Obituaries

In Memoriam: Fourth-Generation Rumsonite, Former Borough Administrator, Public Servant, Gary Sammon, 77

Rumson is in mourning for a longtime resident and public servant whom many credit for making the borough what it is today.

Fourth-generation Rumsonite and former Borough Administrator Gary Sammon passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Aug. 2, surrounded by loving family that cared for him over the last year. He was 77.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, burial will be private, admitting immediate family only. However, those wishing to pay respects to Gary may be present at a drive-by procession that will pass Rumson Borough Hall on Thursday, Aug. 6 between 10:45 and 11 a.m.. All participants are asked to social distance.

Please come out and show your support to Gary’s family for making Rumson what it is today.

“His willingness to help and go the extra mile made Gary very popular with residents and co-workers. During the more than three decades of service, Gary’s impact on the town of Rumson was immeasurable.

“One proud accomplishment was the creation of Meadowridge Park, when the town desperately needed playing fields. Upon his retirement, Gary’s response was ‘I’ve been so blessed to live and work in this town.’

“Gary was a selfless, funny, kind hearted, generous person who cared deeply about his family and his friends. While Gary enjoyed playing golf, attending Giants football games, and carving out time for lunch with friends, his greatest joy was devoting time to his nephew Shane and nieces Jill and Lynn. He never missed their sporting events and could always be found standing in the bleachers filming the games. Gary will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.”

Loved ones of Gary Sammon in his obituary

He earned a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration with minors in Accounting and Economics. Gary began serving the town of Rumson in 1970 when he was hired as the Assistant Borough Administrator. He held that position for more than seven years, under the guidance of Borough Administrator Art Kerr.

Born in what was formerly Riverview Hospital, Red Bank, on July 7, 1943 to John J. Sammon and Alma N. Sammon, Gary attended Holy Cross Elementary School and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) in 1962. Gary attended Monmouth College, becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college in 1967.

In 1977, until his retirement in 2004, Gary served as borough administrator, clerk, secretary to the borough Planning Board, Zoning Board and Registrar for Vital Statistics.

“Gary was exceptional when dealing with people; and, developed his outstanding public relations skills with Rumson residents at an early age while working at the Rumson Pharmacy,” his his obituary commentary said. “His ability to communicate, problem solve and deal with the public, made Gary an ideal fit for serving the townspeople of Rumson.“

Gary was predeceased by: his father, John J. Sammon (1986), and his mother, Alma N. Sammon (1994).

He is survived by: his sister, Sharon S. Fallon and brother-in-law, George D. Fallon; his nephew, Shane D. Fallon and his wife, Lisa A. Fallon; his niece, Jill J. Fallon; and his niece, Lynn F. Campanella and her husband, Bob Campanella; grandnieces and grandnephews, Julianna Fallon, Matthew Fallon, Meghan Donovan, Ryan Donovan, Sean Campanella and Peyton Campanella.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brendan Mulholland, the Visiting Nurses Association (Hospice) and Twin Lights Homecare for the care and assistance they provided for Gary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in J. Gary Sammon’s name to any of the following: Rumson First Aid Squad, Rumson Police Department, Oceanic Fire Company or Rumson Fire Company.

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