Longtime Freeholder John Bartlett has died following a battle with cancer.

Statement from Fregolder Dorector Little:

We were advised earlier today that our friend and colleague, Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. passed away following his hard fought battle with cancer. This Board mourns the loss of a special man who dedicated most of his adult life to public service.

​Freeholder Bartlett leaves an indelible mark on Ocean County and we are so very sorry that he will no longer be with us to serve our citizens and work with us as a Board.

​There are few areas of Ocean County that have not been impacted by Freeholder Bartlett’s work. For 39 years,he has served as a steward of our environment, the architect of the County budget, a champion of Ocean County College and a man truly dedicated to public service. Born and raised in Ocean County, Freeholder Bartlett started his public service in 1974 when he was elected to the Pine Beach Council. A few short years later, he was elected to the Board of Freeholders. He often said that being a Freeholder was the best-elected position you can have doing the most good for your constituents because you always remained close to them. ​

Freeholder Bartlett took his work on the Board seriously and helped citizens through the most difficult of times like the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Yet he also enjoyed his time on the Board as he talked about his family and his love for gardening and history. Freeholder Bartlett always spoke with great delight about his wife, Peg, his children and his beloved grandchildren. They all became our family too. ​

John’s passing is a profound and deep loss for all of us on the Board of Freeholders. While he was the longest serving Freeholder in the state of New Jersey, we all had the privilege to call him our longest-serving friend. Saying goodbye is difficult for all of us. With our deepest condolences and sympathy, we keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.