Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :
Remembering Mary Jane Celli: Long Branch Mourns the Loss of a Community Advocate
Long Branch is mourning the loss of Mary Jane Celli, the city’s longest-serving City Council member. Flags will fly at half-mast for the rest of the month in honor of this remarkable woman who passed away at the age of 90.
Celli first joined the City Council in 1994 during a challenging time in Long Branch’s political history. She went on to be re-elected seven times, serving under two different mayors. Her dedication to the city and its residents was unwavering, earning her the title of the longest-serving councilwoman in Long Branch’s history.
But Mary Jane Celli was more than just a councilwoman. She was a beloved community advocate, mentor, and role model. Her commitment to Long Branch was evident in everything she did, from her military service in the U.S. Air Force to her civilian career at Fort Monmouth, where she worked for 34 years before retiring in 1994.
Celli’s impact extended beyond her role in local government. She was a parent, a Cub Scouts leader, and a lifelong learner who pursued education late in life, earning a doctorate in public education from Temple University in 1988. She served on multiple local boards and was an honorary member of several fire companies, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.
As the city prepares to say goodbye to Mary Jane Celli, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired her. Her dedication, knowledge, and love for Long Branch will be deeply missed. The visitation service and mass will be held in her honor, and the city will soon appoint a new council member to continue her work.
Rest in peace, Mary Jane Celli. Your impact on Long Branch will never be forgotten.
Long Branch Councilwoman Mary Jane Celli dies at 90
Who was Mary Jane Celli?
Mary Jane Celli was the longest serving member of the City Council in Long Branch, who passed away at the age of 90. She was first elected to the council in 1994 and was subsequently re-elected seven times, serving during the administrations of former Mayor Adam Schneider and current Mayor John Pallone.
She was much more than a councilwoman, wearing many hats in the community. She was a beloved community advocate, mentor, and a role model to many elected officials and community members over the years because of her knowledge and love for the city.
What were Mary Jane Celli’s achievements?
Celli was a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force before starting her civilian career at Fort Monmouth in 1960. She worked there for 34 years and retired in 1994, holding various leadership positions. She was also awarded the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for her contributions.
She was a dedicated member of the community, serving on various local boards and being an honorary member of multiple local fire companies. Her passing was a big loss for the city, leaving a void in many hearts.
What was Mary Jane Celli’s impact on the community?
Celli and her late husband Michael ran an antiques boutique and raised a son who is now a municipal court judge. She was actively involved in the community, serving as a Cub Scouts leader and participating in various educational pursuits.
She will be deeply missed by those who knew her, as she was a godsend to many. Her legacy as a dedicated community advocate and leader will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
What is the legacy left behind by Mary Jane Celli?
Celli’s impact on the Long Branch community will be remembered for years to come. Her dedication to public service, her leadership roles, and her mentorship of others have left a lasting impression on the city.
As the city mourns her passing, it will also need to find a suitable replacement to fill the remaining term of her council seat. Her absence will be felt by all who knew her, but her memory will continue to inspire future generations.