The complex problems of the Passaic River Watershed have occupied Dr. Ella Filippone of Basking Ridge for nearly 40 years. From flood control to managing ground water supplies to removing decades of industrial pollution from the Passaic’s waters, she has actively participated in federal and state initiatives to preserve the watershed. Nearly two million New Jersey residents live within a mile of the river, which traverses four counties and 14 municipalities. Dr. Filippone continues working to make her vision of a clean, environmentally healthy Passaic River a reality to be enjoyed by all New Jerseyans. Ella Filippone, the founder and long-time Executive Director of PRC, in connection with its mission to acquire, preserve, and protect land within the Passaic River watershed in northern New Jersey, and whose vision and dedication made the organization a tremendous success and laid the groundwork for the next generation of conservation and watershed protection in the many New Jersey communities touched by the Passaic River. While Executive Director for the Passaic River Coalition, Ella Filippone passed away suddenly on June 21, 2013. She leaves behind a loving family, a flourishing Coalition dedicated to improving our environment, and a legacy that the state of New Jersey can never forget. In the 43 years that Ella strove to protect the Passaic River Watershed, she was able to save over 1,500 acres of land that generations of New Jerseyans will be able to enjoy and cherish as she did. The quality of our watershed owes much to NJ’s early environmental pioneer.