Obituary: 25-Year Toms River Police Veteran Frederick Huffenus

A former Toms River police officer who remained active within law enforcement even after his retirement died at home on Saturday.

Born in Elizabeth, Frederick J. Huffenus, 69, became a police officer in his hometown before moving to Toms River 43 years ago and joining the township’s police force, according to his obituary.

Huffenus joined the Dover Township Police Department—before the township was known officially as Toms River—in 1970 and served until 1994, according to Chief of Police Michael Mastronardy.

After leaving Toms River’s force, Huffenus organized the Retired Elizabeth Police Officers known as the “REPO Men,” according to his obituary.

“After his retirement he remained active in the community,” the chief said. “He was always willing to help out.”

Huffens, a member of Toms River’s PBA and Fraternal Order of Police, served in the department’s Crime Prevention Unit, according to Lt. Jeffrey Lenox, who worked with Huffenus for five years.

“He was a good guy,” Lenox said. “I’d say he was a happy, personable guy. Very friendly.”

Huffenus is predeceased by his father Frederick, his mother Veronica and his brother Michael. He is survived by his wife Kate nee Flynn; his two sons Daniel and his wife Valery of Charlotte NC; Donald of Beachwood; his daughter Diane Rudd Santoriello of Toms River; and grandchildren Donald Jr., Kelsey, Matthew, Fritz, Danielle, William, Elleanor, Eric, Dylan and Veronica, according to his obituary.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Rd. Those wishing to attend Huffenus’ funeral on Wednesday are asked to arrive at the funeral home at 11:30 a.m., before the 1 p.m. service at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Toms River where he was a member, according to his obituary.

Cremation will take place at the Ocean County Memorial Park in Toms River. The family asked that contributions to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Heart Transplant Unit be made in lieu of flowers.