LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ — Senator Carmen Amato Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre expressed their deep condolences on the passing of John C. Parker, chairman of the Ocean County Utilities Authority and former mayor of Lacey Township. A longtime public servant, Parker was remembered for his profound impact on the community and his unwavering commitment to those he represented.
“Today we lost a great man who earned the respect of so many people he interacted with during his decades of dedicated public service,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement, emphasizing Parker’s extensive knowledge and wisdom, which he consistently applied in his efforts to effectively serve the community.
Known for his tenacity and no-nonsense approach, Parker has been praised for his tireless commitment to his constituents. “To say the least, John was dogged when advocating for his constituents and had an enviable reputation for never mincing words or wasting time when an issue needed to be addressed,” the statement continued.
The MPs also spoke about their personal relationships with Parker, appreciating his friendship, support and the good advice he often gave them. “John’s good advice was always welcome and he was true to his character and always there when you needed him, no matter the situation.”
In mourning his passing, Amato, Rumpf and Myhre offered their heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Parker’s family, friends and colleagues. “John will certainly be greatly missed, but we take comfort in knowing that he had a long, full and remarkable life,” they concluded.
John C. Parker, a lifelong resident of Forked River and an outstanding figure in Ocean County history and public service, died August 22, 2024, at Southern Ocean Medical Center. He was 88 years old.
Born on February 28, 1936 to Blanche and James L. Parker, John had deep roots in the community. His family, one of the oldest Republican families in Ocean County, has maintained a tradition of public service and political involvement since 1861. John’s father, James L. Parker, was the first president of the Lacey Township Republican Club, establishing a tradition of civic engagement that John would continue.
John Parker’s early years were marked by academic and athletic excellence. After attending a local two-class school, he transferred to the Toms River School District, where he was president of his graduating class and captain of the football team. He excelled in several sports, participating in championship teams in football, baseball, basketball, flag football, and softball. John later attended the University of Maryland from 1954 to 1958, where he further honed his leadership skills. During this time, he met and married Ruth Scully, with whom he raised three children.
John Parker’s commitment to his community was evident in his long career of public service. He was instrumental in the formation of the Lacey Township Police Department and served as president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #10. His leadership was instrumental in the construction of the nuclear power plant in Lacey, a major development for the town. Parker served six terms as mayor of Lacey Township and left an indelible mark on the community. His deep appreciation for local history earned him recognition as the first Lacey Township historian by resolution, and he was a longtime member of the Ocean County and Lacey Township historical societies.
Parker served as chairman of the Ocean County Utilities Authority for over four decades and as a member of the Ocean County Finance Team for 25 years. He has also held leadership positions in several organizations, including president of Good Luck Cemetery and board members of 1st National Bank of Toms River and Citizens State Bank.
John Parker was also a successful entrepreneur and managed several business ventures in the real estate and construction sectors. He served as president of Parker Associates, South Jersey Oil Company, KC Constructors Inc., Atlantic Gravel Company and Rig & Crane Inc., whose operations extended from New Jersey to Texas and Pennsylvania.
Parker was known not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for his adventurous spirit, which led him to big game expeditions in Montana. He will be remembered by many as a devoted family man, a trusted friend, a determined leader, and a strong community figure.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Ruth I. Parker, his sister Betty Jean Miller, and his son-in-law Richard Anderson. He is survived by his son Casey Parker and his wife Lori, his daughters Cindy Anderson and Tammy Russell and her husband Timothy, seven grandchildren, Ashley Smida (Jason), Courtney Laird (Kyle), Shelby Gardner (Michael), Kendell Russell, Cally Russell, Jason Parker and Andrew Anderson (Lauren), and three great-grandchildren, Oliver, Ruby and Colter.
John C. Parker’s legacy of service, leadership and commitment to his community is treasured by all who knew him. His life is a testament to the lasting impact of dedicated public service and community involvement.
