Lacey Township Names John Parker Honorary Mayor For 2021

LACEY, NJ — John Parker served as mayor of Lacey Township for the town's 100th anniversary in 1971, and again in 1996 for the 125th anniversary.

In keeping with tradition, Parker, 85, was named honorary mayor of Lacey Township for the town's 150th anniversary.

“John C. Parker has given several decades of exemplary service to this township of Lacey and has been instrumental in the economic growth of the township as committeeman,” Mayor Peter Curatolo said during a committee meeting on March 11.

Parker was honored during the meeting with his friends and family in attendance.

“This is a hell of an honor for me, but it wouldn’t amount to anything if it wasn’t for my family being here and my friends being here because that’s what it’s all about,” Parker said. “As you all know, I love politics and I expect to stay in as long as I can. I love to help my friends. I love to help young people along.”

According to Curatolo’s proclamation, Parker was born in Forked River on Feb. 28 in 1936. He attended the two-room elementary school, now known as the Old Schoolhouse Museum, on Main Street.

After he graduated from the University of Maryland in 1958, Parker married his high school sweetheart Ruth Scully. They built their first home in Forked River, where they raised three children. Parker now has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He helped establish the Lacey Township Police Department and rose through the ranks from officer to sergeant.

Parker was mayor of Lacey Township six times throughout his career. He has also served on the township's zoning and planning boards.

He is a founding member of the Lacey Municipal Utilities Authority and the environmental committee. He currently serves as chairman of the Ocean County Utilities Authority.

Parker is also Lacey Township’s official historian.

"The citizens of Lacey desire to recognize, honor and express their pride and appreciation to John C. Parker for the numerous community contributions and commitments to the township of Lacey as a leader in service, dedication and commitment to our community," Curatolo said.

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