Retired Point Pleasant Beach Police Chief Dies

Retired Point Pleasant Beach Police Chief John McGary, who worked for the town for 33 years before retiring in 2002, has died, the police department announced.

"It's with deep regret we announce the passing of retired Chief of Police John McGary. Chief McGary worked for the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach for 33 years before retiring in 2002. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers," the department said.

McGary, 72, of Point Pleasant Beach passed away on Friday, according to his Pable-Evertz Funeral Home obituary.

Born in Jersey City, he lived in Point Pleasant Beach for more than 50 years.

John was a United States Army veteran and was stationed in Berlin, Germany where he served with the 78th ASA SOU, according to the obituary.

After discharge from the Army, he was sworn in to the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department on New Year’s Day, 1970.

After the attacks of 9/11, John came out of retirement to work as a private contractor with DynCorp. He helped establish a training program for Iraqi police in Baghdad, Erbil and Karbala. He suffered head injuries when a truck bomb exploded outside his hotel days before his return home, according to the obituary.

He was a skilled baseball player, even signing a contract with the San Francisco Giants organization, but opting to enlist in the Army instead, according to his obituary. He also bowled, played softball, and was an avid Jets and Mets fan

John became a converted Giants fan by proxy, and was a front row New York Giants season ticket holder.

John loved animals and the many cats he “fathered” over the years. He also was an active member of the Point Pleasant First Aid and Emergency Squad, Point Pleasant Beach, according to the obituary.

"Most importantly, John was the person who always helped anyone in need, quietly and with no fanfare. He will be dearly missed by all those who loved him," according to the obituary.

He was predeceased by his mother, Katherine Louise Smith; and sister, Elizabeth “TD” Poss.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Barbara (Toth) McGary; his son, John P. McGary and his partner, Shannon Atkins of Saint Johns, FL; and his daughter, Kelly McGary and her husband, Steve Horan of Tampa, FL.

Also surviving are his brother, Benjamin Salzano; two sisters, Georgeann “Sue”Wagner and Michele Forsberg; and two grandsons, Will and Ben, who called him, “Gramps.” Additionally, he leaves behind six feline companions, Ricky, Decker, Fat Batman, Little Batman, Lucy, and Higgins; and many dear friends.

Memorial visitation was from from 2 – 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 18 at the Pable Evertz Funeral Home of Point Pleasant, 901 Beaver Dam Road, where at 5 p.m. a service was held.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his memory to the Point Pleasant First Aid and Emergency Squad, 611 Laurel Ave., PO Box 1744, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 www.pointbeachems.org