John Armellino was a decorated World War II veteran who lost a leg in service with the U.S. Army. Armellino entered Hudson County, New Jersey politics in the years after World War II. He served many years as both a West New York freeholder and mayor. He accomplished many civic goals such as building a new high school and a new grade school. In May 1970 Armellino was indicted with several New Jersey mobsters, and charged with allowing illegal gambling to flourish in West New York.