TOMS RIVER – The legacy of Thomas F. Kelaher will long be remembered. The former Township mayor and Ocean County Prosecutor died on February 21.
Many knew him also as being a good friend and honorable man who wished to do well for his community and country.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners recognized Kelaher’s public service and legacy during a recent pre-board meeting. Flags will be flown at half-staff for one week starting Friday, February 26 over Ocean County Government buildings to honor his memory.
Kelaher dedicated his adult life to helping others and creating a better quality of life for everyone.
Gary Quinn, the director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners said Kelaher’s “legacy will carry on for years to come. He was a man with a heart that genuinely cared about people.
I want to extend our appreciation also to his wife Carol and his entire family who shared Tom with us for all of these years.”
“His family truly supported his public service,” Quinn added.
Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly recalled his days working closely with Kelaher when he served as Ocean County Presectuor from 2002-2007. Kelly serves as Director of Law and Public Safety.
Kelly noted that Kelaher “brought boundless energy and years of knowledge and professionalism to the office. He was caring and compassionate about the public he served. His work exemplified the definition of character.”
“As Prosecutor, Kelaher cared about the victims of crime and was fair. He was a remarkable man that led a remarkable life,” Kelly added.
Kelaher was also a 28-year veteran of the United States Marines and had served as the Mayor of Toms River Township for 12 years. He also served as an assistant prosecutor from 1968 to 1974.
Throughout his career Kelaher was affiliated with many charitable organizations working to always improve his community and to make better the quality of life for all residents.
Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari said, “I will always cherish the longtime friendship I had with Tom Kelaher.”
Vicari, who had also served as Mayor of Toms River (formerly) Township added, “our families go back many years. We followed similar paths. We are both from Jersey City and attended St. Peter’s College Tom had a wonderful sense of humor. We miss you Tom Kelaher.”
Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines recalled Kelaher’s work as a Republican State Committeeman. “Tom was a great man who dedicated himself not only to the people of Toms River but also to the people of Ocean County while serving as Republican State Committeeman.”
“He will long be remembered for his great service and dedication,” she added.
Commissioner Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau, spoke about Kelaher’s military service that included spending a total of 28 years of active and reserve-duty in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Kelaher retired in 1979 as a lieutenant colonel.
“Tom Kelaher served our country with great pride. His far-reaching commitment to public service has left an indelible mark. Ocean County will truly miss Tom Kelaher,” Little said.
