Every September 11, Mantua Township residents gather at Chestnut Branch Park to honor the 25‑year anniversary of the attacks that reshaped the nation. The ceremony centers on three commemorative plaques, one of which bears the name of John Rodak, a local firefighter who gave his life on that day.
Turning grief into service
Joyce Rodka, now a mother of two grown daughters, recalls the shock of losing her husband and the overwhelming support her family received after the tragedy. “Sometimes the pain is still overwhelming,” she says, acknowledging that the memory of that day remains vivid.
Rather than let sorrow linger, Rodka founded JR’s Angels, a nonprofit named for her husband. The organization provides assistance to families who have suffered catastrophic loss and extends help to a range of community causes throughout the year, including veterans’ groups, food banks, special‑needs programs and addiction‑recovery services.
Scholarship in memory of a beloved sister
Another family has chosen education as a way to keep a loved one’s legacy alive. Danielle Kousoulis, a 29‑year‑old Villanova graduate who perished in the attacks, is remembered through the Danielle Kousoulis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Her sister, Eleni Kousoulis, describes Danielle as “fun, warm, and engaging,” noting the many milestones the younger sister missed.
The scholarship supports seniors at Haddon Township High School—Danielle’s alma mater—as well as students affiliated with St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church and the Hellenic University Club. To date, the fund has awarded close to $100,000 in scholarships, and the family hopes the amount will continue to grow.
How to help
Both JR’s Angels and the Danielle Kousoulis Memorial Scholarship Fund illustrate how 9/11 families are channeling loss into hope for others. Residents who wish to contribute can visit the Action News nonprofit list, which includes the scholarship fund and other charitable groups supporting 9/11 families and first responders.
These grassroots efforts underscore a broader truth: the resilience and generosity that followed the attacks remain alive in New Jersey’s neighborhoods. By honoring the past and investing in the future, these families embody the spirit of service that defines the community.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
