Beloved Basking Ridge Bike Shop Owner Dies At 56

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Greg Cordasco was loved far and wide — from those across the cycling community to right here in his hometown of Basking Ridge.

Cordasco, 56, tragically died on April 24 of Glioblastoma, the same type of brain cancer that Sen. John McCain died of recently.

"We learn something from almost everyone we spend time with in life, but there are a handful of people in a lifetime who shape and leave an indelible mark on who we are. Greg Cordasco was one of those people," said Kevin Liguori, an employee of Liberty Cycle.

Cordasco was co-owner of Liberty Cycle off South Maple Avenue and was well-known for being an award-winning competitive cyclist. In 2017, he was the national champion in the Individual Pursuit Men's Master age 55-59 for the USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships.

He also brought cycling events to the Bernards Township community such as The National Criterium Calendar (NCC) BaseCamp International race.

Cordasco was the impetus behind the BaseCamp International race. The New Jersey cycling club he founded over two decades ago had grown to more than 200 participants in 2013, making it one of the largest bike clubs in the U.S. With cycling as a way of life, the task of bringing a professional race to the community was a work of passion, he said. (See Related: International Bike Race Returns Thursday in Basking Ridge)

"Today my man crush became an angel. Greg I will celebrate your life by smiling more and hugging longer. Just like you always did. You were a fantastic father and friend," stated Gary Thornton on Facebook.

Many took to social media to share their condolences of Cordasco:

The Bernards Township Police Benevolent Association noted how Cordasco was "a huge supporter of our PBA and a great supporter of Bernards Township. You will be missed our friend."

Cordasco leaves behind his wife, Ingrid and three children.

A service to celebrate his life is being planned, according to tapinto.net.

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