TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Toms River Township Council recognized retired Ocean County Commissioner Joseph Vicari on Tuesday night, honoring his extensive public service career and community contributions.
The ceremony included a formal resolution acknowledging Vicari’s long-standing commitment to Toms River and Ocean County, where he has served in various capacities over nearly five decades, including as a mayor and Ocean County freeholder.
“Mr. Vicari has given a lifetime of service to our community,” said Mayor Dan Rodrick. “He started out as a teacher, a principal, a superintendent of schools. He was then elected to serve as a township committeeman, where God knows how many terms he served both as a committeeman and as our mayor, then ultimately as a freeholder of Ocean County. We want to thank him for his dedication to our community.”
Vicari thanked the council, Mayor Dan Rodrick, and the community for the honor.
“I started my political career right here in this room,” Vicari said during the ceremony. He shared memories of moving to Toms River from Jersey City after deciding it was the ideal place to live, raise a family, and eventually retire. “In the entire state of New Jersey, I said it is Toms River,” he added, emphasizing the community’s importance to him and his family.
Mayor Rodrick presented the resolution to Vicari, highlighting his dedication and impact on local governance and community well-being. Vicari spoke fondly of the memories he made over the years, recounting how he brought his young children to council meetings and encouraged his students to “get involved and make a change.”
Throughout his speech, Vicari commended Toms River’s elected officials for their dedication, especially for the sacrifices made during the holiday season.
“I want to commend everyone who’s an elected official who’s here today for what you do every single day because you take time from your family,” he said.
As the ceremony concluded, Vicari urged residents to support local businesses, a cause he championed during his tenure. “If you live in Toms River, spend your money in Toms River,” he said, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the local economy.
Below is a transcript of Mr. Vicari’s comments at the meeting:
Thank you for this great honor, Mayor and members of the council, and to our newly elected Councilman Mr. Burns for being here. I’d like to take a moment to reflect on where my journey began—right here in this room.
I grew up in Jersey City, up in North Jersey. After college, I taught for a year there, but my wife and I started asking ourselves, “Where’s the best place to live, raise a family, and eventually retire?” And in the entire state of New Jersey, we decided that place was Toms River.
I always taught my students one thing: if you don’t like something, get involved and make a change. While I was teaching in Brick Township, people encouraged me to get involved in the community. About a year later, I decided to run for council. I don’t know if it was for better or worse, but I won, and I went on to serve five terms. Then, over the years, I ran in 38 elections, and with the support of the people of Toms River, I won each one.
Today, I’m not only here to thank you for this honor, but to reminisce. I see my picture on the wall, and I wonder if I still look the same 45 years later. I’m grateful to have shared this journey with my wife, Joyce, for 45 years. When I first came into office, our son Joey was 20 months old and our daughter Dena was four. My message to you is this: enjoy your family because they grow up so fast.
I know the sacrifices you all make as public officials. There were many nights I came here for planning board meetings and other commitments, taking time away from family. I commend each of you for your dedication, especially around this time of year, when the holidays remind us how precious family time is.
When I first started teaching, the assistant superintendent, Warren Wolf, gave me some advice: “Try to make a difference every single day.” That’s what I’ve tried to do throughout my career. As public officials, we listen to our community and try our best to make a positive impact. We may not always make everyone happy, but we always strive to do what’s best for the people we serve.
Toms River isn’t just the crown jewel of Ocean County; it’s the crown jewel of New Jersey. I thank you all for this great honor. At this time, I’d like to remind everyone of the importance of supporting our local economy. Years ago, right here in this room, we launched a “Buy Local” campaign with the Chamber of Commerce. If you live in Toms River, spend your money in Toms River—support our restaurants and local businesses. That’s the strength of our community: neighbors helping neighbors, especially at this time of year when many are less fortunate.
I know it’s convenient to order from Amazon and have things delivered to your door, but remember the value of supporting our local businesses. On behalf of my wife, Joyce, my family, and myself, thank you very much for this honor. It means a great deal to me.
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