The marquee on the Fair Haven firehouse is once again a sign of sad news. Another Fair Haven community pillar has passed — former Police Chief and 65-year fire company member, George Chandler.

His death comes just about a year after that of his brother Chum.

A lifetime Fair Havenite also remembered for his love of family and community, George died last week on Jan. 22 at the NJ Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ. He was 92.

“God Bless you Uncle George!” his niece Carol said in her own Facebook tribute. “I know you’re happy you are at peace! You are the last (Chandler) of your generation and Chief of Fair Haven. You were such a true gentlemen, and a dedicated man who loved his community where he was born and raised. You touched alot of people! You will always hold a special place within our hearts, and you will never be forgotten! God Bless You and may you rest peacefully with the ones you loved. Gone for awhile fishing and hunting.”

George Chandler was born May 19, 1923 in Fair Haven, where he lived for most of his life. A graduate of Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School, he participated in track and football.

After high school, George served the country as a petty officer electricians mate in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He fought in the Atlantic Theater aboard the Escort Carrier Bouge, where he and his fellow sailors were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for heroism in  action against enemy submarines in the Atlantic in 1943 and 1944.

On March 10, 1945 George married the former Thelma C. Porter, of Matawan. After the war, George worked for Watson Labs in Eatontown prior to becoming a police officer for Fair Haven in 1950.

Once an officer, George rose through the ranks and became police chief in 1978. He retired from the force in 1982.

During his 32 years as a police officer, he attended numerous schools: New Jersey State Police Academy, Rutgers State University, and programs with the United States Bureau of Narcotics.

He served as chief of Fair Haven’s Juvenile Delinquency Program for 25 years.

He was a member of many organizations: The Rumson-Fair Haven P.B.A., the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Department (65 years), New Jersey Police Chief’s Association, Monmouth County Police Chief’s Association, New Jersey State Juvenile Officers Association.

He also worked with the New Jersey Lifer’s Program and the American Littoral Society.

George was also an avid hunter, fisherman, and waterman.

George was predeceased by his parents, George E. Chandler Sr. and Ethel (Cooper) Chandler, his wife Thelma (Porter) Chandler, his siblings; Elizabeth, Florence, Josephine, Vivian, Jean, Warren and Helen.

He is survived by his son, George E. Chandler III and his partner Daniel Amatuzzo, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family has requested, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: NJ Fireman’s Home 565 Lathrop Ave Boonton, NJ 07005 and the Fair Haven Fire Company 645 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704, on George Chandler’s behalf.

A visitation will take place on Friday, Jan. 29 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave Red Bank, NJ.  A funeral home service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Rose Hill Cemetery in Matawan.

Please visit George’s memorial website available at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com.

— Elaine Van Develde

— Obituary information, courtesy of John E. Day Funeral Home