An Ocean County community is mourning the loss of former prosecutor and Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher, who died Sunday at the age of 88.

In the mid-2000s, Kelaher served as the Ocean County prosecutor for five years and then served as the mayor of Toms River from 2008 until his retirement in 2020 – all while he was in his 70s and 80s.

Kelaher joined the Marine Corps. from 1951 to 1979. He practiced law for nearly 50 years. But his biggest test came after Superstorm Sandy, which devastated parts of Toms River.

“He truly was the glue that held the pot together in Toms River during Sandy. Along with the administration. He truly, truly was a great human being and a wonderful person. He is going to be missed,” says Toms River OEM Coordinator Paul Daley.

Kelaher and his wife Carol would often be spotted at the Crystal Diner in town before starting off his day.

He leaves behind four children and eight grandchildren.