, shoppers can purchase fashionable handbags and help the foundation do its work.

In addition to aiding crime victims through contributions to Safe in Hunterdon, a nonprofit in Flemington dedicated to helping victims of domestic and sexual abuse, the boutique and foundation will make financial contributions to P.G. Chambers School for children with disabilities in Hanover.

"My husband made a promise to Dr. John Connor, before he was so brutally gunned down, that in his lifetime he would do his small part to help," Spagnoletti said of the Morristown surgeon who has treated Lucy's medical condition.

Connor attended the chain-cutting along with local officials including Morristown Council members Rebecca Feldman and Toshiba Foster while Dougherty struggled to cut the thick chain, but eventually prevailed to cheers from the gathering of supporters and shoppers on the corner of South and Elm streets.

"It's important for you to get out message out, and the story you are telling," Dougherty told Spagnoletti. "Especially on a day after what we all witnessed in Paris last night. This is a very fitting opening because of the drive behind what this means. My hat's off to you for your drive, for your commitment to good."

"For what this store stands for, and what this owner stands for, I hope everyone can support this store," Dougherty told the crowd.

Shoppers also were invited to enjoy free food and drink, DJ music and entertainment from magician Magic Maurice of Florham Park.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.