Ex-Woodbridge Mayor Hurt, Wife Dies In Garden State Parkway Crash

WOODBRIDGE – They were the first family of Woodbridge. And many were taking time to pay respects following a tragic accident.

The wife of a former mayor, Margaret Cerria, 84, of Lakewood, was killed in the crash in Holmdel on Friday, according to the State Police.

Philip Cerria, 85, of Lakewood, who served as mayor of Woodbridge from 1984 to 1987, was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. His injuries were not immediately known.

The couple's daughter, Margaret Truppa, is the principal of Menlo Park Terrace School 19 in Woodbridge, and many people were paying respects on Saturday.

Among them was Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, who offered his sympathies.

"It is with heavy hearts that my family and I offer our condolences to the former mayor of Woodbridge, Philip Cerria and his family on the tremendous loss of his wife in a tragic accident on Friday," he said. "Our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt prayers for a rapid recovery are with you at this difficult time."

Others were doing what they can to support the educator.

"Margaret, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom," one person said. "My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Sending healing thoughts and prayers for your dad and all of you at this most difficult time."

"Thinking of you and your family Margaret," another person said. "So sorry. Your mom was wonderful. Praying every day for you guys. Much love to you and your family."

The crash happened at milepost 115.1 on the Garden State Parkway at 3:38 p.m. on the northbound side, police said.

A Chevy Sedan struck a guardrail and overturned, police said. The crash blocked two lanes near Exit 114 in Holmdel and caused delays for hours.

This is a developing news story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.