Late Wednesday afternoon, River Edge Democratic candidate Robert Levine announced that he is dropping his campaign bid for one of the open borough council seats this November. 

“I enjoyed being a part of the River Edge community and I wanted to give back by serving on the borough council," Levine said. "Unfortunately, due to recent family circumstances, I have withdrawn my name from this year’s council campaign. I want to thank Mayor  Sandy Moscaritolo and my running mate Vito Acquafredda for their continued guidance and understanding in this matter. I would also like to thank all the residents who have supported me and my candidacy”.

During the June primary, Levine was the second highest vote-recipient among the pack of candidates. He received 252 votes and his running mate at the time Vito Acquafredda by four votes. Their Republicans opponents incumbent Paul Cordts and Anthony Cappola garnered 210 and 215 votes respectively.

Levine, who is the borough's National Organization Disability representative, was previously honored as the July 4 Grand Marshallas well as being among the World War II heroes honored at the French Consulate in Manhattan on the 65th anniversary of V-E Day — the day Germany surrendered to the Allies.

Levine, at age 19, was a mortar gunner with the 90th Infantry Division that landed at Normandy's Utah Beach. He was later captured by German soldiers at Foret de Mont Castre; injured during the battle he had his right leg amputated just below the knee.

His withdrawal from the November race was submitted to the Clerk's office in River Edge and Bergen County on July 23 but was not official until Wednesday.

The County and River Edge Democractic Committees will next choose a replacement candidate for the November election.

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