Harvey F. Morrell Jr., Howell's First Police Chief, Dies At 87

HOWELL, NJ -- Harvey F. Morrell Jr., who was Howell's first police chief and later its first elected mayor, died Wednesday at home surrounded by family. He was 87.

Funeral services, through Clayton and McGirr Funeral Home, are Monday and Tuesday.

A native of Matawan, Harvey married Frances Jean Cashill in 1959 and later settled in Howell. His life’s journey was one of distinction and accomplishment.

Harvey served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949 to 1953. Following his honorable discharge, Harvey began his police career with the Borough of Matawan in 1957, where he rose to the rank of captain. In 1971 he was hired as the first chief of police in Howell Township, where he served as the only officer at the time. He later served as the Public Safety Director in the municipalities of Colts Neck and Allentown. He also was the first elected mayor of Howell Township, serving from 1993 to 1997.

Harvey received an associate's degree from Ocean County College, a bachelor's degree from Stockton University, and a master's degree from Rider University. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 116th National Academy Class.

Always active in his community, he started North Howell Little League where he coached his son, and was a member of the Howell Rotary Club, the Howell Chamber of Commerce, and the Howell Republican Club. Harvey was also involved in the United Methodist Church in Matawan and later Farmingdale.

He was past president and member of the executive board of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association, as well as their oldest retired police chief. He taught at Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Police Academy.

Harvey considered his life to be blessed, both personally and professionally. Quality time with his family was always a priority. Harvey took his family on a cross-county trip to California in 1977 visiting many attractions along the way. Yearly vacations to Myrtle Beach created loving family memories. He also spent many hours volunteering for his children’s school events. On any given day, you could find Harvey with his grandchildren, laying on the floor building houses out of Lincoln Logs, sitting at the table enjoying a bowl of ice cream or playing Pac-Man.

Father’s Day kickball games, after lunch naps in his blue chair, and pizza parties were enjoyed by Harvey and his grandchildren. His home was also always open to neighbors, friends, and anyone needing a listening ear – Harvey was known to listen, share stories, and provide guidance.

Through all his years of dedicated service and community involvement, Harvey’s family was his greatest accomplishment and his love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was all-encompassing.

Harvey was predeceased by his wife, soulmate and love of his life, Frances Jean Morrell, whose absence from his life left a void that could not be filled. He leaves behind his children, Sharon Amalfa and her husband, Michael; Linda Dugan and her husband, Glenn; Barbara Kudrick and her husband, Andrew; Jeffrey Morrell and his wife, Tammy; and Jennifer Morrell and Raymond Manfra. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Jaime Player and her husband, Gregory; Jeremy Amalfa; Stephanie Mascolo and her husband, Dominic; Scott, Kathleen, and Erica Dugan; Evan, Rosalena, and Anthony Morrell; Tyler Kudrick, and Amanda Morrell; two great-grandchildren, Emilia Jean and Gerard William; a sister, Shirley Akins and her husband, Jim; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, March 26, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Old Tennent Cemetery, Manalapan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harvey’s name may be made to the Frances Jean Morrell Scholarship, Post Office Box 209, Adelphia, NJ 07710. For information, directions or to offer condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.

Photo via Howell Township Police