Beloved County Freeholder Passes Away

The symbolic ribbon cutting to officially reopen Berkeley Island County Park. From left, Berkeley Councilman James Byrnes, Pine Beach Mayor Lawrence Cuneo, Freeholders Virginia Haines and John Bartlett, Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato, Freeholders Gerry Little and Joseph Vicari, and Beachwood Mayor Ron Roma. (Photo by Jennifer Peacock)

OCEAN COUNTY – There was no mistaking what John Bartlett loved, even if you only knew him professionally.

He loved Ocean County Parks.

He loved Ocean County College.

He loved finding ways to save taxpayer money and get other organizations and agencies to help bear the financial burden.

He disliked the roads in Monmouth County.

He loved his family. He loved his fellow Freeholders and county employees, and when you listened to them all speak, you knew John Bartlett considered them family too.

A lifelong resident, he loved Ocean County.

Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. (Photo by Jennifer Peacock)

He was a mentor and friend to so many, and when John Bartlett said something, he meant it.

The county on Wednesday lost a man who loved it so very much.

The details are few right now, but it was reported that John C. Bartlett Jr. died early Wednesday morning. The longest-serving county Freeholder in the State of New Jersey was 71.

Jersey Shore Online extends its deepest sympathies to the Bartlett and Ocean County families at Mr. Bartlett’s loss.

Look for more coverage on the legacy of Mr. Bartlett in the coming days.