In Memoriam: Former Longtime Popular Teacher, Fair Havenite, Fireman, Gary Verwilt, 79

Former Fair Havenite, longtime popular teacher, fireman, Charles “Gary” Verwilt, passed away peacefully, after a long battle with dementia, on Monday evening, Aug. 4, at his temporary home in Eatontown. He was 79.

“He taught in the Fair Haven School District at the former Willow Street School, now Viola L. Sickles School and Knollwood, eventually becoming best known for his engaging and enthusiastic instruction in middle school math and science. Gary was especially passionate about experiential education, and his work with the Stokes State Forest student program left a lasting impression on generations of students. Over his 31-year career in Fair Haven, he earned nicknames like ‘The Whip’ and ‘Super V,’ a testament to his memorable personality and impact in the classroom …

“Gary was deeply involved in his community. He joined the Fair Haven Fire Department in 1979, later co-chairing its Firemen’s Fair for a decade. In the early 1980s, he was elected to the Fair Haven Borough Council, where he also served as fire commissioner …

“Gary will be remembered for his love of education, service to his community, and unrelenting work ethic. His impact was felt in every classroom he taught, every organization he joined, and every friendship he nurtured.He leaves behind a legacy of public service and commitment to making the world a better place.”
Loved ones of Gary Verwilt in his obituary

More about Gary Verwilt …

Born on March 2, 1946, Gary was the son of the late Albert and Vivian Verwilt. He grew up in Highlands, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore, spending his early years enjoying boats, fishing, and duck hunting — activities that shaped his lifelong love of the outdoors.

Gary graduated from Henry Hudson Regional High School in 1964 and went on to fulfill his dream of serving in the United States Navy. A Navy veteran, Gary served on both active and reserve duty from 1963 through 1971. His military service included roles as an aircraft mechanic, flight crew plane captain, flight engineer, and flight crew evaluator aboard a Navy R5D aircraft. This service laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to discipline, teamwork, and service.

Following his time in the Navy, Gary earned a B.A. in Education from Newark State College (now Kean University) in 1971. He later received his master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Kean College of New Jersey in 1976.

Gary also worked at Long John’s restaurant in Highlands, was certified in income tax preparation — offering help mostly to friends and family — and began a successful real estate career in 1984 with McGowan Ryan Agency in Red Bank. Upon moving to Shrewsbury, Gary also served in the Shrewsbury Fire Department.

After retiring from teaching in 2002, Gary relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, where he continued his real estate career as a licensed agent and broker. He remained actively involved in civic life, serving on numerous committees and boards.

Gary was a 2011 director of the National Association of REALTORS, a 2012 Director for the Florida Association of REALTORS, and served as the 2012 president of the REALTOR Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach, Inc., following his presidency in 2011.

Throughout his real estate career, Gary earned several professional certifications, further demonstrating his commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. He concluded his successful real estate career working with J. Jones & Co Realty, where he was respected for his professionalism, mentorship, and dedication to the industry.

“Never one to sit still, Gary continued his passion for service and boats” by becoming a member of Flotilla 9-10, Ft. Myers/Cape Coral of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He achieved multiple qualifications, including Boat Crew Member, Vessel Examiner, ATON (Aid to Navigation) Verifier and Flotilla Staff Officer. He proudly served his community by patrolling local waters and supporting maritime safety efforts.

Gary is predeceased by: his sister, Lorelei; and his parents, Albert and Vivian.

He is survived by: his daughters, Samantha Verwilt and Jessica Cardoza and their families, including five grandchildren, Kevin and Tyler Terhune, and Douglas, Nicholas, and Meghan Cardoza, and two great grandchildren; his niece, Allison McGoughran, and her family, including two nephews and a niece, three great-nephews and two great-nieces; his sister’s grandchildren, including two nieces and two nephews, two great-nieces and a great-nephew and his former wife and lifelong friend, Susan Wikoff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bright Focus Foundation, Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871 as a memorial in his name or click here.

A service is set for today, Monday, Aug. 11, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Posten-McGinley Funeral Home, 59 East Lincoln Ave., Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect will feature a special tribute to Gary in the near future.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Posten-McGinley Funeral Home