'A Very Special Woman': Monmouth County Mourns Former Commissioner, Colts Neck Mayor

COLTS NECK, NJ — The Monmouth County community has come together to remember former Commissioner and Colts Neck Mayor Lillian G. Burry after she passed away on Thursday.

Burry, 89, began her public service in Monmouth County as a councilwoman in Matawan Borough, according to her obituary.

After moving to Colts Neck, she went on to serve as a committeewoman, deputy mayor, and mayor, and was elected to the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders in November 2005.

In 2008, she served as the first woman director of the board and served as director again in 2011, 2014, and 2017. In 2020, she was re-elected to the Board of County Commissioners.

Throughout her years of service to Monmouth County, Burry helped negotiate the purchase of the Montrose Schoolhouse (the only publicly-owned one-room schoolhouse in Colts Neck), founded a home for the county's homeless veterans (which opened in November 2021), and was in business for over 40 years as the owner and broker of record of Colts Neck Realty.

Married to Donald L. Burry, a retired Captain from the Coast Guard, the two share a daughter and two grandchildren.

“My fellow commissioners, county staff and administration, and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our former colleague, Lillian G. Burry,” Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone said on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. “Commissioner Burry dedicated more than 50 years of service to the residents of Monmouth County, leading with grace, determination, and a fierce commitment to making our County the best it could be.”

“Throughout her distinguished career, Commissioner Burry held numerous roles, including being the first woman selected as Freeholder Director in 2008,” Arnone continued. “She was also a passionate advocate for local history, a steadfast supporter of our military service members, and a champion of the Monmouth County Library System.”

“Her impact on the County was inspiring, and we are grateful for her numerous contributions,” Arnone said. “We extend our sincerest condolences to the Burry family and her loved ones during this difficult time."

In a statement released by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) on Friday, Smith said he admired Burry’s “deep commitment to public service, her quick wit, sense of humor, courage and tenacity to get things done.”

“Over the course of several years, I had the great honor of working with this amazing former Monmouth County Freeholder Director and Colts Neck Mayor,” Smith said. “...The lives of so many — including and especially veterans — were blessed by her work.”

In his statement, Smith and his wife Marie offered their prayers and deepest condolences to Burry's family, friends and loved ones.

“Lillian Burry was a very special woman,” Smith said. “She will be missed.”

In an online statement, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office also expressed their condolences on Burry’s passing, and said their thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

“For decades, Commissioner Burry was an influential figure and pillar of public service in Monmouth County,” the statement said. “She was a huge supporter of the MCSO and served as liaison to the law enforcement division. Commissioner Burry will be missed by all.”

Visitation for Burry will be held on Monday, Sept. 8, from 4-8 p.m. at the Holmdel Funeral Home, according to her obituary.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m. at Colts Neck Reformed Church, with a burial to follow at Atlantic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to Colts Neck Reformed Church.