Ernest J. Jolley

Ernest J. Jolley 84, former Mayor of Monroe Township died Tuesday January 17th at Centrastate Medical Center, Freehold.

Mr. Jolly was raised by his grandparents Ernest and Ella Reid and was a lifelong resident of Monroe Township.

He was employed for over 40 years as a buyer for the Delco Remy Corp., New Brunswick, retiring in 1994. He was the recipient of the General Motors National Award of Excellence in Community Activity.

Mr. Jolley was a Navy veteran during the Korean War, attaining the rank of TE3.

He was the Mayor of Monroe Township during the 1960's, Chairman of the Monroe Township Planning Board, the Police Commissioner in Monroe Township who initiated a full time police force, charter member of the Monroe Area Historical Assn. and a member of the Monroe Township Industrial Advisory Commission.

Mr. Jolley was a past president of the Jaycees Chapter, Monroe Township and past vice president of the NJ State Jaycees.

He a charter member of the Jamesburg Library Assn. and ran many of their charity ball fund raisers.

He ran the fishing derbies at Thompson Park and in the 1960's ran the 4th of July fireworks displays.

He was a former member of the Elks Lodge #2180 in Jamesburg, a charter member of the Briar Park Gun Club and a committeeman for Boy Scout Troop 16, Monroe Township.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #127, Jamesburg and a former member of the Old Bridge American Legion Post.

He and his wife spent winters in Lion Country Safari KOA Campgrounds, West Palm Beach, Florida where he became the Activities Director.

Mr. Jolley was a re-enactor at Revolutionary War and Civil War Re-enactments.

He enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and many foreign countries including Australia.

He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Forgione.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years Rose Ann Payton Jolley, his sons Alan and Michael, both of Monroe Township, his daughter Carol Sarik of Bethlehem, PA, and his brothers Carlton of Monroe Township Denis of Hartsville, Missouri.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday January 21st at the Lester Memorial Home.

Burial will be in Old Tennent Cemetery, Manalapan.

Visiting hours for family and friends will be Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Saturday 9-10 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Mr. Jolley may be made to the Cleveland Clinic for Parkinson's Research at giving.clevelandclinic.org.