Ted
Theodore J. “Ted” Narozanick, known affectionately by thousands throughout Monmouth County simply as Ted, passed away this morning. He would have been 97 years old on October 22.
A native of Englishtown, Ted was a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the United States Army in September of 1940, rising to the rank of Captain as he served in the European Theater of Operations with courage and distinction. Ted was awarded the Bronze Star for valor.
Upon returning to his beloved Monmouth County, Ted served on the Englishtown Board of Education for seven years before being elected mayor of the Western Monmouth community. He was mayor of Englishtown for 12 years. For nine of those years he also served on the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional District Board of Education.
He was chief of the Englishtown Fire Department, commissioner of the New Jersey Boat Regulation Commission, member and vice commander of the County American Legion, member of American Legion Post 54, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4374, the Navy League and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.
In 1957, Ted became the Budget Director of Monmouth County. In 1974, he was appointed the first administrator of Monmouth County. In 1984, Ted retired as administrator. In 1985, he was elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders. He was reelected overwhelmingly six times.
On the campaign trail, Ted would joke about the pronunciation of his last name and that the Verrazano Bridge was named after him. In 2001, the State of New Jersey designated Route 33 between Manalapan and Howell as the Theodore J. Narozanick Highway.
Ted is survived by his daughter Carol Vineyard who announced his passing this morning. “It’s been a long and hard road against Dementia. Unfortunately you never win the fight. Dad left peacefully in his sleep. I want to think that my Mom came and took him Home. I do have memories and all who knew him also have memories of Freeholder Ted. Thank you once again for your prayers. They are much appreciated.”
Despite his dementia, Ted never forgot Monmouth County. Carol told MMM that as recently as this Tuesday, his caretaker would have his sign papers so that Monmouth County employees and vendors could be paid. “Give them to Marion,” he told his caretaker after signing, Carol said. Marion is presumably Marion Masnick, the Clerk of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Arrangement are under the care of the Higgins Memorial Home in Freehold.
More from my site
Monmouth County Freeholders’ Statement on the Passing of Ted Narozanick
Curley files to run for Freeholder and an Independent
Monmouth County Honors Its Fallen Firefighters
Niemann Endorses Bennett, Says “You cannot be a Party Leader and an Elected Official”
Business Group Honors Freeholder Director Burry
WW II Vet Receives High Honor
Vietnam Hero Gets Silver Star 50 Years Late
O’Scanlon Testifies Against “Use Our Kids as Pawns to Enrich Corrupt Companies” Legislation
Did State Senate Candidate Lie On His Resume?
Freeholder Director Lillian Burry honored by state Federation of Women
May he rest in peace. Ted, thank you for all your service to our country and our community.
though not tall in stature. Like our new president, always in the navy jacket, starched white shirt, and red tie..A true patriot and hero, to his county and country.. A rare example of total dedication and loyalty, fealty to his principles, and a never- ending desire to do more, help more, achieve more..( and yes, the faithful Marion Masnick, running his office from day-one: “Marion, we need to call this one, do that, arrange this, help that-“..every day, that front office a virtual beehive of activity- and it was done..anything for the “Great County of Munmouth!”… And, how to do more with less tax money.. all aspiring politicians today would be 100% better and more effective , if they cared as much, and worked even 10% as hard, as Ted.. Take time away from yourselves..Look into his decades of service, and you could learn what ” public service” really means..It was a pleasure to campaign with and for him all those years (he never forgot his supporters,) and we will never forget all the innovative, inspirational programs, and hilarious fun times working with and for our Teddy!..God bless you, sir, you well-earned your rest!.. We are blessed to have had you as our “Freeholder Emeritus,” now and forever!..
TED – no last name required. Always brought a smile and admiration from so many. He remembered people’s names, offered guidance in a kind way, followed up on his promises and his beloved Monmouth County benefited from his devotion and service. The knowledge and history of Monmouth was ingrained in his being. Meeting the gentle well-dressed man then hearing his booming speech voice and the corny stump jokes that even if you had heard him tell the same joke before made you laugh harder. My friend Kathy stopped me yesterday and said “oh did you hear Ted passed away. I said I had. Kathy said “I love that man a real public servant”. Yes we do and yes he was.