Brick Public Works Closing For A Day To Honor Fallen Co-Worker

BRICK, NJ — The Brick Township Public Works Department will be closed on Tuesday to allow its workers to honor a member of the department who has died.

"We are deeply saddened to share that a valued member of our Public Works Department, Patrick McElroy, passed away this week," the township said in announcing the closure.

McElroy died Nov. 9, according to his obituary on the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home site. He was 61. The cause of death was not announced.

He had joined the public works department after spending 20 years working for the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority, according to his obituary. He also had been very involved in the community, serving as an usher during Sunday Mass at St. Dominic's Church n Brick, and was Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 92 and later Scout Master of Troop 92 in Toms River, where he and his family lived.

McElroy is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathy, and their two children, along with extended family and friends. His closest friend, Jim Kathenes, he had met while they worked together at Drum Point Marina in Brick; they had been friends for nearly 40 years, his obituary said.

"In his honor, the Public Works Department will be closed on Tuesday, November 18, to allow his colleagues to attend his funeral and pay their respects," officials said. "There will be no collections on Tuesday; service will resume on Wednesday, November 19 and continue on a one-day delay for the rest of the week."

"We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and ask that you keep Patrick’s family in your thoughts," officials said.